UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2013
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________
Commission File Number: 000-28107
GILLA INC. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
Nevada | | 88-0335710 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
112 North Curry Street, Carson City, NV | | 89703 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | | (Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (416) 843-2881
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.0002 Par Value 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 Act. |
| o | Yes | þ | 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. |
| o | Yes | þ | No |
Check whether the issuer (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Sec. 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. |
| |
Large accelerated filer | o | | | Accelerated filer | o | |
Non-accelerated filer | o | | | Smaller reporting company | þ | |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on June 30, 2013, was approximately $3,648,710.52 based on the average bid and asked prices on such date of $0.07. The registrant does not have any non-voting equities.
The Registrant had 68,318,007 shares of common stock (“Common Shares” or “Common Stock”), $0.0002 par value per share, outstanding on April 7, 2014.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORM 10-K
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
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Part I | |
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ITEM 1 | Business | | | 4 | |
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ITEM 1A | Risk Factors | | | 11 | |
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ITEM 1B | Unresolved Staff Comments | | | 20 | |
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ITEM 2 | Properties | | | 20 | |
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ITEM 3. | Legal Proceedings | | | 20 | |
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ITEM 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | | | 20 | |
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Part II | |
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ITEM 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholders Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | | | 21 | |
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ITEM 6 | Selected Financial Data | | | 22 | |
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ITEM 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation | | | 22 | |
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ITEM 7A | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | | | 34 | |
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ITEM 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | | | F-1 | |
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ITEM 9. | Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | | | 35 | |
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ITEM 9A. | Controls and Procedures | | | 35 | |
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ITEM 9B. | Other Items | | | 36 | |
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Part III | |
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ITEM 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | | | 37 | |
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ITEM 11. | Executive Compensation | | | 40 | |
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ITEM 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | | | 42 | |
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ITEM 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | | | 43 | |
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ITEM 14. | Principal Accountings Fee and Services | | | 45 | |
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ITEM 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules | | | 45 | |
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Signatures | | | | 47 | |
Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”) contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations as of the filing date of this Report with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “estimate”, “may”, “project”, “will likely result”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements concerning the Company's operations, performance, financial condition, business strategies, and other information and that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including prevailing market conditions and are more fully described under “Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors” of this Report. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. In any event, these and other important factors, including those set forth in Item 1A of this Report under the caption “Risk Factors,” may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements we make in this Report, except as required by applicable securities laws.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Gilla Inc. (the “Company”), 112 N. Curry Street, Carson City, Nevada, 87803 was incorporated under the laws of the state of Nevada on March 28, 1995 under the name of Truco, Inc. The shareholders approved a name change on March 22, 1996, March 18, 1997, September 13, 1999, October 3, 2000, April 23, 2003 and February 27, 2007 to Web Tech, Inc., Cynergy, Inc., Mercantile Factoring Credit Online Corp., Incitations, Inc., Osprey Gold Corp. and to its present name, respectively.
The Company formed and received a 99% ownership interest in GISOR SPRL (“GISOR”), a foreign subsidiary, during the last quarter of 2009 and domiciled in The Democratic Republic of the Congo. This subsidiary was formed solely for the purpose of acquiring mining rights. GISOR has not had significant business activities since its inception.
On June 25, 2012, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to sell all of the Company’s shares in GISOR in exchange for a reduction of a portion of the Company’s outstanding debt. The Company sold 990 shares of common stock held in GISOR to a related party for $10,000.
On June 25, 2012, the Company entered into a Letter of Intent with Snoke Distribution Canada Ltd., a corporation existing under the laws of Ontario (“Snoke Distribution”), to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Snoke Distribution through the issuance of 25 million Common Shares of the Registrant to the shareholders of Snoke Distribution.
On November 21, 2012, the Company closed the acquisition of Snoke Distribution through the issuance of 29,766,667 Common Shares of the Registrant to the shareholders of Snoke Distribution (the “Merger”).
On November 21, 2012, the Company closed a private placement of $135,000 at a price of $0.05 per Common Share with a half warrant entitling the holder to acquire one Common Share of the Company at a price of $0.10 per share for a period of 6 months from the Merger date.
On December 12, 2012, the Company closed a private placement of $16,667 at a price of $0.05 per Common Share with a half warrant entitling the holder to acquire one Common Share of the Company at a price of $0.10 per share for a period of 6 months from the date of issuance.
On April 13, 2013, Henry J. Kloepper was appointed as lead independent director of the board. Mr. Kloepper will also serve as chairman of the audit, compensation and governance committees.
Gilla Operations, LLC (“Gilla Operations”) was incorporated on May 2, 2013 under the laws of the State of Florida. Gilla Operations is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and, since its incorporation, has been the primary operating subsidiary of the Company in the United States.
On August 21, 2013, the Company announced that its board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) had approved a non-brokered private placement offering (the “Convertible Debenture Offering”) of unsecured subordinated convertible debentures (“Convertible Debentures”) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000. The Convertible Debentures mature on January 31, 2016, bear interest at a rate of 12% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, and are convertible at the option of the holder into Common Shares at a conversion price of $0.10 per Common Share at any time prior to the maturity date. The conversion price was subsequently amended $0.07 per Common Share. The proceeds of the Convertible Debenture Offering are expected to be used to repay debt and for the purchase of inventory and technology, product development, marketing, and working capital and general administrative purposes.
On September 3, 2013, the Company issued $425,000 of Convertible Debentures pursuant to the Convertible Debenture Offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $425,000. The Convertible Debentures were initially issued at a conversion price of $0.10 per Common Share and, on October 28, 2013, were reissued at a conversion price of $0.07 per Common Share. All the other terms and conditions of the re-issued Convertible Debentures remained the same.
On September 25, 2013, the Company issued and sold, on a private placement basis, 200,000 Common Shares for cash proceeds of $7,000. As part of this transaction, on November 19, 2013, the Company also issued and sold, on a private placement basis, 76,485 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,677.
On September 25, 2013, the Company issued 942,784 Common Shares at a price of $0.053 per Common Share, as settlement of $50,000 in consulting fees owing to an unrelated party.
On September 25, 2013, the Company issued 1,000,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share as settlement of $35,000 of debt owing pursuant to related party loans. As part of this transaction, on November 19, 2013, the Company also issued 428,571 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share, as settlement of $15,000 of debt owing pursuant to loans made to the Company by such related parties.
On September 25, 2013, the Company issued 973,960 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share as settlement of $34,091 of debt owing pursuant to shareholder loans. As part of this transaction, on November 19, 2013, the Company also issued 417,411 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share, as settlement of $14,609 of debt owing pursuant to shareholder loans.
On September 30, 2013, the Company issued a secured promissory note (the “Secured Note”) in connection with a loan to it by a related party in the principal amount of $200,000. The outstanding principal amount of the Secured Note, together with accrued and unpaid interest at a rate of 1.5% per month, was paid in full and the Secured Note was retired on December 23, 2013.
On October 8, 2013, the Company issued and sold, on a private placement basis, 50,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.05 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,500.
On November 15, 2013, Charlie’s Club, Inc. (“Charlie’s Club”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Charlie’s Club is expected to carry on the Company’s e-commerce sales initiative.
On November 27, 2013, the Company issued 400,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.05 per Common Share, as a settlement of $20,000 in consulting fees owing to unrelated parties.
On November 27, 2013, the Company issued 300,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.058 per Common Share, as a settlement of $17,500 in consulting fees owing to unrelated parties.
Gilla Enterprises Inc. (“Gilla Enterprises”) was incorporated on December 20, 2013 under the laws of the Province of Ontario. Gilla Enterprises is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and, since its incorporation, has been the primary operating subsidiary of the Company in Canada.
On December 23, 2013, the Company issued an additional $797,000 of Convertible Debentures pursuant to the Convertible Debenture Offering.
On January 8, 2014, the Company issued 200,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.05 per Common Share, as a settlement of $10,000 in consulting fees owing to an unrelated party.
On January 8, 2014, the Company issued and sold, on a private placement basis, 500,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $17,500.
On February 11, 2014, the Company issued an additional $178,000 of Convertible Debentures pursuant to the Convertible Debenture Offering.
On February 13, 2014, the Company entered into a secured promissory note with an unrelated party, whereby the Company agreed to pay the party the aggregate unpaid principal amount of CAD $500,000 on or before August 13, 2014, bearing an interest rate of 10% per annum.
On February 14, 2014, the Company paid all outstanding amounts due on a related party convertible revolving credit note of $225,000.
On February 28, 2014, the Company closed the acquisition of Drinan Marketing Limited (“DML”), a private company engaged in the sales and distribution of E-cigarettes in Ireland, representing a geographical extension to the current business segment moving forward.
On March 28, 2014, the Company issued 280,433 Common Shares at a price of $0.1426 per Common Share, as a settlement of $40,000 in consulting fees owing to unrelated parties.
On March 28, 2014, the Company issued 270,597 Common Shares at a price of $0.1293 per Common Share, as a settlement of $35,000 in consulting fees owing to unrelated parties.
The current business of the Company consists of the design, marketing and distribution of electronic cigarettes (“E-cigarettes”) and accessories. An E-cigarette is an electronic inhaler meant to simulate and substitute for traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes are often designed to mimic traditional smoking implements, such as cigarettes or cigars, in their use and/or appearance, but do not burn tobacco. E-cigarettes generally use a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution. When used, some E-cigarettes release nicotine, while others merely release flavored vapor, which allows users to replicate the smoking experience, nicotine free. The Company distributes its products through retail and wholesale sales channels and also plans to launch an online sales platform in the upcoming fiscal year.
Prior to the acquisition, the Company was a mineral-property development company specializing in acquiring and consolidating mineral properties with production potential and future growth through its exploration activities and its discoveries. Acquisition and development emphasis was focused on properties containing gold and other strategic minerals that were located in Africa.
The Company is in the development stage as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), subtopic 915-10 Development Stage Entities (“ASC 915-10”). To date, the Company, has generated minimal sales revenues, has incurred expenses and has sustained losses. Consequently, its operations are subject to all the risks inherent in the establishment of a new business enterprise. For the period from November 29, 2011 (date of inception) through December 31, 2013, the Company has accumulated losses of $2,605,961.
BUSINESS OF ISSUER
The current business of the Company consists of the design, marketing and distribution of electronic cigarettes (“E-cigarettes”) and accessories. An E-cigarette is an electronic inhaler meant to simulate and substitute for traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes are often designed to mimic traditional smoking implements, such as cigarettes or cigars, in their use and/or appearance, but do not burn tobacco. E-cigarettes generally use a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution. When used, some E-cigarettes release nicotine, while others merely release flavored vapor, which allows users to replicate the smoking experience, nicotine free. The Company distributes its products through retail and wholesale sales channels and also plans to launch an online sales platform in the upcoming fiscal year.
The Company’s Products
The Company’s current products include E-cigarettes, Vaporizers and related accessories (the “Products”), which, in each case, are manufactured and supplied to the Company by third parties for resale. These styles are as follows:
E-Cigarettes:
A two-piece, metal E-cigarette that comes in disposable and rechargeable versions and is comprised of the following key components:
● | Cartomizer - The cartomizer is a device consisting of an atomizer and cartridge in one piece that connects to the battery. It contains a small heating coil consisting of a simple filament and wicking material that vaporizes liquid, and is surrounded by a liquid-soaked poly-foam. The cartomizer is disposed and replaced after the liquid is exhausted. Users have compared one cartomizer to the equivalent of approximately 1.5 packs of cigarettes. |
● | Battery - The battery is a lithium-ion rechargeable battery activated by an electronic airflow sensor that is triggered by drawing breath through the E-cigarette device. The Company’s E-cigarettes are available in a range of sizes that may appeal to the user. |
● | Liquid - A solution of propylene glycol (an organic compound that facilitates the vapor effect that can be found in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic products such as moisturizers), vegetable glycerin, flavors and a variable percentage of nicotine. |
Vaporizers:
A two-piece, rechargeable Vaporizer comprised of the following key components:
● | Clearomizer - The clearomizer is the reusable tank that connects to the battery in which the e-liquid solution is deposited. Inside the clearomizer is a wicking material that one end absorbs the liquid solution and the other end is wrapped around a small heating coil outside of the clearomizer. Users have compared a filled clearomizer to the equivalent of approximately 3 packs of cigarettes. |
● | Battery - The battery is a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, available different voltage capacities: 650mAh, 900mAh and 1100mAh. The Vaporizer is activated by the user pressing and holding down a LED button located on the exterior of the battery which activates the heating coil. |
● | E-Liquid - A solution of propylene glycol (an organic compound that facilitates the vapor effect that can be found in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic products such as moisturizers), vegetable glycerin, flavors and a variable percentage of nicotine. |
The Company offers over 200 flavors of E-cigarettes and E-liquids which are available in nicotine strengths of 0mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg and 24mg.
Supply, Distribution, Principal Markets & Marketing Methods
The Company has entered into supply relationships providing for the supply of the Company’s Products for purposes of resale to its customers. The Company is in the process of further developing marketing plans, branding and packaging, strategies and sales channels for the wholesale, retail distribution and online e-commerce in North America, South America and the European Union of these Products.
The Company intends to focus on marketing and distributing its Products in the United States, South America and the European Union through various sales wholesale, retail and online channels, including retail and wholesale buying groups, retail networks and through a number of websites. As part of these plans, the Company also plans to continue to develop and offer its Products on a “white label”, private branded basis. These intended sales channels are described in more detail below.
Retail and Wholesale Distribution:
The Company is developing unique and distinct brands for its E-cigarette Products for purposes of marketing and selling such branded E-cigarette Products, initially in North America, South America and Europe, through retail and wholesale distribution channels, including convenience stores, retail chains, wholesale trade, pharmacies, gas stations, hotels, industrial customers, clubs, casinos and duty free stores.
In addition, the Company intends to enter into exclusive agreements with various distributors providing them with exclusivity on certain brands of Product in defined territories. To this end, the Company has entered into an exclusive supply agreement with a South American Distributor, providing for the distribution and resale on an exclusive basis of certain of the Company’s E-cigarette Products and related accessories in Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela, Columbia, Peru and Ecuador, as previously reported on July 12, 2013 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 8-K. The Company intends to seek similar opportunities to enter into distribution agreements in other markets worldwide.
E-Commerce:
The Company intends to distribute its branded Products through its websites and other online sales platforms. Through its e-commerce sales initiatives, the Company hopes to generate recurring purchases of its exclusive brands of E-cigarettes from customers who are legally allowed to purchase cigarettes in the United States and the European Union. The Company has engaged multiple marketing agencies to assist it in the development of its e-commerce platform and digital marketing strategy. Management expects that its marketing strategy will include various forms of social media as a key element in its marketing strategies and in further establishing and growing the Company’s business. The Company’s key e-commerce platform is currently in development and scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2014.
White Label/Private Brand Distribution:
The Company is actively pursuing opportunities and relationships to develop and offer its Products on a “white label”, private branded basis. Management of the Company believes that there is an opportunity to supply Products on a custom branded basis to a variety of customers for purposes of resale. These potential customers may include wholesale and retail customers that have or wish to develop a private label to identify a brand with a store, a concept known as the store brand. In addition, management also believes that there may be other potential customers that, having identified a business opportunity in the sale of E-cigarettes and, in particular, the Company’s Products, may assess that setting up their own production lines and facilities or supply channels may require a substantial investment in equipment, human resources, patents and so forth, or may otherwise not be commercially feasible. In such cases, a viable alternative is to source Products from the Company, which has already sourced a supply of Products that can be provided to the customer on a custom branded basis.
The Company plans to offer its Products at prices, determined based on pricing strategies that are developed by the Company from time to time and which management believes to be best suited to achieve the Company’s goals at such time. These pricing strategies are expected to be developed based on a number of factors, including the needs and behaviors of customers, purchase volumes, market specific criteria, and the Company’s costs of goods.
Employees
As at the date of this Report, the Company has 7 employees. These employees oversee day-to-day operations of the Company supporting management, administrative, bookkeeping, accounting, sales, marketing, and digital media functions of the Company. As required, the Company also engages consultants to provide services to the Company, including legal and corporate services. The Company has no unionized employees.
Being in the growth-stage, the Company intends to increase (or decrease) its number of employees as appropriate as appropriate to achieve the Company’s objectives. The Company intends to focus on identifying, attracting and retaining talented, highly motivated, customer-focused, team-orientated employees to support its growth.
Competition
The market for the Company’s Products is very competitive and subject to rapid technological change and regulatory requirements. There can be no assurance that the Company will be in a stronger position to respond quickly to potential acquisitions and other market opportunities, new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements. The E-cigarette industry competes with respect to brand recognition, brand loyalty, product quality, customer service and price. Market disruption will be caused when new products or brands are able to differentiate from the rest of market. Failure to maintain and enhance the Company’s competitive position could materially adversely affect the business and prospects.
The Company will also face indirect competitors such as the traditional tobacco companies offering cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) and smokeless tobacco products. Some of these companies already compete in the E-cigarette market and it is possible that other such companies will also enter the market as the E-cigarette industry grows. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully against any of these traditional tobacco players and smaller competitors, some of whom have greater resources, capital, industry experience, market penetration or developed distribution networks.
Conventional tobacco sales have been declining in the U.S., including as a result of increased legal and regulatory restrictions, increased awareness in smoking cessation and a general decline in social acceptability of smoking. Although the E-cigarette industry is growing rapidly, it represents a small portion of the overall market for tobacco products and products simulate and substitute for traditional cigarettes. A continual decline in tobacco sales could adversely affect the growth of the E-cigarette niche, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition.
Intellectual Property
The Company seeks to protect its intellectual property using a combination of trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights and contractual provisions. Trademarks are expected to form an integral part of the Company’s brand marketing.
The Company has and generally plans to continue to enter into non-disclosure, confidentially and intellectual property assignment agreements with all new employees as a condition of employment. In addition, the Company will also generally enter into confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with consultants, manufacturers’ representatives, distributors, suppliers and others to attempt to limit access to, use and disclosure of our proprietary information.
Government Regulation
Government authorities in the United States, Canada and in other countries extensively regulate, among other things, the research, development, testing, approval, manufacturing, labeling, post-approval monitoring and reporting, packaging, promotion, storage, advertising, distribution, marketing and export and import of electronic products for the vaporization and administration of inhaled doses of nicotine including E-cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and pipes, as well as cartridges of nicotine solutions and related products. The Company must comply with these regulations, as applicable, in the jurisdictions where it offers and sells its products. The process of obtaining regulatory approvals and the subsequent compliance with applicable federal, state, local and foreign statutes and regulations require the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources. The following is a summary of certain regulatory matters generally affecting the E-cigarette marketplace in the United States and Canada, which does not purport to be a comprehensive overview of all applicable laws and regulations that may impact the Company’s business.
United States
The United States Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) is permitted to regulate E-cigarettes as “tobacco products” under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 (the “Tobacco Control Act”), based on the December 2010 U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit’s decision in Sottera, Inc. v. Food & Drug Administration, 627 F.3d 891 (D.C. Cir. 2010). Furthermore, the FDA is not permitted to regulate E-cigarettes as “drugs” or “devices” or a “combination product” under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act unless marketed for therapeutic purposes.
Since the Company does not market E-cigarettes for therapeutic purposes, the Company’s Products that contain nicotine are subject to being classified as “tobacco products” under the Tobacco Control Act. Although the FDA is prohibited from issuing regulations banning all cigarettes or all smokeless tobacco products, or requiring the reduction of nicotine yields of a tobacco product to zero, the Tobacco Control Act grants the FDA broad authority to impose restrictions over the manufacture, sale, marketing and packaging of tobacco. Furthermore, the FDA is required to issue future regulations regarding the promotion and marketing of tobacco products sold or distributed over the internet, by mail order or through other non-face-to-face transactions in order to prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors.
The Tobacco Control Act also requires an establishment of a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee to provide advice, information and recommendations with respect to the safety, dependence or health issues related to tobacco products.
Like traditional cigarettes and other tobacco products, E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. With a growing E-cigarette market in the United States, the FDA may mandate E-cigarettes to be classified as tobacco products regulated under the Tobacco Control Act, in effect, requiring the Company to reformulate, recall and/or discontinue certain current and future products. There can be no assurance that the Company will be in total compliance, remain competitive, or financially able to meet future requirements and regulations imposed by the FDA. In addition, failure to comply with the Tobacco Control Act and with FDA regulatory requirements could result in significant financial penalties and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and ability to market and sell the Company’s Products.
State and local governments currently legislate and regulate tobacco products, including what is considered a tobacco product, how tobacco taxes are calculated and collected, to whom tobacco products can be sold and by whom, in addition to where tobacco products, specifically cigarettes may be smoked and where they may not. Certain municipalities have enacted local ordinances which preclude the use of E-cigarettes where traditional tobacco burning cigarettes cannot be used and certain states have proposed legislation that would categorize E-cigarettes as tobacco products, equivalent to their tobacco burning counterparts. If these bills become laws, E-cigarettes may lose their appeal as an alternative to traditional cigarettes; which may have the effect of reducing the demand for the Company’s Products and as a result have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company may be required to discontinue, prohibit or suspend sales of its Products to States that require us to obtain a retail tobacco license. If the Company is unable to obtain certain licenses, approvals or permits and if the Company is not able to obtain the necessary licenses, approvals or permits for financial reasons or otherwise and/or any such license, approval or permit is determined to be overly burdensome to the Company then the Company may be required to cease sales and distribution of its Products to those states, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
As a result of FDA import alert 66-41 (which allows the detention of unapproved drugs promoted in the U.S.), U.S. Customs has from time to time temporarily and in some instances indefinitely detained certain products. If the FDA modifies the import alert from its current form which allows U.S. Customs discretion to release the products, to a mandatory and definitive hold the Company will no longer be able to ensure a supply of saleable product, which will have material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
At present, neither the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (which prohibits the use of the U.S. Postal Service to mail most tobacco products and which amends the Jenkins Act, which would require individuals and businesses that make interstate sales of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to comply with state tax laws) nor the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act (which governs how cigarettes can be advertised and marketed) apply to E-cigarettes. The application of either or both of these federal laws to E- cigarettes would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The tobacco industry expects significant regulatory developments to take place over the next few years, driven principally by the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (“FCTC”). The FCTC is the first international public health treaty on tobacco, and its objective is to establish a global agenda for tobacco regulation with the purpose of reducing initiation of tobacco use and encouraging cessation. Regulatory initiatives that have been proposed, introduced or enacted include:
● | the levying of substantial and increasing tax and duty charges; |
● | restrictions or bans on advertising, marketing and sponsorship; |
● | the display of larger health warnings, graphic health warnings and other labeling requirements; |
● | restrictions on packaging design, including the use of colors and generic packaging; |
● | restrictions or bans on the display of tobacco product packaging at the point of sale, and restrictions or bans on cigarette vending machines; |
● | requirements regarding testing, disclosure and performance standards for tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide and other smoke constituents levels; |
● | requirements regarding testing, disclosure and use of tobacco product ingredients; |
● | increased restrictions on smoking in public and work places and, in some instances, in private places and outdoors; |
● | elimination of duty free allowances for travelers; and |
● | encouraging litigation against tobacco companies. |
If E-cigarettes are subject to one or more significant regulatory initiates enacted under the FCTC, the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
Canada
Health Canada has advised that electronic smoking products (i.e., electronic products for the vaporization and administration of inhaled doses of nicotine including electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and pipes, as well as cartridges of nicotine solutions and related products) fall within the scope of the Food and Drugs Act. All of these products require market authorization prior to being imported, advertised or sold in Canada. Market authorization is granted by Health Canada following successful review of scientific evidence demonstrating safety, quality and efficacy with respect to the intended purpose of the health product. To date, no electronic smoking product has been authorized for sale by Health Canada.
In the absence of evidence establishing otherwise, an electronic smoking product delivering nicotine is regulated as a New Drug under Division 8, Part C of the Food and Drug Regulations. In addition, the delivery system within an electronic smoking kit that contains nicotine must meet the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulations. Appropriate establishment licenses issued by Health Canada are also needed prior to importing, and manufacturing electronic cigarettes. Products that are found to pose a risk to health and/or are in violation of the Food and Drugs Act and related Regulations may be subject to compliance and enforcement actions in accordance with the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate's Compliance and Enforcement Policy (POL-0001). According to Health Canada regulations, it is not permissible to import, advertise or sell electronic smoking products without the appropriate authorizations, and persons that violate these regulations are subject to repercussions from Health Canada, including but not limited to, seizure of the products.
Any of the Company’s Products that contain nicotine are currently prohibited from being imported, advertised or sold anywhere in Canada. However, as no scientific evidence demonstrating safety, quality and efficacy with respect to the intended purpose of E-cigarettes has been submitted to Health Canada to date, there is the possibility that in the future Health Canada may modify or retract the current prohibitions currently in place. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be in total compliance, remain competitive, or financially able to meet future requirements and regulations imposed by Health Canada.
To date, Health Canada has not imposed any restrictions on E-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine. E-cigarettes that do not make any health claim and do not contain nicotine may be legally be sold in Canada. Thus, vendors can openly sell E-cigarette devices with nicotine-free cartridges. E-cigarettes are subject to standard product regulations in Canada, including the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act.
At present, neither the Tobacco Act (which regulates the manufacture, sale, labelling and promotion of tobacco products) nor the Tobacco Products Labelling Regulations (Cigarettes and Little Cigars) (which governs how cigarettes can be advertised and marketed) apply to E-cigarettes. The application of these federal laws to E-cigarettes would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to other information in this Report, the following risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating our business because such factors may have a significant impact on our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition. As a result of the risk factors set forth below, actual results could differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently consider to be immaterial, may also impact our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition. If any such risks occur, our business, operating results, liquidity and financial condition could be materially affected in an adverse manner. Under such circumstances, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to the Company’s Business
The Company’s auditors have issued an opinion expressing uncertainty regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If the Company is not able to continue operations, investors could lose their entire investment in the Company.
The Company has a history of operating losses, and may continue to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future. This raises substantial doubts about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s auditors issued an opinion in their audit report dated April 7, 2014 expressing uncertainty about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. This means that there is substantial doubt whether the Company can continue as an ongoing business without additional financing and/or generating profits from its operations. If the Company is unable to continue as a going concern and the Company fails, investors in the Company could lose their entire investment.
A lack of diversification will increase the risk of an investment in the Company. Results of operations and financial condition may deteriorate if the Company fails to diversify.
The Company’s new business focus is in the lifestyle products industry, specifically E-cigarette industry, as a designer, marketer and distributor to the consumer goods market. Larger companies have the ability to manage their risk by diversification. However, the Company lacks diversification, in terms of both the nature and geographic scope. As a result, the Company will likely be impacted more acutely by factors affecting our industry or the regions in which we operate than if the Company were more diversified, enhancing the risk profile. If the Company cannot diversify or expand operations, our financial condition and results of operations could deteriorate.
The Company’s business is particularly dependent on the market for E-cigarettes and demand for lifestyle products.
A growth in the demand for E-cigarettes will be essential to the expansion of the Company’s business. Results of operations may be adversely affected by decreases in the general level of economic activity and the demand for lifestyle products. Decreases in consumer spending that may result from the current global economic downturn may weaken demand for the Company’s products.
The Company is dependent on its management to manage and operate the business.
The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, based on the funds available to the Company, in order to maintain its daily operations. The Board of Directors does not establish quantitative return on capital criteria for management, but rather relies on the expertise of the Company’s management to sustain the future development of the business. In part, the Company’s success is largely dependent on the continued service of the members of the management team, who are critical in establishing corporate strategies, focus and future growth. The Company’s success will depend on the ability to attract and retain a qualified and competent management team in order to manage operations. Therefore, the Company’s operations may be severely disrupted, and may incur additional expenses to recruit and retain new officers. In addition, if any of the Company’s executives join a competitor or forms a competing business, the Company may lose existing customers.
Management has no prior experience in the E-cigarette industry.
The Company’s management team has no prior experience in the E-cigarette and tobacco industries, which could impair the Company’s ability to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. There can be no assurance that the management team will be able to implement and affect programs and policies in an effective and timely manner that adequately respond to increased legal and regulatory compliance imposed by such laws and regulations. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could lead to the imposition of fines and penalties and further result in the deterioration of the Company’s operations.
The market for E-cigarette products is relatively new and emerging. If the market develops more slowly or differently than the Company expects, the business, growth prospects and financial condition would be adversely affected.
The market for E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products is relatively new and many may not achieve or sustain high levels of demand and market acceptance. While traditional tobacco products are well established and revenue from traditional cigarette sales represent a substantial majority of total industry revenue, smokeless tobacco products and E-cigarettes only represent a small portion of the industry. The can be no assurance that E-cigarettes become widely adopted, or the market for smokeless products develop as the Company expects. If the market for E-cigarettes develops more slowly, or differently than expected, the business, growth prospects and financial condition would be adversely affected. In addition, if the Company fails to successfully market, brand and bring the products to market, the business could face material adverse effects.
The Company may experience intense competition in the industry.
The market for the Company’s products is very competitive and subject to rapid technological change and regulatory requirements. There can be no assurance that the Company will be in a stronger position to respond quickly to potential acquisitions and other market opportunities, new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements. The E-cigarette industry competes with respect to brand recognition, brand loyalty, product quality, customer service and price. Market disruption will be caused when new products or brands are able to differentiate from the market. Failure to maintain and enhance the Company’s competitive position could materially adversely affect the business and prospects.
The Company will also face indirect competitors such as the traditional tobacco companies offering cigarettes, Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) and smokeless tobacco products. It is likely that these companies will enter the market as the E-cigarette industry grows. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully against any of these traditional tobacco players and smaller competitors, some of whom have greater resources, capital, industry experience, market penetration or developed distribution networks.
Conventional tobacco sales have been declining, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Conventional tobacco sales, in terms of volume, have been declining in the United States as a result of many regulatory restrictions, increased awareness in smoking cessation and a general decline in social acceptability of smoking. Although the E-cigarette industry is growing rapidly, it represents a small portion of the overall tobacco industry. A continual decline in tobacco sales could adversely affect the growth of the E-cigarette niche, which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company competes with foreign importers who may not comply with government regulations.
The Company faces competition from foreign importers of E-cigarettes who may illegally ship their products into the United States for direct delivery to customers. These market participants may not have the added cost and expense of complying with U.S. regulations and taxes and as a result will be able to offer their products at a more competitive price, potentially allowing them to capture a larger market share. Moreover, should the Company be unable to sell certain products during any regulatory approval process, there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to recapture those customers lost to foreign domiciled competitors during any “blackout” periods, during which the Company may be unable to sell its products. This competitive disadvantage may have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and our financial condition.
The Company is substantially dependent on a third party. The Company’s sustained operations are materially dependent on foreign manufacturers.
The Company is substantially dependent on foreign manufacturers. The Company’s success depends on foreign manufacturers’ ability to deliver products to us on a timely basis to meet operational needs. Changes in business conditions, wars, governmental changes and other factors beyond the Company’s control which are not presently anticipated, could affect the ability of a manufacturer to meet the Company’s needs. Furthermore, if the Company experiences significant growth and demand for its products, there can be no assurance that the additional supply of products will be available in a timely manner. Loss of any one of our manufacturers, or the disruption in the supply of our products could have a material adverse effect on existing relationships with our customers and distribution networks.
Warranty claims, product liability claims and product recalls could harm the business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company is inherently exposed to potential warranty and product liability claims, in the event that the Company’s products fail to perform as expected or such failure of our products results, or is alleged to result, in bodily injury or property damage (or both). Such claims may arise despite quality controls, proper testing and instruction for use of our products, either due to a defect during manufacturing or due to the individual’s improper use of the product. In addition, if any of the Company’s designed products are, or are alleged, to be defective, then the Company may be required to participate in a recall.
The tobacco industry in general has historically been subject to frequent product liability claims. As a result, the Company may experience product liability claims from the marketing and sale of E-cigarettes. Any product liability claim brought against the Company, with or without merit, could result in:
● | liabilities that substantially exceed our product liability insurance, which we would then be required to pay from other sources, if available; |
● | an increase of our product liability insurance rates or the inability to maintain insurance coverage in the future on acceptable terms, or at all; |
● | damage to our reputation and the reputation of our products, resulting in lower sales; |
● | regulatory investigations that could require costly recalls or product modifications; |
● | the diversion of management’s attention from managing our business. |
Any one or more of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company does not own the patents and intellectual property rights on its products.
The Company does not own the patents and proprietary rights to its products. Competitors offering similar products that the Company designs could potentially result in a decrease in revenue, which would adversely affect the business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
The Company may be required to obtain the approval of various government agencies to market products.
E-cigarettes are new to the marketplace and may be subject to regulation as a tobacco product and possibly as a drug and drug device if marketed using therapeutic claims. Most E-cigarettes are sold as a means of delivering nicotine to the body. Government authorities in the United States, Canada and in other countries extensively regulate, among other things, the research, development, testing, approval, manufacturing, labeling, post-approval monitoring and reporting, packaging, promotion, storage, advertising, distribution, marketing and export and import of electronic products for the vaporization and administration of inhaled doses of nicotine including E-cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and pipes, as well as cartridges of nicotine solutions and related products. The Company must comply with these regulations, as applicable, in the jurisdictions where it offers and sells its products. The process of obtaining regulatory approvals and the subsequent compliance with applicable federal, state, local and foreign statutes and regulations require the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources.
The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) is the regulatory agency which oversees tobacco products in the United States. At present it is unclear what, if any regulatory process is required to import, market, manufacture and or distribute E-cigarettes. To date, the FDA has not established a definitive policy regulating E-cigarettes.
In Canada, Health Canada has advised that electronic smoking products (i.e., electronic products for the vaporization and administration of inhaled doses of nicotine including electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and pipes, as well as cartridges of nicotine solutions and related products) fall within the scope of the Food and Drugs Act. All of these products require market authorization prior to being imported, advertised or sold in Canada. Market authorization is granted by Health Canada following successful review of scientific evidence demonstrating safety, quality and efficacy with respect to the intended purpose of the health product. To date, no electronic smoking product has been authorized for sale by Health Canada.
The Company’s products are subject to product safety regulations by federal, state, and local organizations. Accordingly, the Company may be required, or may voluntarily determine to, obtain approval of our products from one or more of the organizations engaged in regulating product safety. These approvals could require significant time and resources from the Company’s technical staff, and, if redesign were necessary, could result in a delay in the introduction of our products in various markets or ultimately require the Company to exit from that market as there is little control of the manufacturing processes. There can be no assurance that the Company will obtain any or all of the approvals that may be required to market our products, or come to an agreement with a manufacturer to redesign the product if necessary.
The regulation of cigarettes by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States may materially adversely affect the Company.
In June 2009, the U.S. Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act that grants the FDA authority to regulate tobacco products. The legislation:
● | established a Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee to, among other things, evaluate the issues surrounding the use of menthol as a flavoring or ingredient in cigarettes and issue a nonbinding recommendation to the FDA regarding menthol by March 23, 2011; |
● | grants the FDA the regulatory authority to consider and impose broad additional restrictions through a rule making process, including a ban on the use of menthol in cigarettes; |
● | requires larger and more severe health warnings, including graphic images, on packs, cartons and advertising; |
● | bans the use of descriptors on tobacco products, such as “low tar” and “light”; |
● | requires the disclosure of ingredients, additives and constituents to consumers; |
● | requires pre-market approval by the FDA of all new products, including substantially equivalent products; |
● | requires pre-market approval by the FDA for claims made with respect to reduced risk or reduced exposure products; |
● | allows the FDA to require the reduction of nicotine or any other compound in cigarettes; |
● | allows the FDA to mandate the use of reduced risk technologies in conventional cigarettes; |
● | allows the FDA to place more severe restrictions on the advertising, marketing and sales of cigarettes; and |
● | permits possible inconsistent state and local regulation of the advertising or promotion of cigarettes by providing an exception to certain federal preemption of such regulation. |
The legislation also permits the FDA to impose restrictions regarding the use of menthol in cigarettes. The Company believes that such regulations imposed on our business could have a material adverse effect or even prevent the sale of the Company’s products.
In the absence of evidence provided by the sponsor establishing otherwise, an electronic smoking product delivering nicotine is regulated as a New Drug under Division 8, Part C of the Food and Drug Regulations. In addition, the delivery system within an electronic smoking kit that contains nicotine must meet the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulations. Appropriate establishment licenses issued by Health Canada are also needed prior to importing, and manufacturing electronic cigarettes. Products that are found to pose a risk to health and/or are in violation of the Food and Drugs Act and related Regulations may be subject to compliance and enforcement actions in accordance with the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate's Compliance and Enforcement Policy (POL-0001). According to Health Canada regulations, it is not permissible to import, advertise or sell electronic smoking products without the appropriate authorizations, and persons that violate these regulations are subject to repercussions from Health Canada, including but not limited to, seizure of the products.
Any of the Company’s products that contain nicotine are currently prohibited from being imported, advertised or sold anywhere in Canada. However, as no scientific evidence demonstrating safety, quality and efficacy with respect to the intended purpose of E-cigarettes has been submitted to Health Canada to date, there is the possibility that in the future Health Canada may modify or retract the current prohibitions currently in place. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be in total compliance, remain competitive, or financially able to meet future requirements and regulations imposed by Health Canada.
As of the date of this Report, it is unclear what, if any regulatory process (including any FDA approvals) is required to import, market, manufacture and or distribute E-cigarettes in the United States. In Canada, Health Canada approval must be obtained in the Canada and approval must be obtained from comparable agencies in other countries, prior to marketing certain of the Company’s products in those jurisdictions. Obtaining FDA, Health Canada and other regulatory approval for the Company’s products can take a number of years and involves the expenditure of substantial resources and no assurance can be given that the Company will obtain such approval. In addition, no assurance can be given that if such approval is secured, there will not be onerous limitations on such approval.
The Company may be subject to litigation in the ordinary course of business.
From time to time, the Company may be subject to various legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted. Any such claims, whether with or without merit, could be time-consuming and expensive to defend and could divert management’s attention and resources. There can be no assurance that the outcome of future litigation, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company may become dependent on foreign sales to maintain operations.
If the FDA or other state or federal government agencies restrict or prohibit the sale E-cigarettes in the U.S., in part or in whole, the Company’s ability to maintain operations will become dependent on the ability to successfully commercialize products and brands in foreign jurisdictions where our product can be sold. The Company’s inability to establish distribution channels in foreign jurisdictions, specifically those that allow for the sale of E-cigarettes will deprive the Company of the operating revenue that may be required to fund any domestic regulatory approvals to maintain our business operations.
The Company’s products face intense media attention and public pressure.
E-cigarettes are new to the marketplace and since its introduction, certain members of the media, politicians, government regulators and advocate groups, including independent medical physicians have called for an outright ban of all E-cigarettes, pending regulatory reviews and a demonstration of safety. A partial or outright ban would have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operation and financial condition.
The Company may be exposed to foreign currency risk.
Currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company purchases 100% of its inventory in USD from a foreign country. In the event that inventory will have to be purchased in a foreign currency, the Company may be exposed to foreign currency risk as the Company does not use derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure.
Risks Associated with the Company’s Common Shares
There is no predictable method by which investors in the securities of the Company shall be able to realize any gain or return on their investment in the Company, or shall be able to recover all or any substantial portion of the value of their investment. There is, currently no public market for the securities of the Company, and no assurance can be given that a market will develop or that an investor will be able to liquidate his investment without considerable delay, if at all. Consequently, should the investor suffer a change in circumstances arising from an event not contemplated at the time of his investment, and should the investor therefore wish to transfer the common stock owned by him, he may find he has only a limited or no ability to transfer or market the common stock. Accordingly, purchasers of the common stock need to be prepared to bear the economic risk of their investment for an indefinite period of time. If a market should develop, the price may be highly volatile. Factors such as those discussed in this “Risk Factors” section may have a significant impact upon the market price of the securities of the Company. Owing to what may be expected to be the low price of the securities, many brokerage firms may not be willing to effect transactions in the securities.
Even if an investor finds a broker willing to effect a transaction in these securities, the combination of brokerage commissions and any other selling costs may exceed the selling price. Further, many lending institutions will not permit the use of such securities as collateral for any loans. The Company has no agreement with any securities broker or dealer that is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., to act as a market maker for the Company’s securities. Should the Company fail to obtain one or more market makers for the Company’s securities, the trading level and price of the Company’s securities will be materially and adversely affected. Should the Company happen to obtain only one market maker for the Company’s securities, the market maker would in effect dominate and control the market for such securities. The Company’s registered securities are covered by a Securities and Exchange Commission rule that imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. For purposes of the rule, the phrase “accredited investors” means, in general terms, institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000, or individuals having a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or having an annual income that exceeds $200,000 (or that, when combined with a spouse’s income, exceeds $300,000). For transactions covered by the rule, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written, agreement to the transaction prior to the sale. Consequently, the rule may affect the ability of broker-dealers to sell the Company’s securities and also may affect the ability of investors in securities of the Company to sell their securities in any market that might develop therefore.
Of the currently issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company, approximately 16,193,571 shares (approximately 23.70% of the total number of shares outstanding) are owned by, or are under the direct or indirect control of Company insiders. That number of shares is enough to dominate and control the price and trading volume in the Company’s securities. Because those shares are controlled by such a limited number of persons, selling decisions can be expected to have a substantial impact upon (or “overhang” over) the market, if any, for the common stock. Any sale of a large number of shares over a short period of time could significantly depress the market price of the common stock.
The majority of the Company’s authorized but unissued common stock remains unissued. The Board of Directors has authority to issue such unissued shares without the consent or vote of the stockholders of the Company. The issuance of these shares may dilute the interests of investors in the securities of the Company and will reduce their proportionate ownership and voting power in the Company.
The Company is subject to compliance with securities law, which exposes the Company to potential liabilities, including potential rescission rights.
The Company has offered and sold common stock to investors pursuant to certain exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as well as those of various state securities laws. The basis for relying on such exemptions is factual; that is, the applicability of such exemptions depends upon the Company’s conduct and that of those persons contacting prospective investors and making the offering. The Company has not received a legal opinion to the effect that any of our prior offerings were exempt from registration under any federal or state law. Instead, the Company has relied upon the operative facts as the basis for such exemptions, including information provided by investors themselves.
If any prior offering did not qualify for such exemption, an investor would have the right to rescind its purchase of the securities if it so desired. It is possible that if an investor should seek rescission, such investor would succeed. A similar situation prevails under state law in those states where the securities may be offered without registration in reliance on the partial preemption from the registration or qualification provisions of such state statutes under the National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996. If investors were successful in seeking rescission, we would face severe financial demands that could adversely affect our business and operations. Additionally, if we did not in fact qualify for the exemptions upon which it has relied, we may become subject to significant fines and penalties imposed by the SEC and state securities agencies.
The Company does not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
On January 17, 2008, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend to its common stock Shareholders of Record on February 4, 2008 in the amount of $0.035 per share of common stock, which was distributed on February 15, 2008. The Company currently intends to retain all future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of the Company’s business. The Company does not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future but will review this policy as circumstances dictate.
There is currently no market for the Company’s securities and there can be no assurance that any market will ever develop or that the Company’s common stock will be listed for trading. Therefore, investors may be unable to liquidate their investments in the Company’s common stock.
The Company’s securities have been trading on the over-the-counter market until it was moved to Pink Sheets in February 2011, under the symbol “GLLA” as the trading activity was not sufficient for continuing to trade over the counter. The Company is a fully reporting OTC Markets company and trades on the OTC QB under the symbol “GLLA.” There has not been any established trading market for the Company’s common stock and there is currently no market for the Company’s securities. Even if the Company is ultimately approved for trading on an exchange, there can be no assurance as the prices at which the Company’s common stock will trade if a trading market develops, of which there can be no assurance. Until an orderly market develops, (if ever) in the Company’s common stock, there can be no assurance that investors will be able to liquidate their investments.
The Company’s common stock is subject to the Penny Stock Regulations.
Once it commences trading, (if ever) the Company’s common stock could be subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules to the extent that the price remains less than $5.00. Those rules, which require delivery of a schedule explaining the penny stock market and the associated risks before any sale, may further limit your ability to sell your shares.
The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define “penny stock” to be an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share. The Company’s common stock currently has no “market price” and when and if a trading market develops, may fall within the definition of penny stock and subject to rules that impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally those with assets in excess of $1,000,000, or annual incomes exceeding $200,000 or $300,000, together with their spouse).
For transactions covered by these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchase of such securities and have received the purchaser’s prior written consent to the transaction. Additionally, for any transaction, other than exempt transactions, involving a penny stock, the rules require the delivery, prior to the transaction, of a risk disclosure document mandated by the Commission relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and, if the broker-dealer is the sole market maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealers presumed control over the market. Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks. Consequently, the `penny stock` rules may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our common stock and may affect the ability of investors to sell their common stock in the secondary market.
The Company’s common stock is illiquid and may in the future be subject to price volatility unrelated to the Company’s operations.
The Company’s common stock has no market price and, if and when a market price is established, could fluctuate substantially due to a variety of factors, including market perception of the Company’s ability to achieve our planned growth, quarterly operating results of other companies in the same industry, trading volume in the Company’s common stock, changes in general conditions in the economy and the financial markets or other developments affecting the Company’s competitors or us. In addition, the stock market is subject to extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market price of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to their operating performance and could have the same effect on the Company’s common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock (if and when a market price is established) and could impair the Company’s ability to raise capital through the sale of the Company’s equity securities.
Other Risks
The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on the ability to further implement its business plan, raise capital, and generate revenues.
The time required for the Company to become profitable from operations is highly uncertain, and the Company cannot assure that it will achieve or sustain operating profitability or generate sufficient cash flow to meet its planned capital expenditures. If required, the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing from other sources also depends on many factors beyond its control, including the state of the capital markets and the prospects for its business. The necessary additional financing may not be available to the Company or may be available only on terms that would result in further dilution to the current owners of its common stock.
The Company cannot assure that it will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain additional financing to meet its obligations. Should any of these events not occur, its financial condition will be adversely affected.
The Company’s new line of business has a limited operating history and, accordingly, investors will not have any basis on which to evaluate the Company’s ability to achieve its business objectives.
The Company is a development stage company with limited operating results to date. Since the Company does not have an established operating history or regular sales as of yet, investors will have no basis upon which to evaluate the Company’s ability to achieve its business objectives.
The absence of any significant operating history for the Company makes forecasting its revenue and expenses difficult, and the Company may be unable to adjust its spending in a timely manner to compensate for unexpected revenue shortfalls or unexpected expenses.
As a result of the absence of any operating history for the Company, it is difficult to accurately forecast the Company’s future revenue. In addition, the Company has limited meaningful historical financial data upon which to base planned operating expenses. Current and future expense levels are based on the Company’s operating plans and estimates of future revenue. Revenue and operating results are difficult to forecast because they generally depend on the Company’s ability to promote and sell its products. As a result, the Company may be unable to adjust its spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected revenue shortfall, which would result in further substantial losses. The Company may also be unable to expand its operations in a timely manner to adequately meet demand to the extent it exceeds expectations.
The Company’s limited operating history does not afford investors a sufficient history on which to base an investment decision.
The Company is currently in the early stages of developing its business. There can be no assurance that at this time that the Company will operate profitably or will have adequate working capital to meet its obligations as they become due.
Investors must consider the risks and difficulties frequently encountered by early stage companies, particularly in rapidly evolving markets. Such risks include the following:
● | ability to anticipate and adapt to a competitive market; |
● | ability to effectively manage expanding operations; amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures relating to expansion of our business, operations, and infrastructure; and |
● | dependence upon key personnel to market and sell our services and the loss of one of our key managers may adversely affect the marketing of our services. |
The Company cannot be certain that its business strategy will be successful or that the Company will successfully address these risks. In the event that the Company does not successfully address these risks, its business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected and the Company may not have the resources to continue or expand its business operations.
Dependence on the Company’s management, without whose services, the Company’s business operations could cease.
At this time, the Company’s management is wholly responsible for the development and execution of the business plan. The Company’s management is under no contractual obligation to remain employed by the Company, although they have no present intent to leave. If the Company’s management should choose to leave the Company for any reason before the Company has hired additional personnel, the Company’s operations may fail. Even if the Company is able to find additional personnel, it is uncertain whether the Company could find qualified management who could develop the business along the lines described herein or would be willing to work for compensation the Company could afford. Without such management, the Company could be forced to cease operations and investors in the Company’s common stock or other securities could lose their entire investment.
Lack of additional working capital may cause curtailment of any expansion plans while the raising of capital through a sale of equity securities would dilute existing shareholders’ percentage of ownership.
The Company’s available capital resources may not be adequate to fund its working capital requirements. Any shortage of capital could affect the Company’s ability to fund its working capital requirements to sustain operations. If the Company requires additional capital, funds may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. In addition, if the Company raises additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could dilute existing shareholders. If funds are not available, the Company could be placed in the position of having to cease all operations.
The Company does not presently have a traditional credit facility with a financial institution. This absence may adversely affect the Company’s operations.
The Company does not presently have a traditional credit facility with a financial institution. The absence of a traditional credit facility with a financial institution could adversely impact the Company’s operations. If adequate funds are not otherwise available, the Company may be required to delay, scale back or eliminate portions of its operations. Without such credit facilities, the Company could be forced to cease operations and investors in the Company’s common stock or other securities could lose their entire investment.
The Company’s success is substantially dependent on general economic conditions and business trends, particularly concerning the demand for lifestyle products. A downturn of which could adversely affect the Company’s operations.
The success of the Company’s operations depends to a significant extent upon a number of factors relating to personal and business spending. These factors include economic conditions, activity in the financial markets, general business conditions, personnel cost, inflation, interest rates and taxation. The Company’s business is affected by the general condition and economic stability of its customers and their continued willingness to purchase the Company’s products in the future. An overall decline in the demand for lifestyle products could cause a reduction in the Company’s sales and the Company could face a situation where it is unable to achieve sales and thereby be forced to cease operations.
The Company will need to increase the size of its organization, and may experience difficulties in managing growth.
The Company currently has 6 employees. The Company expects to experience a period of significant expansion in headcount, facilities, infrastructure and overhead and anticipates that further expansion will be required to address potential growth and market opportunities. Future growth will impose significant added responsibilities on members of management, including the need to identify, recruit, maintain and integrate managers. The Company’s future financial performance and its ability to compete effectively will depend, in part, on its ability to manage any future growth effectively.
The Company may not have adequate internal accounting controls. While the Company has certain internal procedures in its budgeting, forecasting and in the management and allocation of funds, the Company’s internal controls may not be adequate.
The Company is constantly striving to improve its internal accounting controls. While the Company believes that its internal controls are adequate for its current level of operations, the Company believes that it may need to employ additional accounting staff as the Company’s operations ramp up. The Company has appointed an outside independent director as Audit Chair, however there is no guarantee that actions undertaken by the Audit Committee will be adequate or successful or that such improvements will be carried out on a timely basis. If, in the future, the Company does not have adequate internal accounting controls, the Company may not be able to appropriately budget, forecast and manage its funds. The Company may also be unable to prepare accurate accounts on a timely basis to meet its continuing financial reporting obligations and the Company may not be able to satisfy its obligations under U.S. securities laws.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company occupies office space at 2241 Hollywood Bvld., Hollywood, FL 33020. The Company entered into an operating lease agreement for a rental property in Hollywood, Florida, USA of approximately 2,600 sq. ft. The terms of this agreement are to be for a period of 2 years beginning May 1, 2012 and ending April 30, 2014 with payments made monthly and annual rent in year 1 of $37,800 and year 2 of $38,924 plus Florida sales tax of 7%. The Company has the option to extend the lease 1 year for 3 consecutive years at 3% annual increase in rental amounts.
The Company has no investments in real estate.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not currently a party in any legal proceeding or governmental regulatory proceeding nor are we currently aware of any pending or potential legal proceeding or governmental regulatory proceeding proposed to be initiated against us.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The Company’s securities have been trading on the over-the-counter market until it was moved to Pink Sheets in February 2011, under the symbol “GLLA” as the trading activity was not sufficient for continuing to trade over the counter. The Company is a fully reporting OTC Markets company and trades on the OTC QB under the symbol “GLLA.” The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the range of high and low closing bid quotations per share as reported by the over-the-counter market. These quotations represent inter-dealer prices, without retail markups, markdowns or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The market for the Common Stock has been sporadic and there have been long periods during which there were few, if any, transactions in the Common Stock and no reported quotations. Accordingly, reliance should not be placed on the quotes listed below, as the trades and depth of the market may be limited, and therefore, such quotes may not be a true indication of the current market value of the Company’s Common Stock.
2012 | | HIGH | | | LOW | |
First Quarter | | $ | 0.12 | | | $ | 0.0036 | |
Second Quarter | | $ | 0.006 | | | $ | 0.005 | |
Third Quarter | | $ | 0.0095 | | | $ | 0.006 | |
Fourth Quarter | | $ | 0.05 | | | $ | 0.01 | |
2013 | | HIGH | | | LOW | |
First Quarter | | $ | 0.13 | | | $ | 0.01 | |
Second Quarter | | $ | 0.10 | | | $ | 0.04 | |
Third Quarter | | $ | 0.06 | | | $ | 0.03 | |
Fourth Quarter | | $ | 0.24 | | | $ | 0.03 | |
On December 31, 2013, the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock as reported on the OTC QB was $0.24 per share. On December 31, 2013, the Company had in excess of 418 beneficial stockholders of our Common Stock and 67,066,977 shares of our Common Stock were issued and outstanding.
DIVIDENDS
On January 17, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a cash dividend to its Common Stock Shareholders of Record on February 4, 2008 in the amount of $0.035 per share of Common Stock, which was distributed on February 15, 2008. The Company has not determined when it shall make its next dividend payment.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
During the three most recent fiscal years, we did not have an sales of securities in transactions that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that have not been previously reported in a Form 8-K, Form 10-Q or Form 10-K, except for the following:
On September 25, 2013, the Company issued and sold, on a private placement basis, 200,000 Common Shares for cash proceeds of $7,000. As part of this transaction, on November 19, 2013, the Company also issued and sold, on a private placement basis, 76,485 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,677.
On September 25, 2013, the Company issued 942,784 Common Shares at a price of $0.053 per Common Share, as settlement of $50,000 in consulting fees owing to an unrelated party.
On September 25, 2013, the Company issued 1,000,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share as settlement of $35,000 of debt owing pursuant to related party loans. As part of this transaction, on November 19, 2013, the Company also issued 428,571 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share, as settlement of $15,000 of debt owing pursuant to loans made to the Company by such related parties.
On September 25, 2013, the Company issued 973,960 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share as settlement of $34,091 of debt owing pursuant to shareholder loans. As part of this transaction, on November 19, 2013, the Company also issued 417,411 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share, as settlement of $14,609 of debt owing pursuant to shareholder loans.
On October 8, 2013, the Company issued and sold, on a private placement basis, 50,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.05 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,500.
On November 27, 2013, the Company issued 400,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.05 per Common Share, as a settlement of $20,000 in consulting fees owing to unrelated parties.
On November 27, 2013, the Company issued 300,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.0583 per Common Share, as a settlement of $17,500 in consulting fees owing to unrelated parties.
The Company issued all the foregoing Common Shares in reliance upon the exemption from the registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
On September 3, 2013, the Company issued $425,000 of Convertible Debentures. The Convertible Debentures were initially issued at a conversion price of $0.10 per Common Share and, on October 28, 2013, were reissued at a conversion price of $0.07 per Common Share. All the other terms and conditions of the re-issued Convertible Debentures remained the same. Neither the Convertible Debentures nor the Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and they may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The aforementioned sales of Convertible Debentures were made to non-U.S. persons and were undertaken by our Company in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration under Regulation S of the Securities Act.
On December 23, 2013, the Company sold an additional $797,000 of Convertible Debentures, with a conversion price of $0.07 per share. Of such sales, $446,000 were sold to accredited investors under the exemptions from registration provided by Rule 506 of Regulation D and $351,000 of such Convertible Debentures were sold to non-U.S. persons pursuant to the exemption under Regulation S of the Securities Act.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Earnings per share for each of the fiscal years shown below are based on the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding.
| | Years ended December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Revenues | | $ | 76,977 | | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net Loss | | $ | | ) | | $ | (1,063,803 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Earnings (Loss) Per Share | | $ | (0.024 | ) | | $ | (0.037 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 528,744 | | | $ | 15,677 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | $ | | | | $ | 818,117 | |
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
The information and financial data discussed below is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Gilla Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2013. The financial statements were prepared and presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles and are expressed in U.S. Dollars. The information and financial data discussed below is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes of Gilla Inc. contained elsewhere in this Annual Report, which fully represent the financial condition and operations of Gilla Inc., but which are not necessarily indicative of future performance.
Overview
Gilla Inc. (“Gilla” the “Registrant” or the “Company”), 112 N. Curry Street, Carson City, Nevada, 87803 was incorporated under the laws of the state of Nevada on March 28, 1995 under the name of Truco, Inc. The shareholders approved a name change on March 22, 1996, March 18, 1997, September 13, 1999, October 3, 2000, April 23, 2003 and February 27, 2007 to Web Tech, Inc., Cynergy, Inc., Mercantile Factoring Credit Online Corp., Incitations, Inc., Osprey Gold Corp. and to its present name, respectively.
Recent Developments
On November 21, 2012, Gilla closed the acquisition of Snoke Distribution Canada Ltd. (“Snoke Distribution”), a corporation existing under the laws of Ontario (the “Merger”). Pursuant to the Merger, the Registrant acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Snoke Distribution through the issuance of Common Shares of the Registrant to the shareholders of Snoke Distribution.
As a result of the Merger and pursuant to the resolutions, Snoke Distribution became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant and the Registrant issued shares of its Common Stock to shareholders of Snoke Distribution at a rate of 1 share of the Registrant’s Common Stock for each Snoke Distribution common share. Immediately prior to the Merger, the Registrant had 29,477,766 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
Following the Merger, the Registrant had 59,244,433 shares of Common Stock outstanding after the share exchange and the issuance of 29,766,667 Common Shares to the shareholders of Snoke Distribution, which included a private placement of $141,000 into Snoke Distribution.
At closing of the Merger, the Registrant also closed a private placement of $135,000 at a price of $0.05 per Gilla Common Share with a half warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.10 per Common Share for a period of six months following the Merger. The private placement resulted in the issuance of 2,700,000 Common Shares and 1,350,000 warrants of the Registrant’s Common Stock from treasury. Following the Merger and the private placement, the Registrant had 61,944,433 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
The transaction has been accounted for as a reverse merger, and Snoke Distribution is the acquiring company on the basis that Snoke Distribution’s senior management became the entire senior management of the merged entity and there was a change of control of the Company. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805-10-40, Business Combinations; Reverse Acquisitions, Snoke Distribution was the acquiring entity for accounting purposes. While the transaction is accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, in substance the transaction was a recapitalization of the Snoke Distribution’s capital structure. Following the reverse merger, the historical financial statements of Snoke Distribution became the historical financial statements of the Company.
On December 12, 2012, the Company closed a private placement of $16,667 at a price of $0.05 per Common Share with a half warrant entitling the holder to acquire one Common Share of the Company at a price of $0.10 per share for a period of 6 months from the date of issuance.
On April 13, 2013, Henry J. Kloepper was appointed as lead independent director of the board. Mr. Kloepper will also serve as chairman of the audit, compensation and governance committees.
Gilla Operations, LLC (“Gilla Operations”) was incorporated on May 2, 2013 under the laws of the State of Florida. Gilla Operations is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and, since its incorporation, has been the primary operating subsidiary of the Company in the United States.
On August 21, 2013, the Company announced that its board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) had approved a non-brokered private placement offering (the “Convertible Debenture Offering”) of unsecured subordinated convertible debentures (“Convertible Debentures”) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000. The Convertible Debentures mature on January 31, 2016, bear interest at a rate of 12% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, and are convertible at the option of the holder into Common Shares at a conversion price of $0.10 per Common Share at any time prior to the maturity date. The conversion price was subsequently amended $0.07 per Common Share. The proceeds of the Convertible Debenture Offering are expected to be used to repay debt and for the purchase of inventory and technology, product development, marketing, and working capital and general administrative purposes.
On September 3, 2013, the Company issued $425,000 of Convertible Debentures pursuant to the Convertible Debenture Offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $425,000. The Convertible Debentures were initially issued at a conversion price of $0.10 per Common Share and, on October 28, 2013, were reissued at a conversion price of $0.07 per Common Share. All the other terms and conditions of the re-issued Convertible Debentures remained the same.
On September 25, 2013, the Company issued and sold, on a private placement basis, 200,000 Common Shares for cash proceeds of $7,000. As part of this transaction, on November 19, 2013, the Company also issued and sold, on a private placement basis, 76,485 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,677.
On September 25, 2013, the Company issued 942,784 Common Shares at a price of $0.053 per Common Share, as settlement of $50,000 in consulting fees owing to an unrelated party.
On September 25, 2013, the Company issued 1,000,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share as settlement of $35,000 of debt owing pursuant to related party loans. As part of this transaction, on November 19, 2013, the Company also issued 428,571 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share, as settlement of $15,000 of debt owing pursuant to loans made to the Company by such related parties.
On September 25, 2013, the Company issued 973,960 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share as settlement of $34,091 of debt owing pursuant to shareholder loans. As part of this transaction, on November 19, 2013, the Company also issued 417,411 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share, as settlement of $14,609 of debt owing pursuant to shareholder loans.
On September 30, 2013, the Company issued a secured promissory note (the “Secured Note”) in connection with a loan to it by a related party in the principal amount of $200,000. The outstanding principal amount of the Secured Note, together with accrued and unpaid interest at a rate of 1.5% per month, was paid in full and the Secured Note was retired on December 23, 2013.
On October 8, 2013, the Company issued and sold, on a private placement basis, 50,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.05 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,500.
On November 15, 2013, Charlie’s Club, Inc. (“Charlie’s Club”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Charlie’s Club is expected to carry on the Company’s e-commerce sales initiative.
On November 27, 2013, the Company issued 400,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.05 per Common Share, as a settlement of $20,000 in consulting fees owing to unrelated parties.
On November 27, 2013, the Company issued 300,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.058 per Common Share, as a settlement of $17,500 in consulting fees owing to unrelated parties.
Gilla Enterprises Inc. (“Gilla Enterprises”) was incorporated on December 20, 2013 under the laws of the Province of Ontario. Gilla Enterprises is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and, since its incorporation, has been the primary operating subsidiary of the Company in Canada.
On December 23, 2013, the Company issued an additional $797,000 of Convertible Debentures pursuant to the Convertible Debenture Offering.
The Company is in the development stage as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), subtopic 915-10 Development Stage Entities (“ASC 915-10”). To date, the Company, has generated minimal sales revenues, has incurred expenses and has sustained losses. Consequently, its operations are subject to all the risks inherent in the establishment of a new business enterprise. For the period from November 29, 2011 (date of inception) through December 31, 2013, the Company has accumulated losses of $2,605,961.
Subsequent Events
On January 8, 2014, the Company issued 200,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.05 per Common Share, as a settlement of $10,000 in consulting fees owing to an unrelated party.
On January 8, 2014, the Company issued and sold, on a private placement basis, 500,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.035 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $17,500.
On February 11, 2014, the Company issued an additional $178,000 of Convertible Debentures pursuant to the Convertible Debenture Offering.
On February 13, 2014, the Company entered into a secured promissory note with an unrelated party, whereby the Company agreed to pay the party the aggregate unpaid principal amount of CAD $500,000 on or before August 13, 2014, bearing an interest rate of 10% per annum.
On February 14, 2014, the Company repaid the outstanding principal amount of $225,000, together with the accrued and unpaid interest, and the convertible revolving credit note due to a related party was retired.
On February 28, 2014, the Company closed the acquisition of Drinan Marketing Limited (“DML”), a private company engaged in the sales and distribution of E-cigarettes in Ireland, representing a geographical extension to the current business segment moving forward.
On March 28, 2014, the Company issued 280,433 Common Shares at a price of $0.1426 per Common Share, as a settlement of $40,000 in consulting fees owing to unrelated parties.
On March 28, 2014, the Company issued 270,597 Common Shares at a price of $0.1293 per Common Share, as a settlement of $35,000 in consulting fees owing to unrelated parties.
Critical Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies
Financial Reporting Release No. 60, published by the SEC, recommends that all companies include a discussion of critical accounting policies used in the preparation of their financial statements. While all these significant accounting policies impact our consolidated financial condition and results of operations, we view certain of these policies as critical. Policies determined to be critical are those policies that have the most significant impact on our consolidated financial statements and require management to use a greater degree of judgment and estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
We believe that given current facts and circumstances, it is unlikely that applying any other reasonable judgments or estimate methodologies would cause a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or liquidity for the periods presented in this Report.
Basis of Preparation
The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for annual financial statements and with Form 10-K and article 8 of the Regulation S-X of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Basis of Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Gilla Operations LLC, Charlie’s Club, Inc. and Snoke Distribution Canada Ltd. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Snoke Distribution USA LLC. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in preparing these consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company’s Canadian subsidiaries maintain its books and records in Canadian dollars (CAD) which is also its functional currency. The Company and its U.S. subsidiaries maintain their books and records in United States dollars (USD) which is both the Company’s functional currency and reporting currency. The accounts of the Company are translated into United States dollars in accordance with provisions of ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated using the historical rate on the date of the transaction. Revenue and expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the reporting periods. All exchange gains or losses arising from translation of these foreign currency transactions are included in net income (loss) for the year. In translating the financial statements of the Company's Canadian subsidiaries from their functional currency into the Company's reporting currency of United States dollars, balance sheet accounts are translated using the closing exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and income and expense accounts are translated using an average exchange rate prevailing during the reporting period. Adjustments resulting from the translation, if any, are included in cumulative other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity. The Company has not, to the date of these consolidated financial statements, entered into derivative instruments to offset the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.
The exchange rates used to translate amounts in CAD into USD for the purposes of preparing the consolidated financial statements were as follows:
| | December 31, 2013 | | | December 31, 2012 | |
| | | | | | |
Period-end CAD: USD exchange rate | | $ | 0.9402 | | | $ | 1.0051 | |
Average Period CAD: USD exchange rate | | $ | 0.9710 | | | $ | 1.0008 | |
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year, computed under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification subtopic 260-10, Earnings per Share (“ASC 260-10”). Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus common stock equivalents (if dilutive) related to convertible preferred stock, stock options and warrants for each year. There were no common stock equivalent shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012 that have been included in the diluted loss per share calculation as the effects would have been anti-dilutive.
Financial Instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized in the statement of financial position when the Company has become party to the contractual provisions of the instruments.
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, loan from shareholder and loans payable. The fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying value, due to their short term nature. Fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company’s financial instruments recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels, defined by FASB ASC No. 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure (“ASC 820”), with the related amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to value these assets and liabilities at fair value for each level, are as follows:
● Level 1 | - | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; |
● Level 2 | - | Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and |
● Level 3 | - | Inputs that are not based on observable market data. |
Cash and cash equivalents is reflected on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value and is classified as Level 1 hierarchy because measurements are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
Fair value measurements of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and loans payable are classified under Level 3 hierarchy because inputs are generally unobservable and reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the financial instruments.
Comprehensive Income or Loss
The Company reports comprehensive income or loss in its consolidated financial statements. In addition to items included in net income or loss, comprehensive income or loss includes items charged or credited directly to stockholders’ equity, such as foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains or losses on available for sale marketable securities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity of less than three months at purchase to be cash equivalents. The Company did not have any cash equivalents at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Cash balances at financial institutions are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). At times, cash and cash equivalents may be uninsured or in deposit accounts that exceed the FDIC insurance limits. Periodically, the Company evaluates the credit worthiness of the financial institutions and has determined the credit exposure to be negligible.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs include expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property and equipment, and are recognized in the statement of operations.
Depreciation is recognized in the statement of operations on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property and equipment, since this most closely reflects the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset.
The estimated useful lives for the current and comparative periods are as follows:
● Furniture and equipment | 3 years |
● Computer hardware | 3 years |
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each financial year-end and adjusted if appropriate.
Revenue Recognition
The Company records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the selling price to the customer is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. Customers take delivery at the time of shipment for terms designated free on board shipping point. For sales designated free on board destination, customers take delivery when the product is delivered to the customer's delivery site. Provisions for sales incentives, product returns, and discounts to customers are recorded as an offset to revenue in the same period the related revenue is recorded. The Company does not currently record a provision for product returns as to date sales have been minimal and any related provision for product returns was not deemed material for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Inventory consists of E-cigarettes and accessories as well as related packaging. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost as determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method, or market. The Company measures inventory write-downs as the difference between the cost of inventory and market. At the point of any inventory write-downs to market, the Company establishes a new, lower cost basis for that inventory, and any subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration of the former cost basis or increase in that newly established cost basis.
The Company reviews product sales and returns from the previous 12 months and future demand forecasts and writes off any excess or obsolete inventory. The Company also assesses inventory for obsolescence by testing the products to ensure they have been properly stored and maintained so that they will perform according to specifications. In addition, the Company assesses the market for competing products to determine that the existing inventory will be competitive in the marketplace.
If there were to be a sudden and significant decrease in future demand for our products, or if there were a higher incidence of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and customer requirements, the Company could be required to write down inventory and accordingly gross margin could be adversely affected.
The Company follows Accounting Standards Codification subtopic 740-10, Income Taxes (“ASC 740-10”) which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Temporary differences between taxable income reported for financial reporting purposes and income tax purposes include, but are not limited to, accounting for intangibles, debt discounts associated with convertible debt, equity based compensation and depreciation and amortization. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce the deferred tax assets reported if based on the weight of available evidence it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
| Impairment of Long Lived Assets |
Long-lived assets to be held and used by the Company are periodically reviewed to determine whether any events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. For long-lived assets to be held and used, the Company bases its evaluation on impairment indicators such as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets, any historical or future profitability measurements, as well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable and an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss will be recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value.
| Website Development Costs |
Under the provisions of FASB-ASC Topic 350, the Company capitalizes costs incurred in the website application and infrastructure development stage. Capitalized costs will be amortized over the estimated useful life of the website. The Company has not yet recorded amortization of the website development costs as the development has not yet been completed. Ongoing website post- implementation cost of operations, including training and application, will be expensed as incurred.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and such differences could be material. The key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date, which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets within the next financial year include reserves and write downs of receivables and inventory, useful lives of property and equipment, impairment of property and equipment, valuing equity securities, valuation of convertible debenture conversion options and deferred taxes and related valuation allowances. Certain of our estimates could be affected by external conditions, including those unique to our industry and general economic conditions. It is possible that these external factors could have an effect on our estimates that could cause actual results to differ from our estimates. The Company re-evaluates all of its accounting estimates at least quarterly based on the conditions and records adjustments when necessary.
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred in accordance with FASB ASC 720. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company expensed $82,897 (2012: $8,898) as corporate promotions.
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In March 2013, FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830) - Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. This ASU resolves the diversity in practice about whether Subtopic 810-10, Consolidation—Overall, or Subtopic 830-30, Foreign Currency Matters—Translation of Financial Statements, applies to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business (other than a sale of in substance real estate or conveyance of oil and gas mineral rights)within a foreign entity. In addition, the amendments in this Update resolve the diversity in practice for the treatment of business combinations achieved in stages (sometimes also referred to as step acquisitions) involving a foreign entity. This ASU is the final version of Proposed Accounting Standards Update EITF11Ar—Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830), which has been deleted. The amendments in this Update are effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments should be applied prospectively to derecognition events occurring after the effective date. Prior periods should not be adjusted. Early adoption is permitted. If an entity elects to early adopt the amendments, it should apply them as of the beginning of the entity’s fiscal year of adoption. The Company plans to adopt this standard as of January 1, 2014.
In July 2013, FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). U.S. GAAP does not include explicit guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments in this ASU state that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This ASU applies to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The Company plans to adopt this standard as of January 1, 2014.
The Company has reviewed all recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements and does not expect the future adoption of any such pronouncements to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Results of Operations – Year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012.
Revenue
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company generated $76,977 in revenues. Such revenue, which was generated by the Company in the three month periods ended September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2013, represents the only revenue that the Company has generated from the sale of E-cigarettes and accessories. As of December 31, 2013, the Company only operated one business segment, namely designing, marketing and distributing white label E-cigarettes and accessories in North America. The Company’s cost of goods for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $61,621 which represents E-cigarette product and the related packaging. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $15,356 representing a 20% gross margin on sales. The Company had no revenues during the year ended December 31, 2012.
On February 28, 2014, the Company closed the acquisition of Drinan Marketing Limited (“DML”), a private company engaged in the sales and distribution of E-cigarettes in Ireland, representing a geographical extension to the current business segment moving forward. The Company also targets 30-35% gross margins for new white label, wholesale and retail customers.
The Company also plans to launch an online sales platform in the upcoming fiscal year and targets margins in the range of 40-50% for this initiative.
Operating Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred administrative expense of $707,811, consulting fees due to related parties of $644,695 and depreciation expense of $1,518. Administrative costs were primarily comprised of rent, legal and audit fees, marketing fees, travel expenses and subcontractor fees. Total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $1,354,024. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company incurred administrative expense of $304,439, consulting fees due to related parties of $276,961 and depreciation expense of $677. Total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $582,077. The increase in administrative expense of $403,372 and increase of consulting fees due to related parties of $367,734 is attributable to the Company’s focus on generating sales of E-cigarettes and the result of consulting expenses increasing due to the hiring of officers and consultants.
For the period from November 29, 2011 (date of inception) to December 31, 2013, the Company incurred administrative expenses of $1,046,584, consulting fees due to related parties of $921,656 and depreciation expense of $2,195. Total operating expenses for this period is $1,970,435.
Loss from Operations
For the year ended December 31, 2013 the Company incurred a loss from operations of $1,338,668 as compared to $582,077 for the year ended December 31, 2012 due to the reasons discussed above. For the period from November 29, 2011 (date of inception) to December 31, 2013, the Company incurred a loss from operations of $1,955,079.
Other Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred a foreign exchange loss of $5,013, loss on write off of loan receivable of $21,405 (see “Loss on write off of Loan Receivable”), amortization of debt discount loss of $9,514 and interest expense of $128,322 for total other expenses of $164,254.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company incurred a foreign exchange loss of $1,747, loss on acquisition of $292,226 (see “Loss on Acquisition”), loss on write off of deposit of $162,371 (see “Loss on write off of Deposit”) and interest expense of $25,382 for total other expenses of $481,726.
The increase in interest expense of $102,940 is attributable to advances from related parties, loans from shareholders and other promissory notes and the issuance of convertible debentures provided to repay debt, advance the E-cigarette business which includes the purchase of inventory, capital expenditures in technology for the e-commerce platform, corporate marketing initiatives, working capital and general administrative purposes.
For the period from November 29, 2011 (date of inception) to December 31, 2013, the Company incurred a foreign exchange loss of $6,760, loss on write off of loan receivable of $21,405, loss on acquisition of $292,226, loss on write off of deposit of $162,371, amortization of debt discount loss of $9,514, and interest expense of $153,704 for total other expenses of $645,980.
Loss on write off on Loan Receivable
On March 13, 2013, the Company entered into a factoring agreement with a third party in which the Company advanced $19,867 in cash to the party to purchase a receivable owing to that party from a customer (the “Receivable”) at face value. The Receivable purchased was required to be paid by the applicable customer on or before the date that is 30 days after the date of issue of the Receivable. In addition to payment of the account, the Company was to receive an additional fee of 2% of the face amount of the Receivable. Default interest of 1/10th of 1% per day shall be calculated on the outstanding amount accruing from the due date until the amount is paid in full. The Receivable is secured by a general security agreement covering all assets of the third party and a first security interest in respect of all receivables purchased by the Company under the factoring agreement.
Default interest in the amount of $1,538 was accrued on the Receivable. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company determined the Receivable to be uncollectable and as a result recorded a loss of $21,405.
Loss on Acquisition
During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded $292,226 as a loss on acquisition expense. The significant components of the transaction are as follows:
Assets acquired: | | $ | 4 | |
Liabilities assumed: | | | (286,360 | ) |
Common stock retained: | | | (5,895 | ) |
Foreign exchange difference: | | | 25 | |
Net loss: | | $ | (292,226 | ) |
Loss on write off of Deposit
On November 24, 2011, Snoke Distribution entered into an Exclusive Distribution Agreement with ecoreal GmbH & Co. KG, a European manufacturer of E-cigarettes. On April 18, 2012, the Snoke Distribution made a payment in the amount of $162,371 as a 50% deposit on inventory pursuant to the agreement.
On March 9, 2013, the Company received a notice that the Exclusive Distribution Agreement has been terminated by ecoreal GmbH & Co. KG. The Company was not in agreement with reason for termination, however, has subsequently accepted the termination as significant doubt exists regarding the ability of the European manufacturer to meet the terms of the agreement. Given the uncertainty surrounding the recovery of the deposit, the Company decided to write off the amount to reflect the related loss for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss
Net loss amounted to $1,502,922 for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $1,063,803 for the year ended December 31, 2012. For the period from November 29, 2011 (date of inception) to December 31, 2013, the Company incurred a loss from operations of $2,601,059. The increase in net loss is primarily attributable to an increase in consulting expenses resulting from the hiring of officers and other consultants as well as an increase in administrative expenses due to the Company’s focus on generating sales.
Comprehensive loss amounted to $1,455,087 for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $1,066,649 for the year ended December 31, 2012. For the period from November 29, 2011 (date of inception) to December 31, 2013, the Company incurred a loss from operations of $2,556,298. The change in comprehensive loss compared to net loss was due to foreign currency translation adjustments resulting from the Company’s translation of financial statements from Canadian Dollars to United States Dollars.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
For the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012
As at December 31, 2013, the Company had total assets of $528,744 (December 31, 2012: $15,677) consisting of cash of $355,860, funds held in trust of $20,000, accounts receivable of $100, inventory of $90,914, prepaid expenses and vendor deposits of $15,199, property and equipment of $3,882 and website development assets of $42,789. The increase in assets at December 31, 2013 from December 31, 2012, is primarily the result of cash from financing activities, inventory and capitalized website development costs incurred in the website application and infrastructure development stage.
The Company had total liabilities of $1,753,394 (December 31, 2012: $818,117) consisting of accounts payable of $125,163, accrued liabilities of $56,838, accrued interest due to related parties of $78,838, loans from shareholders of $20,615, amounts due to related parties of $767,426, note payable to related party of $225,000 and a long term liabilities consisting of convertible debentures of $434,514 and convertible debentures to be issued of $45,000. The increase in liabilities can be primarily attributed to an increase in consulting fees accrued to officers and other parties, the issuance of $1,222,000 of convertible debentures and an increase in accrued interest on loans and debentures.
At December 31, 2013, the Company had negative working capital of $791,807 and an accumulated deficit during development stage of $2,605,961.
As at December 31, 2012, the Company had total assets of $15,677 consisting of cash of $11,444, prepaid expenses and vendor deposits of $799 and property and equipment of $3,434. The Company had total liabilities of $818,117 consisting of accounts payable of $74,752, accrued liabilities of $29,478, accrued interest due to related parties of $1,479, loans from shareholders of $247,836, amounts due to related parties of $239,572 and a long term note payable to a related party of $225,000.
At December 31, 2012, the Company had negative working capital of $580,874 and an accumulated deficit during development stage of $1,103,039.
Net cash used in operating activities
For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company used cash of $797,702 (December 31, 2012: $568,120) in operating activities to fund administrative and marketing. The increase is attributable to the increase in operations and changes in the operating assets and liabilities as discussed above.
For the period from November 29, 2011 (date of inception) to December 31, 2013, the Company used cash of $1,402,319 in operating activities to fund administrative and marketing activities of which, $162,371 relates to the write-off of the deposit on inventory (see “Loss on write off of Deposit” above) and $292,226 relates to loss on acquisition (see “Loss on Acquisition” above) and changes in operating assets and liabilities.
Net cash used in investing activities
For the year ended December 31, 2013, net cash used in investing activities was $64,666 (December 31, 2012: $4,113) of which, $19,867 was attributable to the factoring loan advance, $42,789 was attributable to website development and $2,010 was attributable to the purchase of equipment. For the year ended December 31, 2012, net cash used in investing was $4,113. This amount was attributable to the purchase of equipment.
For the period from November 29, 2011 (date of inception) to December 31, 2013, net cash used in investing activities by the Company was $68,779.
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $1,193,046, compared to $585,642 for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase was attributable to the proceeds from the sale of convertible debentures, proceeds from the sale of common stock, proceeds from the issuance of a note payable and advances from an officer and director of the Company.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the period from November 29, 2011 (date of inception) to December 31, 2013 was $1,816,294.
Satisfaction of Our Cash Obligations for the Next 12 Months
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The general business strategy of the Company is to design, market and distribute E-cigarettes and accessories. The continued operations of the Company depend upon its ability to generate sales for its products. Based on the Company’s current monthly expenses, management believes cash and cash equivalents on hand at December 31, 2013 will not be sufficient to meet the anticipated cash requirements for operations, funding our growth plans and repayment of debt obligations over the next few quarters. As a result, the Company intends to continue raising additional funds either through issuance of notes payable or the sale of its shares. No assurances can be made that these funds will be available on a timely basis or on terms acceptable to the Company.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is in doubt and dependent upon achieving a profitable level of operations and on the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to fund ongoing operations.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off balance sheet arrangements.
Inflation
The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. If our costs were to become subject to significant inflationary pressures, it may not be able to fully offset such higher costs through price increases. The Company’s inability or failure to do so could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company has reviewed all recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements and does not expect the future adoption of any such pronouncements to have a significant impact on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.
Material Commitments
a) | Operating Lease - Vehicle |
The future minimum payment under an operating lease for the use of a vehicle amounts to approximately $3,995. The lease expires on May 31, 2014. Minimum annual lease payments are as follows:
December 31, 2014 | | $ | 3,995 | |
| | $ | 3,955 | |
b) | Rental Lease - Premises |
Effective April 23, 2012, the Company entered into an operating lease agreement for a rental premises in Hollywood, Florida, USA. The terms of this agreement are to be for a period of 2 years beginning May 1, 2012 and ending April 30, 2014 with payments made monthly and annual rent in year 1 of $37,800 and year 2 of $38,924 plus Florida sales tax of 7%. The Company has the option to extend the lease for 3 consecutive years at 3% annual increase in rental amounts.
Minimum annual lease payments under this lease are as follows:
December 31, 2014 | | $ | 13,886 | |
| | $ | 13,886 | |
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
This item is not applicable to smaller reporting companies.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Changes in registrant’s Certifying Accountant
Effective as of February 3, 2014, the Company dismissed RBSM LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The decision to change the Company’s accountants was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.
RBSM LLP reported on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the years ending December 31, 2012 and 2011. For these periods and up to February 3, 2014, there were no disagreements with RBSM LLP on any matter of accounting principle or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement(s), if not resolved to the satisfaction of RBSM LLP, would have caused it to make reference thereto in its report on the financial statements for such years. During such years, there were no reportable events within the meaning set forth in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
The reports of RBSM LLP on the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except that these reports reflected that there was doubt as to the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
On February 3, 2014, the Company engaged Schwartz Levitsky Feldman LLP (“SLF LLP”) to serve as the Company’s new independent registered public accounting firm. SLF LLP previously served as the independent register public accounting firm of Snoke Distribution Canada Ltd. On November 21, 2012, the Company and Snoke Distribution merged, and Snoke Distribution became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. In connection with such merger, SLF LLP resigned as the independent registered public accounting firm of Snoke Distribution, effective as of December 11, 2012.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
During the year, we have initiated disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that material information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or 1934 Act, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer (principal executive officer) and chief financial officer (principal financial officer) as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the chief executive officer (principal executive officer) and the chief financial officer (principal financial officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13(a)-15(e) under the 1934 Act. Based on this evaluation, because of the Company’s limited resources and limited number of employees, management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of December 31, 2013.
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING |
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements of the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. 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 or compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
With the participation of our chief executive officer (principal executive officer) and our chief financial officer (principal financial officer), our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). Based on our evaluation and the material weaknesses described below, management concluded that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 based on the COSO framework criteria. Management has identified control deficiencies regarding the lack of segregation of duties and the need for a stronger internal control environment. Management of the Company believes that these material weaknesses are due to the small size of the Company’s accounting staff. The small size of the Company’s accounting staff may prevent adequate controls in the future, such as segregation of duties, due to the cost/benefit of such remediation. To mitigate the current limited resources and limited employees, we rely heavily on direct management oversight of transactions, along with the use of legal and accounting professionals. As we grow, we expect to increase our number of employees, which will enable us to implement adequate segregation of duties within the internal control framework.
These control deficiencies could result in a misstatement of account balances that would result in a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement to our consolidated financial statements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Accordingly, we have determined that these control deficiencies as described above together constitute a material weakness.
In light of this material weakness, we performed additional analyses and procedures in order to conclude that our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K were fairly stated in accordance with US GAAP. Accordingly, management believes that despite our material weaknesses, our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 are fairly stated, in all material respects, in accordance with US GAAP.
This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
LIMITATIONS ON EFFECTIVENESS OF CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, including our chief executive officer (principal executive officer) and chief financial officer (principal financial officer), does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include, but are not limited to, the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Changes in Internal Controls
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER ITEMS
Please refer to the consolidated financial statements for additional costs and expenditures and other financial information.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Name | | Age | | Position |
Ernest “Ernie” Eves | | 67 | | Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Henry J. Kloepper | | 64 | | Lead Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit, Compensation and Governance Committees |
J. Graham Simmonds | | 40 | | Director and Chief Executive Officer |
Daniel Yuranyi | | 57 | | Director, President and Chief Operating Officer |
Stanley D. Robinson | | 63 | | Director |
Ashish Kapoor | | 36 | | Chief Financial Officer |
Carrie J. Weiler | | 54 | | Corporate Secretary |
The business experience of the persons listed above during the past five years are as follows:
Ernest “Ernie” Eves (Chairman of the Board of Directors)
Mr. Eves has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since November 15, 2012. He is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Natel Strategies International Inc., a private corporation, and a director of several public and private companies. Mr. Eves formerly served as Premier of the Province of Ontario and has also held the offices of Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier for the Province of Ontario, as well as other cabinet positions within the Government of Ontario. Mr. Eves is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School. He was called to the bar in 1972 and in 1983 was made a Queen’s Counsel.
We believe Mr. Eves is well-qualified to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors due to his public service experience and his business contacts.
Henry J. Kloepper (Lead Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit, Compensation and Governance Committees)
Mr. Kloepper has served as the Company’s Lead Independent Director since April 13, 2013 and is currently the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Mr. Kloepper is a leading financier and has been involved in investment banking and corporate finance for over 30 years. He brings a rounded knowledge of the capital markets, strategic growth, and investments. Mr. Kloepper is currently CEO of Houston Lake Mining Inc., Interim CEO of NWT Uranium Corp. and a Director of Avieya Communications. Mr. Kloepper was previously a Director and President of Mogul Energy International Inc. and has held executive positions with Award Capital, JP Morgan, Citibank, Bank of America, and North American Trust in the US, Canada, and Europe.
We believe Mr. Kloepper is well-qualified to serve as Lead Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee due to his public company experience, financial markets knowledge and business contacts.
J. Graham Simmonds (Director and Chief Executive Officer)
Mr. Simmonds has served as a director and as Chief Executive Officer of the Company since November 15, 2012. Mr. Simmonds has over 15 years of experience in public company management and business development projects within both the gaming and technology sectors. Mr. Simmonds is licensed and/or registered with a number of horse racing and gaming commissions in the United States and Canada. Mr. Simmonds developed and launched the first in-home digital video horseracing service in North America and is a former Director and partner in eBet Technologies Inc., a licensed ADW operator and software developer for the online horse racing industry in the United States. He is the founder, President and CEO of Baymount Incorporated, an innovative wagering products and horseracing properties developer; Chairman of InterAmerican Gaming Inc., a company developing social platforms for the health and fitness industry; and Chairman of DealNet Capital Corp., a merchant banking company focused on Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Consumer Financing.
We believe Mr. Simmonds is well-qualified to serve as a member of the Board of Directors due to his public company experience, operational experience and business contacts.
Daniel Yuranyi (Director, President and Chief Operating Officer)
Mr. Yuranyi has served as director and as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since November 15, 2012. Prior to that, he was President of DY Consulting, a consulting firm. Mr. Yuranyi has over 30 years of experience in the transportation, logistics, and distribution businesses having successfully built and operated his own companies on a number of occasions. Mr. Yuranyi has held senior positions with Loomis and Gelco Express which was later sold to Air Canada. After helping build a division of Gelco Express from $1 million to more than $12 million in annualized sales, Mr. Yuranyi left to start a new business of his own called United Messengers which quickly grew to become the largest same-day messenger service in Canada. Most recently, Mr. Yuranyi has invested in building distribution relationships with European brands in the energy drink and bottled water businesses.
We believe Mr. Yuranyi is well-qualified to serve as a member of the Board of Directors due to his experience in the distribution field and business contacts.
Stanley D. Robinson (Director)
Mr. Robinson has served as a director of the Company since October 29, 2008. In addition, Mr. Robinson is currently a Geologist/Exploration Manager with Kilo Goldmines Ltd., a position he has held since January 2007. He is an exploration geologist with over 30 years of experience in Africa (Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, Burkina Faso), Canada and South America. Mr. Robinson’s principal technical expertise is in the management of gold and base metal exploration projects, from grassroots to feasibility stage, geological interpretations with an emphasis on structure and alteration, and in the identification of projects with economic potential. He has extensive experience in managing exploration projects in remote locations and in climatic environments that range from permafrost to tropical and semi-desert.
We believe Mr. Robinson is well-qualified to serve as a member of the Board of Directors due to his public company experience and business contacts.
Ashish Kapoor (Chief Financial Officer)
Mr. Kapoor has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since November 15, 2012. After obtaining his Chartered Accountant designation at Ernst & Young, Mr. Kapoor has gained over 10 years of experience in investment banking, advising client across various industries. Mr. Kapoor has experience in corporate finance, investment banking and private equity with global institutions in Toronto and New York. Most recently, as a Senior Vice President at Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd., Mr. Kapoor was responsible for the Canadian telecom, media, entertainment and technology investment banking and principal investing group. During his 10 years at Macquarie, Mr. Kapoor completed in excess of $3B in successful principal investments and advised on a further $4B of mergers and acquisitions for third party clients. Mr. Kapoor has gained extensive experience in identifying, structuring and executing on investment opportunities, to aid in the development of his clients’ respective business plans. Prior to Macquarie, Mr. Kapoor obtained his Chartered Accountant designation as part of the Ernst & Young’s Toronto practice and was awarded the Gold Medal for first place in Ontario, and the Bronze Medal for third place in Canada on the 2000 Chartered Accountancy Uniform Final Examination. Mr. Kapoor is also a CFA Charter holder and holds a Masters of Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Waterloo.
Carrie J. Weiler (Corporate Secretary)
Mrs. Weiler has served as the Company’s Corporate Secretary since November 15, 2012. Mrs. Weiler has over 25 years of experience in public company management. She provides corporate secretarial services and administration to several publically listed companies in the United States and Canada. Mrs. Weiler is a member of the Canadian Society of Corporate Secretaries.
SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES
The Company does not expect to receive a significant contribution from employees that are not executive officers.
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
There are no directors, executive officers or persons nominated or persons chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer of the Company who are directly related to an individual who holds the position of director or executive officer or is nominated to one of the said positions.
INVOLVEMENT IN CERTAIN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material events that have occurred in the last five years that would affect the evaluation of the ability or integrity of any director, person nominated to become a director, executive officer, promoter or control person of the Company.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that the executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the equity securities of reporting companies, file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms we received, we believe that during the year ended December 31, 2013 all such filing requirements applicable to our Company were complied with on a timely basis, except for the following filings:
Name | | Number of Late Reports | | | Transactions Not Timely Reported | | | Known Failures to File a Required Form | |
Daniel Yuranyi | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
J. Graham Simmond | | | 4 | | | | 4 | | | | 4 | |
Ashish Kapoor | | | 3 | | | | 3 | | | | 3 | |
Ernest “Ernie” Eves | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
Henry J. Kloepper | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
Carrie J. Weiler | | | 2 | | | | 2 | | | | 2 | |
CODE OF ETHICS
The Company has adopted a corporate Code of Ethics that is applicable to our officers, directors and employees. The Code of Ethics requires that our officers, directors and employees avoid conflicts of interest, comply with all laws and other legal requirements, conduct business in an honest and ethical manner, act in the Company’s best interest, provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in public reports, ensure prompt internal reporting of code violations, and provide accountability for adherence to the code. The Code of Ethics is filed as Exhibit 99.2 in this Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
To the knowledge of the Company, there have been no reported violations of the Code of Ethics. In the event of any future amendments to, or waivers from, the provisions of the Code of Ethics, the Company intends to describe on its Internet website, within four business days following the date of a waiver or a substantive amendment, the date of the waiver or amendment, the nature of the amendment or waiver, and the name of the person to whom the waiver was granted.
NOMINATIONS OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors does not have a separate Nominating Committee, and such functions are addressed by the entire Board. There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Board.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee's role is to act on behalf of the Board of Directors and oversee all material aspects of the Company's reporting, control, and audit functions, except those specifically related to the responsibilities of another standing committee of the Board. The Audit Committee's role includes a particular focus on the qualitative aspects of financial reporting to shareholders and on Company processes for the management of business/financial risk and for compliance with significant applicable legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements.
In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for: (1) selection and oversight of our independent accountant; (2) establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal controls and auditing matters; (3) establishing procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding accounting and auditing matters; (4) establishing internal financial controls; (5) engaging outside advisors; and, (6) funding for the outside auditor and any outside advisors engagement by the Audit Committee.
The role also includes coordination with other Board committees and maintenance of strong, positive working relationships with management, external and internal auditors, counsel, and other committee advisors.
The Audit Committee is composed of Henry J. Kloepper, Ernest “Ernie” Eves and Stanley D. Robinson. Henry J. Kloepper serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee and lead independent financial expert as defined under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The Audit Committee adopted a charter on January 15, 2014 which is filed as Exhibit 99.1 in this Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Board of Directors does not have a separate Compensation Committee, and such functions are addressed by the entire Board. Although there is no formal committee in place, Henry J. Kloepper serves as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee.
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
The Board of Directors does not have a separate Governance Committee, and such functions are addressed by the entire Board. Although there is no formal committee in place, Henry J. Kloepper serves as the Chairman of the Governance Committee.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth information concerning the annual and long-term compensation awarded to, earned by, payable/paid to Ernest “Ernie” Eves the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Henry J. Kloepper the Company’s Lead Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit, Compensation and Governance Committees, J. Graham Simmonds the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Director, Daniel Yuranyi the Company’s President, Chief Operating Officer and Director, Stanley D. Robinson the Company’s Director, Ashish Kapoor the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Carrie J. Weiler the Company’s Corporate Secretary, for all services rendered in all capacities to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The table also sets forth information concerning the annual and long-term compensation awarded to, eared by, payable/paid to Georges Benarroch the Company’s former President/Director, Linda Kent the Company’s former Corporate Secretary Treasurer, Daniel Barrette the Company’s former Chief Operating Officer, for all services rendered in all capacities to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Name/Title | | Year | | Salary $(1) | | | Bonus $(1) | | | Other Annual Compensation $(1) | | | Restricted Option Stocks/ Payouts Awarded # | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ernest “Ernie” Eves(2) | | 2013 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Chairman of the Board of Directors | | 2012 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Henry J. Kloepper(2) | | 2013 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Lead Independent Director and Chairman | | 2012 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
of the Audit, Compensation and | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Governance Committees | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
J. Graham Simmonds(2) (3) | | 2013 | | $ | 120,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Director and Chief Executive Officer | | 2012 | | $ | 80,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Daniel Yuranyi(2) | | 2013 | | $ | 120,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Director, President and Chief Operating Officer | | 2012 | | $ | 80,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stanley D. Robinson(2) | | 2013 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Director | | 2012 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ashish Kapoor(2) (3) | | 2013 | | $ | 120,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Chief Financial Officer | | 2012 | | $ | 40,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Carrie J. Weiler(2) | | 2013 | | $ | 30,000 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Corporate Secretary | | 2012 | | $ | 12,500 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Georges Benarroch(4) | | 2013 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Prior Director, CEO and President | | 2012 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Daniel Barrette(4) | | 2013 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Prior Director and COO | | 2012 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Linda Kent(4) | | 2013 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Prior Director, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer | | 2012 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
(1) | All figures in the table above are denominated in Canadian Dollars. The Company’s Canadian subsidiary maintains its books and records in Canadian Dollars. The Company’s financial statements are converted to U.S. Dollars (the reporting currency) for consolidation purposes. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the exchange rate used to translate amounts in Canadian Dollars to U.S. Dollars was $0.9710 (December 31, 2012: $1.0008). |
(2) | As of the date of this Report, other than the SimKap Agreement (as defined below), the Company has not entered into employment agreements with any of the Company’s officers and directors. However, the Company and each of Messrs. Yuranyi and, Simmonds and Mr. Kapoor has agreed that, as remuneration for their respective services, each of Messrs. Yuranyi and, Simmonds and Mr. Kapoor would each be paid $10,000 Canadian Dollars per month, and that such compensation would be accrued monthly and payable at such times as determined by the Company. The Company and Carrie J. Weiler have agreed that the Company shall accrue consideration at a rate of $2,500 Canadian Dollars per month, such consideration payable at such times as determined by the Company. |
(3) | Commencing on April 1, 2013, compensation with respect to the services of Mr. Simmonds and Mr. Kapoor in their respective roles with the Company were paid by the Company to SimKap in accordance with the terms of the SimKap Agreement in lieu of payments to Mr. Simmonds and Mr. Kapoor. |
(4) | In conjunction with the Merger, Georges Bennarroch (former President and Director), Daniel Barrette (former Chief Operating Officer and Director) and Linda Kent (former Corporate Secretary and Director) each tendered their resignations as Directors and Officers of Gilla, effective as of November 15, 2012. |
OPTIONS/SAR GRANTS TABLE
There were no options granted to employees and no grants to key employees in fiscal years 2013 and 2012.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
There are no agreements with respect to the election and compensation of directors. The Board of Directors appoints officers annually and each executive officer serves at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
The Company does not currently maintain insurance for the benefit of the directors and officers of the Company against liabilities incurred by them in their capacity as directors or officers of the Company. Furthermore, the Company does not maintain a pension plan for its employees, officers or directors.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
As of the date of this Report, other than the SimKap Agreement (as defined below), the Company has not entered into employment agreements with any of the Company’s officers and directors. However, the Company and each of Messrs. Yuranyi and, Simmonds and Mr. Kapoor has agreed that, as remuneration for their respective services, each of Messrs. Yuranyi and, Simmonds and Mr. Kapoor would each be paid $10,000 Canadian Dollars per month, and that such compensation would be accrued monthly and payable at such times as determined by the Company. The Company and Carrie J. Weiler have agreed that the Company shall accrue consideration at a rate of $2,500 Canadian Dollars per month, such consideration payable at such times as determined by the Company.
The services of Mr. Simmonds, as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Kapoor, as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, are provided to the Company in accordance with the terms of a consulting agreement (the “SimKap Agreement”) effective as of April 1, 2013, between the Company and SimKap Advisory Corp. (“SimKap”), a company controlled by Mr. Simmonds and Mr. Kapoor. Under the SimKap Agreement, the Company agreed to pay SimKap fees with respect to various professional services to be provided to it under the Agreement, including monthly fees in respect of the management services of Mr. Simmonds and Mr. Kapoor in the amount of $10,000 Canadian Dollars per executive. The SimKap Agreement may be terminated by either party by notice in writing to the other party given not less than 90 days prior to the effective date of termination. In addition, under the terms of the SimKap Agreement, SimKap agreed not to compete with the Company for a period of 12 months from the date of termination of the Agreement.
REPORT ON REPRICING OF OPTIONS/SARS
None.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
A) SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The table below sets forth the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock, as of April 7, 2014, by:
● all of our directors and executive officers, individually,● all of our directors and executive officers, as a group, and
● all persons who beneficially owned more than 5% of our outstanding Common Stock.
The following persons (including any group as defined in Regulation S-K, Section 228.403) are known to the Company, as the issuer, to be beneficial owner of more than five percent (5%) of any class of the said issuers voting securities.
To our knowledge, none of the shares listed below are held under a voting trust or similar agreement. To our knowledge, there are no pending arrangements, including any pledges by any person of securities of the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company.
Name of Beneficial Owner | | Number of Common Shares | | | Percentage Owned | |
Daniel Yuranyi | | | 7,500,000 | | | | 10.98 | % |
J. Graham Simmonds | | | 4,033,571 | (5) | | | 5.90 | % |
Ashish Kapoor | | | 3,300,000 | (6) | | | 4.83 | % |
Ernest “Ernie” Eves | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1.46 | % |
Carrie J. Weiler | | | 200,000 | | | | 0.29 | % |
Henry J. Kloepper | | | 100,000 | (7) | | | 0.15 | % |
Stanley D. Robinson | | | 60,000 | | | | 0.09 | % |
Directors and Executive Officers as a group | | | 16,193,571 | | | | 23.70 | % |