UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB/A
(Amendment No. 1)
(Mark One)
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended – March 31, 2005
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 0-23897
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
| | |
Florida | | 59-3462501 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
2515 E Hanna Ave., Tampa, Florida 33610
(Address of principal executive offices)
(813) 238-5010
(Issuer’s telephone number)
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of November 7, 2005: 598,046,693 shares $ .0001 par value common stock.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one) Yes ¨ No x
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-QSB/A (this “Form 10-QSB/A”) amends our Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the first quarter ended March 31, 2005, as initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 16, 2005, and is being filed to reflect the restatement of our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2005 and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2005, as discussed in Note 16 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
All of the changes in these restated financial statements and corresponding notes to the financial statements relate specifically to the accounting treatment given to the beneficial conversion feature associated with the Laurus Master Funds, Ltd., credit facility convertible debt and the fair value of the options and warrants provided within that financing instrument.
The Company’s debt arrangements with the Laurus Master Funds, Ltd. include a beneficial conversion feature. In the initial filing on form 10QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Company expensed the entire amount of the computed fair value of the beneficial conversion feature allocable to the convertible debt, and options and warrants.
The Company has now determined that this treatment was incorrect. Pursuant to EITF 98-5 Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios and EITF 00-27 application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments, the Company has determined that the proceeds allocated based on the relative fair values of the convertible debt instruments, options and warrants, should be treated differently than in the original filing. The effect in the financial statements included with this amendment is to reduce the amount expensed in the original filing for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 by $3,345,336, as that amount allocable to the beneficial conversion feature. This amount is than accounted for as a discount against the debt and amortized over the life of the debt which is three years.
We are restating the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2005, and the condensed consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders equity for the three months then ended to make the following changes:
| • | | the recording on the balance sheet of a “Discount on secured notes payable” in the amount of $3,345,336 allocated between the current and long term portions of the corresponding debt; |
| • | | a reduction in the amount expensed for the quarter relative to the beneficial conversion features of the debt by $3,345,336, decreasing the net loss for the quarter to $1,208,301.; and |
| • | | decrease the loss per common share to $(.003) per share from $(.01) per share basic and diluted, for the three months ended March 31, 2005 |
Except for the foregoing amended information required to reflect the effects of the restated condensed consolidated balance sheet, statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders’ equity, this Form 10-QSB/A continues to describe conditions as presented in the original report on Form 10-QSB filed on May 16, 2005. This Form 10-QSB/A does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the Form 10-QSB on May 16, 2005 or modify or update these disclosures, including exhibits on the Form 10-QSB affected by subsequent events. Information not affected by the restatement is unchanged and reflects the disclosures made at the time of the original filing of the Form 10-QSB on May 16, 2005.
Accordingly, this Form 10-QSB/A should be read in conjunction with our filings made with the SEC subsequent to the filing of the original Form 10-QSB, including any amendments to those filings.
FORM 10-QSB
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2005 (Unaudited) (Restated)
| | | December 31, 2004
| |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | | | |
Cash | | $ | 6,639,765 | | | $ | 1,482,383 | |
Accounts receivable – net | | | 5,700,077 | | | | 8,511,692 | |
Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts | | | 1,236,719 | | | | 986,269 | |
Inventory | | | 1,391,827 | | | | 1,400,635 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 223,519 | | | | 75,034 | |
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Total current assets | | | 15,191,907 | | | | 12,456,013 | |
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Property and equipment, net | | | 4,107,426 | | | | 4,340,490 | |
Investments – at cost | | | 300,000 | | | | | |
Intangible assets | | | 15,323,152 | | | | 15,323,152 | |
Loan costs and discounts | | | 390,290 | | | | | |
Other assets | | | 276,897 | | | | 571,603 | |
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| | $ | 35,589,672 | | | $ | 32,691,258 | |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Current maturities of long term debt | | $ | 71,786 | | | $ | 151,898 | |
Secured revolving note payable | | | 2,600,000 | | | | | |
Secured convertible term note payable | | | 600,000 | | | | | |
Discount on secured notes payable – net | | | (1,617,927 | ) | | | | |
Liabilities subject to compromise | | | | | | | 500,000 | |
Liabilities not subject to compromise | | | | | | | 1,850,000 | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | | 4,804,583 | | | | 6,111,140 | |
Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts | | | 1,742,696 | | | | 1,047,565 | |
Current maturities of notes payable, related parties | | | | | | | 715,122 | |
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Total current liabilities | | | 8,201,138 | | | | 10,375,725 | |
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Secured revolving note payable, non current | | | 1,000,000 | | | | | |
Secured convertible term note payable, non current | | | 2,400,000 | | | | | |
Discount on secured notes payable – net | | | (1,727,409 | ) | | | | |
Liabilities subject to compromise – non current | | | 3,393,359 | | | | 3,394,208 | |
Liabilities not subject to compromise – non current | | | | | | | 4,199,866 | |
Other liabilities | | | 959,400 | | | | 1,081,802 | |
Notes payable, related parties, less current maturities | | | | | | | 6,697,519 | |
Long term debt, less current maturities | | | | | | | 120,785 | |
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|
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Total liabilities | | | 14,226,488 | | | | 25,869,905 | |
Majority interest | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 1,254,025 | |
Commitments and contingencies | | | — | | | | — | |
Stockholders’ equity: | | | | | | | | |
Common stock, par value $.0001, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 491,413,360 shares and 301,770,150 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 | | | 49,141 | | | | 30,177 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 72,580,376 | | | | 56,795,183 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (51,198,273 | ) | | | (49,989,972 | ) |
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| | | 21,431,244 | | | | (6,835,388 | ) |
Less treasury stock (1,950,000 shares at cost) | | | (1,268,060 | ) | | | (1,268,060 | ) |
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Total stockholders’ equity: | | | 20,163,184 | | | | 5,567,328 | |
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| | $ | 35,589,672 | | | $ | 32,691,258 | |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005 AND 2004
(UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31,
| |
| | 2005 (Restated)
| | | 2004
| |
Revenue | | $ | 8,168,099 | | | $ | 15,000 | |
Cost of sales | | | 6,247,451 | | | | | |
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| |
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Gross profit | | | 1,920,648 | | | | 15,000 | |
| | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 1,203,087 | | | | 137,915 | |
Research and development expenses | | | 193,327 | | | | 1,908,547 | |
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Income (loss) from operations before reorganization item, income taxes and majority interest | | | 524,234 | | | | (2,031,462 | ) |
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Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | |
Gain on extinguishment of debt, bankruptcy | | | 2,178,568 | | | | | |
Loss on disposal of assets | | | (3,031 | ) | | | | |
Miscellaneous income | | | 33,294 | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | (79,430 | ) | | | (51,399 | ) |
Interest expense – write off and amortization of debt discount | | | (3,254,664 | ) | | | | |
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Income (loss) before reorganization item, income taxes and majority interest | | | ( 601,029 | ) | | | (2,082,861 | ) |
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Reorganization item, professional fees related to bankruptcy and pursuit of claims | | | (323,661 | ) | | | | |
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Loss before income taxes and majority interest | | | (924,690 | ) | | | (2,082,861 | ) |
| | |
Income tax benefit | | | — | | | | — | |
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Loss before majority interest | | | (924,690 | ) | | | (2,082,861 | ) |
Majority interest | | | (145,975 | ) | | | — | |
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Loss from continuing operations | | | (1,070,665 | ) | | | (2,082,861 | ) |
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Loss on disposal of discontinued operations | | | (137,636 | ) | | | | |
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Net Loss | | $ | (1,208,301 | ) | | $ | (2,082,861 | ) |
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Net Loss per common share | | $ | (.003 | ) | | $ | (.01 | ) |
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Weighted average shares outstanding | | | 379,734,581 | | | | 227,479,823 | |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005 AND 2004
(UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2005 (Restated)
| | | 2004
| |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | (1,208,301 | ) | | $ | (2,082,861 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Expenses funded through stock issuance | | | | | | | 1,800,000 | |
Write off and amortization of debt discount | | | 3,254,664 | | | | | |
Depreciation | | | 77,342 | | | | 2,245 | |
Gain on cancellation of debt | | | (2,178,568 | ) | | | | |
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations | | | 137,636 | | | | | |
Loss on disposal of assets | | | 18,086 | | | | | |
Increase (decrease) in cash due to changes in: | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | 2,716,194 | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | (736,005 | ) | | | 862,591 | |
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Net cash flows from operating activities | | | 2,081,048 | | | | 581,975 | |
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Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Acquisition of property and equipment | | | | | | | (1,635,000 | ) |
Purchase of marketable securities | | | (300,000 | ) | | | | |
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Net cash flows from investing activities | | | (300,000 | ) | | | (1,635,000 | ) |
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Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from note payable, related party | | | 1,791,516 | | | | 1,049,496 | |
Repayment of long-term debt | | | (2,896,077 | ) | | | | |
Proceeds from Laurus credit facility | | | 4,480,895 | | | | | |
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Net cash flows from financing activities | | | 3,376,334 | | | | 1,049,496 | |
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Increase (decrease) in cash | | | 5,157,382 | | | | (3,529 | ) |
Cash, beginning of period | | | 1,482,383 | | | | 3,529 | |
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Cash, end of period | | $ | 6,639,765 | | | $ | — | |
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Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing and investing activities:
During 2005, the Company:
| • | | Converted $9,204,157 of related party debt to 189,643,210 shares of common stock |
| • | | Loan costs of $390,290 funded through proceeds of Laurus credit facility |
| • | | Retired secured creditor in the amount of $1,676,967 through proceeds of Laurus credit facility |
| • | | Reduced accounts payable in the amount of $51,848 through proceeds of Laurus credit facility |
During 2004, the Company:
| • | | Converted $3,934,010 of related party debt to 49,175,125 shares of common stock |
| • | | Converted $1,400,000 of related party debt to 10,000,001 shares of common stock |
| • | | Issued 15,000,000 shares of common stock in acquisition of the remaining 30% interest in a joint venture, the principal asset of which consisted of approximately $1,800,000 of in progress research and development, which is required to be expensed immediately. |
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
| • | | Issued 40,000,000 shares of common stock in exchange for the stock of Electric Machinery Enterprises, Inc. having net assets as follows: |
| | | | |
Cash | | $ | 3,174,317 | |
Accounts receivable and other assets | | | 11,460,476 | |
Property and equipment | | | 2,023,364 | |
Other assets | | | 390,289 | |
Value of goodwill associated with acquisition | | | 15,323,152 | |
Accounts payable and other current liabilities | | | (6,540,682 | ) |
Related party borrowings | | | (4,199,926 | ) |
Liabilities subject to compromise | | | (14,540,195 | ) |
Majority interest in Cayman joint venture | | | (823,795 | ) |
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Value of common stock issued | | $ | 6,267,000 | |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (RESTATED)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Common Stock
| | Additional Paid-in Capital
| | Accumulated Deficit
| | | Treasury Stock
| | | Total
| |
| | Shares
| | Amount
| | | | |
Balances, December 31, 2004 | | 301,770,150 | | $ | 30,177 | | $ | 56,795,183 | | $ | (49,989,972 | ) | | $ | (1,268,060 | ) | | $ | 5,567,328 | |
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Conversion of notes payable, related party to stock | | 189,643,210 | | | 18,964 | | | 9,185,193 | | | — | | | | — | | | | 9,204,157 | |
Options and warrants issued in connection with debt | | | | | | | | 3,254,664 | | | | | | | | | | | 3,254,664 | |
Beneficial conversion feature associated with debt | | | | | | | | 3,345,336 | | | | | | | | | | | 3,345,336 | |
Net loss | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,208,301 | ) | | | — | | | | (1,208,301 | ) |
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Balances March 31, 2005 (unaudited) | | 491,413,360 | | $ | 49,141 | | $ | 72,580,376 | | $ | (51,198,273 | ) | | $ | (1,268,060 | ) | | $ | 20,163,184 | |
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See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
1. | Nature of business, basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies: |
Nature of business:
EarthFirst Technologies, Incorporated, a Florida Corporation formed in 1997, is a specialized holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in researching, developing and commercializing technologies for the production of alternative fuel sources and the destruction and/or remediation of liquid and solid waste, and in supplying electrical contracting services internationally.
The Company’s solid waste division, operated through World Environmental Solutions Company, Inc. (WESCO), a wholly owned subsidiary, remained focused on the demonstration and marketing of its first “Solid Waste Remediation Plant” in Mobile, Alabama. This unit is known as the “Catalytic Activated Vacuum Distillation Process (“CAVD”) Reactor”. This plant processes rubber tires extracting carbon and other raw materials for resale. This process efficiently disposes of the tires in an environmentally friendly way that allows raw materials from those waste products to be recycled and reused.
The Company anticipates providing additional CAVD plants to customers in various industries. The Company will bring proven technology in replicating its production plants and distribution network for the disposal of the by-products produced in the process.
The Company has developed technologies for the treatment of liquid waste products. The technology involves the use of high temperature plasma through which the liquid waste products are passed. The harmful properties contained in the liquid waste products are broken down at the molecular level as they pass through the plasma and a clean burning gas is produced.
Through its Electric Machinery Enterprises, Inc. subsidiary (EME), the Company performs services as an electrical contractor and subcontractor in the construction of commercial and municipal projects primarily located in Florida and the Caribbean.
Basis of presentation:
The interim financial statements of EarthFirst Technologies, Incorporated and its subsidiaries (“EarthFirst” or the “Company”) that are included herein are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-QSB. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, although we believe the disclosures which have been made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, these interim financial statements include all the necessary adjustments to fairly present the results of the periods presented. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year then ended. The interim results reflected in the accompanying financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for any other interim period or for a full fiscal year.
6
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
Variable Interest Entity:
During 2004, the Company entered into a joint venture to operate Peleme, Ltd. (an EME affiliated Cayman company) to perform work in the Cayman Islands. The Shareholder Agreement provides for EME’s 40% ownership interest; however, it entitles EME to 70% of the net profit of this project and EME is responsible for 100% of the financial support pursuant to the agreement. In accordance with SFAS Interpretation no. 46R, the Company has accounted for this investment as a variable interest entity and the accompanying financial statements include the assets and liabilities of Peleme and the majority interest in this entity. Accordingly, the joint venture financial statements have been combined with those of the Company.
Principles of Consolidation:
The financial statements include the consolidated accounts of EarthFirst Technologies Incorporated and all of its subsidiaries (including the variable interest entity discussed above) (collectively, the “Company”). All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company maintains its financial instruments in a variety of high-credit quality financial institutions. The cash balance includes no cash equivalents at March 31, 2005.
Accounts Receivable and Customer Concentrations:
Accounts receivable are customer obligations due under normal trade terms. Retainage on construction contracts, which aggregate $712,203 and are included in accounts receivable, are contractual obligations of the customer that are withheld from progress billings until project completion. The Company performs continuing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and does not require collateral.
Senior management reviews receivables on a monthly basis to determine if any amounts may become uncollectible. Any contract receivable balances that are determined to be uncollectible, along with a general reserve, are included in the allowance for doubtful accounts. After all reasonable attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance. Based on the information available, the Company believes the allowance for doubtful accounts of $200,000 is adequate as of March 31, 2005.
Accounts receivables from one customer accounted for 27% of the Company’s trade accounts receivable balance at March 31, 2005. In addition, revenues from this one customer represented approximately 73% of all offshore sales and approximately 45% of total sales in 2005. This Construction contract is performed in the Cayman Islands.
7
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
Inventory:
Inventory, which consists primarily of electrical and construction supplies, is stated at the lower of cost of market, determined by the first-in, first-out method. The Company takes a complete physical inventory at year end.
Property and equipment:
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 5-7 years for machinery, computer equipment, office equipment and furniture. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the lease or the useful life of the asset. Depreciation relating to the CAVD Reactor will commence when the reactor begins revenue generating operations.
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets:
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”), and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS No. 144”), the Company reviews its non-amortizable long-lived assets, including intangible assets and goodwill for impairment annually, or sooner whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amounts of such assets may not be recoverable. Other depreciable or amortizable assets are reviewed when indications of impairment exist. Upon such an occurrence, recoverability of these assets is determined as follows. For long-lived assets that are held for use, the Company compares the forecasted undiscounted net cash flows to the carrying amount. If the long-lived asset is determined to be unable to recover the carrying amount, than it is written down to fair value. For long-lived assets held for sale, assets are written down to fair value. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows, appraised values or management’s estimates, depending upon the nature or the assets. Intangibles with indefinite lives are tested by comparing their carrying amounts to fair value. Impairment within goodwill is tested using a two step method. The first step is to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its book value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the unit is less than its book value, the Company than determines the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of the reporting unit’s net assets from the fair value of the reporting unit. If the book value of goodwill is greater than its implied fair value, the Company writes down goodwill to its implied fair value. The Company’s goodwill relates to the acquisition of Electric Machinery Enterprises, Inc.
Income taxes:
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the financial statement and federal income tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable income or deductible amounts in the future, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized
8
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
Revenue recognition:
Revenues recognized from solid waste transactions during 2004 are the result of contracted monthly minimum draws against sales commissions on the products of a polymer manufacturing company, and the receipt of license fees granting the exclusive option to purchase total rights to the CAVD technology for use in certain geographical areas. License revenue is recognized upon receipt as there are no future obligations associated with such revenue. There are no revenues recognized from solid waste transactions during the quarter ended March 31, 2005.
The Company uses the percentage-of-completion method of accounting for contract revenue from electrical contracts where percentage of completion is computed on the cost to total cost method. Under this method, contract revenue is recorded based upon the percentage of total contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs, after giving effect to the most recent estimates of costs to complete. Revisions in costs and revenue estimates are reflected in the period in which the revisions are determined. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined without regard to the percentage-of-completion. Because of the inherent uncertainties in estimating costs, it is possible that the estimates used will change.
Contract Claims
As of March 31, 2005 the Company has certain contracts and claims in various stages of negotiation, arbitration and litigation in the approximate amount of $9,000,000. The Company is attempting to resolve these matters, and expects to be successful in recovering these amounts. However, as in all matters in litigation, the outcome is not certain and amounts recovered, if any, could be materially different than expected. These amounts, which are not carried as assets on the balance sheet, will be recorded as revenue when such claims are settled.
Fair value of financial instruments:
At March 31, 2005, the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and notes payable approximate fair value based either on the short term nature of the instruments or on the related interest rate approximating the current market rate.
In February of 2005, the Company purchased 7,500,000 shares of Hybrid Fuel Systems, Inc. common stock for $300,000. Thus far during calendar 2005, Hybrid Fuel’s shares have been trading at prices ranging from 40 to 90 cents per share. This investment is carried on the balance sheet at cost.
9
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
Use of estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Net income (loss) per share:
The basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.
Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus potential dilutive securities (common stock options and warrants).
For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, potential dilutive securities had an anti-dilutive effect and were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per common share.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs.” The statement amends Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 43, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material. ARB No. 43 previously stated that these costs must be “so abnormal as to require treatment as current-period charges. “SFAS No. 151 requires that those items are recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this statement requires that allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion are based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The statement is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005, with earlier application permitted for fiscal years beginning after the issue date of the statement. The adoption of SFAS No. 151 is not expected to have any significant impact on the Company’s current financial condition or results of operations.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets—An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29.” APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting For Nonmonetary Transactions,” is based on the opinion that exchanges of nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. SFAS No. 153 amends Opinion No. 29 to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception of nonmonetary assets whose results are not expected to significantly change the future cash flows of the entity. The adoption of SFAS No. 153 is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s current financial condition or results of operations.
In December 2004, the FASB revised its SFAS No. 123 (“SFAS No. 123R”), “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation.” The revision establishes standards for the accounting of transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, particularly transaction in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment
10
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
transactions. The revised statement requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received to exchange for an award to equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost is recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The provisions of the revised statement are effective for financial statements issued for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2005, with early adoption encouraged. The Company accounts for options issued to employees under APB 25; however currently has no unvested options outstanding. Adoption of this standard in 2005 will result in recognition of stock-based compensation determined using the fair value method for options issued in the future.
On March 30, 2005, EarthFirst Technologies, Incorporated (the “Company”) entered into agreements with Laurus Master Funds, Ltd, a Cayman Islands corporation (“Laurus”), pursuant to which the Company sold convertible debt, an option and a warrant to purchase common stock of the Company to Laurus in a private offering pursuant to exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The securities being sold to Laurus include the following:
| • | | a secured convertible minimum borrowing note and a secured revolving note with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $5,000,000; |
| • | | a secured convertible term note with a principal amount of $3,000,000; |
| • | | a common stock purchase warrant to purchase 11,162,790 shares of common stock of the Company, at a purchase price of $0.23 for the first 5,581,395 shares and $0.28 for any additional shares, exercisable for a period of seven years; and |
| • | | an option to purchase 24,570,668 shares of common stock of the Company, at a purchase price equal to $0.01 per share, exercisable for a period of six years |
At the closing of the foregoing financing from Laurus, on March 31, 2005, the Company received $3,000,000 in connection with the convertible term note. In addition, the Company is permitted to borrow an amount based upon its eligible accounts receivable and inventory, pursuant to the convertible minimum borrowing note and the revolving note. Accordingly at the closing, the Company received an additional $3,600,000 for an aggregate of $6,600,000 in financing from Laurus.
The Company must pay certain fees in the event the facility is terminated prior to expiration. The Company’s obligations under the notes are secured by all of the assets of the Company, including but not limited to inventory, accounts receivable and a pledge of the stock of Electric Machinery Enterprises, Inc., EarthFirst Resources, Inc., World Environmental Solutions Company, Inc., EarthFirst Investments, Inc., EM Enterprise Resources, Inc. and EME Modular Structures, Inc., the active subsidiaries of the Company. The notes mature on March 30, 2008. Annual interest on the convertible minimum borrowing note and the revolving note is equal to the “prime rate” published in The Wall Street Journal from time to time, plus 2.0%, provided, that, such annual rate of interest may not be less than 7.0%, subject to certain downward adjustments resulting from certain increases in the market price of the Company’s common stock. Annual interest on the convertible term note is equal to the “prime rate” published in The Wall Street Journal from time to time, plus 2.5%, subject to certain downward adjustments resulting from certain increases in the market price of the Company’s common stock.
11
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
The principal amount of the secured convertible term note is repayable at the rate of $100,000 per month together with accrued but unpaid interest, commencing on October 1, 2005. Such amounts may be paid, at the holder’s option (i) in cash with a 2% premium; or (ii) in shares of common stock, assuming the shares of common stock are registered under the Securities Act of 1933. If paid in shares of common stock the number of shares to be issued shall equal the total amount due, divided by $0.19. If the average closing price of the common stock for five consecutive trading days prior to an amortization date is equal to or greater than $.209, the Company may require the holder to convert into common stock an amount of principal, accrued interest and fees due under the term note equal to a maximum of 25% of the aggregate dollar trading volume of the common stock for the 22 consecutive trading days prior to a notice of conversion. The Company in cash may redeem the term note by paying the holder 125% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest during the first year of the note, 115% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest during the second year of the note and 110% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest thereafter. The holder of the term note may require the Company to convert all or a portion of the term note, together with interest and fees thereon at any time. The number of shares to be issued shall equal the total amount to be converted, divided by $0.19.
The principal amount of the secured convertible minimum borrowing note, together with accrued interest thereon is payable on April 1, 2008. The secured convertible minimum borrowing note may be redeemed by the Company in cash by paying the holder 103% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest during the first year of the note, 102% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest during the second year of the note and 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest thereafter. The holder of the term note may require the Company to convert all or a portion of the term note, together with interest and fees thereon at any time. The number of shares to be issued shall equal the total amount to be converted, divided by $0.19.
Upon an issuance of new shares of common stock below the fixed conversion price, the fixed conversion price of the notes will be reduced accordingly. The conversion price of the secured convertible notes may be adjusted in certain circumstances such as if we pay a stock dividend, subdivide or combine outstanding shares of common stock into a greater or lesser number of shares, or take such other actions as would otherwise result in dilution.
120% of the full principal amount of the convertible notes are due upon default under the terms of convertible notes. Laurus has contractually agreed to restrict its ability to convert the convertible notes would exceed the difference between the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by the holder or issuable upon exercise of the warrant and the option held by such holder and 4.99% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company.
The Company is obligated to file a registration statement registering the resale of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon conversion of the convertible notes, exercise of the warrant and exercise of the option. If the registration statement is not filed by May 30, 2005, or
12
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
declared effective within 60 days thereafter, or if the registration is suspended other than as permitted, in the registration rights agreement between the Company and Laurus, the Company is obligated to pay Laurus certain fees and the obligations may be deemed to be in default.
The Company paid a fee at closing to Laurus Capital Management LLC, the manager of the Laurus Master Funds, Ltd., equal to 3.6% of the total maximum funds to be borrowed under the Company’s agreements with Laurus.
The Company’s debt arrangements with Laurus include beneficial conversion features. Pursuant to EITF 98-5 Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios and EITF 00-27 Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments, the Company determined that the effective conversion price should be used to compute intrinsic value and allocated the proceeds based on the relative fair values of the convertible debt instruments, options and warrants. The 98-5 model was then applied to the amount allocated to the convertible debt and an effective conversion price was calculated and used to measure the intrinsic value of the embedded conversion options.
The fair value of the total proceeds through March 31, 2005 was allocated as follows:
| | | |
Value of Beneficial Conversion Feature | | $ | 3,345,336 |
Value associated with Options | | | 2,490,823 |
Value associated with Warrants | | | 763,841 |
| |
|
|
| | $ | 6,600,000 |
| |
|
|
The Line of Credit, which is subject to a lock-box arrangement, contains a subjective acceleration clause. Because the instruments are immediately convertible, the value assigned to the beneficial conversion feature is being amortized to interest expense over the three-year life of the debt agreement, using the effective interest method, while the fair values associated with the options and warrants (determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model) has been expensed at issuance. The assumptions used in the fair value calculation were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Options
| | | Warrants
| |
Stock price | | $ | .21 | | | $ | .21 | |
Exercise price | | $ | .01 | | | $ | .28 | |
Term | | | 6 years | | | | 6 years | |
Volatility | | | 74.4 | % | | | 74.4 | % |
Dividend rate | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % |
Risk free interest rate | | | 2 | % | | | 2 | % |
The effective interest rate of the convertible debt from the Laurus Credit Facility amounts to 129.9%, assuming that the notes are held to maturity. The effective interest rate results from the amortization of discounts to the face value of the convertible debt, amortization of debt issue costs and the contractual interest rate over the term of the notes are as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | Amount
| | Percent
| |
Discounts to face value: | | | | | | |
Beneficial conversion feature | | $ | 3,345,336 | | 50.69 | % |
Allocation to options | | | 2,490,823 | | 37.74 | % |
Allocation to warrants | | | 763,841 | | 11.57 | % |
| |
|
| |
|
|
| | | 6,600,000 | | 100.0 | % |
Other interest expense: | | | | | | |
Amortization of debt costs | | | 390,290 | | 5.9 | % |
Contractual interest rate | | | 1,584,000 | | 24.0 | % |
| |
|
| |
|
|
| | $ | 8,574,290 | | 129.9 | % |
| |
|
| |
|
|
3. | Satisfaction of all Secured Debt |
On March 31, 2005, with the closing of the Laurus Credit Facility, the Company was able to take advantage of discounts available through the approved reorganization plan for its wholly owned subsidiary, EME., and completely satisfy all remaining obligations associated with the secured debt, resulting in a gain on extinguishment of debt in the amount of $2,178,568.
On March 23, 2005, the Company closed on the sale of EM Enterprises General Contractors, Inc., a subsidiary of EME for $900,000. Pursuant to the “EMEGC Stock Sale Agreement, the transaction has been accounted for with an effective date of January 1, 2005. The proceeds of the sale went to the secured creditor as a part of accomplishing the satisfaction of the secured debt.
Uncompleted contracts are summarized as follows:
| | | | |
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts | | $ | 10,293,454 | |
Estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts | | | 1,420,719 | |
| |
|
|
|
| | | 11,714,173 | |
Less billings to date | | | (12,220,150 | ) |
| |
|
|
|
| | $ | (505,977 | ) |
| |
|
|
|
The components of this amount are included on the balance sheet under the following captions:
| | | | |
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on Uncompleted contracts | | $ | 1,236,719 | |
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts | | | (1,742,696 | ) |
| |
|
|
|
| | $ | (505,977 | ) |
| |
|
|
|
13
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
6. | Property, Plant and Equipment |
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at March 31, 2005:
| | | | |
Land | | $ | 52,244 | |
Buildings | | | 1,267,139 | |
Leasehold improvements | | | 825,429 | |
Equipment | | | 2,080,767 | |
Vehicles | | | 902,705 | |
Furniture, fixtures and other | | | 150,898 | |
| |
|
|
|
| | | 5,279,182 | |
Less accumulated depreciation | | | (3,416,893 | ) |
| |
|
|
|
| | | 1,862,289 | |
Construction in process | | | 2,245,137 | |
| |
|
|
|
| | $ | 4,107,426 | |
| |
|
|
|
Construction in process represents the costs of constructing the Company’s first CAVD reactor in Mobile, Alabama. This reactor is anticipated to be placed in service in the second quarter of 2005.
7. | Notes Payable / Credit Facility |
Notes payable consisted of the following at March 31, 2005:
| | | | |
Promissory note payable to vendor in lieu of payment on administrative claim, no accrued interest; bi monthly payments of $7,500, with final payment of $25,638 by January 1, 2006 | | | 63,138 | |
| |
Installment notes payable to a bank and finance company, with Monthly payments of approximately $1,372 including interest monthly payments of approximately $8,157 including interest, from 5.33% to 15%, secured by equipment | | | 8,648 | |
| |
|
|
|
| | $ | 71,786 | |
Less current maturities | | | (71,786 | ) |
| |
|
|
|
Notes payable – non-current portion | | $ | - 0 - | |
| |
|
|
|
14
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
Credit facilities payable consisted of the following at March 31, 2005:
| | | | |
Secured Revolving Note, Laurus, including a Convertible Minimum Borrowing Note component of $ 1,000,000 secured by all of the assets of the Company, including but not limited to inventory, accounts receivable and a pledge of the stock of all of its subsidiaries, bearing interest at prime plus 2.0% (7.75% at March 31, 2005) | | $ | 3,600,000 | |
| |
Secured Convertible Term Note, Laurus, secured by all of the assets of the Company, including but not limited to inventory, accounts receivable and a pledge of the stock of all of its subsidiaries, due in 30 monthly installments of $100,000 plus interest at prime plus 2.5% (8.25% at March 31, 2005) commencing October 1, 2005 | | | 3,000 000 | |
| |
|
|
|
| | | 6,600,000 | |
Less current maturities | | | (3,200,000 | ) |
| |
|
|
|
Credit facilities payable – non-current | | $ | 3,400,000 | |
| |
|
|
|
Future maturities of notes payable are as follows:
| | | |
Years ending March 31, | | | |
2005 | | $ | 71,786 |
2006 | | | - 0 - |
| |
|
|
| | $ | 71,786 |
| |
|
|
Future maturities of credit facilities payable are as follows:
| | | |
Years ending March 31, | | | |
2005 | | $ | 3,200,000 |
2006 | | | 1,200,000 |
2007 | | | 1,200,000 |
2008 | | | 1,000,000 |
| |
|
|
| | $ | 6.600.000 |
| |
|
|
8. | EME Bankruptcy and Plan of Reorganization Obligations |
On May 29, 2003, (“Petition Date”), Electric Machinery Enterprises, Inc. (the “Debtor”) filed a petition or relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida (“the Bankruptcy Court”). Under Chapter 11, certain claims against the debtor in existence prior to the filing of the petitions for relief under the Bankruptcy Code were stayed while the Debtor continued business operations as Debtor-In-Possession. The remaining balances of these claims as of March 31, 2005, are reflected in the balance sheet as liabilities subject to compromise and accounts payable.
The Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”) filed on behalf of Electric Machinery Enterprises, Inc. was confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court on December 9, 2004. The plan provides for the restructure of debt, and orderly discharge of pre-petition priority and administrative claims. The restructured obligations under the Plan as of March 31, 2005 consisted of the following:
| | | |
Administrative debt | | | |
Costs and legal expenses for the administration of the reorganization case | | $ | 197,989 |
Priority claims pre-petition | | | |
Federal and state priority tax claims | | | 24,874 |
Unsecured debt | | | |
75% of liability from settlement of lawsuit | | | 3,075,000 |
75% of pre-petition accounts payable | | | 318,359 |
| |
|
|
| | $ | 3,616,222 |
| |
|
|
15
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
The Plan of Reorganization Obligations are included in the balance sheet in the following categories:
| | | |
Current liabilities: | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | $ | 222,863 |
Liabilities subject to compromise – non current | | | 3,393,359 |
| |
|
|
| | $ | 3,616,222 |
| |
|
|
The administrative debt and priority claims are to be paid out of normal operations and are anticipated to be paid within the year. The settlement amount of $3,075,000, included in unsecured debt can be paid off for $2,275,000 if paid within one year. The intent of management is to discount this amount further, and pay it off as quickly as possible. The pre-petition accounts payable required a $500,000 payment to the bankruptcy trustee in January 2005, which was made, with the balance paid off as quickly as possible; however there are no specific payment terms beyond this $500,000.
8. | Commitments and Contingencies |
Lease obligations:
The Company leases vehicles under noncancellable operating leases for periods up to four years. In addition, the Company conducts its operations in a facility leased from a related corporation owned by stockholders of Electric Machinery Enterprises, Inc.
The total rent expense for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was approximately $173,762, of which approximately $166,262 was for the facility leased from a related corporation.
Approximate future minimum rentals on noncancellable leases at March 31, 2005 are as follows:
| | | |
Year ending March 31, | | | |
2005 | | $ | 733,226 |
2006 | | | 559,106 |
| |
|
|
| | $ | 1,292,332 |
| |
|
|
16
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
Legal proceedings:
The Company is involved in litigation with Ruggero Maria Santilli (“Santilli”), The Institute for Basic Research, Inc. (“IBR”), and Hadronic Press, Inc. (“Hadronic”) concerning certain aspects of the Company’s liquid waste technologies.
The matters contemplated above will be referred to as the “Santilli Suit” and the “Hadronic Suit”. Hadronic claims to own the intellectual property rights to one or more aspects of the Company’s liquid waste technologies. Management continues to believe that the Company owns all of the intellectual property rights necessary to commercialize and further develop its liquid and solid waste technologies without resorting to a license from any third parties.
During 2004, the Company has attempted to reach agreement with Santilli and his related parties to resolve the differences between the parties. As of this date, the parties are continuing their efforts to resolve their differences.
The litigation described above does not involve the technology the Company is developing in connection with its efforts for the processing of used automotive tires.
The Company is also involved in disputes with vendors for various alleged obligations associated with operations that were discontinued in prior years. Several disputes involve deficiency balances associated with lease obligations for equipment acquired by the Company for its contract manufacturing and BORS Lift operations that were discontinued during calendar 2000. The machinery and equipment associated with many of these obligations has been sold with the proceeds paid to the vendor or the equipment has been returned to the vendor. Several of the equipment leasing entities claim that balances on the leases are still owed.
The Florida Department of Revenue (the “DOR”) has conducted an examination of the Company’s Florida Sales and Use Tax Returns from its inception through June 30, 2001.
The Company has other litigation and disputes that arise in the ordinary course of its business. The Company has accrued amounts for which it believes all of its disputes will ultimately be settled.
The Company adopted a 401(k) savings plan effective January 1, 1997. The Plan covers all employees who are at least 18 years of age with one or more years of service. The Company did not make any discretionary contributions for the three months ended March 31, 2005 or 2004.
10. | Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust |
On December 12, 2004, Electric Machinery Enterprises, Inc. (“EME”) terminated the EME Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “Plan��). All employees who were not fully vested
17
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
became 100% vested as of December 12, 2004. Participants of the Plan are to be distributed stock of EarthFirst Technologies, Inc. that is held in the EME Employee Stock Ownership Trust on their behalf. EME has no obligation for the repurchase of the stock distributed to the participants of the Plan because the shares are publicly traded and as such, there is a market available in which the participants may sell their shares.
11. | Variable Interest Entity |
During 2004, the Company entered into a joint venture to operate Peleme, Ltd. (a Cayman company) to perform work in the Cayman Islands. The Shareholder Agreement provides for EME’s 40% ownership interest; however, it entitles Electric Machinery to 70% of the net profit of this project and EME is responsible for 100% of the financial support pursuant to the agreement.
12. | Related party transactions: |
Material related party transactions that have been entered into by the Company that are not otherwise in these notes are summarized below:
Notes payable, related parties consisted of two notes payable to an entity controlled by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (John Stanton) (also a principal stockholder) pursuant to revolving lines of credit secured by all of the assets of EarthFirst.
On February 23, 2005, the entire remaining balance of amounts due under these notes in the amount of $9,204,157 was converted into 189,643,210 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of March 31, 2005 there are no remaining amounts due to related parties.
The Company leases and rents the real property, building, and all other improvements located at 2515 E Hanna Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33610 from Hanna Properties Corp., a related party affiliated with the President of EME. This property consists of 29,680 sq. ft. of office space, 80,320 sq. ft. of warehouse space and 26,992 sq. ft. of garage and workshop space. Monthly rental including sales tax, but excluding real estate taxes and insurances is $52,133. This lease obligation was assumed pursuant to EME’s reorganization plan for a period of two years, at which time EarthFirst has the option to re-evaluate. This location is the corporate headquarters of EarthFirst Technologies Incorporated and its subsidiaries.
On April 29, 2005, the Company filed schedule 14c preliminary information statement to inform the stockholders of record that the Articles of Incorporation are going to be amended restating the authorized limit of common stock the Company may issue from 500,000,000 to 750,000,000 shares.
On January 26, 2004, the Company finalized a letter of understanding (“LOU”) with World Environmental Solutions Company, LLC (“WESCO”), Harmony, LLC and Turner Industries (“Harmony/Turner”) wherein the Company agreed to form a new LLC (“Holdings”) to
18
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
commercialize certain Solid Waste Technology. Pursuant to the LOU, Holdings agreed to fund $50,000 in engineering costs and provide management and expertise to create an operational plant. The agreement further specifies that Harmony, LLC and Turner Industries (Company whose Chairman is related to the President of the Company) agree to a cost plus construction contract to build the Solid Waste Remediation Plant and to maintain the capability to build four additional plants in the near term with a total of 43 plants projected within a 5 year period.
On January 30, 2004, the Company and WESCO entered into a separate agreement whereby in exchange for 70% of Holdings (bringing the Company’s ownership to 100% of this new joint venture holding company) the Company issued 15,000,000 shares of the Company’s stock in exchange for certain solid waste technology owned by WESCO (“Solid Waste”). This transaction was valued at the common stock trading market value of $0.12 per share on the date of the agreement. Future stock issuances to the principals of WESCO contemplated under the agreement are as follows:
| | |
Upon sale of first 13 reactors | | 5 million common shares |
Upon sale of 13 additional reactors | | 5 million common shares |
On April 29, 2005, the Company filed Schedule 14C, preliminary information statement in connection with certain actions to be taken pursuant to the written consent of the stockholders of the Company holding a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock in lieu of a special meeting.
This information statement was filed for the purpose of amending the articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock to 750,000,000.
15. | Management’s plans regarding liquidity and capital resources: |
The Company has experienced recurring net losses since its inception and, as such, experienced negative operating cash flows through most of 2004. The Company has historically funded these negative operating cash flows with proceeds from sales of common and preferred stock, as well as notes and convertible debentures payable.
In December 2000 and again in January 2003, the Company entered into multiple revolving line of credit promissory notes with entities related to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, secured by all of the assets of the Company. Each revolving note was a demand loan, which meant that the lender could demand full repayment of the loan at any time. The promissory notes related to each revolving line of credit merely provided for a loan up to a stated amount. There was no obligation on the part of the related party to make any loans pursuant to these agreements if the loan balance was less than the stated amount. There was no obligation on the part of the related parties to make any additional loans.
19
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
Historically, the related party lender has periodically agreed to convert portions of the loan balances into shares of the Company’s common stock. During 2004, the related party converted $5,334,010 of these notes into shares of the Company’s common stock.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company owed $6,672,519 pursuant to these agreements. Subsequent to December 31, 2004, additional loans were made under these notes to help secure the outcome of the reorganization of EME. On February 23, 2005 the full balance of notes payable to related parties was converted into 189,643,210 shares of the Company’s common stock.
Since the acquisition of EME in August of 2004, the Company is no longer experiencing negative operating cash flows. Working capital as of March 31, 2005 was approximately $5.3 million and stockholders equity was approximately $16.8 million.
The Company generated a net income in the fourth quarter of 2004 of $1,096,136, and a net operating profit of $524,234 in the first quarter of 2005. Although the statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 reflects a net loss of $4,553,637, cash flows from operations were $2,081,048.
On March 30, 2005, the Company closed an agreement with Laurus Funds on a senior credit facility aggregating up to $8 million. The initial funding under this agreement was $6.6 million. This transaction allowed the Company to take advantage of discounts relative to the settlement of the secured debt in EME’s bankruptcy, as well as provide working capital. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles require the convertible features of this financing and the options and warrants that accompany it to be recorded as a non-cash expense in the current period. The net effect of this accounting is to record a charge to earnings in the amount of $6,600,000.
As a result of the completion of the various undertakings of 2004, the acquisition of WESCO, the completion of the CAVD plant in Mobile, Alabama, the acquisition and reorganization of EME, and the subsequent financing in 2005, the Company does not anticipate any additional loans from the related parties referred to above.
The Company believes that through aggressive management of the resources within the Company and the funding obtained through the Laurus credit facility, the opportunities developed over the past few years are becoming available in a real sense.
Electrical contracting through EME provides a strong revenue stream for funding future growth in all phases of the business. EME has been in business for over 75 years and has historically been profitable. The EarthFirst management team coupled with the years of experience embedded in the operations of EME provides potential for a solid consistent company. Profitability is being improved by the introduction of enhanced technology in the bidding process as well as a timelier monitoring of job progress as work is performed. More efficient data gathering and processing are providing better information through improved internal reporting models, affording management better information for decision making.
20
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
EME has also developed a strategy to enter the residential marketplace as an electrical contractor. It is anticipated that EME may have certain competitive advantages that may allow it to successfully operate profitably in this market. These services are currently being offered on a small scale to prove the economic viability of this endeavor.
The hurricane season of 2004, as unfortunate as it was, is providing a large expanse of work opportunity in the Caribbean islands. EME has a long history of providing services in these geographical areas, and management believes this will be a very strong segment of the Company’s business for several years.
The Company is also evaluating potential target acquisitions with strong synergies in the electrical contracting business. Management wants to bring a higher level of service to customers to not only solidify relationships, but to create a win win scenario of better service at better prices. This will be accomplished through the Company’s ability to assist with the design of the construction projects, rather than just the installation.
These strategies will afford stability to the electrical contracting business that is anticipated to help to expand the efforts in the commercialization of the solid and liquid waste technologies. Several licenses were sold and letters of intent signed during 2004 setting the stage for the CAVD technology during 2005.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, the Company received $100,000 from PEPER Holdings, LLC (PEPER), for a License Contract providing PEPER to secure the exclusive territory of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico for 18 months, and the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico for 6 months. During this period, PEPER intends to initiate construction of Catalytic Activated Vacuum Distillation (CAVD) plants that process rubber tire chips into usable energy products. The period of the exclusivity allows for environmental, political, and financial details to be finalized by PEPER. PEPER will purchase the plants from EFTI and own the plants. EFTI will receive a 15% royalty based on gross profit and a technical support contract for continuing services during the life of the plant. The plants will be built by Harmony, LLC, a Turner Industries company that built the operating plant in Mobile, Alabama
The Company has signed a Letter of Intent with EarthClean Energy (“ECE”) to license territories in Canada and for the sale of a CAVD Reactor. The agreement with ECE is a license for three provinces in Canada: Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. Pursuant to the agreement, a nonrefundable license fee of $1,000,000 US will be paid to EFTI within one year. At the signing of the Formal License Contract, a 10% deposit for the purchase of the first plant will be made with the balance secured by a Letter of Credit. ECE will own 100% of the plants and EFTI will receive royalties for continued services during the contract period.
The Company has signed a Letter of Intent with San Vision Technology, Inc. (“SVT”) to license the territory of Ocean City, New Jersey. At the signing of a contract for their first CAVD Reactor, 10% of the plant sale will be paid to EFTI with the balance secured by a Letter of Credit. SVT will own the CAVD Reactor(s) and EFTI will receive royalties for continued services during the contract period.
21
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
The Letters of Intent with both EarthClean Energy and San Vision Technology are dependant upon completed carbon sales contracts by the Company.
Based upon extensive work with significant companies in the carpet industry, EFTI is confident that the carpet industry will be a large market for the carbon by-product of the CAVD process.
Our technology is gaining acceptance in areas where the sale of the carbon is becoming less important, and the benefit of destroying and / or converting the waste streams into usable by-products without contaminating the environment, is becoming more important.
While management is confident that the above agreements and market opportunities will materialize, there can be no assurances.
16. | Restatement for the three months ended March 31, 2005 |
The accompanying financial statements have been restated to reflect adjustments related to the accounting for beneficial conversion features associated with the convertible debt portion of the Laurus Credit Facility and the fair value of the amount allocable to the options and warrants issued with that debt. The following tabular presentation reflects the effects of the adjustment on amounts reported during the three months ended March 31, 2005.
22
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | BALANCE SHEET March 31, 2005
| |
| | As Originally Reported
| | | Adjustments
| | | As Restated
| |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash | | $ | 6,639,765 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 6,639,765 | |
Accounts receivable - net | | | 5,700,077 | | | | | | | | 5,700,077 | |
Cost and estimated earnings in excess of | | | 1,236,719 | | | | | | | | 1,236,719 | |
billings on uncompleted contracts | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Inventory | | | 1,391,827 | | | | | | | | 1,391,827 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 223,519 | | | | | | | | 223,519 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Total current assets | | | 15,191,907 | | | | — | | | | 15,191,907 | |
| | | |
Property and equipment—net | | | 4,107,426 | | | | | | | | 4,107,426 | |
Investments—at cost | | | 300,000 | | | | | | | | 300,000 | |
Intangible assets | | | 15,323,152 | | | | | | | | 15,323,152 | |
Loan costs and discounts | | | 390,290 | | | | | | | | 390,290 | |
Other assets | | | 276,897 | | | | | | | | 276,897 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| | $ | 35,589,672 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 35,589,672 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current maturities of long term debt | | $ | 71,786 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 71,786 | |
Secured revolving note payable | | | 2,600,000 | | | | | | | | 2,600,000 | |
Secured convertible term note payable | | | 600,000 | | | | | | | | 600,000 | |
Discount on secured notes payable - net | | | | | | | (1,617,927 | ) | | | (1,617,927 | ) |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | | 4,804,583 | | | | | | | | 4,804,583 | |
Billings in excess of cost and estimated | | | | | | | | | | | — | |
earnings on uncompleted contracts | | | 1,742,696 | | | | | | | | 1,742,696 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Total current liabilities | | | 9,819,065 | | | | (1,617,927 | ) | | | 8,201,138 | |
Secured revolving note payable, non current | | | 1,000,000 | | | | | | | | 1,000,000 | |
Secured convertible term note payable, non current | | | 2,400,000 | | | | | | | | 2,400,000 | |
Discount on secured notes payable—net | | | | | | | (1,727,409 | ) | | | (1,727,409 | ) |
Liabilities subject to compromise—non current | | | 3,393,359 | | | | | | | | 3,393,359 | |
Other liabilities | | | 959,400 | | | | | | | | 959,400 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| | | 17,571,824 | | | | (3,345,336 | ) | | | 14,226,488 | |
| | | |
Majority interest | | | 1,200,000 | | | | | | | | 1,200,000 | |
Commitments and contingencies | | | — | | | | | | | | — | |
Stockholders equity: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock | | | 49,141 | | | | | | | | 49,141 | |
Additional paid-in-capital | | | 72,580,376 | | | | | | | | 72,580,376 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (54,543,609 | ) | | | 3,345,336 | | | | (51,198,273 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| | | 18,085,908 | | | | 3,345,336 | | | | 21,431,244 | |
Less treasury stock (1,950,000 shares at cost) | | | (1,268,060 | ) | | | | | | | (1,268,060 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| | | 16,817,848 | | | | 3,345,336 | | | | 20,163,184 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| | $ | 35,589,672 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 35,589,672 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS | |
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
| |
| | As Originally | | | | | | |
| | Reported
| | | Adjustments
| | As Restated
| |
Revenue | | $ | 8,168,099 | | | $ | — | | $ | 8,168,099 | |
Cost of sales | | | 6,247,451 | | | | | | | 6,247,451 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Gross profit | | | 1,920,648 | | | | | | | 1,920,648 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 1,203,087 | | | | | | | 1,203,087 | |
Research and development expenses | | | 193,327 | | | | | | | 193,327 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations before reorganization item, income taxes and majority interest | | | 524,234 | | | | — | | | 524,234 | |
| | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on extinguishment of debt, bankruptcy | | | 2,178,568 | | | | | | | 2,178,568 | |
Loss on disposal of assets | | | (3,031 | ) | | | | | | (3,031 | ) |
Miscellaneous income | | | 33,294 | | | | | | | 33,294 | |
Interest expense | | | (79,430 | ) | | | | | | (79,430 | ) |
Interest expense, write off and amortization of debt discount | | | (6,600,000 | ) | | $ | 3,345,336 | | | (3,254,664 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| | | |
Income (loss) before reorganization item, income taxes and majority interest | | | (3,946,365 | ) | | | 3,345,336 | | | (601,029 | ) |
Reorganization item, professional fees related to bankruptcy and pursuit of claims | | | (323,661 | ) | | | | | | (323,661 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Loss before income taxes and majority interest | | | (4,270,026 | ) | | | 3,345,336 | | | (924,690 | ) |
Income tax benefit | | | | | | | | | | — | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Loss before majority interest | | | (4,270,026 | ) | | | 3,345,336 | | | (924,690 | ) |
Majority interest | | | (145,975 | ) | | | | | | (145,975 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations | | | (4,416,001 | ) | | | 3,345,336 | | | (1,070,665 | ) |
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations | | | (137,636 | ) | | | | | | (137,636 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Net Loss | | $ | (4,553,637 | ) | | $ | 3,345,336 | | $ | (1,208,301 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Net Loss per common share | | $ | (0.01 | ) | | | | | $ | (0.003 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
Weighted average shares outstanding | | | 379,734,581 | | | | | | | 379,734,581 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
| |
| | As Originally Reported
| | | Adjustments
| | | As Restated
| |
Cash flows from operating activities | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | (4,553,637 | ) | | $ | 3,345,336 | | | $ | (1,208,301 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Write off and amortization of debt discount | | | 6,600,000 | | | | (3,345,336 | ) | | | 3,254,664 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 77,342 | | | | | | | | 77,342 | |
Gain on cancellation of debt | | | (2,178,568 | ) | | | | | | | (2,178,568 | ) |
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations | | | 137,636 | | | | | | | | 137,636 | |
Loss on disposal of assets | | | 18,086 | | | | | | | | 18,086 | |
Increase (decrease) in cash due to changes in: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | 2,716,194 | | | | | | | | 2,716,194 | |
Current liabilities | | | (736,005 | ) | | | | | | | (736,005 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Net cash flows from operating activities | | | 2,081,048 | | | | — | | | | 2,081,048 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of investments in unconsolidated affiliates | | | (300,000 | ) | | | | | | | (300,000 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Net cash flows from investing activities | | | (300,000 | ) | | | — | | | | (300,000 | ) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from note payable related party | | | 1,791,516 | | | | | | | | 1,791,516 | |
Repayment of long-term debt | | | (2,896,077 | ) | | | | | | | (2,896,077 | ) |
Proceeds from Laurus credit facility | | | 4,480,895 | | | | | | | | 4,480,895 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Net cash flows from financing activities | | | 3,376,334 | | | | — | | | | 3,376,334 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in cash | | | 5,157,382 | | | | | | | | 5,157,382 | |
Cash, beginning of period | | | 1,482,383 | | | | | | | | 1,482,383 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Cash, end of period | | $ | 6,639,765 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 6,639,765 | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION.
The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant for an assessment and understanding of the results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
Catalytic Activated Vacuum Distillation Process (“CAVD”) Reactors
EarthFirst developed the Catalytic Activated Vacuum Distillation Process Reactor. The CAVD Reactor offers a unique solution to the problem of disposing of harmful solid wastes in and environmentally friendly manner and allows raw materials from the wastes to be recycled and reused.
We believe that the CAVD Reactor can be designed to process a number of harmful solid waste products. We anticipate that governmental and nongovernmental entities who are faced with the problem of disposing of various types of solid waste products through conventional means will conclude that the CAVD Reactors can provide a superior, safe and effective means of eliminating these materials.
Initially, we are focusing on the processing of rubber tires. However, other uses are also being pursued. Such uses include the recycling of carpet materials, the destruction of animal waste and remains, transuranic wastes (e.g. gloves, overalls, tools, etc. that have been exposed to low levels of radiation), and medical wastes.
In general, the Company processes used tires by having shredded tires added to a low pressure, heated, catalytically driven process in the CAVD Reactor. The tires are converted to a high quality carbon and a light hydrocarbon mix that can be used as a fuel. Scrap steel and gases that can be used as a fuel are also recovered. Traditionally, tires have been disposed of in landfills, placed in stockpile areas, or recycled using low-level technologies to produce products such as tire-derived fuel and mulch. Stockpiles of discarded tires are particularly vulnerable to catching fire. Fires at tire dumps are extremely difficult to extinguish and may take years to burn themselves out. Such fires can release significant amounts of pollution into the atmosphere.
The owners of these dumping areas have long sought a cost-effective means of disposing of the unwanted tires. We believe the CAVD Reactor provides a solution for the environmentally safe and efficient problem of the disposal of used tires.
The Company’s first CAVD Reactor was constructed at a facility in Mobile, Alabama and processes shredded tires. During processing in the CAVD Reactor, carbon, scrap steel, gas and oil are recovered and are available for resale. The processing of a 20-pound tire yields approximately 5.5 to 8.5 pounds of carbon, 1.2 to 2 gallons of fuel oil, 12 to 16 cubic feet of gas, and .36 pounds of scrap steel. The amounts recovered depend upon the type of tire and the length of time in the reactor.
The financial viability of the CAVD Reactor for use in processing used tires appears contingent upon the successful sale of the carbon recovered. We believe that approximately 80% of the value of the raw materials recovered from the CAVD Reactor is attributable to the carbon. It is expected that the steel recovered from the process will be sold for scrap and the oil recovered can be used as an industrial oil or other fuel. Optimal operation of the CAVD Reactor may include the use of a generator with the reactor which can utilize the gas produced from the processing to produce electricity that can be both used by the operator of the reactor and additional electricity sold to the electrical grid.
Testing of the carbon recovered from our CAVD Reactor has led us to believe that the carbon has certain unique qualities that will prove valuable in the development of high-performance polymers in various industrial uses. Researchers concluded that due to the unique formation method through the CAVD Reactor, the carbon can be used as is or economically modified to produce a functionalized polymer that can replace petroleum based chemical polyurethanes with a less expensive recycled product made from reclaimed tires. Work is being conducted to improve the carbons’ performance by adding reactive compounds that improve the product’s ability to bond with the urethane matrix.
As with most new products, it is time consuming for the end users of the carbon to satisfy themselves as to the advantages of this product over the products that they are currently using. To hasten the acceptance of our carbon in the marketplace, the Company is working with several potential end users who are conducting substantive testing of the carbon for use in their operations. The Company is currently working with carpet manufacturers, producers of asphalt and shingles, with third parties in automotive applications, and with producers of other products to prove the advantages of the carbon produced by the CAVD Reactor as a polymer with their products.
The carbon recovered through the CAVD Reactor is rapidly gaining acceptance with potential end users as a polymer. We believe that the carbon has unique qualities that may ultimately enable its acceptance as a substitute for certain high-end polymers currently being used in addition to use in the more traditional roles currently being explored.
23
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
The Company has several letters of intent with unrelated entities to license the technology for CAVD Reactors. Based upon our experiences thus far, we expect that there is considerable interest in the CAVD Reactor from potential users. We believe that delays in the creation of definitive agreements with the end users of the CAVD Reactors have centered around the evaluation of the financial viability of the alternative uses of the carbon product recovered from the process. In addition to the efforts described above, the Company is also seeking to work with one or more nationally recognized scientific and technology enterprises to further commercialize the technology for the CAVD Reactor for additional uses. It is expected that such an arrangement could allow our technology to gain immediate credibility in the marketplace with both a variety of potential end users of the CAVD Reactors as well as the end users of carbon products recovered in the process. It is envisioned that joint efforts would include work on adapting the CAVD Reactors to process other solid waste streams such as municipal solid wastes, animal remains, and certain types of industrial waste products.
Liquid Waste Technologies
The Company is continuing to attempt to identify and implement commercially viable applications of its plasma arc converter technologies embodied in the BigSpark™ converter. The Company’s BigSpark™ plasma based technology splits apart the complex molecular bonds of water and hydrocarbon wastes to produce the clean burning, hydrogen-based fuel. BigSpark™ compares favorably with conventional combustion technologies used in the disposal of liquid wastes in several significant areas. First, the waste is subjected to higher temperatures for longer periods of time (7,000 degree temperature of the plasma arc; and materials spend minutes, not seconds, in the reaction zone). Second, BigSpark™ has a second stage combustion in a very high temperature oxygen flame. Third, BigSpark™ converters are compact and can be moved to the source of contaminated waste.
One application of the plasma arc technology that the Company has been investigating involves the destruction of Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls, commonly referred to as “PCBs”. PCBs have many stable qualities that led to its use in various industrial applications before it was learned that long-term exposure to PCBs may increase the risk of cancer in humans.
Preliminary tests have indicated that passing PCB laden liquids through a plasma arc similar to that found in the BigSpark™ converters results in the destruction of the PCB molecules. While the results of such tests are encouraging, in order to be commercially successful, the technology will need to be adapted to destroy PCBs in surroundings where such elements are commonly found and on a sufficient scale to economically address the problems faced in PCB disposal.
The Company is also considering commercial adaptations for the plasma arc converters to develop solutions to issues involving the disposal and / or remediation of other liquid wastes including waste oils and antifreeze.
Activated Carbon Technologies
The Company’s efforts in commercializing the technologies it has developed for activated carbon products have been slowed due to the current emphasis on our solid waste technologies.
24
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
| The technology developed is promising and the Company intends to pursue commercialization in the future. We believe that the research and development efforts conducted by the Company have yielded results that may produce superior qualities in a wide range of water treatment applications. |
Electrical Contracting – Electric Machinery Enterprises
The Company performs electrical contracting and subcontracting services on commercial and municipal projects primarily in Florida and the Caribbean through its subsidiary Electric Machinery Enterprises, Inc. (“EME”).
EME was profitable in the fourth quarter of 2004 and the first quarter of 2005. Accordingly, we are optimistic about the prospects for EME’s future profitability and believe its recent emergence from the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court will enable it to obtain contracts that may previously have not been available.
EME’s revenues are generated through three separate sources: Offshore, Domestic, and Domestic Services.
Offshore work includes electrical contract work performed on commercial properties throughout the Caribbean. The damage caused throughout the Caribbean during the Hurricane Season of 2004 has resulted in a sharp increase in the contracts obtained by EME and we currently have a backlog of approximately $18 million. During 2004, EME entered into a joint venture agreement to operate Peleme, Ltd. to perform electrical contracting work in the Cayman Islands. This joint venture is currently performing work on a sizable contract to repair hurricane damage on one of the major hotels in the Caymans. We anticipate that this joint venture will be able to secure significant additional contract work for the continuing development of the Caymans.
Domestic work includes electrical contract work performed principally in the State of Florida. The Company is attempting to improve profitability in this segment of its business by introducing enhanced technology in the bidding process for these contracts and in monitoring the progress with budgeted amounts as work is performed. The Company is optimistic that these and other enhancements will enable it to be the successful bidder on an increased number of financially attractive contracts.
Domestic services include numerous small projects for electrical contract work on a time and materials basis for commercial projects located in Florida.
During calendar 2005, EME anticipates entering the market as an electrical contractor for residential real estate on a limited basis to determine the financial viability of providing such services. Initially these services will be provided on a small scale to allow the Company to evaluate the economic viability of this market and operational considerations as may arise. It is anticipated that EME may have certain competitive advantages that may allow it to successfully operate profitably in this market.
25
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2004.
Revenues for the three month period ending March 31, 2005 exceeded those of 2004 by $8,153,099. These revenues are a result of consolidating the financial statements with the new subsidiary of EME. Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2004 were comprised of commissions pertaining to representing a polymer manufacturing company
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three-month period ending March 31, 2005 increased by $1,065,172, from $137,915 in the prior year, to $1,203,087 in the current period, or an increase of approximately 773% compared to the three-month period ending March 31, 2004.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the prior year related primarily to the administrative expenditures incurred by the Company as a public entity, legal fees related to ongoing litigation, and expenditures for marketing, promotion, and related efforts incurred in connection with the Company’s investigation of the activated carbon market. The current year includes expenses relative to the administration of Electric Machinery.
Research and development expenses decreased from $1,908,547 in the three months ended March 31, 2004 to $193,327 in the three months ended March 31, 2005 or a 90% decrease for the three-month period.
This decrease is attributable primarily to the premium paid over hard costs as “In progress Research and Development” in the amount of $1,800,000 in January 2004, associated with the acquisition of the balance of WESCO Holdings LLC. As “In progress Research and Development” this premium was expensed rather than capitalized. This is a non-recurring expenditure.
Income from operations increased by $2,555,696 from a loss for the three months ended March 31, 2004 of $2,031,462, to a profit of $ 524,234 for the three months ended March 31, 2005. This increase is due to the results of operations from the consolidated subsidiary of EME.
During the quarter ending March 31, 2005, the Company realized a gain on cancellation of debt in the amount of $2,178,568 attributable to the settlement of the secured creditor in EME’s plan of reorganization. The Company did not realize any gain on cancellation of debt during the three month ending March 31, 2004.
Interest expense increased from $51,399 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2004 to $79,430 for the three months ended March 31, 2005, an increase of approximately 15.29%. This increase in interest expense is due primarily to payments made prior to settlement of the secured creditor, in accordance with EME’s plan of reorganization.
Interest expense – write off and amortization or debt discount is an accounting charge recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2005 relative to the beneficial conversion features of the Laurus credit facility. There were no similar charges recorded for the three month period ended March 31, 2004.
26
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Investors are cautioned that certain statements contained in this document, and the Company’s Form 10-KSB, as well as some statements in periodic press releases and some oral statements of Company officials during presentations about the Company are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Act). The words believes, anticipates, plans, expects, intends, estimates, and similar expressions in this report are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance, ongoing business strategies or prospects, and possible future Company actions, which may be provided by management, are also forward-looking statements as defined by the Act. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and to vary significantly from reporting period to reporting period. Such factors include, among others, those listed under Item 1 of the Form 10-KSB and other factors detailed from time to time in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although management believes that the assumptions made and expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there is no assurance that the underlying assumptions will, in fact, prove to be correct or that actual future results will not be different from the expectations expressed in this report.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company has experienced recurring net losses since its inception and, as such, experienced negative operating cash flows through most of 2004. The Company has historically funded these negative operating cash flows with proceeds from sales of common and preferred stock, as well as notes and convertible debentures payable.
In December 2000 and again in January 2003, the Company entered into multiple revolving line of credit promissory notes with entities related to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, secured by all of the assets of the Company. Each revolving note was a demand loan, which meant that the lender could demand full repayment of the loan at any time. The promissory notes related to each revolving line of credit merely provided for a loan up to a stated amount. There was no obligation on the part of the related party to make any loans pursuant to these agreements if the loan balance was less than the stated amount. There was no obligation on the part of the related parties to make any additional loans.
Historically, the related party lender has periodically agreed to convert portions of the loan balances into shares of the Company’s common stock. During 2004, the related party converted $5,334,010 of these notes into shares of the Company’s common stock.
27
EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
As of December 31, 2004, the Company owed $6,672,519 pursuant to these agreements. Subsequent to December 31, 2004, additional loans were made under these notes to help secure the outcome of the reorganization of EME. On February 23, 2005 the full balance of notes payable to related parties was converted into 189,643,210 shares of the Company’s common stock.
Since the acquisition of EME in August of 2004, the Company is no longer experiencing negative operating cash flows. Working capital as of March 31, 2005 was approximately $5.3 million and stockholders equity was approximately $16.8 million.
The Company generated a net income in the fourth quarter of 2004 of $1,096,136, and a net operating profit of $524,234 in the first quarter of 2005. Although the statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 reflects a net loss of $1,208,301, cash flows from operations were $2,081,048.
On March 30, 2005, the Company closed an agreement with Laurus Funds on a senior credit facility aggregating up to $8 million. The initial funding under this agreement was $6.6 million. This transaction allowed the Company to take advantage of discounts relative to the settlement of the secured debt in EME’s bankruptcy, as well as provide working capital.
As a result of the completion of the various undertakings of 2004, the acquisition of WESCO, the completion of the CAVD plant in Mobile, Alabama, the acquisition and reorganization of EME, and the subsequent financing in 2005, the Company does not anticipate any additional loans from the related parties referred to above.
The Company believes that through aggressive management of the resources within the Company and the funding obtained through the Laurus credit facility, the opportunities developed over the past few years are becoming available in a real sense.
Electrical contracting through EME provides a strong revenue stream for funding future growth in all phases of the business. EME has been in business for over 75 years and has historically been profitable. The EarthFirst management team coupled with the years of experience embedded in the operations of EME provides potential for a solid consistent company. Profitability is being improved by the introduction of enhanced technology in the bidding process as well as a timelier monitoring of job progress as work is performed. More efficient data gathering and processing are providing better information through improved internal reporting models, affording management better information for decision making.
EME has also developed a strategy to enter the residential marketplace as an electrical contractor. It is anticipated that EME may have certain competitive advantages that may allow it to successfully operate profitably in this market. These services are currently being offered on a small scale to prove the economic viability of this endeavor.
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EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
The hurricane season of 2004, as unfortunate as it was, is providing a large expanse of work opportunity in the Caribbean islands. EME has a long history of providing services in these geographical areas, and management believes this will be a very strong segment of the Company’s business for several years.
The Company is also evaluating potential target acquisitions with strong synergies in the electrical contracting business. Management wants to bring a higher level of service to customers to not only solidify relationships, but to create a win win scenario of better service at better prices. This will be accomplished through the Company’s ability to assist with the design of the construction projects, rather than just the installation.
These strategies will afford stability to the electrical contracting business that is anticipated to help to expand the efforts in the commercialization of the solid and liquid waste technologies. Several licenses were sold and letters of intent signed during 2004 setting the stage for the CAVD technology during 2005.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, the Company received $100,000 from PEPER Holdings, LLC (PEPER), for a License Contract providing PEPER to secure the exclusive territory of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico for 18 months, and the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico for 6 months. During this period, PEPER intends to initiate construction of Catalytic Activated Vacuum Distillation (CAVD) plants that process rubber tire chips into usable energy products. The period of the exclusivity allows for environmental, political, and financial details to be finalized by PEPER. PEPER will purchase the plants from EFTI and own the plants. EFTI will receive a 15% royalty based on gross profit and a technical support contract for continuing services during the life of the plant. The plants will be built by Harmony, LLC, a Turner Industries company that built the operating plant in Mobile, Alabama.
The Company has signed a Letter of Intent with EarthClean Energy (“ECE”) to license territories in Canada and for the sale of a CAVD Reactor. The agreement with ECE is a license for three provinces in Canada: Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. Pursuant to the agreement, a nonrefundable license fee of $1,000,000 US will be paid to EFTI within one year. At the signing of the Formal License Contract, a 10% deposit for the purchase of the first plant will be made with the balance secured by a Letter of Credit. ECE will own 100% of the plants and EFTI will receive royalties for continued services during the contract period.
The Company has signed a Letter of Intent with San Vision Technology, Inc. (“SVT”) to license the territory of Ocean City, New Jersey. At the signing of a contract for their first CAVD Reactor, 10% of the plant sale will be paid to EFTI with the balance secured by a Letter of Credit. SVT will own the CAVD Reactor(s) and EFTI will receive royalties for continued services during the contract period.
The Letters of Intent with both EarthClean Energy and San Vision Technology are dependant upon completed carbon sales contracts by the Company.
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EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
Based upon extensive work with significant companies in the carpet industry, EFTI is confident that the carpet industry will be a large market for the carbon by-product of the CAVD process.
Our technology is gaining acceptance in areas where the sale of the carbon is becoming less important and the benefit of destroying and / or converting the waste streams into usable by-products without contaminating the environment, is becoming more important.
While management is confident that the above agreements and market opportunities will materialize, there can be no assurances.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
Management does not believe that inflation has had a significant impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company since its inception.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an on-going basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Our experience and assumptions form the basis for our judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may vary from what we anticipate and different assumptions or estimates about the future could change our reported results. We believe the following accounting policies are the most critical to us, in that they are important to the portrayal of our financial statements and they require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments in the preparation of our financial statements:
Revenue Recognition: Revenues from solid waste transactions recognized during the year ended December 31, 2004 are the result of contracted monthly minimum draws against sales commissions on the products of a polymer manufacturing company, and the receipt of license fees granting the exclusive option to purchase total rights to the CAVD technology for use in certain geographical areas. License revenue is recognized upon receipt as there are no future obligations associated with such revenue.
The Company uses the percentage-of-completion method of accounting for contract revenue from electrical contracts where percentage of completion is computed on the cost to total cost method. Under this method, contract revenue is recorded based upon the percentage of total contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs, after giving effect to the most recent estimates of costs to complete. Revisions in costs and revenue estimates are reflected in the period in which the revisions are determined. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made in the period in which such losses are determined without regard to the percentage-of-completion. Because of the inherent uncertainties in estimating costs, it is at least reasonably possible that these estimates used will change within the near term.
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EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
Employee Stock-Based Compensation: The Company accounts for compensation costs associated with stock options issued to employees under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (“APB 25”) whereby compensation is recognized to the extent the market price of the underlying stock at the date of grant exceeds the exercise price of the option granted. Stock-based compensation to non-employees is accounted for using the fair-value based method prescribed by Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (“FAS 123”). The fair-value based method requires management to make estimates regarding the expected life of the options and warrants and the expected volatility in the Company’s stock price during the estimated life of the option/warrant.
Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets: In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”), and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS No. 144”), the Company reviews its non-amortizable long-lived assets, including intangible assets and goodwill for impairment annually, or sooner whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amounts of such assets may not be recoverable. Other depreciable or amortizable assets are reviewed when indications of impairment exist. Upon such an occurrence, recoverability of these assets is determined as follows. For long-lived assets that are held for use, the Company compares the forecasted undiscounted net cash flows to the carrying amount. If the longlived asset is determined to be unable to recover the carrying amount, than it is written down to fair value. For long-lived assets held for sale, assets are written down to fair value. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows, appraised values or management’s estimates, depending upon the nature or the assets. Intangibles with indefinite lives are tested by comparing their carrying amounts to fair value. Impairment within goodwill is tested using a two step method. The first step is to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its book value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the unit is less than its book value, the Company than determines the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of the reporting unit’s net assets from the fair value of the reporting unit. If the book value of goodwill is greater than its implied fair value, the Company writes down goodwill to its implied fair value. The Company’s goodwill relates to the acquisition of Electric Machinery Enterprises, Inc.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs.” The statement amends Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 43. “Inventory pricing,” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material. ARB No. 43 previously stated that these costs must be “so abnormal as to require treatment as current-period charges.” SFAS No. 151 requires that those items are recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this statement requires that allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion is based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The statement is effective for inventory costs incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005, with earlier application permitted for fiscal years beginning after the issue date of the statement. The adoption of SFAS No. 151 is not expected to have any significant impact on the Company’s current financial condition or results of operations.
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EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets—An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29.” APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting For Nonmonetary Transactions,” is based on the opinion that exchanges of nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. SFAS No. 153 amends Opinion No. 29 to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception of nonmonetary assets whose results are not expected to significantly change the future cash flows of the entity. The adoption of SFAS No. 153 is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s current financial condition or results of operations.
In December 2004, the FASB revised its SFAS No. 123 (“SFAS No. 123R”), “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation.” The revision establishes standards for the accounting of transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, particularly transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. The revised statement requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost is recognized over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The provisions of the revised statement are effective for financial statements issued for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2005, with early adoption encouraged. The Company accounts for options issued to employees under APB 23; however currently has no unvested options outstanding. Adoption of this standard in 2005 will result in recognition of stock-based compensation determined using the fair value method for options issued in the future.
ITEM 3. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: As of March 31, 2005, the Company’s management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s system of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act, Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of the date of their evaluation, for the purposes of recording, processing, summarizing and timely reporting material information required to be disclosed in reports filed by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Changes in internal controls: There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially effect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is involved in litigation with Ruggero Maria Santilli (“Santilli”), The Institute for Basic Research, Inc. (“IBR”), and Hadronic Press, Inc. (“Hadronic”) concerning certain aspects of the Company’s liquid waste technologies. The matters contemplated above will be referred to as the “Santilli Suit” and the “Hadronic Suit”. Hadronic claims to own the intellectual property rights to one or more aspects of the Company’s liquid waste technologies.
Management continues to believe that the Company owns all of the intellectual property rights necessary to commercialize and further develop its liquid and solid waste technologies without resorting to a license from any third parties.
During 2004, the Company has attempted to reach agreement with Santilli and his related parties to resolve the differences between the parties. As of this date, the parties are continuing their efforts to resolve their differences.
The litigation described above does not involve the technology the Company is developing in connection with its efforts for the processing of used automotive tires.
The Company is also involved in disputes with vendors for various alleged obligations associated with operations that were discontinued in prior years. Several disputes involve deficiency balances associated with lease obligations for equipment acquired by the Company for its contract manufacturing and BORS Lift operations that were discontinued during calendar 2000. The machinery and equipment associated with many of these obligations has been sold with the proceeds paid to the vendor or the equipment has been returned to the vendor. Several of the equipment leasing entities claim that balances on the leases are still owed.
The Florida Department of Revenue (the “DOR”) has conducted an examination of the Company’s Florida Sales and Use Tax Returns from its inception through June 30, 2001.
The Company has other litigation and disputes that arise in the ordinary course of its business. The Company has accrued amounts for which it believes all of its disputes will ultimately be settled.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
On March 30, 2005, EarthFirst Technologies, Incorporated (the “Company”) entered into agreements with Laurus Master Funds, Ltd, a Cayman Islands corporation (“Laurus”), pursuant to which the Company sold convertible debt, an option and a warrant to purchase common stock of the Company to Laurus in a private offering pursuant to exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The securities being sold to Laurus include the following:
| • | | a secured convertible minimum borrowing note and a secured revolving note with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $5,000,000; |
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EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
| • | | a secured convertible term note with a principal amount of $3,000,000; |
| • | | a common stock purchase warrant to purchase 11,162,790 shares of common stock of the Company, at a purchase price of $0.23 for the first 5,581,395 shares and $0.28 for any additional shares, exercisable for a period of seven years; and |
| • | | an option to purchase 24,570,668 shares of common stock of the Company, at a purchase price equal to $0.01 per share, exercisable for a period of six years |
At the closing of the foregoing financing from Laurus, on March 31, 2005, the Company received $3,000,000 in connection with the convertible term note. In addition, the Company is permitted to borrow an amount based upon its eligible accounts receivable and inventory, pursuant to the convertible minimum borrowing note and the revolving note. Accordingly at the closing, the Company received an additional $3,600,000 for an aggregate of $6,600,000 in financing from Laurus.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
There have not been any defaults on any senior Securities.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to the Security Holders of the Company for a vote during the three months ended March 31, 2005.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
The Company has no other information to report.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
| | |
31.1 | | Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 |
| |
31.2 | | Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 |
| |
32.1 | | Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350(*) |
| |
32.2 | | Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350(*) |
* | A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request |
(b) | Reports on Form 8-K (incorporated by reference) |
On April 6, 2005 the Company filed Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission in which it reported under Item 1.01 the agreements entered into with Laurus Master Funds, Ltd. whereby the Company sold convertible debt, an option and a warrant to purchase common stock of the Company in a private offereing pursuant to exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933
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EARTHFIRST TECHNOLOGIES, INCORPORATED
FORM 10-QSB/A
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | |
| | EarthFirst Technologies, Incorporated |
| |
| | (Registrant) |
| | |
Date: November 27, 2005 | | | | |
| | |
| | By: | | /s/ Leon H. Toups
|
| | | | Leon H. Toups, |
| | | | Chief Executive Officer and President |
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