UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2017
☐ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
For the transition period from _______ to ________
Commission File number 000-30262
VISUALANT, INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
Nevada | 90-0273142 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| |
| |
500 Union Street, Suite 810, Seattle, Washington USA | 98101 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
| 206-903-1351 | |
| (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) | |
| | |
| | |
| N/A | |
| (Former name, address, and fiscal year, if changed since last report) | |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for 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 ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
Emerging growth company | ☐ | | |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of shares of common stock, $.001 par value, issued and outstanding as of February 14, 2018: 5,214,726 shares
TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| | Page Number |
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PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 3 |
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ITEM 1 | Financial Statements (unaudited except as noted) | 3 |
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| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017 (audited) | 3 |
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| Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 | 4 |
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| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 | 5 |
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| Notes to the Financial Statements | 6 |
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ITEM 2 | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation | 15 |
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ITEM 3 | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 21 |
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ITEM 4 | Controls and Procedures | 21 |
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PART II | OTHER INFORMATION | 21 |
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ITEM 1A. | Risk Factors | 21 |
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ITEM 2 | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 30 |
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ITEM 3 | Defaults upon Senior Securities | 30 |
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ITEM 4 | Mine Safety Disclosures | 30 |
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ITEM 5 | Other Information | 30 |
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ITEM 6 | Exhibits | 30 |
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| SIGNATURES | 32 |
ITEM 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
VISUALANT, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS |
| | |
ASSETS | | |
| | |
CURRENT ASSETS: | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $92,258 | $103,181 |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $60,000 and $60,000, respectively | 733,437 | 693,320 |
Prepaid expenses | 37,186 | 27,687 |
Inventories, net | 161,312 | 225,909 |
Total current assets | 1,024,193 | 1,050,097 |
| | |
EQUIPMENT, NET | 119,306 | 133,204 |
| | |
OTHER ASSETS | | |
Other assets | 7,170 | 5,070 |
| | |
TOTAL ASSETS | $1,150,669 | $1,188,371 |
| | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) | | |
| | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | | |
Accounts payable - trade | $1,992,664 | $2,156,646 |
Accounts payable - related parties | 3,656 | 2,905 |
Accrued expenses | 29,293 | 24,000 |
Accrued expenses - related parties | 1,233,825 | 1,166,049 |
Deferred revenue | 63,902 | 63,902 |
Convertible notes payable | 870,000 | 570,000 |
Notes payable - current portion of long term debt | 1,224,424 | 1,165,660 |
Total current liabilities | 5,417,764 | 5,149,162 |
| | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | - | - |
| | |
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT | | |
Preferred stock - $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and | | |
outstanding at 12/31/2017 and 9/30/2017, respectively | - | - |
Series A Convertible Preferred stock - $0.001 par value, 23,334 shares authorized, 23,334 | | |
issued and outstanding at 12/31/2017 and 9/30/2017, respectively | 23 | 23 |
Series C Convertible Preferred stock - $0.001 par value, 1,785,715 shares authorized, | | |
1,785,715 shares issued and outstanding at 12/31/2017 and 9/30/2017, respectively | 1,790 | 1,790 |
Series D Convertible Preferred stock - $0.001 par value, 3,906,250 shares authorized, | | |
1,016,014 shares issued and outstanding at 12/31/2017 and 9/30/2017, respectively | 1,015 | 1,015 |
Common stock - $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 4,655,486 shares | | |
issued and outstanding at 12/31/2017 and 9/30/2017, respectively | 4,655 | 4,655 |
Additional paid in capital | 27,787,414 | 27,565,453 |
Accumulated deficit | (32,061,992) | (31,533,727) |
Total stockholders' deficit | (4,267,095) | (3,960,791) |
| | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT | $1,150,669 | $1,188,371 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
VISUALANT, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES |
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS |
| |
| | |
| | |
REVENUE | $1,232,857 | $1,148,800 |
COST OF SALES | 985,023 | 958,442 |
GROSS PROFIT | 247,834 | 190,358 |
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES | 87,720 | 40,608 |
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES | 414,365 | 1,307,568 |
IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL | - | 983,645 |
OPERATING LOSS | (254,251) | (2,141,463) |
| | |
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): | | |
Interest expense | (293,202) | (52,273) |
Other income (expense) | 19,188 | 3,607 |
(Loss) on change - derivative liability | - | (417,432) |
Total other (expense) | (274,014) | (466,098) |
| | |
(LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | (528,265) | (2,607,561) |
| | |
Income taxes - current provision | - | - |
| | . |
NET (LOSS) | $(528,265) | $(2,607,561) |
| | |
Basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to Visualant, | | |
Inc. and subsidiaries common shareholders- | | |
Basic and diluted loss per share | $(0.11) | $(0.81) |
| | |
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding- basic and diluted | 4,655,486 | 3,227,351 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
VISUALANT, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
| |
| | |
| | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | |
Net loss | $(528,265) | $(2,607,561) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) | | |
operating activities | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 13,898 | 22,327 |
Issuance of capital stock for services and expenses | - | 206,831 |
Conversion of interest | - | 56,454 |
Stock based compensation | 5,187 | 10,887 |
Gain (loss) on sale of assets | (1,710) | (1,034) |
Loss on change - derivative liability | - | 417,432 |
Amortization of debt discount | 216,774 | 10,000 |
Provision on loss on accounts receivable | - | 121,041 |
Impairment of goodwill | - | 983,645 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | |
Accounts receivable | (40,117) | 52,443 |
Prepaid expenses | (9,499) | 3,250 |
Inventory | 64,597 | 84,501 |
Other assets | (2,100) | - |
Accounts payable - trade and accrued expenses | (90,162) | 66,556 |
NET CASH (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES | (371,397) | (573,228) |
| | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | |
Proceeds from sale of equipment | 1,710 | 1,034 |
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | 1,710 | 1,034 |
| | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | |
Proceeds (repayments) from line of credit | 58,764 | (35,268) |
Proceeds from convertible notes payable | 300,000 | 300,000 |
Proceeds from issuance of common/preferred stock, net of costs | - | 300,000 |
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES | 358,764 | 564,732 |
| | |
NET (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (10,923) | (7,462) |
| | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period | 103,181 | 188,309 |
| | |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period | $92,258 | $180,847 |
| | |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | | |
Interest paid | $11,723 | $14,245 |
Taxes paid | $- | $- |
| | |
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | | |
Benificial conversion feature | $216,774 | $- |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
VISUALANT, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared by Visualant, Inc. (“the Company”, “us,” “we,” or “our”) in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of our management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the fiscal periods presented have been included.
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on December 29, 2017. The results of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year, or for any other fiscal period.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company incurred net losses of $(528,265), $(3,901,232) and $(1,746,495) for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Net cash used in operating activities was $(371,397), $(1,264,324) and $(2,746,333) for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The Company anticipates that it will record losses from operations for the foreseeable future. As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s accumulated deficit was $32,061,992. The Company has limited capital resources, and operations to date have been funded with the proceeds from private equity and debt financings and loans from Ronald P. Erickson, our Chief Executive Officer, or entities with which he is affiliated. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The audit report prepared by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm relating to our financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2017 includes an explanatory paragraph expressing the substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
We believe that our cash on hand will be sufficient to fund our operations until March 31, 2018. We need additional financing to implement our business plan and to service our ongoing operations and pay our current debts. There can be no assurance that we will be able to secure any needed funding, or that if such funding is available, the terms or conditions would be acceptable to us. If we are unable to obtain additional financing when it is needed, we will need to restructure our operations, and divest all or a portion of our business. We may seek additional capital through a combination of private and public equity offerings, debt financings and strategic collaborations. Debt financing, if obtained, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, and could increase our expenses and require that our assets secure such debt. Equity financing, if obtained, could result in dilution to our then-existing stockholders and/or require such stockholders to waive certain rights and preferences. If such financing is not available on satisfactory terms, or is not available at all, we may be required to delay, scale back, eliminate the development of business opportunities or file for bankruptcy and our operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
Visualant, Incorporated (the “Company,” “Visualant, Inc.” or “Visualant”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada in 1998. The Company has authorized 105,000,000 shares of capital stock, of which 100,000,000 are shares of voting common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 5,000,000 are shares preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.
Since 2007, the Company has been focused primarily on the development of a proprietary technology, which is capable of uniquely identifying and authenticating almost any substance using light at the “photon” level to detect the unique digital “signature” of the substance. The Company calls this its “ChromaID™” technology.
In 2010, the Company acquired TransTech Systems, Inc. as an adjunct to its business. TransTech is a distributor of products for employee and personnel identification. TransTech currently provides substantially all of the Company’s revenues.
The Company is in the process of commercializing its ChromaID™ technology. To date, the Company has entered into License Agreements with Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd. and Intellicheck, Inc. In addition, it has a technology license agreement with Allied Inventors, formerly Xinova and Invention Development Management Company, a subsidiary of Intellectual Ventures.
The Company believes that its commercialization success is dependent upon its ability to significantly increase the number of customers that are purchasing and using its products. To date the Company has generated minimal revenue from sales of its ChromaID products. The Company is currently not profitable. Even if the Company succeeds in introducing the ChromaID technology and related products to its target markets, the Company may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to achieve or sustain profitability.
ChromaID was invented by scientists from the University of Washington under contract with Visualant. The Company has pursued an intellectual property strategy and has been granted eleven patents. The Company also has 20 patents pending. The Company possesses all right, title and interest to the issued patents. Ten of the pending patents are licensed exclusively to the Company in perpetuity by the Company’s strategic partner, Allied Inventors.
3. | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS |
Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, TransTech Systems, Inc. Inter-Company items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company classifies highly liquid temporary investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased as cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances at various financial institutions. Balances at US banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant risk for cash on deposit.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due to the Company from normal business activities. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect the expected non-collection of accounts receivable based on past collection history and specific risks identified within the portfolio. If the financial condition of the customers were to deteriorate resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, or if payments from customers are significantly delayed, additional allowances might be required.
Inventories – Inventories consist primarily of printers and consumable supplies, including ribbons and cards, badge accessories, capture devices, and access control components held for resale and are stated at the lower of cost or market on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Inventories are considered available for resale when drop shipped and invoiced directly to a customer from a vendor, or when physically received by TransTech at a warehouse location. The Company records a provision for excess and obsolete inventory whenever an impairment has been identified. There is a $35,000 reserve for impaired inventory as of and December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively.
Equipment – Equipment consists of machinery, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures and software, which are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives or lease period of the relevant asset, generally 2-10 years, except for leasehold improvements which are depreciated over 2-3 years.
Goodwill – Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. With the adoption of ASC 350, goodwill is not amortized, rather it is tested for impairment annually, and will be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at a reporting unit level. Reporting units are one level below the business segment level, but are combined when reporting units within the same segment have similar economic characteristics. Under the criteria set forth by ASC 350, the Company has one reporting unit based on the current structure. An impairment loss generally would be recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The Company determined that its goodwill related to the 2010 acquisition of TransTech Systems was impaired and recorded an impairment of $983,645 as selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended December 31, 2016.
Long-Lived Assets – The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment annually or when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets under certain circumstances are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value. Assets to be disposed of and assets not expected to provide any future service potential to the Company are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value (less the projected cost associated with selling the asset). To the extent carrying values exceed fair values, an impairment loss is recognized in operating results.
Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments – ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures, defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. This topic also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires classification based on observable and unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and an entity’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities; |
Level 2 – Inputs other than level one inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and. Level 3 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. |
The recorded value of other financial assets and liabilities, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017 are based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities.
Derivative financial instruments -The Company evaluates all of its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the consolidated statements of operations. For stock-based derivative financial instruments, the Company uses a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to value the derivative instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within twelve months of the balance sheet date.
Revenue Recognition – Visualant and TransTech revenue are derived from products and services. Revenue is considered realized when the products or services have been provided to the customer, the work has been accepted by the customer and collectability is reasonably assured. Furthermore, if an actual measurement of revenue cannot be determined, the Company defers all revenue recognition until such time that an actual measurement can be determined. If during the course of a contract management determines that losses are expected to be incurred, such costs are charged to operations in the period such losses are determined. Revenues are deferred when cash has been received from the customer but the revenue has not been earned.
Stock Based Compensation – The Company has share-based compensation plans under which employees, consultants, suppliers and directors may be granted restricted stock, as well as options to purchase shares of Company common stock at the fair market value at the time of grant. Stock-based compensation cost is measured by the Company at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, over the requisite service period. For options issued to employees, the Company recognizes stock compensation costs utilizing the fair value methodology over the related period of benefit. Grants of stock options and stock to non-employees and other parties are accounted for in accordance with the ASC 505.
Convertible Securities – Based upon ASC 815-15, we have adopted a sequencing approach regarding the application of ASC 815-40 to convertible securities issued subsequent to September 30, 2015. We will evaluate our contracts based upon the earliest issuance date. In the event partial reclassification of contracts subject to ASC 815-40-25 is necessary, due to our inability to demonstrate we have sufficient shares authorized and unissued, shares will be allocated on the basis of issuance date, with the earliest issuance date receiving first allocation of shares. If a reclassification of an instrument were required, it would result in the instrument issued latest being reclassified first.
Net Loss per Share – Under the provisions of ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share,” basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the periods presented. Diluted net loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would then share in the income of the Company, subject to anti-dilution limitations. The common stock equivalents have not been included as they are anti-dilutive. As of December 31, 2017, there were options outstanding for the purchase of 15,404 common shares, warrants for the purchase of 7,767,416 common shares, 2,825,053 shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon the conversion of Series A, Series C and Series D Convertible Preferred Stock and up to 332,940 shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon the exercise of placement agent warrants. In addition, the Company has an unknown number of shares issuable upon conversion of convertible debentures of $870,000. All of which could potentially dilute future earnings per share.
As of December 31, 2016, there were options outstanding for the purchase of 50,908 common shares, warrants for the purchase of 4,494,080 common shares, 2,184,048 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of Series A, Series C and Series D Convertible Preferred Stock and up to 332,940 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of placement agent warrants.
Dividend Policy – The Company has never paid any cash dividends and intends, for the foreseeable future, to retain any future earnings for the development of our business. Our future dividend policy will be determined by the board of directors on the basis of various factors, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and investment opportunities.
Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
A variety of proposed or otherwise potential accounting standards are currently under study by standard setting organizations and various regulatory agencies. Due to the tentative and preliminary nature of those proposed standards, management has not determined whether implementation of such proposed standards would be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
Accounts receivable were $733,437 and $693,320, net of allowance, as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively. The Company had one customer in excess of 10% (32.6%) of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The Company had one customer (61.8%) with accounts receivable in excess of 10% as of December 31, 2017. The Company has a total allowance for bad debt in the amount of $60,000 as of December 31, 2017.
5. INVENTORIES
Inventories were $161,312 and $225,909 as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively. Inventories consist primarily of printers and consumable supplies, including ribbons and cards, badge accessories, capture devices, and access control components held for resale. There was a $35,000 reserve for impaired inventory as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively.
6. NOTES RECEIVABLE FROM BIOMEDX, INC
On November 1, 2016, the Company purchased an Original Issue Discount Convertible Promissory Note from BioMedx, Inc. The Company paid $260,000 for the Note with a principal amount of $286,000. The Note matured one year from issuance and bears interest at 5%. The principal and interest was convertible into BioMedx common stock at the option of the Company. The Company received 150,000 shares of BioMedx common stock as partial consideration for purchasing the Note. In addition, if BioMedx does not repay the Promissory Note, the Company would have the right to convert the Promissory Note into 51% of the ownership of BioMedx.
In addition, the Company and BioMedx agreed to negotiate in good faith to enter into a joint development agreement and subsequent merger transaction prior to December 31, 2017.
Due to the uncertainty involved with a start-up company, The Company’s management determined that the value of the Promissory Note and BioMedx common stock was zero at December 31, 2016 and recorded an impairment reserve for the full value as of December 31, 2016. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, BioMedx paid the Company $290,608 in full satisfaction of the Note. The Company recorded the gain as a reduction in SG&A expense during the three months ended March 31, 2017. In addition, the Company has not valued the 150,000 shares of BioMedx common stock.
7. FIXED ASSETS
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation, was $119,306 and $133,204 as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $635,226 and $662,855 as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively. Total depreciation expense, was $13,828 and $9,700 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. All equipment is used for selling, general and administrative purposes and accordingly all depreciation is classified in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Property and equipment as of December 31, 2017 was comprised of the following:
| Estimated | |
| Useful Lives | | | |
Machinery and equipment | 2-10 years | $234,775 | $42,681 | $277,456 |
Leasehold improvements | 2-3 years | 276,112 | - | 276,112 |
Furniture and fixtures | 2-3 years | 63,874 | 101,260 | 165,134 |
Software and websites | 3- 7 years | 35,830 | - | 35,830 |
Less: accumulated depreciation | | (491,285) | (143,941) | (635,226) |
| $119,306 | $- | $119,306 |
8. GOODWILL
The Company’s TransTech business is very capital intensive. The Company reviewed TransTech’s operations based on its overall financial constraints and determined the value has been impaired. The company recorded an impairment of goodwill associated with TransTech of $983,645 during the three months ended December 31, 2016.
9. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
In April 2008, the FASB issued a pronouncement that provides guidance on determining what types of instruments or embedded features in an instrument held by a reporting entity can be considered indexed to its own stock for the purpose of evaluating the first criteria of the scope exception in the pronouncement on accounting for derivatives. This pronouncement was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of these requirements can affect the accounting for warrants and many convertible instruments with provisions that protect holders from a decline in the stock price (or “down-round” provisions). For example, warrants or conversion features with such provisions are no longer recorded in equity. Down-round provisions reduce the exercise price of a warrant or convertible instrument if a company either issues equity shares for a price that is lower than the exercise price of those instruments or issues new warrants or convertible instruments that have a lower exercise price.
There was no derivative liability as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017. For the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded non-cash loss of $217,828 related to the “change in fair value of derivative” expense related to its derivative instruments. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-11 and has reclassified its financial instrument with down round features to equity in the amount of $410,524 at September 30, 2017.
10. CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE
Convertible notes payable as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017 consisted of the following:
Convertible Promissory Note dated September 30, 2016
On September 30, 2016, the Company entered into a $210,000 Convertible Promissory Note with Clayton A. Struve, an accredited investor and affiliate of the Company, to fund short-term working capital. The Convertible Promissory Note accrues interest at a rate of 10% per annum and becomes due on March 30, 2017. The Note holder can convert to common stock at $0.70 per share. During the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded interest of $21,000 related to the convertible note. This note was extended in the Securities Purchase Agreement, General Security Agreement and Subordination Agreement dated August 14, 2017 with a maturity date of August 13, 2018. The Company recorded accrued interest of $26,293 as of December 31, 2017.
Securities Purchase Agreement dated August 14, 2017
On August 14, 2017, the Company issued a senior convertible exchangeable debenture with a principal amount of $360,000 and a common stock purchase warrant to purchase 1,440,000 shares of common stock in a private placement to Clayton Struve for gross proceeds of $300,000 pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated August 14, 2017. The debenture accrues interest at 20% per annum and matures August 13, 2018. The convertible debenture contains a beneficial conversion valued at $110,629. The warrants were valued at $111,429. Because the note is immediately convertible, the warrants and beneficial conversion were expensed as interest.
On the same date, the Company entered into a General Security Agreement with the investor, pursuant to which the Company has agreed to grant a security interest to the investor in substantially all the Company’s assets, effective upon the filing of a UCC-3 termination statement to terminate the security interest held by Capital Source Business Finance Group in the assets of the Company. In addition, an entity affiliated with Ronald P. Erickson, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, entered into a Subordination Agreement with the investor pursuant to which all debt owed by the Company to such entity is subordinated to amounts owed by the Company to the investor under the Debenture (including amounts that become owing under any Debentures issued to the investor in the future).
The initial conversion price of the Debenture is $0.25 per share, subject to certain adjustments. The initial exercise price of the Warrant is $0.25 per share, also subject to certain adjustments.
As part of the Purchase Agreement, the Company granted the investor “piggyback” registration rights to register the shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of the Debenture and the exercise of the Warrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission for resale or other disposition.
The Debenture and the Warrant were issued in a transaction that was not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”) in reliance upon applicable exemptions from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Act and Rule 506 of SEC Regulation D under the Act.
In connection with the private placement, the placement agent for the Debenture and the Warrant received a cash fee of $30,000 and the Company expects to issue warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock to the placement agent based on 10% of proceeds.
Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the investor may purchase up to an aggregate of $1,000,000 principal amount of Debentures (before a 20% original issue discount) (and Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 250,000 shares of common stock). These securities are being offered on a “best efforts” basis by the placement agent.
During the year ended September 30, 2017, $156,941 was recorded as interest expense related to debt discounts, beneficial conversions and warrants associated with Convertible Promissory Notes.
On December 12, 2017, the Company closed an additional $250,000 and issued a senior convertible exchangeable debenture with a principal amount of $300,000 and a common stock purchase warrant to purchase 1,200,000 shares of common stock in a private placement dated December 12, 2017 to an accredited investor pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated August 14, 2017. The convertible debenture contains a beneficial conversion valued at $93,174. The warrants were valued at $123,600. Because the note is immediately convertible, the warrants and beneficial conversion were expensed as interest.
11. NOTES PAYABLE, CAPITALIZED LEASES AND LONG TERM DEBT |
Notes payable, capitalized leases and long-term debt as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017 consisted of the following:
| | |
| | |
| | |
Capital Source Business Finance Group | $424,489 | $365,725 |
Note payable to Umpqua Bank | 199,935 | 199,935 |
Secured note payable to J3E2A2Z LP - related party | 600,000 | 600,000 |
Total debt | 1,224,424 | 1,165,660 |
Less current portion of long term debt | (1,224,424) | (1,165,660) |
Long term debt | $- | $- |
Capital Source Business Finance Group
The Company finances its TransTech operations from operations and a Secured Credit Facility with Capital Source Business Finance Group. Originally entered into on December 9, 2008, TransTech obtained an initial $1,000,000 secured credit facility with Capital Source to fund its operations. On June 6, 2017, TransTech entered into the Fourth Modification to the Loan and Security Agreement. This secured credit facility was renewed until June 12, 2018 with a floor for prime interest of 4.5% (currently 4.5%) plus 2.5%. The eligible borrowing is based on 80% of eligible trade accounts receivable, and is now not to exceed $500,000. The secured credit facility is collateralized by the assets of TransTech, with a guarantee by Visualant, including a security interest in all assets of Visualant. The remaining balance on the accounts receivable line of $424,489 ($20,000 available) as of December 31, 2017 must be repaid by the time the secured credit facility expires on June 12, 2018, or the Company renews by automatic extension for the next successive one year term.
Note Payable to Umpqua Bank
The Company has a $199,935 Business Loan Agreement with Umpqua Bank. On December 19, 2017, the Umpqua Loan maturity was extended to March 31, 2018 and provides for interest at 4.00% per year. Related to this Umpqua Loan, the Company entered into a demand promissory note for $200,000 on January 10, 2014 with an entity affiliated with Ronald P. Erickson, our Chief Executive Officer. This demand promissory note will be effective in case of a default by the Company under the Umpqua Loan. The Company recorded accrued interest of $23,852 as of December 31, 2017.
Note Payables to Ronald P. Erickson or J3E2A2Z LP
On January 25, 2018, the Company entered into amendments to two demand promissory notes, totaling $600,000 with Mr. Erickson, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and/or entities in which Mr. Erickson has a beneficial interest. The amendments extend the due date from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018 and continue to provide for interest of 3% per annum and a third lien on company assets if not repaid by March 31, 2018 or converted into convertible debentures or equity on terms acceptable to the Holder. The Company recorded accrued interest of $62,704 as of December 31, 2017.
Authorized Capital Stock
The Company has authorized 105,000,000 shares of capital stock, of which 100,000,000 are shares of voting common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 5,000,000 are shares preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.
Common Stock
All of the offerings and sales described below were deemed to be exempt under Rule 506 of Regulation D and/or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. No advertising or general solicitation was employed in offering the securities, the offerings and sales were made to a limited number of persons, all of whom were accredited investors and transfer was restricted by the company in accordance with the requirements of Regulation D and the Securities Act. All issuances to accredited and non-accredited investors were structured to comply with the requirements of the safe harbor afforded by Rule 506 of Regulation D, including limiting the number of non-accredited investors to no more than 35 investors who have sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters to make them capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in our securities.
There were no equity issuances during the three months ended December 31, 2017.
Warrants to Purchase Common Stock
The following warrants were issued during the three months ended December 31, 2017:
On December 15, 2017, the Company received $250,000 and issued a senior convertible exchangeable debenture with a principal amount of $300,000 and a common stock purchase warrant to purchase 1,200,000 shares of common stock in a private placement dated December 12, 2017 to an accredited investor pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated August 14, 2017. See Note 10 for additional details.
A summary of the warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2017 were as follows:
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Outstanding at beginning of period | 6,900,356 | $0.428 |
Issued | 1,200,000 | 0.250 |
Exercised | - | - |
Forfeited | - | - |
Expired | - | - |
Outstanding at end of period | 8,100,356 | $0.402 |
Exerciseable at end of period | 8,100,356 | |
A summary of the status of the warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2017 is presented below:
| |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
6,422,616 | 3.74 | $0.250 | 6,422,616 | $0.250 |
734,725 | 3.49 | 0.700 | 734,725 | 0.700 |
936,348 | 3.87 | 1.000 | 936,348 | 1.000 |
6,667 | 1.00 | 30.000 | 6,667 | 30.000 |
8,100,356 | 3.57 | $0.402 | 8,100,356 | $0.402 |
The significant weighted average assumptions relating to the valuation of the Company’s warrants for the three months ended December 31, 2017 were as follows:
Dividend yield | 0% |
Expected life | ..25-3 |
Expected volatility | 130% |
Risk free interest rate | ..01-.07% |
There were vested warrants of 8,100,356 as of December 31, 2017 with an aggregate intrinsic value of $0.
Description of Stock Option Plan
On March 21, 2013, an amendment to the Stock Option Plan was approved by the stockholders of the Company, increasing the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan to 93,333 shares.
Determining Fair Value under ASC 505
The Company records compensation expense associated with stock options and other equity-based compensation using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model for estimating fair value of stock options granted under our plan. The Company amortizes the fair value of stock options on a ratable basis over the requisite service periods, which are generally the vesting periods. The expected life of awards granted represents the period of time that they are expected to be outstanding. The Company estimates the volatility of our common stock based on the historical volatility of its own common stock over the most recent period corresponding with the estimated expected life of the award. The Company bases the risk-free interest rate used in the Black Scholes-Merton option valuation model on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of the award. The Company has not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Consequently, the Company uses an expected dividend yield of zero in the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model and adjusts share-based compensation for changes to the estimate of expected equity award forfeitures based on actual forfeiture experience. The effect of adjusting the forfeiture rate is recognized in the period the forfeiture estimate is changed.
Stock Option Activity
The Company had no stock option transactions during the three months ended December 31, 2017.
There are currently 15,404 options to purchase common stock at an average exercise price of $14.68 per share outstanding as of December 31, 2017 under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company recorded $5,187 and $10,887 of compensation expense, net of related tax effects, relative to stock options for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 in accordance with ASC 505. Net loss per share (basic and diluted) associated with this expense was approximately ($0.01) and ($0.03) per share, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, there is approximately $15,028 of total unrecognized costs related to employee granted stock options that are not vested. These costs are expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 1.53 years.
Stock option activity for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was as follows:
| |
| | | |
Outstanding as of September 30, 2015 | 57,407 | 18.425 | 1,057,725 |
Granted | - | - | - |
Exercised | - | - | - |
Forfeitures | (6,499) | (21.403) | (139,098) |
Outstanding as of September 30, 2016 | 50,908 | 18.045 | 918,627 |
Granted | - | - | - |
Exercised | - | - | - |
Forfeitures | (35,504) | (19.507) | (692,568) |
Outstanding as of September 30, 2017 | 15,404 | $14.675 | $226,059 |
Granted | - | - | - |
Exercised | - | - | - |
Forfeitures | - | - | - |
Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 | 15,404 | $14.675 | $226,059 |
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2017:
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
13.500 | 3,334 | 2.50 | $13.500 | 3,334 | $13.50 |
15.000 | 12,070 | 1.28 | 15.000 | 7,402 | 15.00 |
| 15,404 | 1.54 | $14.675 | 10,736 | $14.53 |
There is no aggregate intrinsic value of the exercisable options as of December 31, 2017.
14. OTHER SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES |
Related Party Transactions with Ronald P. Erickson
See Note 10 for Notes Payable to Ronald P. Erickson, our Chief Executive Officer Chief and/or entities in which Mr. Erickson has a beneficial interest.
Note Payable to Umpqua Bank
The Company has a $199,935 Business Loan Agreement with Umpqua Bank. On December 19, 2017, the Umpqua Loan maturity was extended to March 31, 2018 and provides for interest at 4.00% per year. Related to this Umpqua Loan, the Company entered into a demand promissory note for $200,000 on January 10, 2014 with an entity affiliated with Ronald P. Erickson, our Chief Executive Officer. This demand promissory note will be effective in case of a default by the Company under the Umpqua Loan. The Company recorded accrued interest of $23,852 as of December 31, 2017.
Note Payables to Ronald P. Erickson or J3E2A2Z LP
On January 25, 2018, the Company entered into amendments to two demand promissory notes, totaling $600,000 with Mr. Erickson, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and/or entities in which Mr. Erickson has a beneficial interest. The amendments extend the due date from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018 and continue to provide for interest of 3% per annum and a third lien on company assets if not repaid by March 31, 2018 or converted into convertible debentures or equity on terms acceptable to the Holder. The Company recorded accrued interest of $62,704 as of December 31, 2017.
Other Amounts Due to Mr. Erickson
Mr. Erickson and/or entities with which he is affiliated also have advanced $527,833 and have unreimbursed expenses and compensation of approximately $416,156. The Company owes Mr. Erickson, or entities with which he is affiliated, $1,630,545 as of December 31, 2017.
15. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
Legal Proceedings
The Company may from time to time become a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. The Company is currently not a party to any pending legal proceeding that is not ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.
Properties and Operating Leases
The Company is obligated under the following non-cancelable operating leases for its various facilities and certain equipment.
Years Ended December 31, | |
2018 | $75,960 |
2019 | 120,074 |
2020 | 67,712 |
2021 | - |
2022 | - |
Beyond | - |
Total | $263,746 |
Corporate Offices
On April 13, 2017, the Company leased its executive office located at 500 Union Street, Suite 810, Seattle, Washington, USA, 98101. The Company leases 943 square feet and the net monthly payment is $2,672. The monthly payment increases approximately 3% each year and the lease expires on May 31, 2022.
TransTech Facilities
TransTech is located at 12142 NE Sky Lane, Suite 130, Aurora, OR 97002. TransTech leases a total of approximately 6,340 square feet of office and warehouse space for its administrative offices, product inventory and shipping operations. Effective December 1, 2017, TransTech leases this office from December 1, 2017 at $4,465 per month. The monthly payment increases approximately 3% each year and the lease expires on January 31, 2020. Until December 1, 2017, TransTech leased this office on a month to month basis at $6,942 per month.
Consulting Agreement with Phil Bosua
On July 7, 2017, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with Phil Bosua whereby Mr. Bosua can earn up to 200,000 shares of the Company’s company stock based on achieving certain product development and funding milestones.
Entry into Employment Agreement with Ronald P. Erickson, Chief Executive Officer
On August 4, 2017, the Board of Directors approved an Employment Agreement with Ronald P. Erickson pursuant to which the Company engaged Mr. Erickson as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer through December 31, 2018.
Mr. Erickson’s annual compensation is $180,000. Mr. Erickson is also entitled to receive an annual bonus and equity awards compensation as approved by the Board. The bonus should be paid no later than 30 days following earning of the bonus.
Mr. Erickson will be entitled to participate in all group employment benefits that are offered by the Company to the Company’s senior executives and management employees from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions of such benefit plans, including any eligibility requirements.
If the Company terminates Mr. Erickson’s employment at any time prior to the expiration of the Term without Cause, as defined in the Employment Agreement, or if Mr. Erickson terminates his employment at any time for “Good Reason” or due to a “Disability”, Mr. Erickson will be entitled to receive (i) his Base Salary amount for one year; and (ii) medical benefits for eighteen months.
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company evaluates subsequent events, for the purpose of adjustment or disclosure, up through the date the financial statements are available. Subsequent to December 31, 2017, there were the following material transactions that require disclosure:
During January 2018 and February 2018, the Company issued 559,240 common shares valued at $.211 related to service awards.
On January 25, 2018, the Company entered into amendments to two demand promissory notes, totaling $600,000, and a note payable for $200,000 related to the Umpqua Bank Business Loan Agreement with Mr. Erickson, our Chief Executive Officer and/or entities in which Mr. Erickson has a beneficial interest. The amendments extend the due date from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018 and continue to provide for interest of 3% per annum and a third lien on company assets if not repaid by March 31, 2018 or converted into convertible debentures or equity on terms acceptable to the Holder.
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
Forward-looking statements in this report reflect the good-faith judgment of our management and the statements are based on facts and factors as we currently know them. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences in results and outcomes include, but are not limited to, those discussed below as well as those discussed elsewhere in this report (including in Part II, Item 1A (Risk Factors)). Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this report.
BACKGROUND AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Visualant, Incorporated (the “Company,” “Visualant, Inc.” or “Visualant”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada in 1998. We have authorized 105,000,000 shares of capital stock, of which 100,000,000 are shares of voting common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 5,000,000 are shares preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.
BUSINESS
We are focused on the development, marketing and sales of a proprietary technology which is capable of uniquely authenticating, identifying or diagnosing almost any substance using light to create, record and detect the unique digital “signature” of the substance. We call this our “ChromaID™” technology.
Overview
For the past several years we have focused on the development of our proprietary ChromaID™ technology. Using light from low-cost LEDs (light emitting diodes) we map the color of substances, fluids and materials and with our proprietary processes we can authenticate, identify and diagnose based upon the color that is present. The color is both visible to us as humans but also outside of the humanly visible color spectrum in the near infra-red and near ultra-violet and beyond. Our ChromaID scanner sees what we like to call “Nature’s Color Fingerprint.” Everything in nature has a unique color identifier and with ChromaID we can see it, and identify, authenticate and diagnose based upon the color that is present. Our ChromaID scanner is capable of uniquely identifying and authenticating almost any substance or liquid using light to create, record and detect its unique color signature. While we will continue to develop and enhance our ChromaID technology and extend its capacity, we have moved into the commercialization phase of our Company as we begin to both work with partners and internally to create revenue generating products for the marketplace.
Our ChromaID™ Technology
We have developed a proprietary technology to uniquely identify, authenticate or diagnose almost any substance. This patented technology utilizes light at the photon (elementary particle of light) level through a series of emitters and detectors to generate a unique signature or “fingerprint” from a scan of almost any solid, liquid or gaseous material. This signature of reflected or transmitted light is digitized, creating a unique ChromaID signature. Each ChromaID signature is comprised of from hundreds to thousands of specific data points.
The ChromaID technology looks beyond visible light frequencies to areas of near infra-red and ultraviolet light and beyond that are outside the humanly visible light spectrum. The data obtained allows us to create a very specific and unique ChromaID signature of the substance for a myriad of authentication, verification and diagnostic applications.
Traditional light-based identification technology, called spectrophotometry, has relied upon a complex system of prisms, mirrorsand visible light. Spectrophotometers typically have a higher cost and utilize a form factor (shape and size) more suited to a laboratory setting and require trained laboratory personnel to interpret the information. The ChromaID technology uses lower cost LEDs and photodiodes and specific electromagnetic frequencies resulting in a more accurate, portable and easy-to-use solution for a wide variety of applications. The ChromaID technology not only has significant cost advantages as compared to spectrophotometry, it is also completely flexible is size, shape and configuration. The ChromaID scan head can range in size from endoscopic to a scale that could be the size of a large ceiling-mounted florescent light fixture.
In normal operation, a ChromaID master or reference scan is generated and stored in a database. We call this the ChromaID Reference Library. The Visualant scan head can then scan similar materials to identify, authenticate or diagnose them by comparing the new ChromaID digital signature scan to that of the original or reference ChromaID signature or scan result. Over time, we believe the ChromaID Reference Libraries can become a significant asset of the Company, providing valuable information in numerous fields of use.
We have pursued an active intellectual property strategy and have been granted eleven patents. We also have 20 patents pending. We possess all right, title and interest to the issued patents. Ten of the pending patents are licensed exclusively to us in perpetuity by our strategic partner, Allied Inventors, a spin off corporation from Intellectual Ventures, the large intellectual property fund.
ChromaID: A Foundational Platform Technology
Our ChromaID technology provides a platform upon which a myriad of applications can be developed. As a platform technology, it is analogous to a smartphone, upon which an enormous number of previously unforeseen applications have been developed. The ChromaID technology is an enabling technology that brings the science of light and photonics to low cost, real world commercialization opportunities across multiple industries. The technology is foundational and as such, the basis upon which the Company believes a significant business can be built.
As with other foundational technologies, a single application may reach across multiple industries. The ChromaID technology can, for example effectively differentiate and identify different brands of clear vodkas that appear identical to the human eye. By extension this same technology can identify pure water from water with contaminants present. It can provide real time detection of liquid medicines such as morphine that have been adulterated or compromised. It can detect if jet fuel has water contamination present. It could determine when it is time to change oil in a deep fat fryer. These are but a few of the potential applications of the ChromaID technology based upon extensions of its ability to identify different clear liquids.
The cornerstone of a company with a foundational platform technology is its intellectual property. We have pursued an active intellectual property strategy and has been granted eleven patents. We currently have 20 patents pending. We possesses all right, title and interest to the issued patents. Ten of the pending patents are licensed exclusively to us in perpetuity by our strategic partner, Allied Inventors.
Our Patents
We believe that our eleven patents, 20 patent applications, two registered trademarks, and our trade secrets, copyrights and other intellectual property rights are important assets. Our patents will expire at various times between 2027 and 2033. The duration of our trademark registrations varies from country to country. However, trademarks are generally valid and may be renewed indefinitely as long as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained.
The issued patents cover the fundamental aspects of the Visualant ChromaID technology and a growing number of unique applications ranging, to date, from invisible bar codes to tissue and liquid analysis.
The patents that have been issued to Visualant and their dates of issuance are:
On August 9, 2011, we were issued US Patent No. 7,996,173 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus and Article to Facilitate Distributed Evaluation of Objects Using Electromagnetic Energy,” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires August 24, 2029.
On December 13, 2011, we were issued US Patent No. 8,076,630 B2 entitled “System and Method of Evaluating an Object Using Electromagnetic Energy” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires November 7, 2028.
On December 20, 2011, we were issued US Patent No. 8,081,304 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus and Article to Facilitate Evaluation of Objects Using Electromagnetic Energy” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires July 28, 2030.
On October 9, 2012, we were issued US Patent No. 8,285,510 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Article to Facilitate Distributed Evaluation of Objects Using Electromagnetic Energy” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires July 31, 2027.
On February 5, 2013, we were issued US Patent No. 8,368,878 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus and Article to Facilitate Evaluation of Objects Using Electromagnetic Energy by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires July 31, 2027.
On November 12, 2013, we were issued US Patent No. 8,583,394 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus and Article to Facilitate Distributed Evaluation of Objects Using Electromagnetic Energy by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires July 31, 2027.
On November 21, 2014, we were issued US Patent No. 8,888,207 B2 entitled “Systems, Methods, and Articles Related to Machine-Readable Indicia and Symbols” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires February 7, 2033. This patent describes using ChromaID to see what we call invisible bar codes and other identifiers.
On March 23, 2015, we were issued US Patent No. 8,988,666 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Article to Facilitate Evaluation of Objects Using Electromagnetic Energy” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires July 31, 2027.
On May 26, 2015, we were issued US Patent No. 9,041,920 B2 entitled “Device for Evaluation of Fluids using Electromagnetic Energy” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires March 12, 2033. This patent describes a ChromaID fluid sampling devices.
On April 19, 2016, we were issued US Patent No. 9,316,581 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Article to Facilitate Evaluation of Substances Using Electromagnetic Energy” by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks. The patent expires March 12, 2033. This patent describes an enhancement to the foundational ChromaID technology.
On April 18, 2017, we were issued US Patent No. 9,625,371 B2 entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Article to Facilitate Evaluation of Substances Using Electromagnetic Energy.” The patent expires July 31, 2027. This patent pertains to the use of ChromaID technology for the identification and analysis of biological tissue. It has many potential applications in medical, industrial and consumer markets.
We continue to pursue a patent strategy to expand its unique intellectual property in the United States and other countries.
Joint Development Agreements and Product Strategy
We are currently undertaking internal development work on potential products for the consumer marketplace. This development work is being performed through our Consulting Agreement with Blaze Clinical, Phil Bosua, who serves as our Chief Product Officer. As these products begin to take form over the coming months, we will make appropriate product announcements.
We also will continue to engage with partners through licensing our ChromaID technology in various fields of use, entering in to joint venture agreements to develop specific applications, and it certain specific instances developing its own products for the marketplace.
We have deployed our ChromaID development kit to a number of potential joint venture partners and customers around the world. There are strong indications of interest in deploying our ChromaID technology in a wide variety of applications involving identification, authentication and diagnostics. We are focusing our current efforts on productizing the ChromaID technology as it moves out of the research laboratory and in to the marketplace.
Research and Development
Our research and development efforts are primarily focused improving the core foundational ChromaID technology, extending its capacity and developing new and unique applications for the technology. As part of this effort, we typically conduct testing to ensure that ChromaID application methods are compatible with the customer’s requirements, and that they can be implemented in a cost effective manner. We are also actively involved in identifying new application methods. Our current team has considerable experience working with the application of light-based technologies and their application to various industries. We believe that its continued development of new and enhanced technologies relating to our core business is essential to our future success. We incurred expenses of $87,720, $79,405 and $325,803 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, on development activities. On July 6, 2017, we entered into a Consulting Agreement with Phil Bosua, our Chief Product Officer, whereby Mr. Bosua can earn up to 200,000 shares of the Company’s company stock based on achieving certain product development and funding milestones.
THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK
Our common stock trades on the OTCQB Exchange under the symbol “VSUL.”
PRIMARY RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
We are exposed to various risks related to our need for additional financing, the sale of significant numbers of our shares and a volatile market price for our common stock. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in more detail below in Part II, Item 1A.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table presents certain consolidated statement of operations information and presentation of that data as a percentage of change from period-to-period.
(dollars in thousands)
| Three Months Ended December 31, |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Revenue | $1,233 | $1,149 | $84 | 7.3% |
Cost of sales | 985 | 959 | 26 | -2.7% |
Gross profit | 248 | 190 | 58 | 30.5% |
Research and development expenses | 88 | 41 | 47 | -114.6% |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 414 | 1,307 | (893) | 68.3% |
Impairment of goodwill | - | 984 | (984) | 100.0% |
Operating loss | ��(254) | (2,142) | 1,888 | 88.1% |
Other (expense) income: | | | | |
Interest expense | (293) | (53) | (240) | -452.8% |
Other (expense) | 19 | 4 | 15 | 375.0% |
(Loss) gain on change- derivative liability warrants | - | (417) | 417 | 100.0% |
Total other (expense) | (274) | (466) | 192 | 41.2% |
(Loss) before income taxes | (528) | (2,608) | 2,080 | 79.8% |
Income taxes - current (benefit) | - | - | - | 0.0% |
Net (loss) | $(528) | $(2,608) | $2,080 | 79.8% |
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
Sales
Net revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2017 increased $84,000 to $1,233,000 as compared to $1,149,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The increase was due to higher sales by TransTech.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for the three months ended December 31, 2017 increased $26,000 to $985,000 as compared to $959,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The increase was due to higher sales by TransTech.
Gross profit was $248,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $190,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. Gross profit was 20.1% for the three months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 16.6% for the three months ended December 31, 2016. We have focused TransTech on maximizing profits at the current sales level.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2017 increased $47,000 to $88,000 as compared to $41,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The increase was due to expenditures related to the Consulting Agreement with Phil Bosua, our Chief Product Officer for product development.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2017 decreased $893,000 to $414,000 as compared to $1,307,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016.
The decrease primarily was due to (i) decreased business development and investor relation expenses of $253,000; (ii) reduced marketing expenses of $44,000; (iii) decreased payroll expenses of $37,000; (iv) decreased legal expenses of $38,000; (v) decreased bad debt losses on accounts and notes receivable of $400,000; (vi) decreased TransTech expenses of $75,000; and reduced other expenses of $47,000. As part of the selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2017, we incurred investor relation expenses and business development expenses of $25,000.
Impairment of Goodwill
Our TransTech business is very capital intensive. We reviewed TransTech’s operations based on its overall financial constraints and determined the value has been impaired. We recorded an impairment of goodwill associated with TransTech of $984,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2016.
Other Income (Expense)
Other expense for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was $274,000 as compared to other expense of $466,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The other expense for the three months ended December 31, 2017 included (i) interest expense of $293,000; offset by (ii) other expense of $19,000. The interest expense related a senior convertible exchangeable debenture issued on December 12, 2017 in conjunction with a Securities Purchase Agreement dated August 14, 2017.
The other expense for the three months ended December 31, 2016 included (i) change in the value of derivatives of $417,000; (ii) interest expense of $53,000; offset by other income of $4,000. The loss on the value of the derivative instruments is a result of the decline of the derivative liability as our underlying stock price has declined.
Net (Loss)
Net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was $528,000 as compared to $2,608,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2017, included non-cash expenses of non-cash items of $234,000. The non-cash items include (i) depreciation and amortization of $14,000; (ii) stock based compensation of $5,000; (iii) conversion of interest and amortization of debt discount of $217,000; offset by (iv) other of $2,000. TransTech’s net income from operations was $21,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to a net loss from operations of ($101,000) for the three months ended December 31, 2016.
The net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2016, included non-cash expense of $1,828,000, including (i) loss on change- derivative liability warrants of $417,000;(ii) other of $10,000, (iii) depreciation and amortization of $22,000; (iv) stock based compensation of $11,000;(v) issuance of capital stock for services and expenses of $207,000; (vi) conversion of interest of $56,000; (vii) provision for losses on accounts receivable of $121,000; and (viii) impairment of goodwill of $984,000.
We expect losses to continue as we commercialize our ChromaID™ technology.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We had cash of approximately $92,000 and net working capital deficit of approximately $4,394,000 as of December 31, 2017. We have experienced net losses since inception and we expect losses to continue as we commercialize our ChromaID™ technology. As of December 31, 2017, we had an accumulated deficit of $32,100,000 and net losses in the amount of $528,000, $3,901,000 and $1,746,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We believe that our cash on hand will be sufficient to fund our operations through March 31, 2018.
The opinion of our independent registered public accounting firm on our audited financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2017 contains an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon raising capital from financing transactions.
We need additional financing to implement our business plan and to service our ongoing operations and pay our current debts. There can be no assurance that we will be able to secure any needed funding, or that if such funding is available, the terms or conditions would be acceptable to us. If we are unable to obtain additional financing when it is needed, we will need to restructure our operations, and divest all or a portion of our business. We may seek additional capital through a combination of private and public equity offerings, debt financings and strategic collaborations. Debt financing, if obtained, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, and could increase our expenses and require that our assets secure such debt. Equity financing, if obtained, could result in dilution to our then-existing stockholders and/or require such stockholders to waive certain rights and preferences. If such financing is not available on satisfactory terms, or is not available at all, we may be required to delay, scale back, eliminate the development of business opportunities or file for bankruptcy and our operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
We have financed our corporate operations and our technology development through the issuance of convertible debentures, the issuance of preferred stock, the sale common stock, issuance of common stock in conjunction with an equity line of credit, loans by our Chief Executive Officer and the exercise of warrants.
We finance our TransTech operations from operations and a Secured Credit Facility with Capital Source Business Finance Group. Originally entered into on December 9, 2008, TransTech obtained an initial $1,000,000 secured credit facility with Capital Source to fund its operations. On June 6, 2017, TransTech entered into the Fourth Modification to the Loan and Security Agreement. This secured credit facility was renewed until June 12, 2018 with a floor for prime interest of 4.5% (currently 4.5%) plus 2.5%. The eligible borrowing is based on 80% of eligible trade accounts receivable, and is now not to exceed $500,000. The secured credit facility is collateralized by the assets of TransTech, with a guarantee by Visualant, including a security interest in all assets of Visualant. The remaining balance on the accounts receivable line of $424,489 ($20,000 available) as of December 31, 2017 must be repaid by the time the secured credit facility expires on June 12, 2018, or the Company renews by automatic extension for the next successive one year term.
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was $371,000. This amount was primarily related to (i) a net loss of $528,000; (ii) an increase in accounts receivable of $40,000; (iii) a decrease in accounts payable – trade and accrued expenses of $90,000 and (iv) other of $12,000; offset by (v) a decrease in inventory of $64,000; (vi) non-cash expenses of non-cash expenses of non-cash items of $234,000. The non-cash items include (i) depreciation and amortization of $14,000; (ii) stock based compensation of $5,000; (iii) conversion of interest and amortization of debt discount of $217,000; offset by (iv) other of $2,000.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was $359,000. This amount was primarily related to (i) proceeds from convertible notes of $300,000; and (ii) proceeds of convertible notes of $59,000.
Our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2017 are summarized in the table below:
| | | | | |
Contractual Cash Obligations | | | | | |
Operating leases | $263,746 | $75,960 | $137,414 | $50,372 | $- |
Convertible notes payable | 870,000 | 870,000 | - | - | - |
Notes payable | 1,224,424 | 1,224,424 | - | - | - |
Capital expenditures | 100,000 | 20,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | - |
| $2,458,170 | $2,190,384 | $177,414 | $90,372 | $- |
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as that term is defined in Item 303 of Regulation S-K) that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. |
This item is not applicable.
ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures also include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive and principal financial officers concluded as of December 31, 2017 that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level due to the material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting discussed immediately below.
Identified Material Weakness
A material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected.
Management identified the following material weakness during its assessment of internal controls over financial reporting:
Personnel: We do not employ a full time Chief Financial Officer. We utilize a consultant to assist with our financial reporting.
Audit Committee: While we have an audit committee, we lack a financial expert. During 2017, the Board expects to appoint an additional independent Director to serve as Audit Committee Chairman who is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and as adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended December 31, 2017, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during this fiscal quarter that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to have a materially affect, on our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
From time to time, the Company may become subject to various legal proceedings that are incidental to the ordinary conduct of its business. Although the Company cannot accurately predict the amount of any liability that may ultimately arise with respect to any of these matters, it makes provision for potential liabilities when it deems them probable and reasonably estimable. These provisions are based on current information and legal advice and may be adjusted from time to time according to developments.
We are currently not a party to any pending legal proceeding that is not ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business. We know of no material, existing or pending legal proceedings against our Company, nor are we involved as a plaintiff in any material proceeding or pending litigation. There are no proceedings in which any director, officer or any affiliates, or any registered or beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our interest.
There are certain inherent risks which will have an effect on the Company’s development in the future and the most significant risks and uncertainties known and identified by our management are described below.
We need additional financing to support our technology development and ongoing operations, pay our debts and maintain ownership of our intellectual properties.
We are currently operating at a loss. We believe that our cash on hand will be sufficient to fund our operations through March 31, 2018. We need additional financing to implement our business plan and to service our ongoing operations, pay our current debts (described below) and maintain ownership of our intellectual property. There can be no assurance that we will be able to secure any needed funding, or that if such funding is available, the terms or conditions would be acceptable to us. If we are unable to obtain additional financing when it is needed, we will need to restructure our operations and/or divest all or a portion of our business. We may seek additional capital through a combination of private and public equity offerings, debt financings and strategic collaborations. Debt financing, if obtained, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, and could increase our expenses and require that our assets secure such debt. Equity financing, if obtained, could result in dilution to our then-existing stockholders and/or require such stockholders to waive certain rights and preferences. If such financing is not available on satisfactory terms, or is not available at all, we may be required to delay, scale back, eliminate the development of business opportunities or file for bankruptcy and our operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected. There can there can be no assurance that we will be able to sell that number of shares, if any.
We need to continue as a going concern if our business is to succeed.
Because of our recurring losses and negative cash flows from operations, the audit report of our independent registered public accountants on our consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2017 contains an explanatory paragraph stating that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Factors identified in the report include our historical net losses, negative working capital, and the need for additional financing to implement our business plan and service our debt repayments. If we are not able to attain profitability in the near future our financial condition could deteriorate further, which would have a material adverse impact on our business and prospects and result in a significant or complete loss of your investment. Further, we may be unable to pay our debt obligations as they become due, which include obligations to secured creditors. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, we might have to liquidate our assets and the values we receive for our assets in liquidation or dissolution could be significantly lower than the values reflected in our financial statements. Additionally, we are subject to customary operational covenants, including limitations on our ability to incur liens or additional debt, pay dividends, redeem stock, make specified investments and engage in merger, consolidation or asset sale transactions, among other restrictions. In addition, the inclusion of an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and our lack of cash resources may materially adversely affect our share price and our ability to raise new capital or to enter into critical contractual relations with third parties.
As of December 31, 2017, we have a net working capital deficit of approximately $4,394,000 and if we do not satisfy these obligations, the lenders may have the right to demand payment in full or exercise other remedies.
We have a $199,935 Business Loan Agreement with Umpqua Bank. On December 19, 2017, the Umpqua Loan maturity was extended to March 31, 2018 and provides for interest at 4.00% per year. Related to this Umpqua Loan, we entered into a demand promissory note for $200,000 on January 10, 2014 with an entity affiliated with Ronald P. Erickson, our Chief Executive Officer. This demand promissory note will be effective in case of a default by us under the Umpqua Loan. We recorded accrued interest of $23,852 as of December 31, 2017.
On January 25, 2018, we entered into amendments to two demand promissory notes, totaling $600,000 with Mr. Erickson, our Chief Executive Officer and/or entities in which Mr. Erickson has a beneficial interest. The amendments extend the due date from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018 and continue to provide for interest of 3% per annum and a third lien on company assets if not repaid by March 31, 2018 or converted into convertible debentures or equity on terms acceptable to the Holder. We recorded accrued interest of $62,704 as of December 31, 2017.
Mr. Erickson and/or entities with which he is affiliated also have advanced $527,833 and have unreimbursed expenses and compensation of approximately $416,156. We owe Mr. Erickson, or entities with which he is affiliated, $1,630,545 as of December 31, 2017.
We require additional financing, to service and/or repay these debt obligations. If we raise additional capital through borrowing or other debt financing, we may incur substantial interest expense. If and when we raise more equity capital in the future, it will result in substantial dilution to our current stockholders.
We have a history of operating losses and there can be no assurance that we can achieve or maintain profitability.
We have experienced net losses since inception. As of December 31, 2017, we had an accumulated deficit of $32,062,000 and net losses in the amount of $528,000 $3,901,000 and $1,746,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. There can be no assurance that we will achieve or maintain profitability. If we achieve profitability in the future, we may not be able to sustain profitability in subsequent periods. Failure to become and remain profitable would impair our ability to sustain operations and adversely affect the price of our common stock and our ability to raise capital. Our operating expenses may increase as we spend resources on growing our business, and if our revenue does not correspondingly increase, our operating results and financial condition will suffer. Our ChromaID business has produced minimal revenues, and may not produce significant revenues in the near term, or at all, which would harm our ability to continue our operations or obtain additional financing and require us to reduce or discontinue our operations. You must consider our business and prospects in light of the risks and difficulties we will encounter as business with an early-stage technology in a new and rapidly evolving industry. We may not be able to successfully address these risks and difficulties, which could significantly harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
If the company were to dissolve or wind-up operations, holders of our common stock would not receive a liquidation preference.
If we were to wind-up or dissolve our company and liquidate and distribute our assets, our common stockholders would share in our assets only after we satisfy any amounts we owe to our creditors and preferred equity holders. If our liquidation or dissolution were attributable to our inability to profitably operate our business, then it is likely that we would have material liabilities at the time of liquidation or dissolution. Accordingly, it is very unlikely that sufficient assets will remain available after the payment of our creditors and preferred equity holders to enable common stockholders to receive any liquidation distribution with respect to any common stock.
We may not be able to generate sufficient revenue from the commercialization of our ChromaID technology and related products to achieve or sustain profitability.
We are in the early stages of commercializing our ChromaID™ technology. To date, we have entered into one License Agreement with Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd. and have a strategic relationship with Allied Inventors. More recently, we have entered into a Collaboration Agreement and License with Intellicheck Mobilisa, Inc. and BioMedx Inc. None of these relationships have generated any significant revenue. Failure to develop and sell products based upon our ChromaID technology, grant additional licenses and obtain royalties or develop other revenue streams will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
To date, we have generated minimal revenue from sales of our ChromaID products. We believe that our commercialization success is dependent upon our ability to significantly increase the number of customers that are using our products. In addition, demand for our ChromaID products may not materialize, or increase as quickly as planned, and we may therefore be unable to increase our revenue levels as expected. We are currently not profitable. Even if we succeed in introducing the ChromaID technology and related products to our target markets, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to achieve or sustain profitability.
We currently rely upon external resources for engineering and product development services. If we are unable to secure an engineering or product development partner or establish satisfactory engineering and product development capabilities, we may not be able to successfully commercialize our ChromaID technology.
Our success depends upon our ability to develop products that are accurate and provide solutions for our customers. Achieving the desired results for our customers requires solving engineering issues in concert with them. Any failure of our ChromaID technology or related products to meet customer expectations could result in customers choosing to retain their existing testing methods or to adopt systems other than ours.
We do not currently have internal resources which can work on engineering and product development matters. We have used third parties in the past and will continue to do so. Historically, our primary third-party research, partner was RATLab LLC, a Seattle based private research organization. As we move toward commercialization of our ChromaID technology, the RATLab is no longer providing us with these services. On July 6, 2017, we entered into a Consulting Agreement with Phil Bosua whereby Mr. Bosua can earn up to 200,000 shares of the Company’s company stock based on achieving certain product development and funding milestones. These resources are not always readily available and the absence of their availability could inhibit our research and development efforts and our responsiveness to our customers. We have had internal engineering and product development resources in the Company and plan to re-establish those resources in the future. Our inability to secure those resources could impact our ability to provide engineering and product development services and could have an impact on our customers’ willingness to use our ChromaID technology.
We are in the early stages of commercialization and our ChromaID technology and related products may never achieve significant commercial market acceptance.
Our success depends on our ability to develop and market products that are recognized as accurate and cost-effective. Many of our potential customers may be reluctant to use our new technology. Market acceptance will depend on many factors, including our ability to convince potential customers that our ChromaID technology and related products are an attractive alternative to existing light-based technologies. We will need to demonstrate that our products provide accurate and cost-effective alternatives to existing light-based authentication technologies. Compared to most competing technologies, our technology is relatively new, and most potential customers have limited knowledge of, or experience with, our products. Prior to implementing our ChromaID technology and related products, potential customers are required to devote significant time and effort to testing and validating our products. In addition, during the implementation phase, customers may be required to devote significant time and effort to training their personnel on appropriate practices to ensure accurate results from our technology and products. Any failure of our ChromaID technology or related products to meet customer expectations could result in customers choosing to retain their existing testing methods or to adopt systems other than ours.
Many factors influence the perception of a system including its use by leaders in the industry. If we are unable to induce industry leaders in our target markets to implement and use our ChromaID technology and related products, acceptance and adoption of our products could be slowed. In addition, if our products fail to gain significant acceptance in the marketplace and we are unable to expand our customer base, we may never generate sufficient revenue to achieve or sustain profitability.
Our management has concluded that we have material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting and that our disclosure controls and procedures are not effective.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. During the audit of our financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2017, our management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If these weaknesses continue, investors could lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and other disclosures.
In addition, our management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the lack of an audit committee “financial expert.” These material weaknesses, if not remediated, create an increased risk of misstatement of the Company’s financial results, which, if material, may require future restatement thereof. A failure to implement improved internal controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation or execution, could cause future delays in our reporting obligations and could have a negative effect on us and the trading price of our common stock.
Our services and license agreement with Allied Inventors is important to our business strategy and operations.
In November 2013, we entered into a five year strategic relationship with Allied Inventors, formerly Xinova and Invention Development Management Company, a former subsidiary of Intellectual Ventures, a private intellectual property fund with over $5 billion under management. Allied Inventors owns over 40,000 IP assets and has broad global relationships for the invention of technology, the filing of patents and the licensing of intellectual property. Allied Inventors has worked to expand the reach and the potential application of the ChromaID technology and has filed ten patents base on the ChromaID technology, which it has licensed to us.
The amended agreement with Allied Inventors covers a number of areas that are important to our operations, including the following:
● The agreement requires Allied Inventors to identify and engage inventors to develop new applications of our ChromaID technology, present the developments to us for approval, and file at least ten patent applications to protect the developments;
● We received a worldwide, nontransferable, exclusive license to the licensed intellectual property developed under this agreement within the identification, authentication and diagnostics field of use;
● We received a nonexclusive and nontransferable option to acquire a worldwide, nontransferable, nonexclusive license to intellectual property held by Allied Inventors within that same field of use; and
● We granted to Allied Inventors certain licenses to our intellectual property outside the identification, authentication and diagnostics field of use.
Failure to operate in accordance with the Allied Inventors agreement, or an early termination or cancellation of this agreement for any reason, would have a material adverse effect on ability to execute our business strategy and on our results of operations and business.
If components used in our finished products become unavailable, or third-party manufacturers otherwise experience delays, we may incur delays in shipment to our customers, which would damage our business.
We depend on third-party suppliers for substantially all of our components and products. We purchase these products and components from third-party suppliers that serve the advanced lighting systems market and we believe that alternative sources of supply are readily available for most products and components. However, consolidation could result in one or more current suppliers being acquired by a competitor, rendering us unable to continue purchasing necessary amounts of key components at competitive prices. In addition, for certain of our customized components, arrangements for additional or replacement suppliers will take time and result in delays. We purchase products and components pursuant to purchase orders placed from time to time in the ordinary course of business. This means we are vulnerable to unanticipated price increases and product shortages. Any interruption or delay in the supply of components and products, or our inability to obtain components and products from alternate sources at acceptable prices in a timely manner, could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
While we believe alternative manufacturers for these products are available, we have selected these particular manufacturers based on their ability to consistently produce these products per our specifications ensuring the best quality product at the most cost effective price. We depend on our third-party manufacturers to satisfy performance and quality specifications and to dedicate sufficient production capacity within scheduled delivery times. Accordingly, the loss of all or one of these manufacturers or delays in obtaining shipments could have a material adverse effect on our operations until such time as an alternative manufacturer could be found.
We are dependent on key personnel.
Our success depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of key management and other personnel, some of whom could be difficult to replace, including Ronald P. Erickson, our Chief Executive Officer and Phil Bosua, our Chief Product Officer. We do not maintain key person life insurance covering any of our officers. Our success will depend on the performance of our officers, our ability to retain and motivate our officers, our ability to integrate new officers into our operations, and the ability of all personnel to work together effectively as a team. Our officers do not currently have employment agreements. Our failure to retain and recruit officers and other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our success also depends on our continued ability to identify, attract, hire, train, retain and motivate highly skilled technical, managerial, manufacturing, administrative and sales and marketing personnel. Competition for these individuals is intense, and we may not be able to successfully recruit, assimilate or retain sufficiently qualified personnel. In particular, we may encounter difficulties in recruiting and retaining a sufficient number of qualified technical personnel, which could harm our ability to develop new products and adversely impact our relationships with existing and future customers. The inability to attract and retain necessary technical, managerial, manufacturing, administrative and sales and marketing personnel could harm our ability to obtain new customers and develop new products and could adversely affect our business and operating results.
We have limited insurance which may not cover claims by third parties against us or our officers and directors.
We have limited directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and commercial liability insurance policies. Claims by third parties against us may exceed policy amounts and we may not have amounts to cover these claims. Any significant claims would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our limited directors’ and officers’ liability insurance may affect our ability to attract and retain directors and officers.
Our inability to effectively protect our intellectual property would adversely affect our ability to compete effectively, our revenue, our financial condition and our results of operations.
We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, and trade secret laws, confidentiality procedures and licensing arrangements to protect our intellectual property rights. Obtaining and maintaining a strong patent position is important to our business. Patent law relating to the scope of claims in the technology fields in which we operate is complex and uncertain, so we cannot be assured that we will be able to obtain or maintain patent rights, or that the patent rights we may obtain will be valuable, provide an effective barrier to competitors or otherwise provide competitive advantages. Others have filed, and in the future are likely to file, patent applications that are similar or identical to ours or those of our licensors. To determine the priority of inventions, or demonstrate that we did not derive our invention from another, we may have to participate in interference or derivation proceedings in the USPTO or in court that could result in substantial costs in legal fees and could substantially affect the scope of our patent protection. We cannot be assured our patent applications will prevail over those filed by others. Also, our intellectual property rights may be subject to other challenges by third parties. Patents we obtain could be challenged in litigation or in administrative proceedings such as ex parte reexam, inter parties review, or post grant review in the United States or opposition proceedings in Europe or other jurisdictions.
There can be no assurance that:
● | any of our existing patents will continue to be held valid, if challenged; |
● | patents will be issued for any of our pending applications; |
● | any claims allowed from existing or pending patents will have sufficient scope or strength to protect us; |
● | our patents will be issued in the primary countries where our products are sold in order to protect our rights and potential commercial advantage; or |
● | any of our products or technologies will not infringe on the patents of other companies. |
If we are enjoined from selling our products, or if we are required to develop new technologies or pay significant monetary damages or are required to make substantial royalty payments, our business and results of operations would be harmed.
Obtaining and maintaining a patent portfolio entails significant expense and resources. Part of the expense includes periodic maintenance fees, renewal fees, annuity fees, various other governmental fees on patents and/or applications due in several stages over the lifetime of patents and/or applications, as well as the cost associated with complying with numerous procedural provisions during the patent application process. We may or may not choose to pursue or maintain protection for particular inventions. In addition, there are situations in which failure to make certain payments or noncompliance with certain requirements in the patent process can result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. If we choose to forgo patent protection or allow a patent application or patent to lapse purposefully or inadvertently, our competitive position could suffer.
Legal actions to enforce our patent rights can be expensive and may involve the diversion of significant management time. In addition, these legal actions could be unsuccessful and could also result in the invalidation of our patents or a finding that they are unenforceable. We may or may not choose to pursue litigation or interferences against those that have infringed on our patents, or used them without authorization, due to the associated expense and time commitment of monitoring these activities. If we fail to protect or to enforce our intellectual property rights successfully, our competitive position could suffer, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and business.
Claims by others that our products infringe their patents or other intellectual property rights could prevent us from manufacturing and selling some of our products or require us to pay royalties or incur substantial costs from litigation or development of non-infringing technology.
In recent years, there has been significant litigation in the United States involving patents and other intellectual property rights. We may receive notices that claim we have infringed upon the intellectual property of others. Even if these claims are not valid, they could subject us to significant costs. Any such claims, with or without merit, could be time-consuming to defend, result in costly litigation, divert our attention and resources, cause product shipment delays or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. Such royalty or licensing agreements, if required, may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. We have engaged in litigation and litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Litigation may also be necessary to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity by others. A successful claim of intellectual property infringement against us and our failure or inability to license the infringed technology or develop or license technology with comparable functionality could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
Our TransTech vendor base is concentrated.
Evolis, Fargo, Ultra Electronics - Magicard Division and NiSCA, are major vendors of TransTech whose products account for approximately 61% of TransTech’s revenue. TransTech buys, packages and distributes products from these vendors after issuing purchase orders. Any loss of any of these vendors would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We currently have a very small sales and marketing organization at our TransTech Systems subsidiary. If we are unable to secure a sales and marketing partner or establish satisfactory sales and marketing capabilitiesat the Visualant parent Company level we may not be able to successfully commercialize our ChromaID technology.
Our subsidiary, TransTech Systems, has six sales and marketing employees on staff to support the ongoing sales efforts of that business. In order to commercialize products that are approved for commercial sales, we sell directly to our customers, collaborate with third parties that have such commercial infrastructure and work with our strategic business partners to generate sales. If we are not successful entering into appropriate collaboration arrangements, or recruiting sales and marketing personnel or in building a sales and marketing infrastructure, we will have difficulty successfully commercializing our ChromaID technology, which would adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
We may not be able to enter into collaboration agreements on terms acceptable to us or at all. In addition, even if we enter into such relationships, we may have limited or no control over the sales, marketing and distribution activities of these third parties. Our future revenues may depend heavily on the success of the efforts of these third parties. If we elect to establish a sales and marketing infrastructure we may not realize a positive return on this investment. In addition, we must compete with established and well-funded pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to recruit, hire, train and retain sales and marketing personnel. Factors that may inhibit our efforts to commercialize ChromaID without strategic partners or licensees include:
● | our inability to recruit and retain adequate numbers of effective sales and marketing personnel; |
● | the lack of complementary products to be offered by sales personnel, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage relative to companies with more extensive product lines; and |
● | unforeseen costs and expenses associated with creating an independent sales and marketing organization. |
Government regulatory approval may be necessary before some of our products can be sold and there is no assurance such approval will be granted.
Our ChromaID technology may have a number of potential applications in fields of use which will require prior governmental regulatory approval before the technology can be introduced to the marketplace. For example, we are exploring the use of our ChromaID technology for certain medical diagnostic applications. There is no assurance that we will be successful in developing medical applications for our ChromaID technology. If we were to be successful in developing medical applications of our technology, prior approval by the FDA and other governmental regulatory bodies may be required before the technology could be introduced into the marketplace. There is no assurance that such regulatory approval would be obtained for a medical diagnostic or other applications requiring such approval.
We may engage in acquisitions, mergers, strategic alliances, joint ventures and divestures that could result in final results that are different than expected.
In the normal course of business, we engage in discussions relating to possible acquisitions, equity investments, mergers, strategic alliances, joint ventures and divestitures. Such transactions are accompanied by a number of risks, including the use of significant amounts of cash, potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, incurrence of debt on potentially unfavorable terms as well as impairment expenses related to goodwill and amortization expenses related to other intangible assets, the possibility that we may pay too much cash or issue too many of our shares as the purchase price for an acquisition relative to the economic benefits that we ultimately derive from such acquisition, and various potential difficulties involved in integrating acquired businesses into our operations.
From time to time, we have also engaged in discussions with candidates regarding the potential acquisitions of our product lines, technologies and businesses. If a divestiture such as this does occur, we cannot be certain that our business, operating results and financial condition will not be materially and adversely affected. A successful divestiture depends on various factors, including our ability to effectively transfer liabilities, contracts, facilities and employees to any purchaser; identify and separate the intellectual property to be divested from the intellectual property that we wish to retain; reduce fixed costs previously associated with the divested assets or business; and collect the proceeds from any divestitures.
If we do not realize the expected benefits of any acquisition or divestiture transaction, our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and stock price could be negatively impacted.
Our growth strategy depends in part on our ability to execute successful strategic acquisitions. We have made strategic acquisitions in the past and may do so in the future, and if the acquired companies do not perform as expected, this could adversely affect our operating results, financial condition and existing business.
We may continue to expand our business through strategic acquisitions. The success of any acquisition will depend on, among other things:
| ● | the availability of suitable candidates; |
| ● | higher than anticipated acquisition costs and expenses; |
| ● | competition from other companies for the purchase of available candidates; |
| ● | our ability to value those candidates accurately and negotiate favorable terms for those acquisitions; |
| ● | the availability of funds to finance acquisitions and obtaining any consents necessary under our credit facility; |
| ● | the ability to establish new informational, operational and financial systems to meet the needs of our business; |
| ● | the ability to achieve anticipated synergies, including with respect to complementary products or services; and |
| ● | the availability of management resources to oversee the integration and operation of the acquired businesses. |
We may not be successful in effectively integrating acquired businesses and completing acquisitions in the future. We also may incur substantial expenses and devote significant management time and resources in seeking to complete acquisitions. Acquired businesses may fail to meet our performance expectations. If we do not achieve the anticipated benefits of an acquisition as rapidly as expected, or at all, investors or analysts may not perceive the same benefits of the acquisition as we do. If these risks materialize, our stock price could be materially adversely affected.
We are subject to corporate governance and internal control requirements, and our costs related to compliance with, or our failure to comply with existing and future requirements could adversely affect our business.
We must comply with corporate governance requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as well as additional rules and regulations currently in place and that may be subsequently adopted by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. These laws, rules, and regulations continue to evolve and may become increasingly stringent in the future. The financial cost of compliance with these laws, rules, and regulations is expected to remain substantial.
Our management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the lack of an audit committee “financial expert.” We expect to appoint an additional independent director to serve as Audit Committee Chairman. This director will be an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to fully comply with these laws, rules, and regulations that address corporate governance, internal control reporting, and similar matters in the future. Failure to comply with these laws, rules and regulations could materially adversely affect our reputation, financial condition, and the value of our securities.
The Capital Source credit facility contains covenants that may limit our flexibility in operating our business and failure to comply with any of these covenants could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In December 8, 2009, we entered into the Capital Source credit facility. On June 6, 2017, TransTech entered into the Fourth Modification to the Loan and Security Agreement.
This Capital Source credit facility contains covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants limit our ability to, among other things:
| ● | sell, transfer, lease or dispose of certain assets; |
| ● | engage in certain mergers and consolidations; |
| ● | incur debt or encumber or permit liens on certain assets, except in the limited circumstances permitted under the loan and security agreements; |
| ● | make certain restricted payments, including paying dividends on, or repurchasing or making distributions with respect to, our common stock; and |
| ● | enter into certain transactions with affiliates. |
A breach of any of the covenants under the Capital Source credit facility could result in a default under the Capital Source credit facility. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Capital Source credit facility, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we are unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure such indebtedness.
The exercise prices of certain warrants and the Series A and C Preferred Shares may require further adjustment.
In the future, if we sell our common stock at a price below $0.25 per share, the exercise price of 23,334 outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, 1,785,715 outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock and 1,016,004 outstanding shares Series D preferred Stock, would adjust below $0.25 per share pursuant to the documents governing such instruments. In addition, the conversion price of a Convertible Note Payable of $870,000 and the exercise price of outstanding warrants to purchase 6,244,216 shares of common stock would adjust below $0.25 per share pursuant to the documents governing such instruments.
Risks Relating to Our Stock
The price of our common stock is volatile, which may cause investment losses for our stockholders.
The market price of our common stock has been and is likely in the future to be volatile. Our common stock price may fluctuate in response to factors such as:
| ● | Announcements by us regarding liquidity, significant acquisitions, equity investments and divestitures, strategic relationships, addition or loss of significant customers and contracts, capital expenditure commitments and litigation; |
| ● | Issuance of convertible or equity securities and related warrants for general or merger and acquisition purposes; |
| ● | Issuance or repayment of debt, accounts payable or convertible debt for general or merger and acquisition purposes; |
| ● | Sale of a significant number of shares of our common stock by stockholders; |
| ● | General market and economic conditions; |
| ● | Quarterly variations in our operating results; |
| ● | Investor and public relation activities; |
| ● | Announcements of technological innovations; |
| ● | New product introductions by us or our competitors; |
| ● | Competitive activities; and |
| ● | Additions or departures of key personnel. |
These broad market and industry factors may have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Transfers of our securities may be restricted by virtue of state securities “blue sky” laws, which prohibit trading absent compliance with individual state laws. These restrictions may make it difficult or impossible to sell shares in those states.
Transfers of our common stock may be restricted under the securities or securities regulations laws promulgated by various states and foreign jurisdictions, commonly referred to as "blue sky" laws. Absent compliance with such individual state laws, our common stock may not be traded in such jurisdictions. Because the securities held by many of our stockholders have not been registered for resale under the blue sky laws of any state, the holders of such shares and persons who desire to purchase them should be aware that there may be significant state blue sky law restrictions upon the ability of investors to sell the securities and of purchasers to purchase the securities. These restrictions may prohibit the secondary trading of our common stock. Investors should consider the secondary market for our securities to be a limited one.
Two individual investors could have significant influence over matters submitted to stockholders for approval.
As of December 31, 2017, two individuals in the aggregate, assuming the exercise of all warrants to purchase common stock, hold shares representing approximately 80% of our common stock on a fully-converted basis and could be considered a control group for purposes of SEC rules. However, the agreement with one of these individuals limits his ownership to 4.99% individually. Beneficial ownership includes shares over which an individual or entity has investment or voting power and includes shares that could be issued upon the exercise of options and warrants within 60 days after the date of determination. If these persons were to choose to act together, they would be able to significantly influence all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, as well as our officers, directors, management and affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act together, could significantly influence the election of directors and approval of any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of us on terms that other stockholders may desire.
The sale of a significant number of our shares of common stock could depress the price of our common stock.
Sales or issuances of a large number of shares of common stock in the public market or the perception that sales may occur could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. As of December 31, 2017, we had 4,655,486 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, held by 68 stockholders of record. The number of stockholders, including beneficial owners holding shares through nominee names, is approximately 2,300. Each share of common stock entitles its holder to one vote on each matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote, and no cumulative voting for directors is permitted. Stockholders do not have any preemptive rights to acquire additional securities issued by us. As of December 31, 2017, there were options outstanding for the purchase of 15,404 common shares, warrants for the purchase of 7,767,416 common shares, 2,825,053 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of Series A, Series C and Series D Convertible Preferred Stock and up to 332,940 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of placement agent warrants. In addition, we have an unknown number of shares are issuable upon conversion of convertible debentures of $870,000. All of which could potentially dilute future earnings per share.
Significant shares of common stock are held by our principal stockholders, other company insiders and other large stockholders. As “affiliates” of Visualant, as defined under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, our principal stockholders, other of our insiders and other large stockholders may only sell their shares of common stock in the public market pursuant to an effective registration statement or in compliance with Rule 144.
These options, warrants, convertible notes payable and convertible preferred stock could result in further dilution to common stock holders and may affect the market price of the common stock.
Future issuance of additional shares of common stock and/or preferred stock could dilute existing stockholders. We have and may issue preferred stock that could have rights that are preferential to the rights of common stock that could discourage potentially beneficially transactions to our common stockholders.
Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, we currently have authorized 100,000,000 shares of common stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. To the extent that common shares are available for issuance, subject to compliance with applicable stock exchange listing rules, our board of directors has the ability to issue additional shares of common stock in the future for such consideration as the board of directors may consider sufficient. The issuance of any additional securities could, among other things, result in substantial dilution of the percentage ownership of our stockholders at the time of issuance, result in substantial dilution of our earnings per share and adversely affect the prevailing market price for our common stock.
An issuance of additional shares of preferred stock could result in a class of outstanding securities that would have preferences with respect to voting rights and dividends and in liquidation over our common stock and could, upon conversion or otherwise, have all of the rights of our common stock. Our Board of Directors' authority to issue preferred stock could discourage potential takeover attempts or could delay or prevent a change in control through merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise by making these attempts more difficult or costly to achieve. The issuance of preferred stock could impair the voting, dividend and liquidation rights of common stockholders without their approval.
Future capital raises may dilute our existing stockholders’ ownership and/or have other adverse effects on our operations.
If we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, our existing stockholders’ percentage ownership will be reduced and these stockholders may experience substantial dilution. We may also issue equity securities that provide for rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our common stock. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt securities, these debt securities would have rights senior to those of our common stock and the terms of the debt securities issued could impose significant restrictions on our operations, including liens on our assets. If we raise additional funds through collaborations and licensing arrangements, we may be required to relinquish some rights to our technologies or candidate products, or to grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us.
We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of any future debt agreements may preclude us from paying dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.
Anti-takeover provisions may limit the ability of another party to acquire our company, which could cause our stock price to decline.
Our certificate of incorporation, as amended, our bylaws and Nevada law contain provisions that could discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring our company, even if doing so may be beneficial to our stockholders. In addition, these provisions could limit the price investors would be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.
Our articles of incorporation allow for our board to create new series of preferred stock without further approval by our stockholders, which could adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock; our Series A Preferred Stock contains provisions that restrict our ability to take certain actions without the consent of at least 66% of the Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding.
Our Board of Directors has the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. Our Board of Directors also has the authority to issue preferred stock without further stockholder approval. As a result, our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to holders the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of common stock and the right to the redemption of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our common stock. In addition, our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that has greater voting power than our common stock or that is convertible into our common stock, which could decrease the relative voting power of our common stock or result in dilution to our existing stockholders.
In addition, our articles of incorporation restrict our ability to take certain actions without the approval of at least 66% of the Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding. These actions include, among other things;
● authorizing, creating, designating, establishing or issuing an increased number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock or any other class or series of capital stock ranking senior to or on a parity with the Series A Preferred Stock;
● adopting a plan for the liquidation, dissolution or winding up the affairs of our company or any recapitalization plan (whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise);
● amending, altering or repealing, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, our articles of incorporation or bylaws in a manner that would adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the Series A Preferred Stock; and
● declaring or paying any dividend (with certain exceptions) or directly or indirectly purchase, redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any shares of our capital stock, stock options or convertible securities (with certain exceptions).
ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
During the three months ended December 31, 2017, we had no issuances of unregistered sales of equity securities:
ITEM 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES |
There have been no events which are required to be reported under this item.
ITEM 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES |
N/A.
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
This item is not applicable.
The exhibits required to be filed herewith by Item 601 of Regulation S-K, as described in the following index of exhibits, are attached hereto unless otherwise indicated as being incorporated by reference, as follows:
(a) Exhibits
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101.INS* | 101.INS* XBRL Instance Document |
101.SCH* | 101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
101.CAL* | 101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.LAB* | 101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document |
101.PRE* | 101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF* | 101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
*Filed Herewith. Pursuant to Regulation S-T, this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
VISUALANT, INCORPORATED
(Registrant)
| | | |
Date: February 14, 2018 | By: | /s/ Ronald P. Erickson | |
| | Ronald P. Erickson | |
| | Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director | |
| | (Principal Executive Officer) | |
| | | |
Date: February 14, 2018 | By: | /s/ Ronald P. Erickson | |
| | Ronald P. Erickson | |
| | Interim Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer | |
| | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |