UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB
(Mark One)
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||||
For the period ended February 29, 2008 | ||||||||
o | TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||||
For the transition period from [ ] to [ ] |
Commission file number 000-51306
SOUTHRIDGE ENTERPRISES INC. |
(Name of small business issuer in its charter) |
Nevada | 98-0435537 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
14785 Preston Rd, Dallas, Texas | 75254 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Issuer's telephone number (888) 862-2192
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Nil | Name of each exchange on which registered Nil |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Shares, par value $0.001 |
(Title of class) |
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 x No o
State issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year. $5,040,000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12-b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS)
As of February 29, 2008, there were 110,505,000 shares of the issuer’s common stock outstanding, par value $0.001
Transitional Small Disclosure Format (Check one): | Yes o | No x. |
INDEX
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||
Item 1. Financial Statements | ||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 29, 2008 and August 31, 2007. | 4 | |||
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and six months ended February 29, 2008 and 2007 and, for the period May 4, 2004 (Date of inception) to February 29, 2008. | 5 | |||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended February 29, 2008 and 2007 and, for the period May 4, 2004 (Date of inception) to February 29, 2008. | 6 | |||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 7 | |||
Item 2 Management Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation | 14 | |||
Item 3 Controls and Procedures | 25 | |||
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | ||||
Item 1 Legal Proceedings | 26 | |||
Item 2 Changes in Securities | 26 | |||
Item 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 26 | |||
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 26 | |||
Item 5 Other Information | 26 | |||
Item 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8K | 26 | |||
SIGNATURES | 26 | |||
CERTIFICATIONS | 28 |
2
SOUTHRIDGE ENTERPRISES INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Unaudited Financial Statements
Index | Page Number | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets | 4 | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations | 5 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 6 | |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 7-13 |
3
SOUTHRIDGE ENTERPRISES, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
February 29, | August 31, | ||||||
2008 | 2007 | ||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current Assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,560,425 | $ | - | |||
Plant and Equipment | 192,671 | ||||||
Intellectual Property | 2,500,000 | ||||||
Land | 1,225,000 | 375,000 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 5,478,096 | $ | 375,000 | |||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
Current Liabilities | |||||||
Account Payable | $ | 36,567 | $ | 178,621 | |||
Demand loans - related party | 849,762 | 239,762 | |||||
Interest Payable | 88,193 | 61,016 | |||||
Total Current Liabilities | 974,552 | 479,399 | |||||
Non-current Liabilities | |||||||
Debenture | 150,000 | ||||||
Note Payable - Property | 850,000 | ||||||
Line of Credit | 1,177,516 | 752,517 | |||||
Total Liabilities | 3,152,068 | 1,231,916 | |||||
Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 100,000,000 | |||||||
shares, -0- issued | |||||||
Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 500,000,000 | |||||||
shares, 110,505,000 issued at February 29, 2008 and 53,005,000 | |||||||
issued at August 31, 2007 | 110,505 | 53,505 | |||||
Additional paid-in Capital | 690,097 | 239,208 | |||||
Deficit accumulated during development stage | 1,525,426 | (1,149,129 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders’ equity (deficiency) | 2,326,028 | (856,916 | ) | ||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | 5,478,096 | $ | 375,000 |
4
SOUTHRIDGE ENTERPRISES, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||
Since | ||||||||||||||||
May 4, 2004 | ||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended | For the Six Months Ended | Inception of | ||||||||||||||
February 29, | February 29, | Development | ||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | Stage | ||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | - | $ | 5,040,000 | $ | - | $ | 5,040,000 | ||||||||
Cost of Goods | $ | — | - | (2,835,000) | - | (2,835,000) | ||||||||||
Net Revenues | - | - | 2,205,000 | - | 2,205,000 | |||||||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Consulting fees | 143,671 | 75,000 | 381,274 | 345,800 | 1,031,574 | |||||||||||
General and Administrative | 81,397 | 31,687 | 186,561 | 111,977 | 538,293 | |||||||||||
Investor Relations | 36,258 | 42,440 | 79,365 | 75,630 | 157,146 | |||||||||||
Mineral Property costs | - | - | - | - | 8,300 | |||||||||||
Total Expenses | 149,127 | 647,200 | 533,407 | 1,735,313 | ||||||||||||
Other Income (Expense) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest Expense | (15,743 | ) | (14,943 | ) | (32,374 | ) | (21,718 | ) | (93,390 | ) | ||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | (277,069 | ) | $ | (164,070 | ) | $ | 1,525,426 | $ | (555,125 | ) | $ | 376,297 | |||
Weighted Average Shares | 68,355,000 | 68,355,000 | 68,355,000 | 68,355,000 | ||||||||||||
Loss Per Common Share | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 0.02 | $ | - |
5
SOUTHRIDGE ENTERPRISES, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Deficit | ||||||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||
Since | ||||||||||
May 4, 2004 | ||||||||||
For the Six Months Ended | Inception of | |||||||||
February 29 | Development | |||||||||
2008 | 2007 | Stage | ||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||
Net Income/(Loss) | $ | 1,525,426 | $ | (555,125 | ) | $ | 376,297 | |||
Adjustment to reconcile Net Income/(Loss) in operations: | ||||||||||
Stock issued for consulting expenses | - | - | 199,500 | |||||||
Change in non-cash working capital items: | ||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable | (142,054 | ) | (94 | ) | 36,567 | |||||
Increase (decrease) in demand loans - related party | 610,000 | 88,573 | 849,762 | |||||||
Increase (decrease) in interest payable | 27,177 | 21,690 | 88,193 | |||||||
Net cash from operating activities | 2,020,549 | (444,956 | ) | 1,550,319 | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITES: | ||||||||||
Plant construction costs | (1,042,671 | ) | (1,042,671 | ) | ||||||
Purchase of intellectual property | (2,500,000 | ) | (2,500,000 | ) | ||||||
Purchase of property | (800,000 | ) | (375,000 | ) | (1,175,000 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (4,342,671 | ) | (375,000 | ) | (4,717,671 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||
Issuance of common stock | 2,500,000 | - | 2,592,713 | |||||||
Note Payable - Property | 800,000 | - | 800,000 | |||||||
Debenture Proceeds | 150,000 | - | 150,000 | |||||||
Proceeds from Line of Credit | 424,999 | 812,717 | 1,177,516 | |||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 3,874,999 | 812,717 | 4,720,229 | |||||||
Net increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 1,552,877 | (7,239 | ) | 1,560,425 | ||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the Beginning of Period | 7,548 | 7,548 | - | |||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the End of the Period | $ | 1,560,425 | $ | 309 | $ | 1,560,425 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||||
Interest | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
Income Taxes | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
6
SOUTHRIDGE ENTERPRISES, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in US Dollars)
1. | Organization and Continuance of Operations | |
This summary of accounting policies for Southridge Enterprises Inc. is presented to assist in understanding the Company's consolidated financial statements. The accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles and have been consistently applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. | ||
Southridge Enterprises Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Nevada on May 4, 2004. The Company was originally organized to explore mineral properties in British Columbia, Canada. The Company’s fiscal year end is August 31. The Company conducted its exploration activities in British Columbia through Southridge Exploration Inc., a wholly-owned British Columbia corporation incorporated on July 19, 2004). Based on a review of the mineralization data of its claims, the Company abandoned these mineral property claims. The Company is currently in the ethanol industry and is based in Dallas, TX. | ||
These consolidated financial statements are presented on the basis that the Company is a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business over a reasonable length of time. As of February 29, 2008, the Company had a cash balance of $1,560,425 working capital of $585,873, stockholders’ equity of $2,326,028, and accumulated net income of $376,297 since inception. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. Its continuation as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its obligations on a timely basis, to obtain additional financing or refinancing as may be required, to develop a commercially viable ethanol production facility, and ultimately to establish profitable operations. |
Management’s plans for the continuation of the Company as a going concern include financing the Company’s operations through issuance of its common stock. If the Company is unable to complete its financing requirements or achieve revenue as projected, it will then modify its expenditures and plan of operations to coincide with the actual financing completed and actual operating revenues. There are no assurances, however, with respect to the future success of these plans. | ||
Unless otherwise indicated, amounts provided in these notes to the consolidated financial statements pertain to continuing operations. | ||
The Company is currently earning revenues. | ||
Basis of Presentation | ||
The accompanying consolidated balance sheets and related statements of operations, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity (deficiency) include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Actual results and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions. | ||
2. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | |
a) | Consolidation | |
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Southridge Enterprises Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Southridge Ethanol, Inc., and, Southridge Environmental, Inc. | ||
All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. | ||
(b) | Use of Estimates and Assumptions | |
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles required 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. | ||
( c) | Foreign Currency translation | |
In accordance with the Financial Accounting Statements Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52 (“SFAS No. 52”), “Foreign Currency Translation”, the United States dollar is considered the functional currency. Accordingly, the Company translates its monetary assets and liabilities at year-end exchange rates, and income, expenses and cash flows at average exchange rates. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated in the rates prevailing at the dates the assets were acquired and liabilities were incurred. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. |
(d) | Cash | |
Cash consists of cash on deposit with high quality major financial institutions, and to date the Company has not experienced losses on any of its balances. The carrying amounts approximated fair market value due to the liquidity of these deposits. For purposes of the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At February 29, 2008, the Company had $1,560,425 in cash equivalents. | ||
(e) | Concentration of Credit Risk | |
The Company has no significant off-balance-sheet concentrations of credit risk such as foreign exchange contracts, options contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements. The Company maintains the majority of its cash balances with one financial institution, in the form of demand deposits. | ||
(f) | Long-Lived Assets | |
The Company accounts for long-lived assets under the FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 142 and 144 “Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS No. 142 and 144”). In accordance with SFAS No. 142 and 144, long-lived assets, goodwill and certain identifiable intangible assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For purposes of evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets, the recoverability test is performed using undiscounted net cash flows related to the long-lived assets. |
7
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in US Dollars)
2. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) | |
(g) | Income Taxes | |
The Company accounts for income taxes under the FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS No. 109”). Under Statement 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under Statement 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. | ||
(h) | Loss per Share | |
FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 (“SFAS No.128”), “Earnings per Share”, requires dual presentation of basic earnings per share (“EPS”) and diluted EPS on the face of all income and loss statements, for all entities with complex capital structures. Basic EPS is computed as net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable through stock options, warrants and other convertible securities. At February 29, 2008 and 2007, the Company had no outstanding stock options, warrants and other convertible securities. | ||
(i) | Fair Values of Financial Instruments | |
Financial instruments include cash, and accounts payable and accrued expenses. Management of the Company does not believe that the Company is subject to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from these financial instruments. The respective carrying values of financial instruments approximate their fair values. Fair values were assumed to approximate carrying values since they are short-term in nature or they are receivable or payable on demand. | ||
(j) | Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities | |
The Company has adopted FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (“SFAS No. 133”), “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, which requires companies to recognize all derivatives contracts as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and to measure them at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge, the objective of which is to match the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging derivative with the recognition of (i) the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk, or (ii) the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transaction. For a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument, the gain or loss is recognized in income in the period of change. The Company has not entered into derivative contracts either to hedge existing risks or for speculative purposes. |
8
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in US Dollars)
2. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) | |
(k) | Stock-based Compensation | |
The Company adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation recommended by FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (“SFAS No. 123”), “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation”. The Company does not have a stock option plan nor has it granted any stock options since inception. | ||
(l) | Comprehensive Income | |
The Company has adopted FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 (“SFAS No. 130”), “Reporting Comprehensive Income”, which establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income, its components and accumulated balances. When applicable, the Company would disclose this information on its consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency). Comprehensive income comprises equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The Company has no elements of “other comprehensive income” for the period ended February 29, 2008. | ||
(m) | Intangible Assets | |
The Company has adopted FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (“SFAS No. 142”), “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, which requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite life are not amortized but rather tested at least annually for impairment. Intangible assets with a definite life are required to be amortized over their useful life. The Company has $2,500,000 in intangible assets with indefinite life at February 29, 2008 and since inception. | ||
(n) | Environmental Costs | |
Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are charged to operations or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and which do not contribute to current or future revenue generation, are charged to operations. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable, and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Generally, the timing of these accruals coincides with the earlier of completion of a feasibility study or the Company’s commitments to plan of action based on the then known facts. | ||
(o) | Recent Accounting Pronouncements | |
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Accounting for Fair Value Measurements." SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, and establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for the Company for financial statements issued subsequent to November 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the new standard to have any material impact on the financial position and results of operations. |
9
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in US Dollars)
2. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) In September 2006, the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (“SAB 108”) which provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements should be considered in quantifying a current year misstatement. SAB 108 becomes effective in fiscal 2007. Management is evaluating the financial impact of this pronouncement. In October 2005, the FASB issued FSP FAS 123(R)-2, “Practical Accommodation to the Application of Grant Date as Defied in FASB Statement No. 123(R)”, which provides clarification of the concept of mutual understanding between employer and employee with respect to the grant date of a share-based payment award. This FSP provides that a mutual understanding of the key terms and conditions of an award shall be presumed to exist on the date the award is approved by management if the recipient does not have the ability to negotiate the key terms and conditions of the award and those key terms and conditions will be communicated to the individual recipient within a relatively short time period after the date of approval. This guidance was applicable upon the initial adoption of SFAS 123(R). The adoption of this pronouncement did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS no, 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financials assets and liabilities at fair value. The objective of SFAS 159 is to reduce both complexity in accounting for financial instruments and the volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently. Generally accepted accounting principles have required different measurement attributes for different assets and liabilities that can create artificial volatility in earnings. The FASB has indicated it believes that SFAS 159 helps to mitigate this type of accounting-induced volatility by enabling companies to report related assets and liabilities at fair value, which would likely reduce the need for companies to comply with detailed rules for hedge accounting. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 does not eliminate disclosure requirements included in other accounting standards, including requirements for disclosures about fair value measurements included in SFAS 157 and SFA No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.” SFAS 159 is effective for the Company as of the beginning of fiscal year 2009. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. |
3. | Development Stage Company/Going Concern The Company has not begun principal operations and as is common with a development stage company, the Company has had recurring losses during its development stage. Although some revenues have been achieved from supplemental business activities, continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent upon obtaining the additional working capital necessary to be successful in its planned activity, and the management of the Company has developed a strategy, which it believes will accomplish this objective through additional equity funding and long term financing, which will enable the Company to operate for the coming year. |
10
SOUTHRIDGE ENTERPRISES, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in US Dollars)
4. | Common Stock |
On October 3, 2006, the Company split its common shares on the basis of 5 for 1. As a result, its articles of incorporation were amended to increase its authorized common stock from 100,000,000 shares to 500,000,000 shares. The par value of the Company’s common stock remained $0.001 per share. The Company’s authorized preferred stock was also amended from 100,000,000 shares to 500,000,000 shares. Prior to the stock split, there were 10,335,000 shares of common stock outstanding. After the stock split there were 51,675,000 shares of common stock outstanding. The record date for the split was September 21, 2006 and became effective October 3, 2006. All references to common stock, common shares outstanding, average number of common shares outstanding and per share amounts in these Financial Statements and Notes to Financial Statements prior to the effective date of the forward stock splits have been restated to reflect the 5 to 1 common stock splits on a retroactive basis. The Company’s trading symbol was changed from “SDGE” to “SORD” in connection with the forward stock split. | |
On April 12, 2007, the Company issued 1,330,000 shares of restricted common stock for consulting services valued at $199,500. The shares were valued at $.15 per share, which was the fair market value of the stock on the date of the agreement. On January 10, 2008 the company issued 50,000,000 restricted shares at an average price of $0.05 per share pursuant to a purchase agreement for $2,500,000 with Celuhol Biotech Inc. (Celuhol), a private company, to acquire ownership rights to the Celuhol Intellectual Property (IP), along with some research and development assets, with respect to the cellulosic technology being developed for converting biomass into ethanol. The Company has recorded an asset based on this share issuance value. | |
5. | Land |
On September 28, 2006 the Company formed a wholly owned subsidiary Southridge Environmental Inc., incorporated in the state of Mississippi, which acquired land located in Quitman County, Mississippi, for the purchase price of $375,000, that closed on October 5, 2006. The Land is situated on 37 acres located in the northwest region of the state, which is in the lower portion of the Mid-West corn belt. The industrial plant facility plant on the land is a warehouse with no value. This warehouse facility is a 76,000 sq. ft industrial structure that will be converted to house equipment for ethanol production. We are in the process of sourcing such equipment. On February 16, 2008, the Company acquired land in El Salvador for a purchase price of $850,000 under a Contract for Deed/Land Contract and Note Payable for 8 payments (each for $106,250) over 2 years with the first payment due May 5, 2008. The site has 25,000 mz (approx. 4,500 acres) of land and access to abundant sugar cane production capacity. With an average yield of 30 to 40 tons per acre grown on site. At February 29, 2008, the Company had advanced $192,671 toward the plant development on the property. | |
6. | Commitments and Contractual Obligations |
The Company leased an executive office in Dallas, Texas. The lease term is three years commencing January 1, 2008. The base rent in the first year is $16,870. The Company believes that its office space and facilities are sufficient to meet its present needs and does not anticipate any difficulty securing alternative or additional space, as needed, on terms acceptable to the Company. | |
On October 27, 2006 as announced on December 19, 2006 the Company signed a soft offer Letter of Intent to purchase ethanol from PLS Sopucoes Ltd. Under the terms of the agreement being discussed approximately 50,000,000 gallons of ethanol can be purchased for resale in the U.S., based on a contractual commitment of 4.5 million gallons per month at $1.44 USD per gallon. | |
7. | Option Agreement Deposit |
On September 13, 2006 the Company entered into an option to purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) with Boss Group of Companies Inc., to acquire an ethanol plant in Saskatchewan, Canada for the sum of $632,500. On September 28, 2006 the Company formed a wholly owned subsidiary Southridge Ethanol Inc., incorporated in the state of Mississippi, that is intended for the closing of this agreement with the purchase subject to due diligence by December 11, 2006. A $20,000 non refundable option deposit was made and was expensed as no definitive purchase agreement could be reached. |
11
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in US Dollars)
8. | Related Party Loans |
During the period ended February 29, 2008, the Company received short term loans from a former related party. The following table shows the amount due at February 29, 2008: |
Short term loan | February 29, 2008 | |||
4% interest bearing and unsecured | ||||
Alex Smid | $ | 849,762 | ||
Total | $ | 849,762 |
The former related party loan above is interest bearing at 4% per annum, unsecured and due on demand. Accrued interest on this loan at February 29, 2008 was $4,234.
9. | Revenues |
During this second quarter ending February 29, 2008, the Company completed an ethanol purchase and sale transaction. The ethanol was supplied by Petrozilian Energia SA from Brazil and sold to Agrobin Hunt Corp and shipped to the United Kingdom (UK). The purchase was financed with a Letter of Credit supported in part by Joint Venture partner Micheles Borgan & Lea Capital (MBLC). The entire transaction was the export of 6 million gallons of ethanol for a total cost of $8,100,000 USD ($1.35 per gallon) and for proceeds of $14,400,000 USD ($2.40 per gallon) for a net profit of $6,300,000 USD. As per the Joint Venture Revenue Sharing Agreement, the Company was entitled to 35% of the revenue and profits related to this transaction, $5,040,000 and $2,205,000, respectively. A total commitment of $1,000,000 was deposited by company in order for MBLC to finance the difference of $7,100,000 USD and secure a Letter of Credit. | |
10. | Line of Credit |
On September 29, 2006 the Company also entered into an 8% per annum, Line Of Credit (“LOC”) due September 29, 2011 with Uniform Ventures Ltd. (“the Lender”) for up to $10,000,000. The unpaid principal of LOC bears simple interest at the rate of eight percent (8%) per annum. Interest is calculated based on principal balance as may be adjusted from time to time to reflect additional advances made. Interest on the unpaid balance shall accrue monthly but shall be paid quarterly. The LOC is secured by an unregistered charge over all current and future assets owned by the Company. As of February 29, 2008, $1,177,516 was owed plus $72,873 in accrued interest payable. Additionally, at its discretion the Company may issue treasury stock to the Lender in lieu of payment. | |
11. | Uncertain Tax Positions |
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The adoption of the provisions of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the company’s condensed consolidated financial position and results of operations. At January 1, 2007, the company had no liability for unrecognized tax benefits and no accrual for the payment of related interest. | |
Interest costs related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as “Interest expense, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Penalties, if any, would be recognized as a component of “Selling, general and administrative expenses”. The Company recognized $0 of interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits for the six months ended February 29, 2008. In many cases the company’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by relevant tax authorities. With few exceptions, the company is generally no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003. The following describes the open tax years, by major tax jurisdiction, as of January 1, 2007: |
United States (a) | 2003 - Present |
(a) Includes federal as well as state or similar local jurisdictions, as applicable.
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SOUTHRIDGE ENTERPRISES, INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed in US Dollars)
12. | Subsequent Events |
On January 08, 2008; Southridge Enterprises, Inc. notified the NASDAQ that the Company’s Board of Directors had established a record date of December 31, 2007 to affect a one-for-ten reverse stock split of its outstanding common stock. The reverse stock split was approved by the by the Company’s shareholders at special meeting held on January 31, 2008. Pursuant to the reverse stock split, each shareholder of record of the Company’s common stock on the record date of December 31, 2007 will become entitled to receive one new common share in exchange for every ten old common shares held by such shareholder. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split and, in lieu thereof; any fractional share shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share. The exercise price and the number of shares of common stock issuable under the Company’s outstanding options and warrants will be proportionately adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split. The reverse split became effective on March 6, 2008 and the Company’s stock symbol on the OTC Bulletin Board was changed from SORD to SRDG. In September 2007, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with La Jolla Cove Investors, Inc., wherein La Jolla Cove has agreed to purchase a debenture in the amount of $150,000. In connection with the debenture, the Company also agreed to issue share purchase warrants to purchase common stock of the Company. The agreement also allows La Jolla Cove to purchase, at the one year anniversary date of the debenture, or upon conversion of the principal amount of the debenture into common stock, a second debenture in the amount of $150,000 with a warrant to purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The debenture will carry an interest rate of 5% per annum and the interest will be payable monthly. In March and April 2008, the Company issued a total of 315,584 shares for the conversion of $2,900 of the debenture and the purchase of $29,000 in new share equity. On March 12, 2008, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Briskul Transacção LTDA to construct and operate an ethanol facility in Brazil. The joint venture operates as Southridge Brasilia Corp. (“SBC”). The Company's initial membership interest in SBC, according to the agreement, would be 75% and Briskul Transacção LTDA initial membership interest would be 25%. According to the agreement, Briskul Transacção LTDA has the right to secure an additional 10% membership interest through additional capital contributions made before the mechanical completion of the facility. We provided an initial contribution of $1,500,000 against an anticipated total contribution of $24,525,000 USD. Briskul Transacção LTDA initial contribution to the joint venture was to be $8,175,000 USD, which was 25% of the anticipated cost of the construction ($32,700,000 USD). In the event Briskul Transacção LTDA was unable to make its initial contribution, the Company had agreed to advance Briskul Transacção LTDA up to $3,000,000 USD towards its initial contribution in the form of a senior subordinated debenture, which would bear interest at the rate of 9% per year. SBC is a development stage entity and the Company is responsible for securing the financing necessary to complete the plant as well as oversee its design and construction. Assets of the joint venture totaled $6,130,318, which consisted of cash, land and construction in progress. As of April 01, 2008, we have made contributions to SBC of $1,500,000 and Briskul Transacção LTDA has made cash contributions of $4,630,318. On March 14, 2008, Rockridge Capital Holdings Corporation loaned the Company $1,500,000 to secure our contribution for the “SBC Joint Venture”, with Briskul Transacção LTDA. The loan bears an interest at the rate of 14% per annum and is secured by a Demand Promissory Note and/or can be converted into common stock at any time. |
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Plan of Operation.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risks in the section entitled “Risk Factors” that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.
Our consolidated financial statements are stated in United States dollars and are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes that appear elsewhere in this quarterly report.
In this quarterly report, unless otherwise specified, all references to “common shares” refer to the common shares in our capital stock and the terms “we”, “us” and “our” mean Southridge Enterprises Inc.
Overview
We are a renewable energy company with a mission to become an ethanol producer in the southeastern region of the United States. To date, we have not derived any income from any of our operations, but the Company earned revenue in the three months ended February 29, 2008 from the sale of ethanol fuel.
Our plan of operation is to focus areas which offer abundant supplies of corn or other raw materials, superior transportation infrastructure and expedited permitting processes. We have spent a significant amount of time and capital building a solid infrastructure.
We are committed to attract and recruit the very best in talent, experience and innovation to provide a management team capable of achieving extraordinary results. Financing for these projects has been a challenge during the past year due to the downturn in the commodities markets, however, our patience and determination has paid off in the form of a solid financing plan for these project to be executed early in 2008.
On January 08, 2008; Southridge Enterprises, Inc. notified the NASDAQ that the Company’s Board of Directors had established a record date of December 31, 2007 to affect a one-for-ten reverse stock split of its outstanding common stock. The reverse stock split was approved by the by the Company’s shareholders at special meeting held on January 31, 2008. Pursuant to the reverse stock split, each shareholder of record of the Company’s common stock on the record date of December 31, 2007 will become entitled to receive one new common share in exchange for every ten old common shares held by such shareholder. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split and, in lieu thereof; any fractional share shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share. The exercise price and the number of shares of common stock issuable under the Company’s outstanding options and warrants will be proportionately adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split. The reverse split became effective on March 6, 2008 and the Company’s stock symbol on the OTC Bulletin Board was changed from SORD to SRDG.
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Executive Offices
We lease an executive office in Dallas, Texas. The lease term is three years commencing January 1, 2008. The base rent in the first year is $16,870. The Company believes that its office space and facilities are sufficient to meet its present needs and does not anticipate any difficulty securing alternative or additional space, as needed, on terms acceptable to the Company.
Properties and Operations
We have acquired an industrial plant facility located in Quitman County, Mississippi, for the purchase price of $375,000, which closed on October 5, 2006. This plant is situated on 37 acres located in the northwest region of the state, which is in the lower portion of the Mid-West corn belt. The facility has a 76,000 sq. ft industrial structure that we intend to convert by installing the equipment required for ethanol production. We are in the process of sourcing such equipment.
The largest rail line by volume in the U.S. is located next to the plant facility and this will provide us with immediate and direct access to a superior transportation infrastructure. Access to this rail line will allow the import of raw materials and the export of the resulting ethanol. Our plant facility includes a 144,000 sq.ft. concrete rail loading dock on site, built specifically for large scale operations. With this infrastructure, we have access to 15 grain elevators and 5 oil refineries within the State of Mississippi for delivery of raw material and distribution of finished products. An additional logistical benefit of the facility is its proximity to the Mississippi River, allowing for raw material and finished product to be shipped by barge and delivered a short distance to and from the facility.
On January 14, 2008 we acquired an option to purchase land for an ethanol plant near Dallas, TX. The proposed plant near Dallas would be a 50 million gallons per year natural gas fired, dry-grind ethanol facility. The plant of this size would typically consume approximately 18 million bushels of corn and produces 160,000 tons of dried distillers grains annually. Once operational would likely employ more than 30 people. Once built it would bring the company's total expected ethanol production capacity to 100 million gallons of ethanol per year, through four facilities. Land is 45 acres located in Denton County, Texas. We have an Option to Purchase Agreement for $380,000.
On February 26, 2008 we broke ground on our newly acquired land and ethanol manufacturing plant site in El Salvador. The new plant will have an expected maximum annual capacity of 20 million gallons per year. The start of the plant put us on track to complete construction by early 2009 which should take approximately 12 months. First phase will have the capacity to dry up to 15MMGY of hydrous ethanol to be imported into the United States. The second phase would be to build the plant capable of producing 5MMGY of ethanol using sugar cane as feedstock. Having the capability to use feedstock grown and cut straight on our land will give us a huge advantage. Bagasse, the fibrous material that remains from sugar cane, will be burned as fuel and cut down our energy costs by 60%. Our plan to export ethanol from Brazil and import it into the United States via our facility in El Salvador where we can take advantage of the Caribbean Basins Initiative (CBI), a trade agreement signed in 2000 that allows Caribbean and Central American countries to export ethanol into the United States duty-free. The new site in El Salvador is located in close proximity to a river making it easily accessible to transport product to an ocean local port for transport to the United States. The site has 25,000 mz (approx. 4,500 acres) of land and access to abundant sugar cane production capacity. With an average yield of 30 to 40 tons per acre grown on site, the location will be more than capable of supplying the 5 million gallon per year production plant. The cost of land was $850,000 under a Contract for Deed/Land Contract and Note Payable for 8 payments (each for $106,250) over 2 years with the first payment due May 5, 2008.
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On January 23, 2008, we signed a definitive purchase agreement with Celuhol Biotech Inc. (Celuhol), a private company, to acquire ownership rights to the Celuhol Intellectual Property (IP), research and development assets, with respect to the cellulosic technology being developed for converting biomass into ethanol. We are in the process of raising $5 million dollars to ramp-up technical staff, purchase equipment and provide working capital for development and testing of the cellulosic technology prior to commercialization. We acquired the technology, plant data and related engineering together with the original pilot plant that is now being integrated with recently developed process capabilities to convert cellulose to ethanol. The revenue model will be based on joint venture projects, licensing fee for use of the technology and royalties of approximately 12 cents per gallon of ethanol produced. We estimate four to five months of design and engineering, with anticipated construction beginning in the second quarter of 2009. Once processes are finalized, we anticipates building one of the first cellulosic ethanol facilities in the Eastern United States. The cost for this acquisition was $2,500,000 for which we issued Celuhol 50,000,000 restricted shares at an average price of $0.05 per share.
During this second quarter ending February 29, 2008, the Company completed an ethanol purchase and sale transaction. The ethanol was supplied by Petrozilian Energia SA from Brazil and sold to Agrobin Hunt Corp and shipped to the United Kingdom (UK). The purchase was financed with a Letter of Credit supported in part by Joint Venture partner Micheles Borgan & Lea Capital (MBLC). The entire transaction was the export of 6 million gallons of ethanol for a total cost of $8,100,000 USD ($1.35 per gallon) and for proceeds of $14,400,000 USD ($2.40 per gallon) for a net profit of $6,300,000 USD. As per the Joint Venture Revenue Sharing Agreement, the Company was entitled to 35% of the revenue and profits related to this transaction, $5,040,000 and $2,205,000, respectively. A total commitment of $1,000,000 was deposited by company in order for MBLC to finance the difference of $7,100,000 USD and secure a Letter of Credit.
On March 12, 2008, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Briskul Transacção LTDA to construct and operate an ethanol facility in Brazil. The joint venture operates as Southridge Brasilia Corp. (“SBC”). The Company's initial membership interest in SBC, according to the agreement, would be 75% and Briskul Transacção LTDA initial membership interest would be 25%. According to the agreement, Briskul Transacção LTDA has the right to secure an additional 10% membership interest through additional capital contributions made before the mechanical completion of the facility. We provided an initial contribution of $1,500,000 against an anticipated total contribution of $24,525,000 USD. Briskul Transacção LTDA initial contribution to the joint venture was to be $8,175,000 USD, which was 25% of the anticipated cost of the construction ($32,700,000 USD). In the event Briskul Transacção LTDA was unable to make its initial contribution, the Company had agreed to advance Briskul Transacção LTDA up to $3,000,000 USD towards its initial contribution in the form of a senior subordinated debenture, which would bear interest at the rate of 9% per year. SBC is a development stage entity and the Company is responsible for securing the financing necessary to complete the plant as well as oversee its design and construction. Assets of the joint venture totaled $6,130,318, which consisted of cash, land and construction in progress. As of April 01, 2008, we have made contributions to SBC of $1,500,000 and Briskul Transacção LTDA has made cash contributions of $4,630,318.
On December 03, 2007, the former President Mr. Smid loaned the Company $610,000 in order to establish a Letter of Credit for our ethanol purchase from Brazil. The loan bears an interest at the rate of 4% per annum and is secured by a Demand Promissory Note and/or can be converted into common stock at any time. The Company also drew down $424,999.19 from its Letter of Credit to secure the ethanol purchase transaction. In addition, Rockridge Capital Holdings Corporation loaned the Company $1,500,000 to secure our contribution for the “SBC Joint Venture”, with Briskul Transacção LTDA. The loan bears an interest at the rate of 14% per annum and is secured by a Demand Promissory Note and/or can be converted into common stock at any time.
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On February 22, 2008, the Company secured a financing for $6.6 Million with a private investment firm Nexus Lotts Capital Corporation. The funding is to be completed in three traunches of $2,200,000 and expected to begin in the third quarter of 2008. The net proceeds from the equity offering will be will be used for the construction of the sugarcane-based ethanol plant in El Salvador and a land purchase in Texas.
Southridge is also creating the only branded E85 fuel in Mississippi, SR85™, and have entered into strategic relationships with major distributors to increase awareness and availability of E85. A consistent, strong, and clearly defined brand will add yet another barrier to entry and market penetration. Increased awareness of the advantages we deliver will give rise to increased demand for the end product. The Company owns the SR85 trademark.
The Company has been incurring various costs for feasibility studies, preliminary engineering, environmental permit applications and legal fees for the development of the three sites described above. We have applied for and anticipate the environmental permit to be issued for the Mississippi site by the second quarter of 2009. We are negotiating the final engineering, procurement and construction contract for the Texas site and could begin construction by the first quarter of 2009, subject to obtaining adequate financing.
Since September 2006, the Company has been actively exploring potential sources of financing for our projects. On November 12, 2007, we engaged Hellia Management Funding Inc., to assist us with arranging a senior credit facility up to a maximum principal amount of $150 million for the development, construction and operation of our Mississippi and Texas plants. We do not expect to enter into definitive agreements for our debt financing until after we raise capital through a registered primary public offering of our securities that is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2008 after we finalize negotiations for an engineering, procurement and construction contract.
Simultaneously with discussions with potential lenders, we have been meeting with various sources of equity capital. We have not yet entered into any agreements for the necessary equity to fund our growth and there can be no assurance that such capital will be available. Our ability to develop these projects and bring them to an operational stage, as well as to pursue and exploit other potential opportunities, is subject to substantial risk and uncertainty, including risks related to our ability to obtain necessary debt and equity financing on reasonable terms or at all, our ability to obtain required permits and other approvals, our ability to reach definitive agreements with our partners in the construction and operation of new plants, and our ability to operate new plants on a commercially successful basis.
We are also exploring other possible opportunities, including opportunities of mergers and acquisitions involving other ethanol producers and developers, other renewable fuels related technologies, and grain and fuel logistics facilities. We believe that our vertical-integration model offers strategic advantages over participants operating in only one facet of the industry, such as production, and we continue to seek opportunities to incorporate ethanol value chain firms into our operations. Given the current trend toward consolidation in the industry, we believe that we can become a consolidator of ethanol value chain assets.
With our strategic new facilities in El Salvador and Brazil it will allow us to become one of the lowest cost producers in the industry through the benefits of export incentives and supply of its own raw materials. This comparative advantage of vertical integration and production diversification will act as a hedge against rising costs and will ensure the stability of future production levels.
There is no assurance that we will complete the plant in Mississippi, Texas, El Salvador or Brazil and even if we do, there is no assurance that they will be operational. Even if we do complete these plants, there can be no assurance that we will successfully produce the projected combined production of 100 million gallons per year (MMGY) of ethanol. Please refer to the section entitled ‘Risk Factors’, for additional information about the risks of ethanol production.
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Competition
We operate in the highly-competitive ethanol marketing industry and plan to establish ethanol production facilities to begin producing our own ethanol. The largest ethanol producer in the United States is Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, or ADM, with wet and dry mill plants in the Midwest and a total production capacity of about 1.2 billion gallons per year, or about 30% of total United States ethanol production. According to the Renewable Fuels
Association's ETHANOL INDUSTRY OUTLOOK 2006, there are approximately 95 ethanol plants currently operating with a combined annual production capacity of approximately 5.0 billion gallons. In addition, 29 ethanol plants and 9 expansions were under construction with a combined annual capacity of approximately 1.5 billion gallons. We believe that most of the growth in ethanol production over the last ten years has been by farmer-owned cooperatives that have commenced or expanded ethanol production as a strategy for enhancing demand for corn and adding value through processing. We believe that many smaller ethanol plants rely on marketing groups such as Ethanol Products, Aventine Renewable Energy, Inc. and Renewable Products Marketing Group to move their product to market.
Total annual gasoline consumption in the United States is approximately 140 billion gallons and total annual ethanol consumption currently represents less than 4% of this amount, or approximately 5 billion gallons of ethanol. We believe that the ethanol industry has substantial potential for growth to reach what we estimate is an achievable level of at least 10% of the total annual gasoline consumption in the United States, or approximately 14 billion gallons of ethanol. In California alone, an increase in the consumption of ethanol from California’s current level of 5.7%, or approximately 950 million gallons of ethanol per year, to at least 10%, of total annual gasoline consumption would result in consumption of approximately 700 million additional gallons of ethanol, representing an increase in annual ethanol consumption in California alone of approximately 75% and an increase in annual ethanol consumption in the entire United States of approximately 18%.
Plan of Operations and Cash Requirements
Our primary goal is to become a producer and marketer of ethanol and other renewable fuels in the Eastern United States. Our business strategy to achieve this goal includes the following elements:
1. | Completion of our Ethanol Production Facilities |
We are currently developing ethanol production facilities located in Quitman County, Mississippi, Texas, Brazil and El Salvador to produce ethanol and its co-products, specifically, WDG and CO(2), for sale in the U.S and abroad. We believe that, following the completion of construction of our planned facilities, if they occur, we will be a significant producer of ethanol and that our proximity to the geographic market in which we plan to sell our ethanol may provide us with competitive advantages over other ethanol producers.
2. | Make Strategic Acquisitions of Existing or Pending Ethanol Production Facilities |
We plan to continue to explore opportunities to make strategic acquisitions of existing or pending ethanol production facilities. In circumstances where, in our judgment, the acquisition of existing or pending ethanol production facilities represents an opportunity to more quickly or successfully meet our business goals, we intend to undertake to consummate these acquisitions.
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3. | Identify and Exploit New Renewable Fuels and Technologies |
We plan to continue to identify and exploit new renewable fuels and technologies. We are currently developing our recently acquired new technology that will enable the conversion of cellulose, which is generated predominantly from wood waste, paper waste and agricultural waste, into ethanol and we are also researching opportunities to produce bio-diesel to serve East Coast markets.
Personnel Plan
As of February 29, 2008, we had no employees other than our directors and officers.
On December 18, 2007, Mr. Ken Milken and Mr. Stephen A. Smith were elected to our Board of Directors. Mr. Milken was subsequently appointed President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, following the resignation of former President Alex Smid, and Mr. Smith was appointed Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Company. Daniel Jackson has continued his position as a director of the Company.
Mr. Ken Milken is a chemical engineer, entrepreneur and senior corporate executive. He is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SolarClone, a leading provider of solar power solutions. He grew the revenues of this company from zero to $80 million in less than three years. Prior to this, Mr. Milken was Chairman and CEO of Simco BioTechnologies. From 1982 through 1993, he worked for US Genesis Corporation, eventually serving as Vice President of Worldwide Product Engineering. Mr. Milken was named as Chairman of the BioTechnology Committee.
Mr. Stephen A. Smith has a 30-year career in the international private energy industry. He has lived in Switzerland, the US, Taiwan, Morocco and India. From 1978 to 1981 he was Vice President of ACC Energy Ventures, responsible for the Middle East and India. Mr. Smith was chief financial officer of Kalatta Energy Corp. from 1984 to 1989. He is currently a director of Brio plc and Brio Limited, a mineral resources group, and is a member of its Audit and Remuneration Committees.
We also engage directors and contractors from time to time to supply work on specific corporate business and development programs.
Consultants are retained on the basis of ability and experience. Except as set forth above, there is no preliminary agreement or understanding existing or under contemplation by us (or any person acting on our behalf) concerning any aspect of our operations pursuant to which any person would be hired, compensated or paid a finder’s fee.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
There are no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal capital resources have been through the issuance of common stock, our Line of Credit and related party loans, ethanol purchase and sale contracts or borrowing in the future.
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At February 29, 2008, we had working capital of $585,873, compared to a working deficit of $479,399 as at August 31, 2007.
At February 29, 2008, our total assets were $5,435,425, which consisted of cash of $1,560,425 and $3,875,000 of property and equipment, compared to total assets of $375,000 as at August 31, 2007.
At February 29, 2008, our total liabilities were $3,152,068. This is primarily comprised of draw downs from our line of credit of $424,999, a property note payable of $850,000 and a related party loan of $610,000, during the period. This compares to total liabilities of $1,231,916 as at August 31, 2007.
For the three and six month periods ended February 29, 2008, we posted a profit of $1,525,426 and a loss of $277,069, respectively. This compares to losses of $164,070 and $555,125, respectively for the three and six months ended February 28, 2007. We have had a total profit of $376,297 since inception.
At February 29, 2008, we had cash on hand of $1,560,425 compared to $0 as at August 31, 2007.
Cash Requirements
We will require additional funds to implement our growth strategy for ethanol production. These funds may be raised through equity financing, debt financing, or other sources, which may result in further dilution in the equity ownership of our shares. There is still no assurance that we will be able to maintain operations at a level sufficient for an investor to obtain a return on his investment in our common stock. Further, we may be unprofitable going forward.
Going Concern
Due to our being an development stage company and not having generated revenues at that time, in their Notes to our financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007, our independent auditors included an explanatory paragraph regarding concerns about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We have historically incurred losses, although through February 29, 2008 the Company recorded net income of $376,297 from our inception. Because of these historical losses, we will require additional working capital to develop our business operations. We intend to raise additional working capital through private placements, public offerings, bank financing and/or advances from related parties or shareholder loans.
The continuation of our business is dependent upon obtaining further financing and achieving a break even or profitable level of operations. The issuance of additional equity securities by us could result in a significant dilution in the equity interests of our current or future stockholders. Obtaining commercial loans, assuming those loans would be available, will increase our liabilities and future cash commitments.
There are no assurances that we will be able to either (1) achieve a level of revenues adequate to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; or (2) obtain additional financing through either private placements, public offerings and/or bank financing necessary to support our working capital requirements. To the extent that funds generated from operations and any private placements, public offerings and/or bank financing are insufficient, we will have to raise additional working capital. No assurance can be given that additional financing will be available, or if available, will be on terms acceptable to us. If adequate working capital is not available we may not increase our operations.
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These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of asset carrying amounts or the amount and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management’s application of accounting policies. We believe that understanding the basis and nature of the estimates and assumptions involved with the following aspects of our financial statements is critical to an understanding of our financials.
In preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
General and Administration Expenses
General and Administration expenses are written off to operations when incurred.
APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by management's application of accounting policies. We believe that understanding the basis and nature of the estimates and assumptions involved with the following aspects of our financial statements is critical to an understanding of our financials
Risks Associated With Our Business
We have very recent operating history and as a result there is no assurance we can operate on a profitable basis.
We have very recent operating history and must be considered in the development stage. Our company's operations will be subject to all the risks inherent in the establishment of a development stage enterprise and the uncertainties arising from the absence of a significant operating history. Potential investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by development stage companies and the high rate of failure of such enterprises. We may incur losses in the foreseeable future and at least until after the completion of our first ethanol production facility in El Salvador or in Quitman County, Mississippi. We estimate that the earliest completion date of the El Salvador facility and, as a result, our earliest date of ethanol production will not occur until the first quarter of 2009. We expect to rely on cash from borrowings and financings to fund all of the cash requirements of our business. If our net losses continue, we will experience negative cash flow, which may hamper current operations and may prevent us from expanding our business. We may be unable to attain, sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. If we do not achieve, sustain or increase profitability our stock price may decline.
Governmental Regulations or the Repeal or Modification of Various Tax Incentives Favoring the use of Ethanol could reduce the demand for Ethanol
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Our business is subject to extensive regulation by federal, state and local governmental agencies. We cannot predict in what manner or to what extent governmental regulations will harm our business or the ethanol production and marketing industry in general. For example the energy bill signed into law by President Bush in August 2005 includes a national renewable fuels standard that requires refiners to blend a percentage of renewable fuels into gasoline.
The fuel ethanol business benefits significantly from tax incentive policies and environmental regulations that favor the use of ethanol in motor fuel blends in the United States. Currently, a gasoline marketer that sells gasoline without ethanol must pay a federal tax of $0.18 per gallon compared to $0.13 per gallon for gasoline that is blended with 10% ethanol. Smaller credits are available for gasoline blended with lesser percentages of ethanol. The repeal or substantial modification of the federal excise tax exemption for ethanol-blended gasoline or, to a lesser extent, other federal or state policies and regulations that encourage the use of ethanol could have a detrimental effect on the ethanol production and marketing industry and materially and adversely affect any sales and profitability.
If we do not obtain additional financing, our business could fail and our investors could lose their investment.
We had a cash balance in the amount of $1,560,425 and a working capital of $585,873 as of our period ended February 29, 2008, and currently do generate revenues from our operations. However, our business plan calls for substantial investment and cost in connection with the acquisition and exploration of our properties. Any direct acquisition is subject to our ability to obtain the financing necessary for us to fund and carry out exploration programs on the properties. The requirements are substantial. We presently have approximately $9,000,000 remaining on a line of credit facility granted by Uniform Ventures Ltd. We do have other financing commitments, but obtaining additional financing is critical and would be subject to a number of factors, including market prices for resources, investor acceptance of our properties, and investor sentiment. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms or conditions of additional financing unavailable to us. The most likely source of future funds presently available to us is through the sale of equity capital and loans. Any new sales of share capital will result in dilution to existing shareholders.
Violations of Environmental Regulations could subject us to severe penalties and materially and adversely affect potential sales.
The production and sale of ethanol is subject to regulation by agencies of the federal government, including, but not limited to, the EPA, as well as other agencies in each jurisdiction in which ethanol is produced, sold, stored or transported. Environmental laws and regulations that affect our operations, and that are expected to affect our planned operations, are extensive and have become progressively more stringent. Applicable laws and regulations are subject to change, which could be made retroactively. Violations of environmental laws and regulations or permit conditions can result in substantial penalties, injunctive orders compelling installation of additional controls, civil and criminal sanctions, permit revocations and/or facility shutdowns. If significant unforeseen liabilities arise for corrective action or other compliance, our potential sales and profitability could be materially and adversely affected.
Our Failure to Manage our Growth effectively could Prevent us from achieving our Goals.
Our strategy envisions a period of rapid growth that may impose a significant burden on our administrative and operational resources. The growth of our business, and in particular, the completion of construction of our planned ethanol production facilities, will require significant investments of capital and management's close attention. Our ability to effectively manage our growth will require us to substantially expand the capabilities of our administrative and operational resources and to attract, train, manage and retain qualified management, technicians and other personnel. We may be unable to do so. In addition, our failure to successfully manage our growth could result in our potential sales not increasing commensurately with our capital investments. If we are unable to successfully manage our growth, we may be unable to achieve our goals.
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The Market Price of Ethanol is Volatile and subject to significant fluctuations, which may cause our potential profitability to fluctuate significantly
The market price of ethanol is dependent on many factors, including on the price of gasoline, which is in turn dependent on the price of petroleum. Petroleum prices are highly volatile and difficult to forecast due to frequent changes in global politics and the world economy. The distribution of petroleum throughout the world is affected by incidents in unstable political environments, such as Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the former U.S.S.R. and other countries and regions. The industrialized world depends critically on oil from these areas, and any disruption or other reduction in oil supply can cause significant fluctuations in the prices of oil and gasoline. We cannot predict the future price of oil or gasoline and may establish unprofitable prices for the sale of ethanol due to significant fluctuations in market prices. For example, the price of ethanol declined by approximately 25% from its 2004 average price per gallon in only five months from January 2005 through May 2005. In recent years, the prices of gasoline, petroleum and ethanol have all reached historically unprecedented high levels. If the prices of gasoline and petroleum decline, we believe that the demand for and price of ethanol may be adversely affected. Fluctuations in the market price of ethanol may cause our profitability to fluctuate significantly.
We believe that the production of ethanol is expanding rapidly. We expect existing ethanol plants to expand by increasing production capacity and actual production. Increases in the demand for ethanol may not be commensurate with increasing supplies of ethanol. Thus, increased production of ethanol may lead to lower ethanol prices. The increased production of ethanol could also have other adverse effects. For example, increased ethanol production could lead to increased supplies of co-products from the production of ethanol, such as wet distiller’s grain, or WDG. Those increased supplies could lead to lower prices for those co-products. Also, the increased production of ethanol could result in increased demand for corn. This could result in higher prices for corn and cause higher ethanol production costs. We cannot predict the future price of ethanol, WDG or corn. Any material decline in the price of ethanol or WDG, or any material increase in the price of corn, will adversely affect our sales and profitability.
The construction and operation of our planned Ethanol Production Facilities may be adversely affected by Environmental Regulations and Permit Requirements
The production of ethanol involves the emission of various airborne pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds. We may be required to obtain various water-related permits, such as a water discharge permit and a storm-water discharge permit, a water withdrawal permit and a public water supply permit. If for any reason we are unable to obtain any of the required permits, construction costs for our planned ethanol production facilities are likely to increase; in addition, the facilities may not be fully constructed at all. It is also likely that operations at the facilities will be governed by the federal regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, and other regulations. Compliance with OSHA and other regulations may be time-consuming and expensive and may delay or even prevent sales of ethanol.
The raw materials and energy necessary to produce Ethanol may be unavailable or may increase in price, adversely affecting our potential profitability.
The production of ethanol requires a significant amount of raw materials and energy, primarily corn, water, electricity and natural gas. In particular, we estimate that our Quitman County, Mississippi ethanol production facility will require a significant amount of corn each year, and significant and uninterrupted supplies of water, electricity and natural gas. The prices of corn, electricity and natural gas have fluctuated significantly in the past and may fluctuate significantly in the future. In addition, droughts, severe winter weather in the Midwest, where we expect to source corn and other problems may cause delays or interruptions of various durations in the delivery of corn or reduce corn supplies and increase corn prices. Local water, electricity and gas utilities may not be able to reliably supply the water, electricity and natural gas that our Quitman County, Mississippi facility will need or may not be able to supply such resources on acceptable terms. In addition, if there is an interruption in the supply of water or energy for any reason, we may be required to halt ethanol production. We may not be able to successfully anticipate or mitigate fluctuations in the prices of raw materials and energy through the implementation of hedging and contracting techniques. Higher raw materials and energy prices will generally cause lower profit margins and may even result in losses. Accordingly, our sales and profitability may be significantly and adversely affected by the prices and supplies of raw materials and energy.
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Our independent certified public accounting firm, in their Notes to the audited financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007 states that there is a substantial doubt that we will be able to continue as a going concern.
Our independent certified public accounting firm, Robison, Hill & Co. , state in their notes to the audited financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2007, that we have experienced significant losses since inception. Failure to arrange adequate financing on acceptable terms and to achieve profitability would have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects, there is a substantial doubt that we will be able to continue as a going concern.
Risks Associated with Our Common Stock
Trading on the OTC Bulletin Board may be volatile and sporadic, which could depress the market price of our common stock and make it difficult for our stockholders to resell their shares.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board service of the National Association of Securities Dealers. Trading in stock quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board is often thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors that may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. This volatility could depress the market price of our common stock for reasons unrelated to operating performance. Moreover, the OTC Bulletin Board is not a stock exchange, and trading of securities on the OTC Bulletin Board is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on a quotation system like Nasdaq or a stock exchange like Amex. Accordingly, shareholders may have difficulty reselling any of the shares.
Our stock is a penny stock. Trading of our stock may be restricted by the SEC’s penny stock regulations and the NASD’s sales practice requirements, which may limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our stock.
Our stock is a penny stock. The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted Rule 15g-9 which generally defines “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors”. The term “accredited investor” refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer’s confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules; the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the stock that is subject to these penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We believe that the penny stock rules discourage investor interest in and limit the marketability of our common stock.
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In addition to the “penny stock” rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the NASD has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, the NASD believes that there is a high probability that speculative low priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. The NASD requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our stock.
Other Risks
Because some of our officers and directors are located in non-U.S. jurisdictions, you may have no effective recourse against the non U.S. officers and directors for misconduct and may not be able to enforce judgment and civil liabilities against such parties.
Some of our directors and officers are nationals and/or residents of countries other than the United States, and all or a substantial portion of such persons’ assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against our officers or directors, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof.
Trends, Risks and Uncertainties
We have sought to identify what we believe to be the most significant risks to our business, but we cannot predict whether, or to what extent, any of such risks may be realized nor can we guarantee that we have identified all possible risks that might arise. Investors should carefully consider all of such risk factors before making an investment decision with respect to our common stock.
Item 3. | Disclosure Controls and Procedures |
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, we have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, February 29, 2008. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our company’s management, including our company’s president and chief executive officer. Based upon that evaluation, our company’s president and chief executive officer concluded that our company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as at the end of the period covered by this report. There have been no significant changes in our company’s internal controls or in other factors, which could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date we carried out our evaluation.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our company’s reports filed or submitted 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 include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our company’s reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our company’s president and chief executive officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings. |
We know of no material, active 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 of our directors, officers or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial shareholder, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our interest.
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. |
None
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities. |
None.
Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. |
None.
Item 5. | Other Information. |
None.
Item 6. | Exhibits. |
Exhibit Number | Description | |
(3) | (i) Articles of Incorporation; and (ii) Bylaws | |
3.1 | Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from our Form SB-2 Registration Statement, filed on October 13, 2004, as amended). | |
3.2 | Bylaws (incorporated by reference from our Form SB-2 Registration Statement, filed on October 13, 2004, as amended). | |
(4) | Form of Share Certificate | |
4.1 | Form of Share Certificate (incorporated by reference from our Form SB-2 Registration Statement, filed on October 13, 2004, as amended). | |
(10) | Material Contracts | |
10.1 | Work Statement filed March 18, 2005. (incorporated by reference from our Form SB-2 Registration Statement, filed on October 13, 2004, as amended). |
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10.2 | Option to Purchase Agreement - Boss Group of Companies (incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 11, 2006). | |
10.3 | Line of Credit with Uniform Ventures Ltd. (incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 11, 2006). | |
10.4 | Purchase agreement for industrial plant facility in Quitman County, Mississippi (incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 11, 2006). | |
(14) | ||
14.1 | Code of Ethics (Filed with the SEC as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB filed on December 2, 2005). | |
(21) | ||
21.1 | Southridge Ethanol Inc. (a Mississippi corporation). Southridge Environmental Inc. (a Mississippi corporation). | |
(31) | 302 Certification | |
31.1* | Section 302 Certification under Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
(32) | 906 Certification | |
32.1* | Section 906 Certification under Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
* Filed herewith
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized this April 11, 2008.
SOUTHRIDGE ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Registrant)
DATE: April 11, 2008
By: | /S/ Ken Milken | |||
Ken Milken President and Director (Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Principal Executive Officer) |
By: | /S/ Stephen Smith | |||
Stephen Smith Chief Financial Officer and Director (Secretary, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer) |
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