UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________to ____________
Commission File Number 333-123465
UNIVERSAL BIOENERGY, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 20-1770378 | |
State of Incorporation | IRS Employer Identification No. |
19800 Mac Arthur Blvd., Suite 300
Irvine, CA 92612
(Address of principal executive offices)
(888) 263-2009
(Issuer’s telephone number)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required 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 x
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, or a non–accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b–2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non–Accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b–2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes ¨ No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class | Outstanding at June 24, 2010 | |
Common stock, $0.001 par value | 45,155,000 |
UNIVERSAL BIOENERGY, INC.
INDEX
INDEX TO FORM 10Q FILING
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2009 AND 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE | ||||
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||
Item 1. | Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | |||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | 3 | |||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income | 4 | |||
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows | 5 | |||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 6 | |||
Item 2. | Management Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 19 | ||
Item 3 | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 26 | ||
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 26 | ||
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION | ||||
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 27 | ||
Item 1A | Risk Factors | 27 | ||
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 34 | ||
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 34 | ||
Item 4. | Removed and Reserved | 34 | ||
Item 5 | Other information | 34 | ||
Item 6. | Exhibits | 34 |
CERTIFICATIONS
Exhibit 31 – Management certification | |
Exhibit 32 – Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
2
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(An Development Stage Company) |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET |
(Unaudited) | (Audited) | |||||||
March 31, 2009 | December 31, 2008 | |||||||
ASSETS: (Substantially pledged) | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
Prepaid expenses | - | - | ||||||
Total current assets | - | - | ||||||
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT | 290,000 | 290,000 | ||||||
Deposit | 3,100 | 3,100 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 293,100 | $ | 293,100 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT): | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
Bank overdraft | $ | 1,213 | $ | 1,213 | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 219,834 | 74,355 | ||||||
Advances from affiliates | 32,405 | 24,405 | ||||||
Note payable- affiliate | 100,000 | 100,000 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 353,451 | 199,973 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 353,451 | 199,973 | ||||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT): | ||||||||
Preferred stock Series A, $.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares | ||||||||
authorized, 100,000 issued and outstanding shares | ||||||||
March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively | 100 | 100 | ||||||
Preferred stock Series B, $.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares | ||||||||
authorized, 232,080 issued and outstanding shares | ||||||||
March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively | 232 | 232 | ||||||
Common stock, $.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; | ||||||||
21,525,000 issued and outstanding as of | ||||||||
March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively | 21,525 | 21,525 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 12,976,283 | 12,976,284 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit - development stage company | (13,058,491 | ) | (12,905,012 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) | (60,352 | ) | 93,129 | |||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) | $ | 293,100 | $ | 293,100 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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UNIVERSAL BIOENERGY, INC. |
(An Development Stage Company) |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS - unaudited |
For the Period | ||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended | from August 13, 2004 | |||||||||||
March 31, | (inception) through | |||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | March 31, 2009 | ||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | $ | 153,479 | $ | 282,346 | $ | 970,137 | ||||||
Impairment of assets | - | 3,484,048 | 11,970,692 | |||||||||
Total operating expenses | 153,479 | 3,766,394 | 12,940,829 | |||||||||
OTHER (INCOME) AND EXPENSES: | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | - | 40,559 | 117,662 | |||||||||
Total other expense | - | 40,559.00 | 117,662 | |||||||||
NET LOSS | $ | 153,479 | $ | 3,806,953 | $ | 13,058,491 | ||||||
NET LOSS PER SHARE: | ||||||||||||
Basic and diluted loss per share | $ | 0.01 | $ | 0.17 | ||||||||
Weighted average of shares outstanding | 21,525,000 | 22,509,778 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
UNIVERSAL BIOENERGY, INC. |
(An Development Stage Company) |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - unaudited |
For the Period | ||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended | from August 13, 2004 | |||||||||||
March 31 | (inception) through | |||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | March 31, 2009 | ||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||
Net Loss | $ | (153,479 | ) | $ | (3,806,953 | ) | $ | (13,058,491 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash | ||||||||||||
(used in) operating activities: | ||||||||||||
In kind rent | - | 600 | 9,000 | |||||||||
Impairment of assets | - | 3,484,048 | 11,970,692 | |||||||||
Common stock issued for services | - | 50,100 | 51,878 | |||||||||
Preferred Series A stock issued for services | 11,850 | |||||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 145,479 | (6,824 | ) | 263,238 | ||||||||
Net cash used by operating activities | (8,000 | ) | (279,029 | ) | (751,833 | ) | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||
Cash from acquisition | - | - | 108,974 | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | - | - | 108,974 | |||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||
Advances from affiliates | 8,000 | - | 32,405 | |||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock | - | - | 23,200 | |||||||||
Proceeds from notes payable | - | 149,254 | 587,254 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 8,000 | 149,254 | 642,859 | |||||||||
INCREASE IN CASH | - | (129,775 | ) | - | ||||||||
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR | - | 133,177 | - | |||||||||
CASH, END OF YEAR | $ | - | $ | 3,402 | $ | - | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||||||
Interest paid | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Taxes paid | $ | - | $ | - |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
UNIVERSAL BIOENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Universal Bioenergy, Inc. (UBRG) f/k/a Palomine Mining, Inc. was incorporated on August 13, 2004 under the laws of the State of Nevada.
Universal Bioenergy North America, Inc (“UBNA”), our wholly owned subsidiary, was incorporated in the State of Nevada on January 23, 2007.
UBNA was organized to operate and produce biodiesel fuel using primarily soybean and other vegetable oil and grease in a refining process to yield biodiesel fuel and a marketable byproduct of glycerin. The Company is located in Nettleton, Mississippi. UBNA and UB are hereafter referred to as “(the Company)”.
In October 2007, UBNA entered into a Purchase Agreement with UBRG. In October 2007, UBRG, a then shell corporation, acquired UBNA. On October 24, 2007, the Company changed its name to Universal Bioenergy, Inc. to better reflect its business plan. The purchase was consummated on December 6, 2007.
On March 7, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from January 31 to December 31.
NOTE 2 - GOING CONCERN ISSUES
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern. The Company has net losses for the period from inception (August 13, 2004) to March 31, 2009 of $13,058,491. Further, the Company has inadequate working capital to maintain or develop its operations, and is dependent upon funds from private investors and the support of certain stockholders.
These factors raise some doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties. In this regard, Management is planning to raise any necessary additional funds through loans and additional sales of its common stock. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in raising additional capital.
The Company's ability to meet its obligations and continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to obtain additional financing, achievement of profitable operations and/or the discovery, exploration, development and sale of mining reserves. The Company cannot reasonably be expected to earn revenue in the exploration stage of operations. Although the Company plans to pursue additional financing, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to secure financing when needed or to obtain such financing on terms satisfactory to the Company, if at all.
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NOTE 3 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Significant accounting policies are as follows:
Principle of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Bioenergy, Inc. and Universal Bioenergy North America, Inc. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and (iii) the reported amount of net sales and expenses recognized during the periods presented. Adjustments made with respect to the use of estimates often relate to improved information not previously available. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements; accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates.
Revenue and Cost Recognition
Revenue includes product sales. The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of biodiesel fuel and related byproducts at the time title to the product transfers, the amount is fixed and determinable, evidence of an agreement exists and the customer bears the risk of loss, net of provision for rebates and sales allowances in accordance with ASC Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements”.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2008 and 2007 the Company had no cash equivalents.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using principally the straight-line method. When items are retired or otherwise disposed of, income is charged or credited for the difference between net book value and proceeds realized. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and replacements and betterments are capitalized.
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The range of estimated useful lives used to calculated depreciation for principal items of property and equipment are as follow:
Asset Category | Depreciation/ Amortization Period | |
Building | 40 Years | |
Plant Equipment | 15 Years | |
Furniture and Fixture | 3 Years | |
Office equipment | 3 Years | |
Leasehold improvements | 5 Years |
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, effective July 1, 2002. In accordance with (“ASC Topic 350”) "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," goodwill, represents the excess of the purchase price and related costs over the value assigned to net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired and accounted for under the purchase method, acquired in business combinations is assigned to reporting units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination as of the acquisition date. Under this standard, goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized. The Company assesses goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred in accordance with ASC Topic 350. If the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the Company records an impairment loss equal to the difference. ASC Topic 350 also requires that the fair value of indefinite-lived purchased intangible assets be estimated and compared to the carrying value. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived purchased intangible assets is less than the carrying value.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
In accordance with ASC Topic 365, long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangibles, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Goodwill and other intangible assets are tested for impairment. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. There were events or changes in circumstances that necessitated an impairment of long lived assets.
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are provided based on the provisions of ASC Topic 740, "Accounting for Income Taxes", to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
8
The Company adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 740; "Accounting For Uncertainty In Income Taxes-An Interpretation Of ASC Topic 740 ("ASC Topic 740"). ASC Topic 740 contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not, that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount, which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and estimating the Company's tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments. At March 31, 2009, the Company did not record any liabilities for uncertain tax positions.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company applies Topic 718 “Share-Based Payments” (“Topic 718”) to share-based compensation, which requires the measurement of the cost of services received in exchange for an award of an equity instrument based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost is recognized when the event occurs. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model is used to estimate the fair value of options granted.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company maintains its operating cash balances in banks located in Irvine, California. The Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures accounts at each institution up to $250,000.
Earnings Per Share
Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options, warrants, and other commitments to issue common stock were exercised or equity awards vest resulting in the issuance of common stock that could share in the earnings of the Company. Diluted loss per share is the same as basic loss per share, because the effects of the additional securities, a result of the net loss would be anti-dilutive.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties other than in a forced sale or liquidation.
The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and related party payables approximate fair value, due to maturities.
Reclassification
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentations.
9
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent accounting pronouncements that the Company has adopted or that will be required to adopt in the future are summarized below.
In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to amend the disclosure requirements related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The guidance requires new disclosures on the transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 (quoted prices in active market for identical assets or liabilities) and Level 2 (significant other observable inputs) of the fair value measurement hierarchy, including the reasons and the timing of the transfers. Additionally, the guidance requires a roll forward of activities on purchases, sales, issuance, and settlements of the assets and liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value measurements). The guidance became effective for us with the reporting period beginning January 1, 2010, except for the disclosure on the roll forward activities for Level 3 fair value measurements, which will become effective for us with the reporting period beginning July 1, 2011. Other than requiring additional disclosures, adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact n our financial statements.
On July 1, 2009, we adopted guidance issued by the FASB on business combinations. The guidance retains the fundamental requirements that the acquisition method of accounting (previously referred to as the purchase method of accounting) be used for all business combinations, but requires a number of changes, including changes in the way assets and liabilities are recognized and measured as a result of business combinations. It also requires the capitalization of in-process research and development at fair value and requires the expensing of acquisition-related costs as incurred. We have applied this guidance to business combinations completed since July 1, 2009.
On July 1, 2009, we adopted guidance issued by the FASB that changes the accounting and reporting for non-controlling interests. Non-controlling interests are to be reported as a component of equity separate from the parent’s equity, and purchases or sales of equity interests that do not result in a change in control are to be accounted for as equity transactions. In addition, net income attributable to a non-controlling interest is to be included in net income and, upon a loss of control, the interest sold, as well as any interest retained, is to be recorded at fair value with any gain or loss recognized in net income. Adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
On July 1, 2009, we adopted guidance on fair value measurement for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities, which is effective for us beginning July 1, 2010. The new guidance requires revised evaluations of whether entities represent variable interest entities, ongoing assessments of control over such entities, and additional disclosures for variable interests. We believe adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our financial statements.
NOTE 4 - NET LOSS PER SHARE
The net loss per common share is calculated by dividing the loss by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the periods.
10
The following table represents the computation of basic and diluted losses per share:
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2009 | For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2008 | |||||||
Losses available for common shareholders | $ | (153,479 | ) | $ | (3,806,953 | ) | ||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | (21,525,000 | ) | (22,509,778 | ) | ||||
Basic loss per share | $ | (.01 | ) | $ | (.17 | ) | ||
Fully diluted loss per share | $ | (.01 | ) | $ | (.17 | ) | ||
Net loss per share is based upon the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding |
The effect of common shares issuable under convertible notes is Anti-Dilutive and not included in Diluted loss per share.
NOTE 5 - EQUITY
On November 3, 2007, the Company amended its articles of incorporation and authorized 200,000,000 shares of common stock, at $.001 par value and 21,515,000 are issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2008.
On November 3, 2007, the Company authorized an aggregate of 1,000,000 preferred series A and B shares, at $.001 par value and there are 100,000 series A issued and 232,350 series B issued and outstanding, respectively, as of December 31, 2008.
FORWARD SPLIT
On November 3, 2007, the Company authorized a 5 for 1 forward split of its 4,300,000 issued and outstanding which was treated as a stock dividend. After the 5 for 1 forward split the Company has 22,500,000 issued and outstanding on December 31, 2007.
At December 31, 2008, there were no outstanding stock options or warrants.
Issuance of preferred shares
On September 18, 2008 the Company converted the following debt to preferred shares:
Converting | Preferred B | Debt & Accrued | Common Stock | |||||||||
Parties | Shares issued | Interest Converted | Surrendered | |||||||||
Mortenson Financial, Inc. | 34,000 | 745,991 | - | |||||||||
LaCroix Financial, Inc. | 82,500 | 1,818,821 | - | |||||||||
Mortenson Financial, Inc. | 15,850 | 300,000 | - | |||||||||
Mortenson Financial, Inc. | 100,000 | - | (1,000,000 | ) |
11
In September 18, 2008 the Company converted the Notes payables of Lacroix International Holdings, Ltd. in the amount of $1,818,821 of principle and accrued interest for 82,500 preferred Series B shares.
On September 18, 2008 the Company converted the notes payables of Mortenson Financial Ltd. in the amount of $745,991 of principle and accrued interest for 34,000 of preferred Series B shares and converted another note in the amount of $300,000 to 15,850 of preferred Series B Shares.
On September 18, 2008 Mortenson Financial Ltd. converted 1,000,000 common shares to 100,000 of preferred Series B Shares.
The Preferred Series B shares are non-voting.
100,000 shares of Preferred Series A shares were also issued to then management for compensation. The Preferred Series A shares are voting at the ratio of 300 common shares per one share of preferred.
The Preferred Series B shares are convertible to common shares at a rate to be mutually agreed upon by the Company, Lacroix, and Mortensen. However, documents provided by former management to the SEC establish that management of Lacroix and Mortensen had tentatively agreed to convert the preferred shares received from the note conversions into common shares at the rate of ten shares of common to one share of preferred. Additionally, common shares were converted to preferred shares by Mortensen at a 10:1 ratio. Conversion at the 10:1 rate would result in the issuance of 2,320,800 shares of common stock or 9.7% dilution as of March 31, 2009. Conversion at an implied market rate ($.02 per share) would result in the issuance of approximately 11,604000 shares of common stock or 35.0% dilution as of March 31, 2009. See Note 10 regarding legal restrictions on the conversion of these shares to common stock.
NOTE 6 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The Company has fixed assets as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 as follows:
March 31, 2009 | December 31, 2008 | |||||||
Equipment | $ | 165,000 | $ | 165,000 | ||||
Land | 50,000 | 50,000 | ||||||
Building | 75,000 | 75,000 | ||||||
Accumulated depreciation | ||||||||
Total | $ | 290,000 | $ | 290,000 |
There was no depreciation expense for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 respectively. The Company has not recorded any depreciation expense related to its processing facility as it has not been placed in service as of December 31, 2008. The Company impaired the assets to its value and adjusted accumulated depreciation to zero during that impairment. See Note 3, - Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.
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NOTE 7 –NOTE PAYABLE AFFILIATES
Notes payable to affiliates comprise the following as of:
March 31, 2009 | December 31, 2008 | |||||||
In February 2008 the Company did not issue the required stock for the $100,000 bonus and the Company issued a note payable that has no interest rate and is due upon demand | 100,000 | 100,000 | ||||||
Total long-term note payable | 100,000 | 100,000 | ||||||
Less current portion | 100,000 | 100,000 | ||||||
Long-term portion of note payable | $ | - | $ | - |
On September 18, 2008 the Company converted the debt to preferred shares as disclosed in Note 5 above.
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES
The Company adopted ASC Topic 740 which requires the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statement or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Temporary differences between taxable income reported for financial reporting purposes and income tax purposes are insignificant.
For income tax reporting purposes, the Company’s aggregate unused net operating losses approximate $2,420,035 which expire in various years through 2028, subject to limitations of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. The Company has provided a valuation reserve against the full amount of the net operating loss benefit, because in the opinion of management based upon the earning history of the Company, it is more likely than not that the benefits will not be realized.
Under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the benefits from net operating losses carried forward may be impaired or limited on certain circumstances. Events which may cause limitations in the amount of net operating losses that the Company may utilize in any one year include, but are not limited to, a cumulative ownership change of more than 50% over a three-year period. The impact of any limitations that may be imposed for future issuances of equity securities, including issuances with respect to acquisitions have not been determined.
NOTE 9 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In February 2008 the Company did not issue the required stock for the $100,000 bonus and the Company issued a note payable that has no interest rate and is due upon demand. Effective January 2, 2009 management entered into an employment agreement with James Michael Ator, then CFO, Treasurer, and director, for an annual base pay of $156,000 plus a signing bonus of $100,000 to vest on January 2, 2010 to be paid in restricted stock. The agreement terms also included a vested equity ownership of 10% of the outstanding common shares, including anti-dilution provisions. See Note 10 regarding the subsequent settlement of this obligation.
13
Effective February 27, 2009 management entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Richard D. Craven, then CEO, President, and director, for an annual base pay of $156,000 plus a signing bonus of $100,000 to vest on January 2, 2010 to be paid in restricted stock. The agreement terms also included a vested equity ownership of 10% of the outstanding common shares, including anti-dilution provisions. See Note 10 regarding the subsequent resignation of Dr. Craven. Current management is currently negotiating settlement of this obligation..
Effective March 6, 2009 management entered into an employment agreement with Vince M. Guest, current CEO, CFO, and director, for an annual base pay of $156,000 plus a signing bonus of $25,000 to be paid in cash or free trading stock. The agreement terms also included a vested equity ownership of 10% of the outstanding common shares, including anti-dilution provisions. The terms also include a maximum incentive bonus of 17.5% of funds from additional investment capital, and a 5% finder’s fee on all debt financing obtained by Mr. Guest on behalf of the Company.
Effective March 6, 2009 management entered into an employment agreement with Solomon RC Ali, current VP of Investor Relations, and director, for an annual base pay of $156,000 plus a signing bonus of $25,000 to be paid in cash or free trading stock. The agreement terms also included a vested equity ownership of 10% of the outstanding common shares, including anti-dilution provisions. The terms also include a maximum incentive bonus of 17.5% of funds from additional investment capital, and a 5% finder’s fee on all debt financing obtained by Mr. Ali on behalf of the Company.
NOTE 10 – SUBEQUENT EVENTS
Under terms of the above agreements, on April 14, 2009 the Company issued 2,200,000 to each officer and director of the Company with total shares issued of 8,800,000. The stock was trading at $.035 and the Company expensed $77,000 for each issuance of shares of stock with a total expense of $308,000.
On July 9, 2009 the Company sold 25,000 units in a private placement for $25,000 at $1.00 per unit. The Units are similar to a debenture and act as a debt to the company. The term is for three years, and the Units receive a return of a 30% annual stock dividend and no payments are paid for the reduction of this debt. After the six month holding period the purchaser has the option to convert part or all of the Units into common stock at an exercise price of 5 cents per share, based on the principal invested.
On October 13, 2009 the Company converted the outstanding notes of $100,000 owed to four unrelated entities to 5,000,000 common shares of stock. The stock was trading at $0.1185 and $100,000 was applied to the reduction of debt and the remaining balance of $492,500 was expensed to interest expense.
On November 22, 2009 the Company sold 45,000 units in a private placement for $45,000 at $1.00 per unit. The Units are similar to a debenture and act as a debt to the company. The term is for three years, and the Units receive a return of a 30% annual stock dividend and no payments are paid for the reduction of this debt. After the six month holding period the purchaser has the option to convert part or all of the Units into common stock at an exercise price of 5 cents per share, based on the principal invested.
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On November 23, 2009 the Company issued 1,360,000 common shares to Vince M. Guest in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement. The stock was trading at $.105 and the Company expensed $142,800 for each issuance of shares of stock.
On November 23, 2009 the Company issued 1,360,000 common shares to Solomon RC Ali in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement. . The stock was trading at $.105 and the Company expensed $142,800 for each issuance of shares of stock.
On November 23, 2009 the Company issued 1,360,000 common shares to Richard D. Craven in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement. . The stock was trading at $.105 and the Company expensed $142,800 for each issuance of shares of stock.
On January 12, 2010 the Company issued 750,000 common shares to James Michael Ator for settlement of his outstanding employment agreement. The stock was trading at $.05 and the Company expensed $45,000 for each issuance of shares of stock.
Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Universal Bioenergy Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the “ Company ”), and NDR Energy Group, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (“NDR” or “NDR Energy Group”), have entered into a Member Interest Purchase Agreement, (the “Purchase Agreement”) dated as of April 12, 2010. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and subject to the conditions set forth therein, the Company purchased forty nine 49% of the Member Interests of NDR with a total investment valued at $2.5 million in cash and common stock of the Company.
Each of the Company and NDR Energy Group has made customary representations and warranties in the Purchase Agreement. NDR Energy Group has also agreed to various covenants in the Purchase Agreement, including, among other things, (i) to conduct its business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice in all material respects during the period between the execution of the Purchase Agreement and the closing of the transaction and (ii) not to solicit alternate transactions.
Universal’s management believes that the association with NDR Energy Group will give the Company the needed sales outlets through NDR Energy Group’s distribution channels, the marketing / brokering of natural gas, biofuels, and energy efficiency conversions as part of its new business focus.
According to the agreement, the Company retains the right to purchase additional equity of the Member Interests of NDR Energy. NDR Energy will appoint 2 seats on its Board of Managers as selected by the Company. The Company agrees to provide NDR Energy Group with Management Support Services. The Company will provide NDR Energy Group with $1,000,000 in working capital. The Company will arrange, on a best efforts basis, a “Financing Facility / Credit Line up to an estimated amount of $300 million dollars drawn on a major U.S. bank or similar financial institution, to purchase its natural gas contract receivables, and help fund its growth and expansion. NDR Energy Group agrees to comply in accordance with the related financial covenants.
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The original 49% interest in NDR Energy was purchased for 1,000,000 shares of Universal Bioenergy common stock, and a $1,000,000 loan to NDR.
The option to acquire the final 2% member interest in NDR was assigned to the officers of Universal, Richard D. Craven, Vince M. Guest and Solomon Ali, along with a grant of 4,000,000 shares of stock as a bonus for managing and closing the NDR Energy acquisition. The 2% stake was acquired for 4,000,000 shares of stock, by exercising the option. The 4,000,000 in stock was paid as a premium on the purchase price for the additional 2% of NDR’s member interests. All of the stock was issued to NDR. The 2% member interest in NDR Energy is owned by another entity.
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On April 14, 2010, Dr. Richard D. Craven submitted his resignation as a member of our Board of Directors and as Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer to pursue other business matters. Dr. Richard D. Craven did not have any disagreement with the Company, on any matter related to the Company’s accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure.
Vince M. Guest has taken the position as Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer.
NOTE 11 - SUBSEQUENT DISCOVERY OF FACTS THAT EXISTED AS OF THE BALANCE SHEET DATE
Management has recently become aware that cash and other assets invested in the Company prior to December 31, 2008 may have been received as a result of illegal activities by persons affiliated with certain current and former shareholders, Lacroix International Holdings Ltd. (Lacroix) and Mortensen Financial Ltd. (Mortensen). See SEC vs. Abellan, et al, (Case 3:08-CV-05502). Management has also recently become aware that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has subsequently obtained an order of disgorgement pertaining to the assets held by Lacroix and Mortensen which currently include shares of preferred and common stock of the Company.
The risk of disgorgement
The approximate $1 million in cash invested in the Company by Mortensen has been depleted. Additionally, the approximate $1.6 million value of the dormant biodiesel plant invested by Lacroix, with its unknown but implicit environmental liability, has been impaired to a net value of $290,000. At the advice of counsel, management believes, lacking definitive proof, it is not likely that the SEC would move to disgorge ownership of the biodiesel plant from the Company.
According to the court filings in SEC vs. Abellan et al, the SEC was not able to obtain the Andorran banking records of Lacroix and Mortensen, and accordingly cannot currently definitively link the funds invested in the Company to the illegal activities of Abellan. At the advice of counsel, management believes, while it is possible, it is unlikely, that even if the SEC is able to obtain those records, and is able to definitively link those funds to the assets invested in the Company that the SEC would move to disgorge ownership of the biodiesel plant from the Company. In an attempt to obtain clarification of this, and to provide full and fair disclosure, management requested clarification from SEC staff, who declined to provide clarification or comment.
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The risk of rescission
Management has also recently become aware that the stated September 17, 2008 restructuring of debt to preferred shares was transacted subsequent to a September 11, 2008 injunction obtained by the SEC freezing the assets of Lacroix and Mortensen. The restructuring accordingly may constitute an illegal act. Current and former management both assert that they did not receive notice of the freeze and were not aware of the freeze at the time of the conversion.
Current management has also recently become aware that former management was contacted by SEC enforcement pertaining to the above related to an informal investigation of another company. It should be noted that the Company and its then management were not the focus of the informal investigation. Documents provided by former management to the SEC establish that the discussions between former management, Lacroix and Mortensen began at least two months in advance of the freeze order.
As creditor note holders, Lacroix and Mortensen had preference over equity holders in the event of liquidation. Additionally, even though the Lacroix note was “secured” by the biodiesel plant, no real or personal property liens were ever filed to perfect the liens. At the time of the conversion the Company lacked liquidity to pay the principal and interest due on these notes. The conversion to preferred shares abated the further accrual of interest on the notes.
As preferred shareholders, Lacroix and Mortensen still have preference over common shareholders in the event of liquidation, after satisfaction of the creditors. While the conversion of these shares to common would eliminate this preference, it could also result in improving the liquidity of these shares, once the restrictive legends are removed, and enable distribution of the shares as discussed below.
At the advice of counsel, management believes it is possible, but unlikely that the SEC would move to rescind the note to preferred conversion transaction which would improve their standing in the event of liquidation, but would dilute the potential of liquidity through the market. In an attempt to obtain clarification of this, and to provide full and fair disclosure, management requested clarification from SEC staff, who declined to provide clarification or comment.
The risk of dilution
As stated elsewhere, the preferred shares are convertible to common shares at a rate to be mutually agreed upon by the Company, Lacroix, and Mortensen. However, documents provided by former management to the SEC establish that management of Lacroix and Mortensen had tentatively agreed to convert the preferred shares received from the note conversions into common shares at the rate of ten shares of common to one share of preferred with the final conversion rate to mutually agreed upon by both parties. Additionally, common shares were converted to preferred shares by Mortensen at a 10:1 ratio. Conversion at the 10:1 rate would result in the issuance of 2,320,800 shares of common stock or 9.7% dilution as of March 31, 2009. Conversion at an implied market rate ($.02 per share) would result in the issuance of approximately 11,604,000 shares of common stock or 35.0% dilution as of March 31, 2009.
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Current management has advised the stock transfer agent to freeze the preferred and common shares of Lacroix and Mortensen held in name or in street name, preventing their further conversion to cash. The Board of Directors of the Company has also frozen the option to convert the preferred shares to common. Counsel has advised management that such conversion of preferred shares to common could constitute a further violation of the asset freeze. In an attempt to obtain clarification of this, and to provide full and fair disclosure, management requested clarification from SEC staff, who declined to provide clarification or comment.
In consideration of the above, management asserts that they will not convert the preferred shares to common without the explicit consent of the SEC. Additionally, management is contemplating, under the authority of the SEC disgorgement order, seeking permission of the SEC to convert the preferred shares to common in the least dilutive fashion discussed above (10:1) and distribute those shares and other common shares owned by Lacroix and Mortensen to the shareholders harmed by Abellan.
* * * * * *
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains various “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding future events or the future financial performance of the Company that involve risks and uncertainties. Certain statements included in this Form 10Q, including, without limitation, statements related to anticipated cash flow sources and uses, and words including but not limited to “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “expects”, “future” and similar statements or expressions, identify forward looking statements. Any forward-looking statements herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties in the Company’s business, including but not limited to, reliance on key customers and competition in its markets, market demand, product performance, technological developments, maintenance of relationships with key suppliers, difficulties of hiring or retaining key personnel and any changes in current accounting rules, all of which may be beyond the control of the Company. The Company adopted at management’s discretion, the most conservative recognition of revenue based on the most astringent guidelines of the SEC in terms of recognition of software licenses and recurring revenue. Management will elect additional changes to revenue recognition to comply with the most conservative SEC recognition on a forward going accrual basis as the model is replicated with other similar markets (i.e. SBDC). The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth therein.
Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors and risks that could affect our results and achievements and cause them to materially differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements include those identified in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A 2nd Amendment for the year ended December 31, 2007, as well as other factors that we are currently unable to identify or quantify, but that may exist in the future.
In addition, the foregoing factors may affect generally our business, results of operations and financial position. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made. We do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Overview
Our subsidiary, Universal Bioenergy North America, Inc. is a development stage Nevada corporation formed on January 23, 2007 which was acquired by Universal Bioenergy, Inc. (the “Company”) in December 2007, for the purpose of operating a biodiesel plant in Nettleton, Mississippi to produce biodiesel fuel and a marketable byproduct of glycerin. The biodiesel plant was acquired by Universal Bioenergy North America out of a bankruptcy action. We do not expect to generate any revenue until the plant is completely operational or other revenue generating merger/acquisition (M&A) candidate is located, purchase negotiated, and closed. As of the date of this report, we have not manufactured any biodiesel fuel but are negotiating with potential M&A candidates.
Based upon estimates of management, the plant should be able to produce annually approximately 10 million, 20 million, and 50 million gallons of fuel grade biodiesel from soybean oil (or other suitable feedstock) per the first 12, 24, and 36 month periods respectively after the start of production pending successful raising of capital for feedstocks, reagents, equipment expansion, and economic conditions. Additionally, the plant will produce corresponding amounts (10% by biodiesel production volume) of marketable glycerin or other processed, value-added products made from the glycerin. As of the date of this report, we are still in the development phase, and until the proposed biodiesel plant is operational or companies merged with or acquired, we will generate no revenue. We anticipate that accumulated losses will continue to increase until the biodiesel plant is operational or another revenue-generating M&A agreement is closed.
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The original expected production start date was slated for January 2008, but due to some difficulty in attainment of required permits from the State of Mississippi to commence operations, the plant did not begin production. In addition, we require certain raw materials including plant oils/animal fats, catalyst, and alcohol in order to commence production. As of the date of this report, we have not acquired any raw materials to engage in production. We are gathering information and negotiating pricing with vendors, but have not secured any agreements with providers of such raw materials.
Provisional permits from the State of Mississippi were received in May 2008, but the start date of actual production can not be accurately predicted based on the current economic environment in the marketplace. The provisional permits allowed the processing of typical batch sizes to characterize the waste water emissions that would be produced. Testing of these emissions would determine the necessary pre-treatment (if any) required before disposal into local sewage system (subsequent to final connection to our system) or have the waste water transported to larger treatment facilities in a nearby city. With a formalized plan for handling the waste water, management feels confident that full permitting could be obtained but are not certain of the time it will take as the present economic environment makes it unprofitable to produce biodiesel at this site. The provisional permits were allowed to expire in September 2008.
The high cost of virgin feedstock materials makes it unprofitable to use these as sole or primary feedstock choices to produce biodiesel based on comparable diesel product prices. Alternative feedstock types are being investigated which are at a lower cost than the virgin feedstock, but the high cost of similar commodities has also increased the cost of these feedstock sources. If sufficient quantities can be located and favorable price including shipping negotiated, the process operation can produce revenues in excess of processing costs. As of the date of this report, the Company has no agreements to sell any of its products once production begins nor secured economically viable feedstock sources due to their high costs. Management anticipates that in order to reach sustainable profitability, a monthly volume in excess of 300,000 gallons will be required. Management believes in the next twelve months approximately $4,000,000 of working capital will be needed with the greatest portion allocated for feedstock and reagent costs including shipping with an estimated average cost of $3,000,000 barring extreme fluctuations in commodity prices; further anticipated equipment acquisitions, installation, and site modifications based on effluent emission results and fuel quality estimated at $400,000; and normal operating overhead expenses of $600,000. This capital will bring production close to the 10 MGPY first-stage level. The Company can give no assurances as to the success of or the time it will take to raise the necessary capital; therefore, Universal may not be able to meet the first-stage production goal within the twelve month period slated or predict how long it will take to achieve the first-stage goal.
Over the past two plus years, the plant underwent site improvement and development. General clean up and improvements of the site took place utilizing the debt financing previously obtained through LaCroix International and Mortensen Financial Limited, related parties.
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An environmental order allowing provisional permitted production was received from the State of Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality in May 2008 to allow the Company to begin processing and scale-up phase of production to reach the nominal first-stage 10 million gallons per year (MGPY) goal subject to confirmation of effluent emissions. Pending confirmation of these effluent emissions (or appropriate treatments of emissions) from the State of Mississippi after production has started and verification of fuel quality, the plant will work to increase production to the meet the first-stage goal over the subsequent twelve month period. During this early stage, Universal is planning to sell biodiesel products to the refinery's prior customer base, truck stops, and local distributors. We currently do not have any agreements to sell its biodiesel products due to the plant not being in production. The provisional permits were allowed to expire in September 2008.
In an attempt to satisfy the provisional permit requirements for processing, management has sought feedstock that would allow economical production of biodiesel and allow characterization of effluent emissions as required. Virgin feedstock plant oils increased in price to a point that made using them as a primary feedstock uneconomical for the company. Lower cost feedstock sources were sought and a supplier identified that could supply waste vegetable oils for our trial processing runs. Upon receiving the initial shipment of feedstock, it was found that the material did not meet the required quality specifications to allow production of biodiesel that would meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications using the present production equipment on site. During further attempts to identify an economical new supplier, the time limitations for the provisional permits expired in September 2008. Due to the high cost of feedstock at that time and the economic downturn in the biofuels marketplace, it was deemed by management unprofitable to pursue production of biodiesel until feedstock costs became more economically viable or petroleum prices rising to a point that would make biodiesel more competitive overall in the marketplace. There is no certainty as to when such conditions will exist if at all.
Management anticipates that after production commences and production is scaled up to the 20 MGPY level and above when the market conditions improve, pending the raising of sufficient capital in subsequent months after the first-stage goal is reached, export to the European and/or other markets is expected with the higher production volume as it is anticipated that this production volume will exceed the needs of the local/regional distribution area. Scale-up of the facility to the first and second stage goal is subject to securing sufficient funding to cover capital expenditures and feedstock costs for this expansion of production capacity.
Expansion of the plant to increase production capacity to the second-stage goal of 20 MGPY using already acquired equipment and subsequent purchases and installation will require the successful raising of further capital through further stock offerings and/or additional debt if necessary. There is no certainty that this capital can be raised.
Reaching the 20 MGPY second-stage production level will require additional storage capacity of both pre and post processing materials and products and improvements to logistics on the site. Not all costs have been determined or quoted to achieve this stage; however, Management estimates such cost to be between $500,000 and $1,000,000, but information and pricing regarding costs is still being acquired and may vary greatly from the stated estimates. To reach the 50 MGPY third-stage production level will require further expansion of storage capacity and the building of a rail spur at the site or require additional land purchase adjacent to the site, which in preliminary discussions with knowledgeable rail transportation personnel could cost as much as $1,000,000 for such a rail spur not including land costs. With this in mind and in the present volatile economic environment, management is contemplating the need and possibility of moving the plant to a location better suited logistically for the necessary movement of large volumes of materials and products in and out of the facility, making more possible the attainment of the higher production level goals. This likely will require the plant to be located near an active waterway or port to allow barge transport of materials and products. Costs for such a move have not been investigated to date.
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Management anticipated the lack of working capital and negotiated to restructure its debt by converting the said debt to preferred shares to better position our company to secure further capital to cover plant start up and overhead costs for the next 12 months. The Company will work with vendors to establish credit for feedstock materials and further plans to raise needed capital through revenue from sales of products equity and/or debt financing, if necessary, until sufficient production volume can be reached to cover operating costs and debt service or other revenue generating businesses are acquired. Management believes that the inability for our company to raise sufficient capital will limit the overall production capacity, if any, of the site, and we will not be able to sustain the losses incurred due to the limited production.
The economic uncertainty in the present economy and biofuels marketplace necessitated that management determine a new direction for our company in order to secure and increase shareholder value. In December 2009, management decided to diversify the direction and product/service offerings of our company. These include development of feedstock programs for biofuels to better stabilize and reduce feedstock costs, seek other value-added products from biodiesel production byproducts, and seek merger and acquisitions that will allow diversification into solar, wind, synthetic fuels, energy efficiency technology, and other related technologies and services that can better facilitate the development of a vertically integrated energy production/service company. Management is seeking acquisition and merger candidates and other companies that can play a synergistic role in our diversification strategy and increase shareholder value. There is no certainty that such candidates and companies will or can be found and if found, successfully acquired or merged into our company. If such candidates or companies are not found, there is doubt of our remaining a going concern.
The economic viability of most biodiesel producers, including us, is dependent on the biodiesel fuel tax credit. The tax credit was allowed to expire on December 31, 2009, causing widespread layoffs in the biodiesel industry. The Senate voted on March 10, 2010 to restore the credit. As of May 26, 2010 the House was moving towards a vote as well. Restoration of the credit will then require reconciliation and signature of President Obama.
Critical Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and (iii) the reported amount of net sales and expenses recognized during the periods presented. Adjustments made with respect to the use of estimates often relate to improved information not previously available. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements; accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates.
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These estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues, costs and expenses during the reporting period. Management evaluates these estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue and Cost Recognition
Revenue includes product sales. The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of Biodiesel fuel and related byproducts at the time title to the product transfer, the amount is fixed and determinable, evidence of an agreement exists and the customer bears the risk of loss, net of provision for rebates and sales allowances in accordance with Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements”
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets using principally the straight-line method. When items are retired or otherwise disposed of, income is charged or credited for the difference between net book value and proceeds realized. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, and replacements and betterments are capitalized.
The range of estimated useful lives used to calculated depreciation for principal items of property and equipment are as follow:
Asset Category | Depreciation/ Amortization Period | |
Plant building Plant equipment Furniture and Fixture | 40 Years 15 Years 3 Years | |
Office equipment | 3 Years | |
Leasehold improvements | 5 Years |
Depreciation has been suspended until the plant resumes production.
Additionally, in consideration of the current economic state of the biodiesel fuel industry, and the dormant, non-operating, non-permitted status of the plant, management has impaired the value of the land, plant, and equipment to reflect its current estimated fair value.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company applies Topic 718 “Share-Based Payments” (“Topic 718”) to share-based compensation, which requires the measurement of the cost of services received in exchange for an award of an equity instrument based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost is recognized when the event occurs. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model is used to estimate the fair value of options granted.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
In accordance with ASC Topic 3605, long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangibles, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Goodwill and other intangible assets are tested for impairment. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. There were events or changes in circumstances that necessitated an impairment of long lived assets.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2009 compared to March 31, 2008
Universal Bioenergy North America, Inc. is a developmental stage company and operating subsidiary of the Company. The Company has generated no revenues as Universal Bioenergy North America, Inc. was not in production as of March 31, 2009 and will continue to accrue operating losses until sufficient production levels can be reached to meet all liabilities.
The Company has never generated any revenue. Our future revenue plan is uncertain and is dependent on our ability to effectively refine our products, generate sales, and obtain contract feedstock opportunities or merge or acquire companies presently generating revenues. There are no assurances of the ability of our company to begin refining feedstock or identifying, negotiating, and successfully closing mergers or acquisition candidates. The cost of modifying our refinery is cost intensive as is merging or acquiring other business entities, so it is critical for us to raise appropriate capital to implement our business plan. We incurred losses were $153,479 and $3,806,953 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. Our losses since our inception through March 31, 2009 amount to $13,058,491.
Part of these losses and need for impairment as determined by management is due in part to a decrease in value of assets related to the economic downturn in the local area and in the commercial real estate marketplace. Management believes that there has been a 30% or greater reduction in the value of real property at the Nettleton, MS plant site due to these conditions. There is no guarantee that such asset reduction will be recouped as economic conditions improve.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As reflected in the accompanying financial statements, we are in the development stage with limited resources, used cash in operations of $751,833 from inception, a working capital deficiency of $199,973 and have an accumulated deficit during the development stage of $13,058,491 this raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The ability of our company to continue as a going concern is dependent on the Company’s ability to raise additional capital and implement its business plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.
Debt
Convertible Debt
On March 18, 2008, we issued a $43,555 convertible note payable in favor of Mortensen Financial Limited, a shareholder of our company. The note was convertible at the option of the holder by taking the average bid price of the common stock for the five day period preceding the conversion and multiplying by 75%. The interest rate was 6.5% per annum. The note requires payments of accrued interest and principal by October 31, 2010. On October 31, 2008, all accrued interest was required to be paid. Beginning April 30, 2009 and semiannually thereafter through October 31, 2010, we were to pay $10,889 in semiannual installments. On September 18, 2008, we converted this debt to preferred B shares.
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On April 7, 2008, the Company issued a $300,000 unsecured convertible note payable to Mortensen Financial Limited, a related party. The note was convertible at the option of the holder by taking the average bid price of the common stock for the five day period preceding the conversion and multiplying by 75%. The interest rate is 6.5% per annum. The note required payments of accrued interest and principal by October 31, 2010. On October 31, 2008 all accrued interest was required to be paid. Beginning April 30, 2009 and semiannually thereafter through October 31, 2010, we were to pay $75,000 in semiannual installments.
On September 18, 2008, we converted all of the above mentioned debt to 132,350 preferred B shares.
On September 18, 2008 the Company converted the following debt to preferred shares:
Converting | Preferred B | Debt & Accrued | Common Stock | |||||||||
Parties | Shares issued | Interest Converted | Surrendered | |||||||||
Mortenson Financial, Inc. | 34,000 | 745,991 | - | |||||||||
LaCroix Financial, Inc. | 82,500 | 1,818,821 | - | |||||||||
Mortenson Financial, Inc. | 15,850 | 300,000 | - | |||||||||
Mortenson Financial, Inc. | 100,000 | - | (1,000,000 | ) |
On September 18, 2008 the Company converted the Notes payables Lacroix International Holdings, Ltd. in the amount of $1,818,821 of principle and accrued interest for 82,500 preferred Series B shares.
On September 18, 2008 Mortenson Financial Ltd. in the amount of $745,991 of principle and accrued interest for 34,000 of preferred Series B shares and converted another note in the amount of $300,000 to 15,850 of preferred Series B Shares.
On September 18, 2008 Mortenson Financial Ltd. converted 1,000,000 common shares to 100,000 of preferred Series B Shares.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
You are advised to read this Form 10Q in conjunction with other reports and documents that we file from time to time with the SEC. In particular, please read our Quarterly Reports on Form 10Q, Annual report on Form 10-K, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, including all amendments that we file from time to time. You may obtain copies of these reports directly from us or from the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F. Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20549, and you may obtain information about obtaining access to the Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains information for electronic filers at its website http://www.sec.gov.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We do not hold any derivative instruments that engage in any hedging activities. Most of our activity is in the development stage of our refining of feedstock.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report were effective such that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. A controls system cannot provide absolute assurance, however, that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Furthermore, smaller reporting companies face additional limitations. Smaller reporting companies employ fewer individuals and find it difficult to properly segregate duties. Often, one or two individuals control every aspect of the Company's operation and are in a position to override any system of internal control. Additionally, smaller reporting companies tend to utilize general accounting software packages that lack a rigorous set of software controls.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009. In making this assessment, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, as of March 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
During the Quarter ended March 31, 2009, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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The Company’s concern was the filing of our 2007 Form 10K/A on September 9, 2009 by James Michael Ator the former CFO, without Board of Directors approval and without approval from our independent auditors. The other area of concern was the proper internal signature by the Board of Directors for all filings that are issued. The Company’s former management further did not properly record the acquisition of UBNA as the purchase method of accounting and recorded it as a reverse merger and recapitalization. The acquisition was less than 51% and should have been recorded as the purchase method of accounting.
The Company’s Richard Craven the former CEO was also involved with the Mortenson and LaCroix transactions as described in Note 11 to the financial statements. Although former management asserts they had no knowledge of the Abellan scheme or the freeze order, in the best interest of the Company they resigned, surrendered the preferred A shares, and have no further affiliation with the Company. Due to the size of our Company and the costs associated to remediate these issues, we still consider these concerns to be extremely relevant.
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending or, to the knowledge of the executive officers of our company or any of our subsidiaries, threatened against or affecting our company, our common stock, any of our subsidiaries or of our companies or our subsidiaries' officers or directors in their capacities as such, in which an adverse decision could have a material adverse effect.
ITEM 1A - - Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information in this report, including the consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing at the end of this quarterly report on Form 10Q, with respect to any investment in shares of our common stock. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and future prospects would likely be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the market price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment. There has been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. However, the following risk factors, in addition to risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 should be considered
Risk Factors Related to Our Business
As a result of having no sales or revenues, it is impossible to predict the Company's future performance or the period of time in which it can sustain its existence.
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As we have had no operating history as a producer of biodiesel, investors have no basis to evaluate our ability to operate profitably.
The Company has a limited operating history as the company was formed in August 13, 2004 and its operating subsidiary, Universal Bioenergy North America, Inc., was formed in January 2007. The Company has not earned any revenues in our contemplated biodiesel business. Accordingly, it may be difficult for investors to evaluate its business prospects.
The Company’s business is dependent upon the implementation of our business plan, including our ability to make agreements with suppliers, customers, and with respect to future investments. There can be no assurance that the Company’s efforts will ultimately be successful or result in revenues or profits.
Moreover, the Company’s prospects must be considered in light of the risks and uncertainties encountered by an early-stage company and in rapidly evolving markets, such as other alternative energy and biofuels markets, where supply and demand may change significantly in a short amount of time. The volatility in these markets may lead to increases in costs for feedstock materials, reagents, and for transportation of same to a point where production will be wholly unprofitable once production has commenced if at all.
Some of these risks relate to the Company’s business plan and potential inability to:
| effectively manage our contemplated business operations; |
| recruit and retain key personnel; |
| successfully create and maintain relationships with vegetable oil producers and fat renderers and develop reliable feedstock and reagent supplies; and |
| develop new products that complement our contemplated business and long term stability. |
If we cannot successfully address these risks, our contemplated business and the results of our contemplated operations and financial position would suffer potentially to the point where the company may need to cease operations.
We May Not Have Access To Sufficient Capital To Pursue Our Business And Therefore Would Be Unable To Achieve Our Planned Future Growth.
We intend to pursue a growth strategy that includes development of the Company business and technology. Currently we have limited capital which is insufficient to pursue our plans for development and growth. Our ability to implement our growth plans will depend primarily on our ability to obtain additional private or public equity or debt financing. We are currently seeking additional capital. Such financing may not be available at all, or we may be unable to locate and secure additional capital on terms and conditions that are acceptable to us. Our failure to obtain additional capital will have a material adverse effect on our business.
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Our ability to successfully execute our business depends on certain conditions, the satisfaction of which, are not under our control. There is no certainty that we will be able to achieve satisfaction of any or these conditions.
The Company’s ability to successfully execute our business plan depends on the satisfaction of several conditions. The Company’s ability to satisfy these conditions may be, in part or in whole, beyond our control. The principal conditions to be satisfied include:
| reaching definitive agreements for reliable feedstock supplies for biodiesel at prices that permit profitable production; |
| entering into satisfactory agreements for the sale of biodiesel at prices that are competitive in the market and allow for sufficient revenues to sustain the business; |
| entering into satisfactory agreements for the expansion of the existing manufacturing facility which are tied closely to costs of said expansions and our ability to secure financing of these planned expansions; |
Since the Company has yet to begin full operation as a business but is close to doing so pending successful acquisition of funding, there is no certainty that we will be able to achieve satisfaction of any or all of the above conditions in addition to production volume and costs control.
Petroleum diesel, vegetable oils, waste oils and animal fats, and other commodity prices are volatile, and changes in prices of such commodities could have in the future a material adverse impact on our business.
The results of operations, financial position, and business outlook of the Company’s planned business are highly dependent on commodity prices, which are subject to significant volatility and uncertainty, and influence the availability of supplies especially for smaller producers. Accordingly, any results of our contemplated business could fluctuate substantially and even reach cost levels that could cause a cessation of operations.
Anticipated results are substantially dependent on commodity prices, especially prices for vegetable oils, waste oils, animal fats, and also petroleum diesel. The only help in this area is secure contracts at acceptable prices and terms for these materials, but no assurance is possible that such agreements can be obtained, especially without adequate funding.
As a result of the volatility of the prices for commodities, anticipated results may fluctuate substantially, and we may experience periods of declining prices for our products and increasing costs for our raw materials, which could result in operating losses or cessation of operations entirely.
The Company’s contemplated business is likely to be highly sensitive to feedstock and reagent prices, and generally we will be unable to pass on increases in these prices to our customers.
The principal raw materials we expect to use to produce biodiesel are plant oil and/or animal fat feedstocks. As a result, changes in the price of feedstock can significantly affect our contemplated business. In general, rising feedstock prices produce lower profit margins. Because biodiesel competes with fossil-based fuels, the Company is not likely to be able to pass along increased feedstock costs to customers unless there are corresponding price increases in petroleum commodities. At certain levels, feedstock prices may make biodiesel uneconomical to use in fuel markets. Such lack of economy could have detrimental effects on our ability to maintain production.
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Weather conditions and other factors affecting crop yields, farmer planting decisions, and general economic, market and regulatory factors all influence the price of feedstocks. Government policies and subsidies with respect to agriculture and international trade, and global and local demand and supply also impact the price. The significance and relative effects of these factors on the price of plant oils and other feedstocks are difficult to predict. Any event that tends to negatively affect the supply of feedstock, such as adverse weather or crop disease, could increase feedstock prices and potentially harm our business.
Fluctuations in the selling price and production cost of diesel may reduce the Company’s anticipated profit margins, if profits are achieved.
Historically, the price of a gallon of petroleum diesel has been lower than the cost to produce a gallon of biodiesel. Biodiesel prices are influenced by the supply and demand for diesel, and our anticipated results of operations and financial position may be materially adversely affected if diesel demand or price decreases.
The Company’s anticipated business will be subject to seasonal fluctuations.
The Company anticipated operating results are likely to be influenced by seasonal fluctuations in the price of our primary operating input, feedstocks, and the price of our primary product, biodiesel. Biodiesel prices are substantially correlated with the price of petroleum diesel, especially in connection with our indexed, gas-plus sales contracts. The price of petroleum diesel tends to rise during each summer and winter. Given our lack of operating history, we do not know yet how these seasonal fluctuations, especially the lows in spring and fall, will affect our results over time.
Growth in the sale and distribution of biodiesel is dependent on the changes to and expansion of related infrastructure which may not occur on a timely basis, if at all, and the Company’s contemplated operations could be adversely affected by infrastructure disruptions.
Substantial development of infrastructure will be required by persons and entities outside the Company’s control for our contemplated operations, and the renewable fuel industry generally, to grow. Areas requiring expansion include, but are not limited to:
| additional storage facilities for biodiesel; |
| expansion of refining and blending facilities to produce biodiesel and form blends with petroleum diesel; and |
| growth in service stations equipped to handle biodiesel fuels. |
Substantial investments required for these infrastructure changes and expansions may not be made or they may not be made on a timely basis in time to benefit the Company. Any delay or failure in making the changes to or expansion of infrastructure could hurt the demand or prices for the Company’s contemplated products, impede delivery of those products, impose additional costs on us, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our results of contemplated operations or financial position. The Company’s contemplated business will be highly dependent on the continuing availability of infrastructure, and any infrastructure disruptions could have a material adverse effect on our business.
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We may not be able to compete effectively in the U.S. and foreign biodiesel industries.
In the U.S., the Company’s contemplated business would compete with other existing biodiesel producers and refineries. A number of competitors are divisions of substantially larger enterprises and have substantially greater financial resources than the Company has or plans to have, making the larger suppliers more able to weather market volatility, whereas, our smaller size would not. These smaller competitors operate smaller facilities which do not affect the local price of soybeans grown in the proximity to the facility as much as larger facilities. In addition, institutional investors and high net worth individuals could heavily invest in biodiesel production facilities and oversupply the demand for biodiesel, resulting in lower biodiesel price levels that might adversely affect the results of the Company’s contemplated operations and financial position.
Any increase in domestic competition could result in reduced biodiesel prices. As a result, we could be forced to take other steps to compete effectively, if at all, which could adversely affect the results of our contemplated operations and financial position.
The U.S. renewable fuel industry is highly dependent upon federal and state legislation, regulation, and subsidies/incentives and any changes in legislation or regulation or subsidies/incentives could materially and adversely affect the results of the Company’s contemplated operations and financial position.
The cost of producing biodiesel is made significantly more competitive with petroleum diesel by federal tax incentives. The elimination or significant reduction in such federal tax incentives or other programs benefiting biodiesel may have a material adverse effect on the results of the Company’s contemplated operations and financial position. Smaller producers due to lack of bargaining ability and production economies of size are more susceptible to changes in these federal tax incentives.
We may be adversely affected by environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and liabilities.
As we pursue our business plan, we will become subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to the discharge of materials into the air, water and ground, the generation, storage, handling, use, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials, and the health and safety of our employees. In addition, some of these laws and regulations require our suppliers and our contemplated distribution facilities to operate under permits that are subject to renewal or modification. These laws, regulations and permits can often require expensive pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit actual or potential impacts to the environment. A violation of these laws and regulations or permit conditions can have a material adverse effect on our business.
We may not be able to secure the required zoning and permits to operate and produce biodiesel.
Although the Company has been granted a provisional permit from the State of Mississippi, there is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain the required zoning and permits to operate and commence production at the levels that are required in order to become profitable. This could significantly affect the Company’s ability to generate revenues and would have a material adverse effect on our business.
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Risk Factors Related to Our Stock
Because We Are Quoted On The OTCBB “Pink Sheets” Instead Of An Exchange Or National Quotation System, Our Investors May Have A Tougher Time Selling Their Stock Or Experience Negative Volatility On The Market Price Of Our Stock.
Our common stock is traded on the OTCBB “Pink Sheets”. The OTCBB “Pink Sheets” is often highly illiquid, in part because it does not have a national quotation system by which potential investors can follow the market price of shares except through information received and generated by a limited number of broker-dealers that make markets in particular stocks. There is a greater chance of volatility for securities that trade on the OTCBB “Pink Sheets” as compared to a national exchange or quotation system. This volatility may be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of readily available price quotations, the absence of consistent administrative supervision of bid and ask quotations, lower trading volume, and market conditions. Investors in our common stock may experience high fluctuations in the market price and volume of the trading market for our securities. These fluctuations, when they occur, have a negative effect on the market price for our securities. Accordingly, our stockholders may not be able to realize a fair price from their shares when they determine to sell them or may have to hold them for a substantial period of time until the market for our common stock improves.
Our Common Stock Is Subject To Penny Stock Regulation
Our shares are subject to the provisions of Section 15(g) and Rule 15g-9 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), commonly referred to as the "penny stock" rule. Section 15(g) sets forth certain requirements for transactions in penny stocks and Rule 15g-9(d)(1) incorporates the definition of penny stock as that used in Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act. The Commission generally defines penny stock to be any equity security that has a market price less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Rule 3a51-1 provides that any equity security is considered to be penny stock unless that security is: registered and traded on a national securities exchange meeting specified criteria set by the Commission; authorized for quotation on the NASDAQ Stock Market; issued by a registered investment company; excluded from the definition on the basis of price (at least $5.00 per share) or the registrant's net tangible assets; or exempted from the definition by the Commission. Since our shares are deemed to be "penny stock", trading in the shares will be subject to additional sales practice requirements on broker/dealers who sell penny stock to persons other than established customers and accredited investors.
FINRA Sales Practice Requirements May Also Limit A Stockholder's Ability To Buy And Sell Our Stock.
In addition to the “penny stock” rules described above, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) 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, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. FINRA 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 and have an adverse effect on the market for our shares.
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We May Not Have Access To Sufficient Capital To Pursue Our Business And Therefore Would Be Unable To Achieve Our Planned Future Growth.
We intend to pursue a growth strategy that includes development of the Company business and technology. Currently we have limited capital which is insufficient to pursue our plans for development and growth. Our ability to implement our growth plans will depend primarily on our ability to obtain additional private or public equity or debt financing. We are currently seeking additional capital. Such financing may not be available at all, or we may be unable to locate and secure additional capital on terms and conditions that are acceptable to us. Our failure to obtain additional capital will have a material adverse effect on our business.
Nevada Law And Our Articles Of Incorporation Protect Our Directors From Certain Types Of Lawsuits, Which Could Make It Difficult For Us To Recover Damages From Them In The Event Of A Lawsuit.
Nevada law provides that our directors will not be liable to our company or to our stockholders for monetary damages for all but certain types of conduct as directors. Our Articles of Incorporation require us to indemnify our directors and officers against all damages incurred in connection with our business to the fullest extent provided or allowed by law. The exculpation provisions may have the effect of preventing stockholders from recovering damages against our directors caused by their negligence, poor judgment or other circumstances. The indemnification provisions may require our company to use our assets to defend our directors and officers against claims, including claims arising out of their negligence, poor judgment, or other circumstances.
The Notes to Our Financial Statements Contain Explanatory Language That Some Doubt Exists About Our Ability To Continue As A Going Concern
Our financial statements contain explanatory language that some doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern. The notes discloses that we are in the development stage with limited resources, used cash in operations of $751,833 from inception, a working capital deficiency of $353,451 and have an accumulated deficit during the development stage of $13,058,491. This raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on our ability to raise additional capital and implement its business plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.
The failure to raise additional capital and implement its business plan could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. If we are unable to obtain sufficient financing in the near term or achieve profitability, then we would, in all likelihood, experience severe liquidity problems and may have to curtail our operations. If we curtail our operations, we may be placed into bankruptcy or undergo liquidation, the result of which will adversely affect the value of our common shares.
We Do Not Intend To Pay Dividends
We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We may not have sufficient funds to legally pay dividends. Even if funds are legally available to pay dividends, we may nevertheless decide in our sole discretion not to pay dividends. The declaration, payment and amount of any future dividends will be made at the discretion of the board of directors, and will depend upon, among other things, the results of our operations, cash flows and financial condition, operating and capital requirements, and other factors our board of directors may consider relevant. There is no assurance that we will pay any dividends in the future, and, if dividends are rapid, there is no assurance with respect to the amount of any such dividend.
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SHOULD ONE OR MORE OF THE FOREGOING RISKS OR UNCERTAINTIES MATERIALIZE, OR SHOULD THE UNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS PROVE INCORRECT, ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED, BELIEVED, ESTIMATED, EXPECTED, INTENDED OR PLANNED.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
There were no sales of unregistered upon senior securities during the period ended March 31, 2009.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
There were no defaults upon senior securities during the period ended March 31, 2009.
Item 4. Removed and Reserved
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
UNIVERSAL BIOENERGY, INC. | |||
Dated: June 28, 2010 | By | /s/ Vince M. Guest | |
Vince M. Guest | |||
Chief Executive Officer (Principle Executive Officer) | |||
Principle Financial Officer, and President |
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