UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ______________to ______________

 

Commission File Number 001-36843

 

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware		46-2336496
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

80 Red Schoolhouse Rd. Chestnut Ridge, NY		10977
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

 

(845) 262-1081

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share		OTC Markets LLC

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirement for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ¨	Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨	Smaller reporting company x
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

 

As of June 30, 2017 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter), the aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $12.1 million based on the closing sales price of $2.90 on the OTC Markets. All executive officers and directors of the registrant have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be “affiliates” of the registrant.

 

As of March 26, 2018, there were 11,925,918 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

 

Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement relating to its 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 10-14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K as indicated herein.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
PART I		1
Item 1.	Business	2
Item 1A	Risk Factors	15
Item 1B	Unresolved Staff Comments	23
Item 2.	Properties	23
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	23
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	23
PART II		24
Item 5.	Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	24
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	31
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Plan of Operation and Results of Operations	31
Item 7A	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	39
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	39
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	39
Item 9A	Controls and Procedures	39
Item 9B.	Other Information	40
PART III		41
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Corporate Governance.	41
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	41
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	41
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence	41
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	41
PART IV		42
Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	42
SIGNATURES		43

 

 

PART I

 

 

Organization and Corporate History

 

On August 6, 2015, the Company entered into and consummated an Agreement of Merger and Plan of Reorganization (the “Merger Agreement”), with BioHiTech Global, Inc. (“BioHiTech”, the “Company”, “we”, or “us”), that was incorporated on March 20, 2013 under the laws of the state of Delaware as Swift Start Corp. and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Acquisition”) and Bio Hi Tech America, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Acquisition merged with and into BioHiTech in a reverse business combination (the “Merger”) with Bio Hi Tech America, LLC surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. As consideration for the Merger, we issued the interest holders of Bio Hi Tech America, LLC (the “BioHiTech Holders”) an aggregate of 6,975,000 shares (the “Merger Shares”) of our Common Stock in accordance with their pro rata ownership of Bio Hi Tech America, LLC membership interests. Prior to the merger the Company’s initial business plan was to develop a website that offered comprehensive online computer programming courses for anyone with any level of computer programming knowledge, from beginners to experts. Following the Merger, the Company adopted the business plan of Bio Hi Tech America, LLC in the development, marketing and sales of food waste disposal systems which transform food waste into nutrient-neutral water which may be disposed of via sewer systems while utilizing proprietary software to collect and transmit environmental performance data to its customers.

 

Also, on August 6, 2015, the Company amended its Certificate of Incorporation (the “Amendment”) to (i) change its name to BioHiTech Global, Inc. and (ii) to amend the number of its authorized shares of capital stock from 200,000,000 to 30,000,000 shares of which 20,000,000 shares were designated common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) and 10,000,000 shares were designated “blank check” preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”). The Amendment was approved by holders of a majority of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Majority Holder”) on February 6, 2015.

 

Immediately prior to the Merger, the Company had 9,040,000 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding. In connection with the Merger, the Majority Holder and other shareholders collectively agreed to retire and cancel an aggregate of 8,515,000 shares of Common Stock. Following the consummation of the Merger, the issuance of the Merger Shares, and the retirement of the 8,515,000 shares of Common Stock, the Company had 7,500,000 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding and the BioHiTech Holders beneficially own 6,975,000 shares or approximately ninety-three percent (93%) of such issued and outstanding Common Stock. Unless otherwise specified, the terms “Company”, “we”, “us” and “BioHiTech” refer to the Company on a consolidated basis.

 

 

On June 7, 2017, the Company held its annual meeting. At the meeting, the Company’s stockholders voted to approve an amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of the Company’s common stock from 20,000,000 shares to 50,000,000.

 

Our corporate headquarters are located at 80 Red Schoolhouse Road, Suite 101, Chestnut Ridge, New York 10977 and our phone number is (845) 262-1081. We can be contacted by email at info@biohitech.com. Our website can be found at www.biohitech.com. The information on our websites is not incorporated in this report. A copy of our most recent SEC reports can be found at http://investors.biohitechglobal.com/sec-filings, as well as through the investor section of our www.biohitech.com website.

  

ITEM I: BUSINESS

 

Products and Services

 

The Company’s vision since its inception has been to disrupt the waste management industry in North America through the development and utilization of our own practices and proprietary technologies, as well as successful practices and technologies acquired from other worldwide areas, to create the next level of a commercially viable, fully integrated, sustainable waste management company. The Company offers a suite of technologies and services that can be utilized separately or in tandem. The Company provides cost-effective technologies for on-site food waste reduction and elimination as well as proprietary technology for the processing of solid waste from municipalities and large organizations through a mechanical and biological process that recovers certain recyclables, reduces weight and produces an E.P.A. recognized alternative fuel commodity, with significantly less materials destined for landfill. The Company also intends to provide traditional waste collection services in certain markets.

 

The Company’s initial focus was primarily on its on-going Digester business. During 2014 and 2015 the Company expanded its Eco-Safe Digester offering for mid- to large-level food waste generators through the development of technologies that transformed the digester market from just food waste diversion to one that provides information that can allow customers to reduce and eliminate or minimize their food waste through improved supply chain management and other efficiencies.

 

During 2016, the Company initiated development of its Revolution Series of Digesters, a technologically advanced digester targeting smaller food waste generators, that is smaller in size, easy to install, and offered at a lower price point. The Revolution Series of Digesters became commercially available in the second half of 2017.

 

Also during 2016 and 2017, the Company expanded from its technology-digester single product line by starting strategic initiatives in Mechanical Biological Treatment (“MBT”) facilities that rely upon High Efficiency Biological Treatment (“HEBioT”) to process waste at the municipal or enterprise level converting a significant portion of intake into an United States EPA recognized alternative commodity fuel.

 

During 2017, the Company initiated strategic activities relating to traditional waste management and recycling service. Subsequently, in 2018, the Company made its initial investment in a traditional waste management and recycling company, with primary operations in the Southern New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania markets.

 

The combination of traditional waste and recycling collection, on-site digester and the facility based HEBioT technology results in a unique offering that provides a turn-key solution for customers seeking to achieve zero waste. The Company envisions use of its digesters for disposal of food waste at certain retail customer’s locations, with regional disposal services being directed to the Company’s HEBioT facilities. This cost effective solution can result in less than 20% of each customer’s waste being directed to landfills, hence resulting in a near-zero footprint.

 

Digester Based Products and Services

 

Our digesters, together with our developed applications and technology, are a data-driven, network-based mechanical/biological technology which transforms food waste into nutrient-neutral water that can safely be disposed of via conventional sanitary sewer systems.  Our digesters reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the volume of food waste being disposed of in landfills and eliminating the corresponding transportation of this waste. In addition, the technology saves users money by avoiding disposal costs (“tip fees”) and transportation charges.  This process allows waste producing organizations to actively contribute to environmental sustainability and the preservation of resources in a cost-effective manner. 

 

Our digesters are high technology appliances that provide a safe, clean and odorless process for converting organic waste to a nutrient neutral discharge that is introduced to the typical sewage drain. Each digester utilizes technology similar to municipal sewage treatment plants in a scaled down, friendly point of generation format. It is an ecologically friendly solution for processing food waste directly at its source.

 

Our digesters continuously process organic food waste including vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, poultry, grains, coffee grinds, egg shells and dairy products, with decomposition typically occurring within 24 hours. Our digesters rapidly digest food waste into a nutrient neutral liquid effluent using the following steps:

 

·

A proprietary blend of microorganisms and bio-media are loaded into the Eco-Safe Digester;

·

Heat, agitation and moisture help enable the microorganisms to reduce the food waste into liquefied grey water, also called effluent;

·

Food waste is continuously added into the machine; and

·

The effluent drains into a conventional sanitary sewer system.

 

The BioHiTech BioBrain^TM Cloud^TM, Cirrus^TM Mobile Application and Alto^TM Application

 

The Company leverages its existing technology, including our digester’s on-board patent pending weighing system, by collecting, accumulating and providing empirical data that can aid in improving the efficiency of the upstream supply chain. By streaming data from the digesters, collecting information from system users and integrating business application data, BioHiTech’s internet enabled system known as the BioHiTech Cloud^TM can provide necessary data to aid customers in reshaping their purchasing decisions and positively affect employee behavior. In its simplest form, the BioHiTech Cloud quantifies food waste in a fashion that has historically not been available. It enables users to understand food waste generation habits and to improve operational efficiencies.

 

 

The BioHiTech Cloud data is used to help educate customers as to where, when and how waste is being created. Tracking and analyzing waste based on creation time, food type, preparation stage, origin of waste or other key metrics may provide a clear picture of the food waste lifecycle. While our digesters already provide significant economic savings and decreases in carbon footprint, the addition of the BioHiTech Cloud increases that impact by helping the customer to more accurately manage inventory, preparation practices and staff efficiencies.

 

The Company believes that its combined offering of technology and its digesters provide customers with information that has not been readily available to consumers in the past that has the potential for improved management and reduction of waste at the point of generation on a real-time basis.

 

BioHiTech believes its digester products remove organic waste from the overcrowded and costly landfills of the world and provide significant benefits to both business organizations and the community including:

 

·

Eliminating the transportation of organic waste,

·

Reducing carbon emissions associated with landfilling and truck transportation,

·

Complying with municipal laws banning organic waste from landfills,

·

Contributing to corporate and regulatory targets for diverting waste from landfills,

·

Extending the lifespan of the country’s disposal facilities,

·

Reducing groundwater and soil contamination at landfills,

·

Reducing harmful greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change, and

·

Recycling food waste into renewable resources (clean water, biogas, bio-solids).

 

Our solution is not based only on the removal of waste, but also provides real time information and metrics to improve the efficiency of an organization. Such information has not been readily available to consumers in the past. By providing a cloud-based dashboard and mobile application, the BioHiTech Cloud gives real-time visibility to the status of the device itself and provides insight to the efficiencies of the operations of food preparation and consumption of the user. Using leading edge cloud technologies, the systems allow for deep visibility into the process on an individual, regional, or national level. BioHiTech currently has a provisional patent pending on this technology.

  

Early in 2016, the Company released its first mobile application called BioHiTech Cirrus™. The new application allows customers more immediate access to analytical data provided by the Eco-Safe Digester and more efficient monitoring across a number of network connected devices. The mobile application is available free to existing BioHiTech Cloud customers and is available through the iTunes Store, as well as Google Play.

 

During September 2016, the Company released Alto^TM, which is a key new component of BioHiTech's comprehensive food waste solution that uses data and analytics to help drive smarter business decisions. The Alto software is designed to enhance the productivity of the Company's digesters by enabling easy to understand, real-time interactive communication to improve unit performance levels, processing statistics, and maintenance routines via a secured internet connection on any standard computer or mobile device.  In addition to enhancing the productivity of its own equipment, the platform can easily be expanded to provide a whole new way for people to intelligently communicate actionable information with any internet-enabled industrial equipment in order to achieve significant performance optimization. BioHiTech currently has a provisional patent pending on this technology.

 

Digester Lines

 

Revolution Series Digester ®

 

The Revolution Series Digester®, which became commercially available in the second half 2017, is the Company's newest sustainable food waste disposal solution designed for lower volume food waste generators. Our Revolution Series of Digesters may be used by full and quick service restaurants, coffee shops, hospitality companies and other specialty food service establishments that generate smaller volumes of waste than those that the Eco-Safe Digester is more suitable for. This sub-segment of the food services industry is estimated to have more than 1.5 million locations.

 

 

The Revolution Series Digesters leverages the success of the underlying technologies of our current line of Eco-Safe Digesters designed for the mid-to-large volume waste generators. This new line has a compact design, operates on standard 115 volt power and is easily connected to existing plumbing, while providing all the user technology, including the Cloud^TM, Cirrus^TM Mobile Application and Alto^TM applications associated with the larger digesters.

 

The Revolution Series Digesters are available in two models, the Seed and the Sprout, each offering a compact footprint. The Series is capable of handling 100 to 600 pounds per day depending on the model size. The Compact footprint allows access through standard doorways, eliminating one barrier to entry of our larger Eco-Safe units. The units can be delivered through standard shipping and installed efficiently in less than two hours with no need for specialty utilities or hook-ups required.

 

The Revolution Series Digesters are mainly available on a rental basis except in certain international markets where they are offered for direct sale. Under our rental model, we bundle the digester, customary maintenance service, consumables and an annual cloud license for one monthly charge. These contracts are anticipated to range from three to five years in duration. Monthly charges range from $325 to $500 per month depending on the unit size, services provided and the quantity of units under contract.

 

Eco-Safe Digester®

 

Prior to 2017, the Company provided a simple, environmentally friendly, and cost effective solution for food waste disposal through its Eco-Safe Digester^® line.  The Company has a global distribution license to sell, lease, use, distribute, and manufacture the Eco-Safe Digester^®. The Eco-Safe Digester^® targets businesses that generate a high volume of waste including food service, hospitality, healthcare, government, conference centers, education centers, and stadiums. The Company estimates that the US addressable market for this type of digester is in excess of 250,000 locations and an additional 250,000 internationally. The Eco-Safe Digester^® can digest up to 3,500 pounds of food waste every day.

  

The Company has over ten years of operating experience with the Eco-Safe Digester^® line. With units in the field for over ten years, our products have proven to have a reasonably long-term life expectancy comparable to the products sold by its competitors. 

  

The Eco-Safe Digester is currently available in three sizes to fit varying customer requirements. The appliance is manufactured using the high quality components and materials. It is wrapped in durable stainless steel to complement industrial kitchen equipment, provide long life and resist corrosion.

  

Currently, we leverage multiple sales models including all-inclusive rental models and traditional retail sales models. List prices for all of the three models are under $50,000. Under our rental model, we provide a digester, quarterly service, consumables and in most cases, an annual cloud license under a monthly bundled charge. These contracts normally range from three to five years in duration. Monthly charges range from $500 to $1,200 per month depending on the unit size, services provided and the quantity of units under contract. Annual cloud licenses are also available ala carte at a rate of $2,400 per unit per year.

 

 

Under the retail sales model, each unit is normally accompanied by an annual service or supply contract providing a potential recurring revenue stream for each unit sold. Annual service contracts range from $2,300 to $5,450 per year depending on the size of the unit and level of support. Typical customer return on investment is approximately three years depending on tip fees within their geographical footprint and without giving effect to potential savings due to increased efficiencies.

 

Target Markets

 

BioHiTech’s target market for its digesters includes any producers of consistent volumes of food waste.

 

In addition to the US domestic marketplace, the Company anticipates growth internationally with a primary focus on the United Kingdom, Singapore, Mexico and Latin America. As international communities continue to strive toward more sustainable options, the Company has identified a need for its digester platforms and BioHiTech Cloud, which is serviced by our London office and various qualified resellers in the target markets.

 

As municipalities continue to enact ordinances prohibiting commercial food waste from being disposed of in landfills, the Company will focus its efforts on targeting those businesses most affected by such ordinances. Many cities and states have already banned landfill disposal of food waste generated by large, commercial food waste generators, with pending legislation in numerous others. The Company anticipates this trend to continue as sustainability efforts advance.

 

Customers

 

Customers for BioHiTech’s digesters are primarily any consistent producers of food waste. Industries served include but are not limited to healthcare, grocery, prisons, retail food services (including traditional restaurants, quick service restaurants and coffee shops), education, and full-service hospitality. Volume of food waste, as well as traditional waste disposal costs, are the primary drivers of return on investment for customers. BioHiTech also sells its products to governmental agencies including correctional facilities and hospitals, as well as large private sector companies throughout the United States and abroad.

   

It is estimated that the addressable market for our digesters is over two million locations worldwide.

 

Patent and Trademarks

 

In 2015 Company applied for a patent for the “Network Connected Weight Tracking System for a Food Waste Disposal Machine” and has also filed a provisional patent application in 2016 for “A Chatbot System for Industrial Machinery”. In connection with redesigning the Company’s Eco-Safe digesters in 2015 and 2016, and the development of the Revolution Series of Digesters in 2016 and 2017, the Company has written entirely new code for its units that better integrates with the Company’s other technology offerings. In early 2018 the Company received notification from the United States Patent and Trademark Office that the Network Connected Weight Tracking System for a Food Waste Disposal Machine patent application has been examined and is allowed for issuance as a patent, however the patent has not yet been issued.

 

The Company has an exclusive global distribution license to sell, lease, use, distribute, and manufacture the Eco-Safe Digester (and the patents related thereto) model, which was replaced with Company developed models in 2016, pursuant to an exclusive license and distribution agreement.

 

The Company is the owner of the registered trademark Revolution Series Digester, Eco-Safe Digester, and has trademarks on BioHiTech, BioBrain, the BioHiTech Cloud, Cirrus and Alto.

 

Mechanical Biological Treatment Line of Business

 

On January 20, 2016, the Company formed E.N.A Renewables LLC, formerly known as Entsorga North America, LLC (“ENA”) as a wholly owned subsidiary. ENA owns a 31% interest in Apple Valley Waste Conversions, LLC (“AVWC”). Frank E. Celli, the Company’s CEO also owns a 20.9% interest in AVWC. In March 2017, Mr. Celli assigned his voting rights in AVWC so that, collectively, ENA would have voting control of over 51% of AVWC. AVWC currently holds the exclusive license for the development throughout 11 northeast U.S. states and the District of Columbia of the technology known as High Efficiency Biological Treatment (“HEBioT”), which is owned by Entsorgafin, an Italian company that provides cost effective environmental technologies throughout the world. HEBioT is a proprietary form of Mechanical Biological Treatment (“MBT”) that is used widely throughout Europe. Since 2016, the Company’s MBT activities have been limited to project development.

 

The HEBioT technology converts mixed municipal and organic waste to a US Environmental Protection Agency (the “US EPA”) recognized alternative fuel source. By utilizing a combination of mechanical and biological processes to accelerate the decomposition of the organic fraction of waste, the end product produced, known as solid recovered fuel (“SRF”) has a carbon value equivalent to approximately 75-80% of traditional coal and can be used as a replacement and/or supplement to coal. After receipt and processing of waste at the facility, approximately 80% of the incoming waste is reduced, recycled or converted into the approved alternative fuel, with the remaining 20% of the incoming waste being disposed of via traditional methods.

 

 

The US EPA has issued a “comfort letter” stating that any fuel produced utilizing the HEBioT technology is deemed an engineered fuel and can be marketed as a commodity.

 

ENA, as the controlling member of AVWC, will be charged with new project development and marketing throughout 11 northeast U.S. states and the District of Columbia. This project development may consist of construction, ownership and operation of actual facilities or possible sub-licenses to third parties to utilize the technology. ENA may realize revenue’s in various ways:

 

·

Construction and operation of actual facilities, in which case ENA would identify an opportunity to develop a plant, facilitate its permitting and construction and ultimately operate the facility. In this case ENA will realize all revenue and costs associated with the development of the project and will pay to AVWC a license fee.

 

·

Charged services to AVWC for projects that it brings to fruition where AVWC receives annual license fees. In this case, along with the charged services, ENA would receive its pro-rata share of the license fees paid to AVWC.

 

The development license agreement between Entsorgafin (technology owner) and AVWC is perpetual in nature, with certain performance standards relating to the volume of facilities developed during the initial five years of the agreement.

 

The Company believes it will be successful in the development of the ENA plants under one of the two proposed revenue scenarios over the next 18 to 24 months. The deployment of this technology is consistent with the Company’s vision of providing disruptive technologies to the traditional waste industry. With the ability to accept up to approximately 20 to 30% of each plant’s capacity in the form of pure food waste, the Company adds an option of municipal level solutions in the food waste industry that it does not currently possess.

 

During April 2017, the Company executed an agreement to acquire a site for the country’s second HEBioT facility to be located in New Windsor, New York. This agreement provides for a purchase price of the property of $1,092,000, subject to reduction for option payments made by the Company in the monthly amount of $3,500 for the first 12 months and $6,000 per month for the following 12 months, until the closing. The purchase of the property is contingent upon the Company obtaining: necessary permits to allow construction of a Mechanical Biological Treatment (“MBT”) facility; approvals from state and local authorities; financing for the construction of the MBT facility; contracts for offtake of solid recovered fuel; and the satisfaction of the Company’s due diligence investigation of the property. The contract also contains customary representations warranties and covenants of the parties for like transactions.

 

The Company is also at varying levels of preliminary discussion regarding several other sites.

 

Entsorga West Virginia Investment

 

Effective January 1, 2017, the Company signed an agreement to acquire up to approximately 40% of the interests in Entsorga West Virginia LLC (“EWV”) from the original investors at the purchase price of $60,000 for each 1% interest in EWV. The Company is required to purchase $1,034,028 of EWV’s interests, representing a 17.2% interest, with the remaining 23.1% being at the option of the Company. The agreement and transfer of the interests were subject to the approval of the EWV bond trustee, which was granted on March 20, 2017. On March 21, 2017, the Company completed the required investment acquisition of $1,034,028 for a 17.2% interest. There have not been any further investments in EWV during 2017. The acquisition by the Company was funded by a short-term advance from the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, which was replaced by the Company’s Series C secured subordinated convertible notes issued to unrelated investors and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

 

EWV, located in Martinsburg, WV, represents the first deployment of the Entsorga HEBioT technology in the United States.  EWV has its own intellectual property agreement with Entsorgafin S.p.A. which is not part of the agreement that Apple Valley Waste Conversions, LLC has with Entsorgafin S.p.A. The EWV plant has received its necessary permits and EWV has closed on its financing to construct the facility. The facility will be able to accept up to 110,000 tons per year of municipal solid waste delivered from the surrounding areas. Its facility will consist of a 54,000 square foot industrial building located on approximately 12 acres of leased property.  The facility will include a plant which will be equipped with HEBioT technology and will ultimately be able to produce approximately 50,000 tons per year of EPA recognized renewable fuel.

 

EWV has entered into a 30-year initial term land lease with a municipal authority for industrial property adjacent to its previously closed landfill site. EWV has entered into numerous contracts, including: the engineering, procurement and commissioning of the plant; a 10-year solid waste delivery agreement for the delivery of 70,000 tons per year of municipal solid waste to the plant; a 10-year contract for the sale and delivery of SRF manufactured at the plant, and a 10 year professional services agreement that provides managerial services for general plant oversight, certain logistical services, and financial administration. While EWV will be responsible for its own costs of operations, plant oversight and administration will be performed under the professional services agreement.

 

 

EWV held its groundbreaking ceremony in January 2016 and subsequently closed on the issuance of Tax Exempt Industrial Development Bonds issued by the West Virginia Economic Development Authority in the amount of $25,000,000 (the “Bonds”). The facility is currently under construction and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2018.

 

This first operational plant utilizing the patented HEBioT technology in the United States will serve as the Company’s “showplace” to help expedite future deployments.

 

Traditional Waste Management Services Business

 

Participating in traditional waste management services provides several integration opportunities for the Company to integrate with our other lines of business. Traditional services providers typically have existing direct relationships with customers we target for our digesters. By being aligned with the traditional waste collector, the Company can leverage those existing relationships through customized service agreements that can result in installations of our digesters that benefit the Company, the waste collector and their customers. Additionally, municipal solid waste that is typically delivered to transfer stations or directly to landfills can provide a reliable source feedstock for our planned MBT plants.

 

On January 25, 2018, the Company made its first investment in waste collection by entering into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to acquire 9.2% of the outstanding membership units (the “Units”) of Gold Medal Group, LLC (“GM Group”), a traditional waste collection company with a materials recovery facility located in southern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired the Units from two unrelated parties in consideration for 500,000 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”). The Purchase Agreement contains customary provisions, including representations, warranties, indemnities and “piggyback” registration rights, and closed upon the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

 

In connection with the Purchase Agreement, ENA entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) of GM Group with GM Group’s other member. The LLC Agreement contains customary provisions regarding the governance of GM Group.

 

Also, on January 25, 2018, the Company entered into a Letter Agreement (the “Option Agreement”) with GM Group. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, ENA may purchase up to 5,000,000 additional Units of GM Group at an aggregate purchase price of $5,000,000, provided that the Registrant’s Common Stock, if it is still publicly traded, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE American, or the NASDAQ Stock Market (each, a “Qualified Exchange”). In the event that the Registrant’s Common Stock is not listed on a Qualified Exchange on any day after November 30, 2018, the Option Agreement also grants the other GM Group member the right to purchase all then-outstanding Units of GM Group that are owned by the Registrant or ENA.

 

The Company also entered into an Advisory Services Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with Gold Medal Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”). Pursuant to the Advisory Services Agreement, the Registrant will provide Holdings with advisory services relating to corporate development, strategic planning, operational and sales oversight and other general administrative and support services, as more particularly described within the Advisory Agreement. As consideration for providing these services, the Company, will be compensated with an annual advisory services fee equal to the greater of (i) $750,000 and (ii) 10% of Holdings’ annual ordinary earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement is for one year.

 

 

Marketing, Sales and Distribution

 

Digester Marketing Strategy

 

The Company markets through two channels, “in-house” direct sales and “reseller” sales. We currently leverage six company-employed sales associates that focus on maintaining and expanding “house accounts”. In addition, we currently also have registered domestic resellers, registered international resellers, independent domestic sales agents, international independent sales agents and international sub-distributors. Domestic and international resellers are granted a non-exclusive license to sell and market products and services. Certain international sub-distributors have been granted exclusive sub-distribution rights in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. All resellers are required to purchase all products and consumables directly from the Company. In some cases, we also provide annual service to customers of our resellers at an additional charge.

 

As regulations continue to be passed regarding the disposal of food waste, we will leverage both our internal and external marketing sources to communicate to and inform the target market of the increasing level of need for our products and services.

 

Since 2016, the Company has operated on a United States based manufacturing model. Each product goes through a rigorous quality control process before it is delivered to the customer. At our headquarters facility, each product is equipped with our proprietary hardware and software to enable our BioHiTech Cloud connectivity. International units may be drop shipped directly to resellers. In this event, we ship the necessary hardware and software to our international service agents for installation prior to customer delivery. The new Revolution series of digesters is also manufactured in the United States, is also equipped with our proprietary hardware and software to enable our BioHiTech Cloud connectivity. Prior to 2016, Eco-Safe Digesters were imported from the manufacturer located in Seoul, South Korea and received at the BioHiTech headquarters and warehouse in Chestnut Ridge, New York.

 

MBT Marketing Strategy

 

The Company has focused our initial marketing efforts of our HEBioT technology within the 11 northeast states and the District of Columbia by identifying potential opportunities based on various criteria including, disposal costs within a region, proximity to end users of alternative fuels, lack of long term disposal alternatives, and access to adequate feedstock.

 

Disposal Costs: We pursue opportunities where disposal costs within a certain radius of a prospective project are high enough to provide adequate returns on capital. Since “tip fees” received by a facility represent the majority of a facility’s revenue, areas with tip fees in excess of $50 per ton are highly attractive markets. This is the case, in the majority of regions covered by the Company’s licensing rights.

 

Proximity to End Users: The second largest component of a facility’s revenue is realized through the sale of renewable fuel to be used in conjunction with or as a substitute for coal. With cement kilns being the second largest user of coal in the United States and with the continual regulatory pressure to reduce emissions associated with coal combustion, we target markets where there is reasonable access to cement manufacturing facilities to maximize revenue and minimize transportation costs of the manufactured fuel. The HEBioT technology has received an EPA comfort letter stating that all fuel manufactured from municipal solid waste in an Entsorga plant shall be categorized as an engineered fuel and can be used in cement kilns to offset up to 30% of their total fuel consumption.

 

Lack of Long Term Disposal: With landfill capacity in the northeast United States diminishing, and large quantities of solid waste being exported from numerous states, many municipalities and/or private waste companies are in need of long term disposal options. The HEBioT technology can divert up to 80% of the incoming municipal solid waste from landfills resulting in a prolonged life expectancy or a 500% capacity increase of existing landfills, as well as, new long term cost effective disposal options for the future.

 

Access to Adequate Feedstock: Based on the fixed cost nature of a HEBioT facility, to maximize its revenue and earnings it must be operated near its design capacity. BioHiTech focuses its marketing efforts on areas where population density provides adequate feedstock supply within a reasonable radius of a proposed plant. The HEBioT facility’s proximity to feedstock will allow municipalities and haulers to dispose of their waste at an HEBioT facility without incurring significant logistical costs to do so.

 

 

We currently employ one full time executive focused on the marketing of the HEBioT technology. The executive has over 20 years of experience in the solid waste and recycling facility management industry and has held multiple positions at some of the leading recycling companies. The executive’s focus is on identifying opportunities where each of the aforementioned criteria apply, initial presentation of the Company and technology, evaluating possible joint ventures, initiating early stage permitting, project development cost estimating and ultimate contract and project execution.

 

We present the technology at industry trade shows and events, as well as make direct proposals to interested parties that have become familiar with the HEBioT technology via public press releases, trade publications, the Company website and marketing materials, or industry referrals.

 

We currently have various projects in the development pipeline at different stages of development. The Company executed a land acquisition contract with the Town of New Windsor, NY for an option fee-to-purchase agreement on March 1, 2017 that has a range of conditions precedent to closing on the acquisition that must be satisfied within twenty four months, including the Company’s receipt of permits and approvals from the New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Transportation, the county of Orange, NY and the town of Windsor, NY, secured project financing and the Company’s environmental due diligence.

 

Competition

 

Digester Products. There are a small number of companies that distribute products utilizing similar digestion technology to the Eco-Safe Digester, but lack the depth of data collection, analytics and reporting. Further, we believe that these companies do not have a competitive product to the Revolution Series of digesters based on price point, size, throughput, power and plumbing requirements and data collection, analytics and reporting.

 

Most of these companies originated in Korea and we believe may have copied underlying technology of the Eco-Safe digester units. We are aware of one company that has claimed to be developing competitive data collection and some level of web enablement, but are unaware of the deployment and functionality of their technology offering. Of our competitors, our machine has the smallest footprint, requires the least amount of water to operate and we believe is an industry leader in terms of installations and efficiency. Currently we are not aware of any direct competitor with the ability to capture and deliver real time data. We believe that our pending patent, if granted, will provide BioHiTech the right to exclude competitors from making, using or selling technology on a food waste disposal device within the scope of the patent claims, in the countries in which the patent or patents are granted.

 

Some of these competitive companies are:

 

Totally Green:  Totally Green develops and markets an ORCA Green Machine™. The “ORCA” (stands for Organic Refuse Conversion Alternative) allows for rapid composting of most organic material in institutional and commercial end-user applications. The liquid compost is channeled through the sewer system.

 

PowerKnot:  Based in California, PowerKnot markets a Korean manufactured product similar to other digesters.

 

Grind2Energy®:  A non-sewer food waste recycling system in which food waste is ground, stored in a tank, collected and transported to an anaerobic digester facility where it is converted into renewable energy. Grind2Energy is a product from InSinkErator, a business unit of Emerson Electric Company.

 

WISErg: The Harvester marketed by WISErg is a self-contained system that processes and stabilizes food scraps to be transported to a WISErg facility where it is further processed into liquid fertilizer.

 

Alternative technologies or processes to the Eco-Safe Digester or similar equipment are:

 

Traditional Composting: Composting has been in existence for many years and has historically been the only option for organics disposal. Composting:

 

 

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Relies heavily on truck collection and transportation.

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Uses facilities that can be considered public nuisances.

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Is very difficult to provide accurate metrics on waste volumes and generation.

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Facilities are difficult to site and are often long distances from waste generation.

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Is neither cost effective nor environmentally friendly.

   

Anaerobic Digestion: Anaerobic digesters are readily used throughout Europe. Anaerobic digestion (“AD”) is the decomposition of organic waste in the absence of oxygen. The beneficial by-product is gas to be used to generate electricity. AD is generally accomplished on a large municipal or commercial scale and is not believed to be readily available as an “at the source” solution. AD facilities are beginning to be sited in the United States and are thought of as a viable disposal option for organic waste. While the technology is sound, AD facilities face various challenges in the United States. Management believes that AD facilities will continue to be developed and will be a part of the total solution for organic waste disposal. Many private equity funds have made investments in companies that own or are permitting AD facilities. The challenges to AD include:

 

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Capital intensity of sizeable plants;

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Difficult to site with proximity to feedstock;

·

Need steady, homogenous waste source (pre-processing is necessary);

·

Relies on traditional collection and transportation of waste (significant costs);

·

Rely on “tip fee” to subsidize operating expenses; and

·

Difficult to provide data to consumers (similar to composting).

 

Mechanical Biological Treatment. Competition in the Mechanical Biological Treatment (“MBT”) area is more diverse than with our digester products, as High Efficiency Biological Treatment (“HEBioT”), which is just one of many forms of MBT, is a new technology to the United States. The U.S. waste industry significantly lags Europe, which has over 300 MBT operational plants, in its achievements of improving environmental protection, diverting waste from landfills, development and utilization of alternative energies, and other green initiatives. There is an increasing push to pursue alternative waste disposal options as landfill capacity continues to dwindle and environmental consciousness continues to increase. In addition, the U.S. continues to pursue initiatives mitigating reliance on foreign energy and the EPA is increasing mandates to reduce air pollutants and use of fossil fuels. There are also many large corporations that have set zero waste targets that could utilize HEBioT as the one source to reduce landfill disposal of waste to under 20%.

 

Utilizing traditional waste management, approximately 70% of the municipal solid waste generated in the United States is disposed of in landfills with another 7% being directed to waste to energy facilities and balance being recycled or composted. This figure is compared to only 38% of MSW being landfilled in the European Union resulting in the U.S. contributing significantly more greenhouse gas emissions from waste disposal than the European Union. Recently in the U.S., regulators and corporate leaders have led an effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions by finding disposal alternatives to landfills and exploring the deployment of “next generation” waste disposal technologies. The ongoing challenges to the evolution of these alternatives include but are not limited to capital intensity requiring subsidies, emerging technology risk, access to feedstock, long term off-take partners and inability to accept multiple waste streams.

 

Alternative technologies or processes to MBT are:

 

Anaerobic Digestion: Anaerobic digesters are readily used throughout Europe and deployed in the U.S. on a more limited basis. Anaerobic digestion (“AD”) is the decomposition of organic waste in the absence of oxygen. The beneficial by-product is gas to be used to generate electricity. AD is limited to accepting only the organic fraction of waste and not capable of processing mixed municipal waste.

 

Traditional Waste to Energy or Incineration Facilities: Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances contained in waste materials. Incineration and other high-temperature waste treatment systems are described as "thermal treatment". Incineration of waste materials converts the waste into ash, flue gas, and heat. The ash is mostly formed by the inorganic constituents of the waste, and may take the form of solid lumps or particulates carried by the flue gas. The flue gases must be cleaned of gaseous and particulate pollutants before they are dispersed into the atmosphere. In some cases, the heat generated by incineration can be used to generate electric power. There have been very few of these facilities built in the U.S. in the past 20 years. The challenges to Incineration include:

 

 

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Capital intensity of sizeable plants;

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Difficult to site (NIMBYism);

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Extreme capital intensity;

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Expensive to operate;

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High level of emissions

 

Gasification Facilities: Gasification is a process that converts organic or fossil fuel based carbonaceous materials into carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This is achieved by reacting the material at high temperatures (>700 °C), without combustion, with a controlled amount of oxygen and/or steam. The resulting gas mixture is called syngas (from synthesis gas or synthetic gas) or producer gas and is itself a fuel. The power derived from gasification and combustion of the resultant gas is considered to be a source of renewable energy if the gasified compounds were obtained from biomass. The challenges to gasification include but are not limited to:

 

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Capital intensity

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Early stage technology risk

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Need for homogenous feedstock

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Difficulty in siting (NIMBYism)

 

Pyrolysis: Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition of organic material at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen (or any halogen). It involves the simultaneous change of chemical composition and physical phase that is irreversible. Pyrolysis is a type of thermolysis that is most commonly observed in organic materials exposed to high temperatures. Pyrolysis has been recently explored as an option for municipal solid waste incineration but has not been deployed in the U.S. due to various challenges, including:

 

·

Capital intensity

·

Significant early stage technology risk

·

Need for homogenous feedstock

·

Difficulty in siting (NIMBYism)

 

Landfilling: A landfill site (also known as a tip, dump, rubbish dump, garbage) is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial and is the oldest form of waste treatment (although the burial part is modern; historically, refuse was just left in piles or thrown into pits). Historically, landfills have been the most common method of organized waste disposal and remain so in many places around the world and currently represent approximately 70% of the disposal of municipal solid waste in the U.S. There has been a recent movement toward diverting waste from landfills in the U.S. including the passing of various pieces of legislation in certain states banning certain materials from being deposited in landfills. Landfilling continues to be faced with challenges such as;

 

·

Capital Intensity

·

Difficulty siting (NIMBYism)

·

Potential groundwater contamination

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Methane gas emissions

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Poor use of natural resource

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Post closure liabilities (future monitoring, etc.)

 

Other MBT Providers. The terms mechanical biological treatment or mechanical biological pre-treatment relate to a group of solid waste treatment systems. These systems enable the recovery of materials contained within the mixed waste and facilitate the stabilization of the biodegradable component of the material. There are currently over 300 operational MBT plants throughout Europe. Most of the current plants produce Refuse Derived Fuel, which differs from the engineered solid recovered fuel produced by the Entsorga HEBioT technology, which is deemed as an “engineered fuel” by the U.S. EPA. A2A is a company based in Italy that has historically deployed a similar technology to that of Entsorga; however, no longer makes it commercially available to merchant plant operators and does not currently have any facilities located or planned for the U.S. market.

 

Traditional Waste Management Services. The traditional waste collection industry has several major competitors and a large number small to mid-sized competitors, including counties and municipalities. While they compete against each other for direct customer sales and for sales resulting from contracting with waste management consulting firms, their offering generally does not include utilizing digesters in place of collections and their alternatives to landfill are limited.

 

 

Research and Development

 

BioHiTech is continually investing in research and development in an effort to enhance and expand upon our existing products and services, and derivatives thereof. At the base of our digester technology has been an entire re-writing of all software technology, from industrial machine PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) to the IoT (Internet of Things) that are based on the digesters to our Cloud and analytics. Our technology expertise and ability to extract data from PLCs in a true database and computing environment is unique.

 

There are several research and development initiatives underway.

 

·

Our technology to extract data and proactively communicate with PLCs is not limited to digesters and can be deployed on substantially all industrial equipment that is operated by PLCs. In that regard, we are working within the waste industry on applying the technology to other waste equipment that does not infringe on our target markets and with a hydroponics entity to improve their ability to improve crop yields.

 

·

As water is becoming a highly scrutinized resource, we have worked with various water filtration companies with the goal of achieving a water treatment and recirculation system in conjunction with our Eco-Safe Digester. We have been able to test filtration that allows us to achieve multiple objectives, eliminating the need for fresh water in the digestion process, eliminating the discharge of effluent to waste water treatment facilities, and the creation of “net new” water for our customers for re-use within their facilities for general purposes. This technology, while successful, has not been commercially deployed based on the current economics that may be subject to change in the future.

 

·

During 2017, the Company introduced its Smart Mode technology. Smart Mode technology uses sophisticated algorithms, data analytics, and machines learning to optimize the operation of the Digester equipment.   The smart mode technology allows BioHiTech greater control of operation of the equipment, allowing the system to detect irregularities and to optimize the digestion process.

 

·

As customers gain an appreciation for the transparency provided by the BioHiTech Cloud on their food waste, they have expressed an interest to track other recyclable and waste products using our existing dashboard. As the core technology already exists, we have successfully tested the process of adapting our weight capture and presentation to various other waste equipment. The success of this pilot project provides for the ability to expand our software as a service offering under additional license fees for each piece of equipment in the future. While not actively marketed, the addition of this service to pieces of equipment that have been utilized for many years provides for a potential new market in the future.

 

·

With the ability to extract data and proactively communicate with PLCs, we are actively deploying machine learning technology to improve operational efficiencies of our digester products. In addition to machine learning, the ChatBot technology allows the use of conversational dialogue through chat or text messaging to ascertain the status of equipment, instruct the equipment to work differently or to interactively diagnose and correct issues with the equipment.

 

·

As we recognize some customers’ desire to re-capture nutrients from food waste to be used for the generation of electricity via anaerobic digestion, we have confirmed the ability to capture effluent from our digesters as feedstock for the AD process. Previously we tested with a regional anaerobic digestion company to determine whether our units can produce a valuable feedstock with energy value. The result of the trials was positive. By utilizing our technology, a customer is able to treat waste at its point of generation, measure and analyze waste volumes via the BioHiTech Cloud, and may transport the residual in a more cost effective and environmentally friendly means and ultimately convert its food to energy via the AD process. This process may provide a more sustainable model for AD as it could reduce costs of logistics and reduce the need for government subsidy.

 

·

As with the generation of feedstock for the AD process above, the Company is also exploring the use of our digester effluent as the basis feedstock to other industries. The initial digestion performed by our digester may allow for decreased processing required to produce a suitable commercial product.

  

 

Management and Employees

 

As of December 31, 2017, BioHiTech had 26 full time and 2 part-time employees. We believe we enjoy good employee relations. None of our employees are members of any labor union, and we are not a party to any collective bargaining agreement.

 

Properties

 

The Company does not own any physical location. The Company currently leases its corporate headquarters and warehouse in Chestnut Ridge, NY as well as its technology development office in Harrisburg, PA. We believe that our current headquarters and warehouse facility are sufficient in size for current and future operations. The current leases for the headquarters and warehouse expire in 2020 and each contain a renewal option for an additional five-year period. The current lease for the Harrisburg, PA technology development office expires in 2018 and has one renewal option for a one-year period. The United Kingdom operations are managed from employee based virtual offices in the UK. 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company currently generates revenues from rental and sales of its digesters and related goods and services and anticipates revenues from the HEBioT technologies in the future and returns from its unconsolidated investments, including those under management agreements. The Company's other known sources of capital are investments and advances from related and unrelated parties, proceeds from private placements, issuance of preferred stock, notes payable, convertible notes payable, loans from its officers and cash from future revenues.

 

The Company has applied to The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC to be listed on their exchange and believes that it has meet all requirements for listing, including compliance with all governance and financial requirements, including the applicable stockholders’ equity requirement for initial listing on Nasdaq. Below is the Company’s summary balance sheet as of December 31, 2017, to which pro forma adjustments for certain events occurring after December 31, 2017 that were previously reported via the Registrant’s Current Reports on Form 8-K on January 30, 2018, February 6, 2018 and February 8, 2018, and as subsequent events footnote to the audited financial statements included in this Annual Report, as well as the repayment, inclusive of interest, of $3,923,788 in the Registrant’s common stock at the maturity of its outstanding Series A convertible notes on February 12, 2018 have been applied.

 

Simultaneous with the first day of trading of the Registrant’s Common Stock on Nasdaq, the effect of such on the Company’s outstanding series of convertible preferred stock, and its Series B, C, D and V convertible notes (collectively, the “Notes”), would result in stockholders’ equity in excess of the $5,000,000 requirement as presented below. Until such time as the Registrant’s Common Stock begins trading on Nasdaq (or the NYSE American), there can be no guarantee that the pro forma adjustments based on such listing and trading will take place or as illustrated.

 

		Without Impact of Conversions Resulting from Uplisting (1)				Pro Forma Adjustments Resulting from Uplisting					Pro Forma Adjustments from Other Subsequent Events					Post Pro Forma Adjust- ments
		($ in thousands)
Assets:
Current		$	1,587			$	-				$	4,488		e,j		$	6,075
Non-current			8,953				-					2,250		d			11,203
Total assets			10,540				-					6,738					17,278
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Current			3,342				-					(321	)	h,j			3,021
Non-current			17,591				(6,115	)	a,b,c			(4,888	)	e,f,g,i,k			6,588
Total Liabilities			20,933				(6,115	)				(5,209	)				9,609
Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock			1,096				(1,096	)	c			-
Stockholders’ equity			(11,489	)			7,211					11,947					7,669
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	10,540			$	-				$	6,738				$	17,278

 

(1) Derived from December 31, 2017 audited balance sheet. 

 

Pro forma adjustments resulting upon uplist to Nasdaq:
a	Each of the Series B, D and V BioHiTech Global, Inc. Convertible Debt Series (the "Series") provide for a mandatory conversion into shares of the Company's common stock. In connection with the Series, $4,099 in outstanding debt would convert into common stock shares at $2.75 per share. In addition, the Company could pay $114 in accrued interest in shares of the Company's common stock.
b	The terms of the amended Series C Secured Convertible Debt provide for a mandatory conversion into shares of the Company's common stock. In connection therewith, $1,022 in outstanding debt would convert into common stock shares at $2.75 per share.
c	Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the Company and the holder of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock entered into an agreement by which, in the event of an uplisting to a national exchange, certain redemption features and other designations relating to the stock would automatically be changed such that the shares classification would change from temporary equity to permanent equity. In connection with the agreement, the Company also would have to redeem $317 of existing shares.

 

Pro forma adjustments from other subsequent events:
d	On January 25, 2018, the Company acquired a 9.2% interest in Gold Medal Group, LLC in exchange for 500,000 shares of the Company's common stock with a value of $2,250.
e	On February 2, 2018, the Company entered into a financing arrangement that included a note and security agreement for a senior secured term promissory note in the amount of $5,000 with Michaelson Capital Special Financial Fund II, L.P. that also included the Company issuing 320,000 shares of the Company's common stock with an allocated value of $1,194 (the “Michaelson Financing".)
f	In connection with the Michaelson Financing, the Company's Chief Executive Officer entered into an Exchange agreement that provided for an exchange of a portion of their note payable to the Company into a newly designated Series C convertible preferred stock.
g	On January 12, 2018, $3,400 of the Company's Series A Convertible Debt matured after 24 months. The maturity triggered a mandatory conversion of the debt into shares of common stock at a price of $2.75 per share. In addition, the Company paid $524 of accrued interest with its common stock.
h	During January 2018, the holder of an optionally convertible note exercised their rights to convert $104 in notes into the Company's common stock.
i	During January 2018, a holder of $200 in the Company's Series D Convertible debt converted their note for 72,728 shares of the Company's common stock.
j	Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the company issued $780 in Series B Convertible Preferred stock that is mandatorily convertible upon an uplist.
k	Subsequent to December 31, 2017, a holder of an unsecured $275 note payable exchanged their note for shares of the Company's Series C Preferred Stock.

 

 

Potential Future Projects and Conflicts of Interest

 

Members of the Company’s management may serve in the future as an officer, director or investor in other entities. Neither BioHiTech nor any of its shareholders would have any interest in these other companies’ projects. Management believes that it has sufficient resources to fully discharge its responsibilities to the Company.

 

Government Regulation

 

We believe we are in compliance with applicable federal, state and other regulations and that we have compliance programs in place to ensure compliance going forward. There are no regulatory notifications or actions pending.

 

Legal Matters

 

On or about April 21, 2017, the Company was served with a Summons and Complaint in an action captioned Tusk Ventures LLC v. BioHiTech Global, Inc., in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County. The Plaintiff alleges that it is owed $250,000 pursuant to a Consulting Services Agreement. While the Company has accrued all contractual amounts, it intends to defend the action vigorously.

 

From time to time, we are a party to, or otherwise involved in, legal proceedings arising in the normal and ordinary course of business. As of the date of this report, we are not aware of any other proceeding, threatened or pending, against us which, if determined adversely, would have a material effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

BioHitech Realty LLC

 

The Company currently rents its corporate headquarters and, its warehousing space, from BioHitech Realty LLC, a company partially owned by Frank E. Celli, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and Michael Franco, a stockholder and employee of the Company. The initial lease expired on October 31, 2014 and was replaced by an office and a warehouse lease that were executed in July 2015 and expire in 2020. Each lease contains a renewal option for an additional five-year period. Rent expense under these leases for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $97,066 and $95,430, respectively.

 

BioHiTech International

 

The Company has an Exclusive License and Distribution Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with BioHiTech International (“BHT-I”) (a company owned by Chun-Il Koh, a Company stockholder) Chun-Il Koh, Joyce Taeya Koh and Bong Soon Hwang.  The License Agreement, originally executed on May 2, 2007 and as amended most recently on August 30, 2013, provides the Company exclusive rights to sell, lease, use, distribute and manufacture the Eco-Safe Digester products through December 31, 2023 (unless extended by mutual agreement), including:

 

·

The exclusive right and license to sell, lease, license, import, distribute, market, advertise and the Eco-Safe Digester products on a worldwide basis; and

·

The exclusive right of first refusal and license to manufacture or to have manufactured all products related to the Eco-Safe Digester, after the existing inventory of BHT-I has been exhausted; and

·

The exclusive worldwide right to have made, use, off to sell, sell and import products, systems, methods and accessories covered by BHT-I patents, trademarks and service marks; and

·

The exclusive worldwide right and license to have manufactured, sell, lease, license, import, distribute, market, advertise and otherwise promote any future new related technologies developed by BHT-I.

 

Acquisition of digesters and parts, as well as expenses under the distribution agreement amounted to $222,240 and $878,439 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

 

Other

 

The Company has also entered into various notes and advances from related parties that are disclosed in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Available Information

 

We will make available free of charge any of our filings as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these materials with, or otherwise furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We are not including the information contained in our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this report on Form 10-K.

 

The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20002. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Within our website’s “Investor” section, “SEC Filings” tab, all of our filings with the Commission and all amendments to these reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after filing. 

 

Website

 

Our website address is www.biohitech.com.

 

Our Information

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 80 Red Schoolhouse Road, Suite 101, Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977 and our telephone number is (845) 262-1081. We can be contacted by email at info@biohitech.com.

 

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects are subject to the following risks. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently foreseeable to us may also impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or operating results could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and our stockholders may lose all or part of their investment in the shares of our common stock.

 

This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “estimates,” “intends”, “plans”, “could,” “possibly,” “probably,” anticipates,” “projects,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” or “should,” “designed to,” “designed for,” or other variations or similar words or language. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

Risks Specific to Our Business

 

We have a history of operating losses and there can be no assurance that we can achieve or maintain profitability.

 

We have a history of operating losses and may not achieve or sustain profitability due to the competitive and evolving nature of the industries in which we operate. Our failure to sustain profitability could adversely affect the Company’s business, including our ability to raise additional funds.

 

We face substantial competition in the waste services industry, and if we cannot successfully compete in the marketplace, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

 

The waste services industry is highly competitive, has undergone a period of consolidation and requires substantial labor and capital resources. Some of the markets in which we compete are served by one or more of large, established companies, that are more well-known and better financed than we are. Intense competition exists not only to provide services to customers, but also to develop new products and services and acquire other businesses within each market. Some of our competitors have significantly greater financial and other resources than we do.

 

In our waste disposal markets, we also compete with operators of alternative disposal and recycling facilities. We also increasingly compete with companies that seek to use waste as feedstock for alternative uses. Public entities may have financial advantages because of their ability to charge user fees or similar charges, impose tax revenues, access tax-exempt financing and, in some cases, utilize government subsidies.

 

If our digesters are unable to successfully compete in the marketplace, our business and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

 

The waste services industry is subject to extensive and rapidly-changing government regulation. Changes to one or more of these regulations could cause a decrease in the demand for our digester systems.

 

Stringent government regulations at the federal, state and local level in the U.S. have a substantial impact on the waste industry and compliance with such regulations is costly. A large number of complex laws, rules, orders and interpretations govern environmental protection, health, safety, land use, zoning, transportation and related matters. Among other things, governmental regulations and enforcement actions may restrict operations within the waste industry and may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

We currently have only a single operational waste processing product generating revenues. We believe the demand for our digester product is created directly in response to recent municipal laws and regulation prohibiting certain large, commercial food manufacturers, retailers and catering halls from discarding food wastes to landfills. Our digesters are just one solution for these businesses to comply with these regulations. If there was a change to or elimination of these regulations, the demand for our product would almost certainly be greatly reduced and our income would, as a result, be adversely affected.

 

Currently, the microorganisms we employ in our digesters are approved for use to reduce food waste and to be poured into conventional sewer systems. However, if it was determined that we could no longer use these microorganisms, there is no guarantee that we could develop a replacement process to assure that we could continue to sell our products. Also, we would likely face claims from current customers were they unable to use our digesters for food waste disposal.

 

We may also incur the costs of defending against environmental litigation brought by governmental agencies and private parties. We may be in the future a defendant in lawsuits brought by parties alleging environmental damage, personal injury, and/or property damage, or which seek to overturn or prevent authorization of our products, all of which may result in us incurring significant liabilities.

 

 

We may engage in acquisitions in the future with the goal of complementing or expanding our business, including developing additional disposal products and complementary services. However, we may be unable to complete these transactions and, if executed, these transactions may not improve our business or may pose significant risks and could have a negative effect on our operations.

 

We may in the future, make acquisitions in order to acquire or develop additional disposal products and complementary services. In addition, from time to time we may acquire businesses that are complementary to our core business strategy. We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates. If we identify suitable acquisition candidates, we may be unable to successfully negotiate acquisitions at a price or on terms and conditions acceptable to us, including as a result of the limitations imposed by our debt obligations. Further, we may be unable to obtain the necessary regulatory approval to complete potential acquisitions.

 

Our ability to achieve the benefits of any potential future acquisition, including cost savings and operating efficiencies, depends in part on our ability to successfully integrate the operations of such acquired businesses with our operations. The integration of acquired businesses and other assets may require significant management time and resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing management of our existing operations. In addition, to the extent any future acquisitions are completed, we may be unsuccessful in integrating acquired companies or their operations, or if integration is more difficult than anticipated, we may experience disruptions that could have a material adverse impact on future profitability. Some of the risks that may affect our ability to integrate, or realize any anticipated benefits from, acquisitions include:

 

·

unexpected losses of key employees or customer of the acquired company;

·

difficulties integrating the acquired company’s standards, processes, procedures and controls;

·

difficulties coordinating new product and process development;

·

difficulties hiring additional management and other critical personnel;

·

difficulties increasing the scope, geographic diversity and complexity of our operations;

·

difficulties consolidating facilities, transferring processes and know-how;

·

difficulties reducing costs of the acquired company’s business;

·

diversion of management’s attention from our management; and

·

adverse impacts on retaining existing business relationships with customers.

 

Our business and strategic plans may require funding.

 

Our current business and strategic plans require additional funding. Our ultimate success may depend on our ability to raise additional financing and capital. In the absence of additional financing or significant revenues and profits, the Company will have to approach its business plan from a much different and much more restricted direction, attempting to secure additional funding sources to fund its growth, borrowing money from lenders or elsewhere or to take other actions to attempt to provide funding. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain sufficient additional funds when needed, or that such funds, if available, will be obtainable on terms satisfactory to us.

 

We expect that we will need to raise additional capital to meet our business requirements in the future, and such capital raising may be costly or difficult to obtain and can be expected to dilute current stockholders’ ownership interests if converted.

 

Based upon present strategic investment plans, we expect that we will need to raise additional capital in the future. Such additional capital may not be available on reasonable terms or at all. We may need to raise additional funds through borrowings or public or private debt or equity financings to meet various objectives including, but not limited to:

 

·

accomplish growth through enhanced sales and marketing efforts;

·

effect new products and services development;

·

complete business acquisitions; and

·

build inventory

 

Our limited operating history does not afford investors a sufficient history on which to base an investment decision.

 

We are currently in the early stages of expanding our businesses. Our operations are subject to all the risks inherent in the establishment of an expanding business enterprise. The likelihood of success must be considered in light of the problems, expenses, difficulties, complications and delays that are frequently encountered in a newly-formed company. There can be no assurance that at this time that we will operate profitably or will have adequate working capital to meet our obligations as they become due.

 

 

Investors must consider the risks and difficulties frequently encountered by expanding companies, particularly in rapidly evolving markets. Such risks include the following:

 

·

increasing awareness of our brand names;

·

meeting customer demand and standards;

·

attaining customer loyalty;

·

developing and upgrading our product and service offerings;

·

implementing our advertising and marketing plan;

·

maintaining our current strategic relationships and developing new strategic relationships;

·

responding effectively to competitive pressures; and

·

attracting, retaining and motivating qualified personnel.

 

We cannot be certain that our business strategy will be successful or that we will successfully address these risks. In the event that we do not successfully address these risks, our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected, and we may not have the resources to continue or expand our business operations.

 

We rely on highly skilled personnel and, if we are unable to retain or motivate key personnel or hire additional qualified personnel, we may not be able to grow effectively.

 

Our performance is largely dependent on the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. Our future success depends on our continuing ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate, and retain highly skilled personnel for all areas of our organization. Our continued ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to retain and motivate existing employees. Due to our reliance upon its skilled professionals and laborers, the failure to attract, integrate, motivate, and retain current and/or additional key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

If we fail to manage growth or to prepare for product scalability and integration effectively, it could have an adverse effect on our employee efficiency, product quality, working capital levels and results of operations.

 

Any significant growth in the market for our products or our entry into new markets may require an expansion of our employee base for managerial, operational, financial, and other purposes. During any period of growth, we may face problems related to our operational and financial systems and controls, including quality control and delivery and service capacities. We would also need to continue to expand, train and manage our employee base. Continued future growth will impose significant added responsibilities upon the members of management to identify, recruit, maintain, integrate, and motivate new employees.

 

Aside from increased difficulties in the management of human resources, we may need increased liquidity to finance the expansion of our existing business, the development of new products, and the hiring of additional employees. For effective growth management, we will be required to continue improving our operations, management, and financial systems and controls. Our failure to manage growth effectively may lead to operational and financial inefficiencies that will have a negative effect on our profitability. We cannot assure investors that we will be able to timely and effectively meet that demand and maintain the quality standards required by our existing and potential customers.

 

Our management team may not be able to successfully implement our business strategies.

 

If our management team is unable to execute on its business strategies, then our development, including the establishment of revenues and our sales and marketing activities, would be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we may encounter difficulties in effectively managing the budgeting, forecasting and other process control issues presented by any future growth. We may seek to augment or replace members of our management team or we may lose key members of our management team, and we may not be able to attract new management talent with sufficient skill and experience.

 

If we are unable to retain key executives and other key affiliates, our growth could be significantly inhibited and our business harmed with a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our success is, to a certain extent, attributable to the management, sales and marketing, and operational and technical expertise of certain key personnel. Frank E. Celli, our Chief Executive Officer, Robert Joyce, our Chief Operating Officer, Brian C. Essman, our Chief Financial Officer and William Kratzer, our Chief Technology Officer, perform key functions in the operation of our business. The loss of any of these could have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition, and results of operations. If we lose the services of any senior management, we may not be able to locate suitable or qualified replacements and may incur additional expenses to recruit and train new personnel, which could severely disrupt our business and prospects.

 

 

Our financial results may not meet the expectations of investors and may fluctuate because of many factors and, as a result, investors should not rely on our revenue and/or financial projections as indicative of future results.

 

Fluctuations in operating results or the failure of operating results to meet the expectations investors may negatively impact the value of our securities. Operating results may fluctuate due to a variety of factors that could affect revenues or expenses in any particular quarter. Fluctuations in operating results could cause the value of our securities to decline. Investors should not rely on revenue or financial projections or comparisons of results of operations as an indication of future performance. As a result of the factors listed below, it is possible that in future periods results of operations may be below the expectations of investors. This could cause the market price of our securities to decline and negatively impact our ability to raise debt and capital. Factors that may affect our quarterly results include:

 

·

delays in sales resulting from potential customer sales cycles;

·

variations or inconsistencies in return on investment models and results;

·

changes in competition; and

·

changes or threats of significant changes in legislation or rules or standards that would change the drivers for product adoption.

 

We are operating in a highly competitive market and we are unsure as to whether there will be any consumer demand for our services.

 

Some of our competitors are much larger and better capitalized than we are. It may be that our competitors will better address the same market opportunities that we are addressing. These competitors, either alone or with collaborative partners, may succeed in developing business models that are more effective or have greater market success than our own. The Company is especially susceptible to larger companies that invest more money in marketing. Moreover, the market for our services is potentially large but highly competitive. There is little or no hard data that substantiates the demand for our services or how this demand will be segmented over time.

 

There is no assurance that the Company will operate profitably or will generate positive cash flow.

 

The Company is continuing to develop its lines of business, customer base and recurring revenues and it is anticipated that it will continue to incur losses in the future as it carries on this process. In addition, the Company’s operating results in the future may be subject to significant fluctuations due to many factors not within our control, such as the level of competition, regulatory changes and general economic conditions.

 

We may be unsuccessful in our efforts to use digital and other viral marketing to expand consumer awareness of our service.

 

If we are unable to maintain or increase the efficacy of our digital and other viral marketing strategy or if we otherwise decide to expand the reach of our marketing through use of costlier marketing campaigns, we may experience an increase in marketing expenses that could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in maintaining or expanding our customer base and failure to do so would materially reduce our revenue and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

We may be negatively impacted by permitting and construction risks.

 

In connection with the waste collections and MBT lines of business, the Company will have to maintain or acquire specialized permits and have regulatory approvals from various state and local regulatory authorities for their operations or the construction of facilities. The failure of having such may delay or prevent the construction or operation of the planned MBT facilities and the maintenance and expansion of the waste collections line of business. In addition, there are significant risks related to the construction of a specialized facility. These risks may delay, postpone or cause a negative impact to the anticipated financial performance of the projects.

 

We may be negatively impacted by landfills and certain long-term disposal trends.

 

In connection with the MBT line of business, there will be competition from other landfills, including large, out-of-state landfills to secure MSW feedstock. Such facilities may legally drop prices to maintain market share forcing the Company to compete on price for feedstock delivered by suppliers, which may cause a negative impact to the anticipated financial performance of the projects.

 

 

Waste policies may incentivize additional renewable energy plants to be built, in such an event, the MBT facilities would be competing with such future renewable energy plants for feedstock. Furthermore, other zero waste policies, increased local recycling and reuse, augmented by composting and other future waste policies intended to eliminate and/or reduce the waste may mean less MSW will be available for the Company’s MBT projects.

 

The recovered recycled materials market is volatile.

 

The Company’s MBT projects and its waste collections business anticipate a minimum return on recycled materials. Should conditions change such that the minimum returns cannot be recovered, they may have a negative impact on the anticipated financial performance of the projects and businesses.

 

The market for solid recovered fuel (“SRF”) is not developed.

 

The Company’s MBT projects rely upon the ability to sell SRF to appropriate industrial users at economically reasonable prices. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to contract on either a long-term or spot-market basis with such consumers.

 

 

Risks Related to Securities Markets and Investments in Our Securities

 

Our executive officers and certain stockholders possess the majority of our voting power, and through this ownership, control our Company and our corporate actions.

 

Our current executive officers, directors and five large stockholders of the Company, hold approximately 73.5% of the voting power of the outstanding shares as of December 31, 2017. Our current executive officers and directors hold 34.0% of the voting power of the outstanding shares as of December 31, 2017. These officers, directors and certain stockholders have a controlling influence in determining the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, election of directors, and other significant corporate actions. As such, our executive officers have the power to prevent or cause a change in control; therefore, without their consent we could be prevented from entering into transactions that could be beneficial to us.  The interests of our executive officers and certain shareholders may give rise to a conflict of interest with the Company and the Company’s stockholders. For additional details concerning voting power please refer to the section below entitled “Description of Securities.”

 

Liquidity of our common stock has been limited.

 

Our common stock “BHTG” is quoted on the OTCQB. On February 12, 2016 the Company uplisted from OTCBB (also known as OTC Pink) to the OTCQB. The liquidity of our common stock in 2016 was very limited and is affected by our limited trading market. During 2017, the average daily shares traded has increased, but there is no assurance that liquidity will continue or that the trade prices of our securities could not be reduced due to excess sellers of our stock over buyers. The OTC Markets is an inter-dealer market much less regulated than the major exchanges, and is subject to abuses, volatilities and shorting. There is currently no broadly followed and established trading market for our common stock. An established trading market may never develop or be maintained. Active trading markets generally result in lower price volatility and more efficient execution of buy and sell orders. Absence of an active trading market reduces the liquidity of the shares traded.

 

The trading volume of our common stock may be limited and sporadic. This situation is attributable to a number of factors, including the fact that we are a small company that is relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they may tend to be risk-averse and would be reluctant to follow an unproven company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares until such time as we became more seasoned and viable. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares is minimal, as compared to a seasoned issuer that has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price.  We cannot give any assurance that a broader or more active public trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained, or that current trading levels will be sustained. As a result of such trading activity, the quoted price for our common stock while on the OTC Markets may not necessarily be a reliable indicator of its fair market value.  

 

Because we became public by means of a “reverse business combination,” we may not be able to attract the attention of major brokerage firms.

 

There may be risks associated with us becoming public through a “reverse business combination.” Securities analysts of major brokerage firms and securities institutions may not provide coverage of us because there were no broker-dealers who sold our stock in a public offering that would be incentivized to follow or recommend the purchase of our common stock. The absence of such research coverage could limit investor interest in our common stock, resulting in decreased liquidity.  No assurance can be given that established brokerage firms will, in the future, want to cover our securities or conduct any secondary offerings or other financings on our behalf.

 

Our stock price may be volatile.

 

The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

 

·

the concentration of the ownership of our shares by a limited number of affiliated stockholders may limit interest in our securities;

 

 

·

limited “public float” with a small number of persons whose sales or lack of sales could result in positive or negative pricing pressure on the market price for our common stock;

·

additions or departures of key personnel;

·

loss of a strategic relationship;

·

variations in operating results from the expectations of securities analysts or investors;

·

announcements of new products or services by us or our competitors;

·

reductions in the market share of our products;

·

announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;

·

investor perception of our industry or prospects;

·

insider selling or buying;

·

investors entering into short sale contracts;

·

regulatory developments affecting our industry; and

·

changes in our industry;

·

competitive pricing pressures;

·

our ability to obtain working capital financing;

·

sales of our common stock;

·

our ability to execute our business plan;

·

operating results that fall below expectations;

·

revisions in securities analysts’ estimates or reductions in security analysts’ coverage; and

·

economic and other external factors.

 

Many of these factors are beyond our control and may decrease the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. We cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for our common stock will be at any time, including as to whether our common stock will sustain current market prices, or as to what effect that the sale of shares or the availability of common stock for sale at any time will have on the prevailing market price.

 

In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies.  These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. 

 

Our common stock is subject to price volatility unrelated to our operations.

 

The market price of our common stock could fluctuate substantially due to a variety of factors, including market perception of our ability to achieve our planned growth, quarterly operating results of other companies in the same industry, trading volume in our common stock, changes in general conditions in the economy and the financial markets or other developments affecting the Company’s competitors or the Company itself.

 

A decline in the price of our common stock could affect our ability to raise working capital and adversely impact our ability to continue operations.

 

A prolonged decline in the price of our common stock could result in a reduction in the liquidity of our common stock and a reduction in our ability to raise capital.  A decline in the price of our common stock could be especially detrimental to our liquidity, our operations and strategic plans.  Such reductions may force us to reallocate funds from other planned uses and may have a significant negative effect on our business plan and operations, including our ability to develop new services and continue our current operations.  If our common stock price declines, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to raise additional capital or generate funds from operations sufficient to meet our obligations.  If we are unable to raise sufficient capital in the future, we may not be able to have the resources to continue our normal operations.

 

Concentrated ownership of our common stock creates a risk of sudden changes in our common stock price.

 

The sale by any shareholder of a significant portion of their holdings could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

 

 

Sales of our currently issued and outstanding stock may become freely tradable pursuant to Rule 144 and may dilute the market for your shares and have a depressive effect on the price of the shares of our common stock.

 

A substantial majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) (“Rule 144”).  As restricted shares, these shares may be resold only pursuant to an effective registration statement or under the requirements of Rule 144 or other applicable exemptions from registration under the Securities Act and as required under applicable state securities laws. Rule 144 provides in essence that a non-affiliate who has held restricted securities for a period of at least six months may sell their shares of common stock.  Under Rule 144, affiliates who have held restricted securities for a period of at least six months may, under certain conditions, sell every three months, in brokerage transactions, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of 1% of a company’s outstanding shares of common stock or the average weekly trading volume during the four calendar weeks prior to the sale.  A sale under Rule 144 or under any other exemption from the Securities Act, if available, or pursuant to subsequent registrations of our shares of common stock, may have a depressive effect upon the price of our shares of common stock in any active market that may develop.

 

If we issue additional shares or derivative securities in the future, it will result in the dilution of our existing stockholders.

 

Our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, authorizes the issuance of up to 50,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share. Our board of directors may choose to issue some or all of such shares, or derivative securities to purchase some or all of such shares, to provide additional financing in the future.

 

 

We do not plan to declare or pay any dividends to our stockholders in the near future.

 

We have not declared any dividends in the past, and we do not intend to distribute dividends in the near future. 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 operations, cash flows and financial condition, operating and capital requirements, and other factors as the board of directors considers relevant.  There is no assurance that future dividends will be paid, and if dividends are paid, there is no assurance with respect to the amount of any such dividend.

 

The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and distract management.

 

As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), the Securities Act of 1933 and as well as the governance rules of Nasdaq. These rules, regulations and requirements are extensive. We may incur significant costs associated with our public company corporate governance and reporting requirements.  This may divert management’s attention from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  We also expect that these applicable rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage.  As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers.

 

Future changes in financial accounting standards or practices may cause adverse unexpected financial reporting fluctuations and affect reported results of operations.

 

A change in accounting standards or practices can have a significant effect on our reported results and may even affect our reporting of transactions completed before the change is effective.  New accounting pronouncements and varying interpretations of accounting pronouncements have occurred and may occur in the future.  Changes to existing rules or the questioning of current practices may adversely affect our reported financial results or the way we conduct business.

 

“Penny Stock” rules may make buying or selling our common stock difficult.

 

Trading in our common stock has previously been subject to the “penny stock” rules. The SEC has adopted regulations that generally define a penny stock to be any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. These rules require that any broker-dealer that recommends our common stock to persons other than prior customers and accredited investors, must, prior to the sale, make a special written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to execute the transaction. Unless an exception is available, the regulations require the delivery, prior to any transaction involving a penny stock, of a disclosure schedule explaining the penny stock market and the risks associated with trading in the penny stock market. In addition, broker-dealers must disclose commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities they offer. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by such requirements may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our common stock, which could severely limit the market price and liquidity of our common stock.

 

 

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 1B: UNRESOLVED COMMENTS.

 

None.

 

ITEM 2: PROPERTIES.

 

The Company does not own any physical location. The Company currently leases its corporate headquarters and warehouse in Chestnut Ridge, NY as well as its technology development office in Harrisburg, PA. We believe that our current headquarters and warehouse facility are sufficient in size for current and future operations. The current leases for the headquarters and warehouse expire in 2020 each containing a renewal option for an additional five-year period. The current lease for the technology development office in Harrisburg, PA expires in 2018 and has a one renewal option for a period of one year. The United Kingdom operations are managed from employee based virtual offices in the UK.

 

ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

On or about April 21, 2017, the Company was served with a Summons and Complaint in an action captioned Tusk Ventures LLC v. BioHiTech Global, Inc., in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County. The Plaintiff alleges that it is owed $250,000 pursuant to a Consulting Services Agreement. While the Company has accrued all contractual amounts, it intends to defend the action vigorously.

 

From time to time, we are a party to, or otherwise involved in, legal proceedings arising in the normal and ordinary course of business. As of the date of this report, we are not aware of any other proceeding, threatened or pending, against us which, if determined adversely, would have a material effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

 

ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

 

Not applicable. 

 

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5: MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

  

(a)

Market Information

 

Our common stock first became quoted on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board, or “OTCBB” under the trading symbol “SWFR” on March 27, 2014. On September 16, 2015, our common stock began trading under the name BioHiTech Global, Inc. and under the trading symbol “BHTG”. On February 12, 2016, the common stock was uplisted to the OTCQB Venture Marketplace. The following table lists the high and low sale information for our common stock as quoted on the OTC Markets for the fiscal years ended 2017 and 2016:

 

		Price Range
Quarter Ended		High ($)				Low ($)
December 31, 2017		$	6.80			$	3.90
September 30, 2017		$	9.50			$	2.90
June 30, 2017		$	3.30			$	2.50
March 31, 2017		$	3.90			$	1.55
December 31, 2016		$	3.20			$	1.50
September 30, 2016		$	3.60			$	1.75
June 30, 2016		$	5.50			$	3.15
March 31, 2016		$	5.00			$	4.00

 

The above quotations from the OTC Markets reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not represent actual transactions.

 

(b)

Holders

 

The number of record holders of our common stock as of December 31, 2017, was approximately 32 based on information received from our transfer agent. This amount excludes an indeterminate number of shareholders whose shares are held in “street” or “nominee” name with a brokerage firm or other fiduciary.

 

(c)

Dividends

 

We have not paid or declared any cash dividends on our common stock and we do not anticipate paying dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.

 

(d)

Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had two equity compensation plans that provide for grants representing up to 1,750,000 of the underlying shares of the Company’s common stock as presented below.

 

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information as of December 31, 2017

 

Plan category		Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights				Weighted- average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights				Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
		(a)				(b)				(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders			574,654			$	2.04				1,175,346
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders			-				-				-
Total			574,654			$	2.04				1,175,346

  

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

 

General

 

The Company’s authorized capital stock consists of 60,000,000 shares of capital stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of which 50,000,000 shares are common stock, par value $0.0001 per share and 10,000,000 shares are “blank check” preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.

 

Common Stock

 

Holders of Company’s common stock are entitled to one vote per share on each matter submitted to vote of the Company’s stockholders. Holders of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights. Stockholders do not have any preemptive rights or other similar rights to acquire additional shares of Company’s common stock or other securities. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then-outstanding preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to share in all dividends that the board of directors, in its discretion, declares from legally available funds.  In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up, subject to preferences that may be applicable to any then-outstanding preferred stock, each outstanding share of common stock entitles its holder to participate ratably in all remaining assets of the Company that are available for distribution to stockholders after providing for each class of stock, if any, having preference over the common stock.

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue from time to time, in one or more series, 10,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further vote or action by the shareholders. Each such series of preferred stock shall have such number of shares, designations, preferences, voting powers, qualifications, and special or relative rights or privileges as shall be determined by the Company’s board of directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, voting rights, liquidation preferences, conversion rights and preemptive rights. As of December 31, 2017, there were two series of preferred stock designated:

 

Designation		Authorized Shares				Par Value				Stated Value
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock			333,401			$	0.0001			$	5.00
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock			1,111,200			$	0.0001			$	5.00

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the Company’s board of directors designated a class of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

 

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

 

On February 2, 2018, the Company and several of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into and consummated a Note Purchase and Security Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Michaelson Capital Special Finance Fund II, L.P. (“MCSFF”) to issue a senior secured term promissory note in the principal amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) (the “Note”). In connection with the issuance of the Note, the Company issued MCSFF 320,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. The Purchase Agreement contains customary provisions, including representations, warranties, indemnities and “piggyback” registration rights, and closed upon the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

 

On February 2, 2018, the Company entered into a Securities Exchange and Note Purchase Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with Frank E. Celli, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, whereby Celli exchanged $4,500,000 in a note payable and $544,000 in advances made to the Company for $4,000,000 of the Company’s Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 (the Series C Preferred Stock”) and a junior promissory note (the “Junior Note”). The Junior Note, which is subordinated to the MCSFF Note, is not convertible, accrues interest at the rate of 10.25% per annum and matures on February 2, 2024. The Series C Preferred Stock has a stated value of $10.00 per share and is convertible, at the holder’s option, into the Company’s common stock, par $0.0001, at a conversion price of $4.75 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-redeemable, has voting rights together with the common stock, par $0.0001, at the rate of 4 votes to 1 and accrues dividends at 10.25% of the stated value outstanding. In connection with this transaction, the Company also issued Celli warrants to purchase 421,053 shares of Common Stock, exercisable at $5.50 per share which expire in five (5) years.

 

On January 25, 2018, the Company and the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary E.N.A. Renewables, LLC (“ENA”) entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to acquire 9.2% of the outstanding membership units (the “Units”) of Gold Medal Group, LLC (“GM Group”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, ENA acquired the Units from two unrelated parties in consideration for 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”). The Purchase Agreement contains customary provisions, including representations, warranties, indemnities and “piggyback” registration rights, and closed upon the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

 

Commencing December 28, 2017, the Company entered into a series of Securities Purchase Agreements (individually, the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain accredited investors (the “Investors”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and the Investors agreed to purchase, in a private placement offering (the “Offering”), an aggregate of 200,000 shares of the Company’s newly created Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series B Shares”) at the price of $5.00 per Series B Shares and warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase 111,111 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, for an aggregate offering amount of $1,000,000. The proceeds of the Offering were held in escrow until the minimum offering amount of $450,000 was sold by the Company (the “Initial Closing”). Following the Initial Closing, the escrow agent released and will continue to release the proceeds directly to the Company.

 

The Series B Shares are convertible at any time by the Investors, into shares of Common Stock at the rate of one share of Common Stock for $4.50 of stated value of Series B Shares converted. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment for stock splits, reclassification and issuance of certain Securities at a purchase price per share below the conversion price. The Series B Shares automatically convert into Common Stock on the earliest of the date (i) the Common Stock is listed on a National Securities Exchange; (ii) a fundamental transaction, which is defined as effectively a change in control of the voting capital stock or transfer of substantially all of the assets of the Company; (iii) of an underwritten public offering in an amount not less than $3,000,000, or (iv) December 1, 2018. The Series B Shares are entitled to receive dividends, at the rate of six percent (6%) until their conversion into Common Stock. The Series B Shares rank senior to the Company’s Common Stock with respect to dividends, distributions and payments on liquidation but junior to all existing and future indebtedness and any class of preferred stock.

 

The Company also granted the Investors certain piggy-back registration rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying the conversion of the Series B Shares and the exercise of the Warrants and anti-dilution rights with respect to the conversion price of the Series B Shares. The Company engaged a placement agent in connection with the Offering who received cash in the amount of 7% of the Offering Amount and warrants to purchase 3% of the Shares of Common Stock underlying the shares of Series B Shares sold, at an exercise price of $5.50 per share.

 

 

On November 1, 2017, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary E.N.A. Renewables LLC, entered into a Technology License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Entsorgafin S.p.A. (“Entsorga”) whereby the Company acquired a license for the design, development construction, installation and operation of a High Efficiency Biological Treatment (“HEBioT”) renewable waste facility with a capacity of 165,000 tons per year. The HEBioT technology converts mixed municipal and organic waste to a US Environmental Protection Agency recognized alternative fuel source. The royalty payment for the license amounted to $6,019,200, which was comprised of 1,035,905 shares (the “Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) and cash in an amount up to $839,678.40 for payment of Entsorga’s withholding taxes in the Unites States and Italy. The Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with Entsorga whereby the Company granted Entsorga certain piggy-back and demand registration rights with respect to the Shares.

 

On October 30, 2017, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with a single, accredited investor (the “Investor”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and the Investor agreed to purchase up to an aggregate of 333,401 shares of the Company’s newly created Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series A Shares”) for an aggregate investment of up to $1,667,000. The Company would receive total proceeds up to $1,500,300 after giving effect to an original issue discount of 10%. In addition, the Company agreed to issue warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase up to 333,401 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) at the exercise price of $5.00 per share. At the first closing, consummated on October 31, 2017 (the “First Closing”) the Investor purchased 133,334 shares of Series A Shares and Warrants to purchase an additional 133,334 shares of Common Stock for a purchase price of $666,670. The Company received net proceeds of $600,000. The Company, assuming its satisfaction of certain conditions, has the option to sell to the Investor an additional 200,067 Series A Shares and Warrants to purchase 200,067 shares of Common Stock for $1,000,000 with the Company receiving additional proceeds of $900,300, thirty days after the First Closing. On December 15, 2017, the Company and the Investor completed the second closing for an additional 200,067 Series A Shares and Warrants to purchase 200,067 shares of Common Stock with the Company receiving additional proceeds of $900,300. The Company received total proceeds of $1,500,300 from the Offering from the Investor.

 

The Series A Shares are convertible into share of Common Stock at the rate of one share of Common Stock for $5.00 of stated value of Series A Shares converted (effectively, on a 1 for 1 basis). The conversion rate is subject to adjustment for stock splits, reclassification and issuance of certain Securities at a purchase price per share below the conversion price. The Series A Shares will automatically convert into Common Stock if the Company (i) receives gross proceeds of $6,000,000, or (ii) receives gross proceeds sufficient to qualify for listing on a natural securities exchange. If the Company completes a financing at a price per share of less than $5.00, one-half of the Series A Shares will convert at a conversion price equal to the purchase price of such financing. The Series A Shares are entitled to receive dividends, payable quarterly commencing December 31, 2017, at the rate of five percent (5%) during the first year of issuance, and increasing two percent (2%) per month thereafter. The Series A Shares rank senior to the Company’s Common Stock with respect to dividends, distributions and payments on liquidation. The Company also has the right to redeem the Series A Shares one year after the First Closing for 120% of the stated value plus any unpaid dividends. Commencing on June 1, 2019, the Investor will have the right to require the Company to redeem the Series A Shares for 115% of the Conversion Amount, under certain circumstances. The Company also granted the Investor certain piggy-back registration rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying the conversion of the Series A Shares and the exercise of the Warrants.

 

Effective October 2, 2017 the Company entered into a new shareholder awareness consulting agreement with its existing consultant. This agreement has a term of 90 days and includes cash fees of $90,000, the issuance of the 35,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at $5.00 per share.

 

On August 17, 2017, the Company completed a private placement offering (the “Offering) which, including over allotments, provided for an offering up to $2,000,000 in “Units” (as that term is defined below). As previously reported, on July 6, and 7, 2017 and on August 17, 2017, the Company received gross proceeds of $2,000,000 from the Offering, including $140,000 of payments in kind, which occurred from twenty-one (21) investors, including two (2) related parties who invested $325,000. In connection with the Offering, the Company entered into a series of Securities Purchase Agreements (the “Purchase Agreement”) with each accredited investor (the “Investors”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and the Investors agreed to purchase units comprised of a mandatorily Convertible Promissory Note (the “Note”) and Warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”). Each Note bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum and is due on the earlier of: (i) July 6, 2019; (ii) the date the Common Stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market or NYSE MKT (the “Listing”); or (iii) a “Change of Control” of the Company which is defined as a liquidation, dissolution, winding up, change in voting control, or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets (the “Maturity”). At Maturity, each Note is convertible into shares of Common Stock equal to the outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, divided by a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lowest of: (i) the trading price on the date of the Listing; (ii) the price per share paid by investors in a subsequent underwritten public offering in connection with the Listing; (iii) the lowest price paid by investors in a subsequent offering of the Company’s securities; (iv) the per share price in a Change of Control transaction; or (v) $2.75 per share. Prior to maturity, an Investor may elect, at its option and in its sole discretion, to convert all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, into a number of shares of Common Stock at a conversion price equal to $2.75 per share. The Warrants are exercisable for a period of five years into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock into which such Investor’s Note is convertible at an exercise price equal to 120% of the Conversion Price. The foregoing descriptions of the above referenced agreements do not purport to be complete. For an understanding of their terms and provisions, reference should be made to the Purchase Agreement attached as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 12, 2017. A copy of the Form of Note and the Form of Warrant are attached to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 12, 2017 as Exhibits 10.2 and 10.3, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

On August 11, 2017, the Company completed the Offering, which, including over allotments, provided for up to $1,250,000 in Units was fully subscribed. The Company received gross proceeds of $1,250,000 from the sale of Units, which occurred on May 24, 2017, July 13, 2017, August 7, 2017 and August 11, 2017, to six (6) investors. The offering (the “Private Placement”) was for units (the “Units”) in the minimum subscription amount of $100,000, comprised of an Original Issue Discount Convertible Promissory Note (the “Note,” collectively, the “Notes”) and warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”). Each Note bears interest at the rate of 3.5 % per annum, has been issued with an original issue discount of 10%, and is due on May 24, 2018 (the “Maturity Date”). The Notes are secured by any proceeds received by the Company from its investments in Entsorga West Virginia, LLC and Apple Valley Waste Conversions, LLC, (“AVWC”), and the membership interests in AVWC. The Notes are convertible at the option of the Investors, at any time up to and including the Maturity Date, into shares of Common Stock equal to the outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, divided by a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to $3.00 per share. The Warrants are exercisable for a period of five years into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 50% of the number of shares of Common Stock into which the Notes are convertible at an exercise price equal to $3.75 per share. The Purchase Agreement also provides the Investors the right to participate in up to 20% of the future external financing for the Company’s equity investment in up to six future High Efficiency Biological Treatment (HEBioT) facilities. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of the Company and the Investors for like transactions. On February 2, 2018, in connection with and as a condition precedent to the closing of the MCSFF Financing, all of the holders (the “Holders”) of the Company’s Series C Original Issue Discount Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Series C Notes”, respectively) agreed to amend the Series C Notes to change the maturity date from May 24, 2018 to May 24, 2019. The Series C Notes were also amended to provide for a mandatory conversion of the outstanding and unpaid principal amount of the Series C Notes upon the Company’s listing on the Nasdaq stock market or the NYSE American into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”). In consideration for the amendment, the Company issued the Holders additional warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 10% of the number of shares such Series C Note is convertible into at an exercise price of $4.50 per share of Common Stock and expiring in five (5) years.

 

Effective July 25, 2017, the Company and an investor relations consultant agreed to amend certain terms to an existing contract, through which, the Company agreed to grant the consultant an additional 30,000 shares that will be earned through November 30, 2017, the remaining term of the contract.

 

On July 3, 2017, the Company executed an extension (the “Amendment”) to a previously reported agreement that was effective January 11, 2017, which provided for shareholder awareness services. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Company agreed to extend the term of the original agreement through September 30, 2017. The Amendment provides the Company will compensate the consultant 75,000 shares of the Common Stock, earned over the course of the extension, and $127,500 in cash payments, of which $35,000 were paid by the execution date. The remaining $92,500 in cash payments will be made over the remaining course of the extension.

 

On March 31, 2017, the Company terminated its private placement offering (the “Private Placement”) for units in the minimum subscription amount of $25,000. Each Unit, as defined here, was comprised of a Convertible Promissory Note (the “Note”) and warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”). Each Note bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum and is due on the earlier of: (i) November 18, 2018; (ii) the date the Common Stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market or NYSE MKT (the “Listing”); or (iii) a “Change of Control” of the Company which is defined as a liquidation, dissolution, winding up, change in voting control or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. Each Note sold is convertible into shares of Common Stock equal to the outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, divided by a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lowest of: (i) the trading price on the date of the Listing; (ii) the price per share paid by investors in a subsequent underwritten public offering in connection with the Listing; (iii) the lowest price paid by investors in a subsequent offering of the Company’s securities; (iv) the per share price in a Change of Control transaction; or (v) $2.75 per share. Prior to maturity, an Investor may elect, at its option and in its sole discretion, to convert all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, into a number of shares of Common Stock at a conversion price equal to $2.75 per share. The Warrants are exercisable for a period of five years into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock into which the Notes are convertible at an exercise price equal to 120% of the Conversion Price. In the Offering, the Company received gross proceeds of $1,850,000 from the sale of Units, comprised of notes amounting to $1,250,000, $250,000, $200,000, $50,000, $125,000 and $25,000 on November 18, 2016, January 13, 2017, February 13, 2017, March 13, 2017, March 17, 2017 and March 30, 2017, respectively to eight (8) investors.

 

 

On March 30, 2017, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with an accredited investor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and the investor agreed to purchase units of up to $550,000 in convertible notes and warrants for 0.2475 shares of the Company’s $0.0001 par common stock for each $1 funded toward the notes, which are purchased subject to a 10% original issue discount. On March 31, 2017, the investor purchased $110,000 in convertible notes, along with 24,750 warrants for $100,000. On June 28, 2017, the Investor subscribed $100,000 for $110,000 in Notes and warrants to purchase 24,750 shares of Common Stock under the Purchase Agreement. The notes, which bear interest at 9.5% and mature in seven months from the date of funding. The notes are convertible at any time, at the option of the holder, at a conversion rate of $2.85 per share and include events of default, including failure to pay, failure to convert, bankruptcy, default on other debts, suspension or de-listing of stock, loss of DTC eligible status, failure to reserve adequate shares and failure to satisfy conditions of SEC Rule 144. In the event of default, the notes become immediately due, are subject to a 35% penalty and are eligible for conversion at the rate 65% of the lowest closing price for the trailing 20 days. The warrants, which expire in 5 years, include an exercise price of $4.00 per share, with the ability to re-price if other warrants or convertible securities are issued by the Company at a rate of less than $2.00 per share.

 

On March 30, 2017, the Company executed an agreement, effective January 11, 2017, for shareholder awareness services for a three-month period in exchange for: 100,000 shares of the Company’s $0.0001 par common stock; a warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company’s $0.0001 par common stock at an exercise price of $2.75 per share; and $50,000 in cash payments.

 

On October 1, 2016, the Company issued a convertible note in the amount of $300,000 to Bio Hitech International, Inc., an entity controlled by Chun-Il Koh, a BioHiTech shareholder, for payment of amounts due by the Company for previously purchased equipment. The note contains terms and requirements that are substantially similar to the Tusk note described in the preceding paragraph.

 

On February 10, 2016, April 14, 2016, May 27, 2016 and September 29, 2016, the Company entered into a series of Securities Purchase Agreements (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain accredited investors (the “Investors”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and the Investors agreed to purchase in a private placement offering (the “Private Placement”) units (the “Units”) in the aggregate offering amount of $2,500,000, $550,000, $200,000 and $150,000, respectively. Each Unit, in the minimum subscription amount of $25,000 is comprised of a Convertible Promissory Note (the “Note”) and warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”). Each Note bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum and is due on the earlier of: (i) February 10, 2018; (ii) the date the Common Stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market or NYSE MKT (the “Listing”); or (iii) a “Change of Control” of the Company, which is defined as a liquidation, dissolution, winding up, change in voting control or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. Each Note sold is convertible into shares of Common Stock equal to the outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, divided by a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lowest of: (i) the trading price on the date of the Listing; (ii) the price per share paid by investors in a subsequent underwritten public offering in connection with the Listing; (iii) the lowest price paid by investors in a subsequent offering of the Company’s securities; (iv) the per share price in a Change of Control transaction; or (v) $3.75 per share. Prior to maturity, an Investor may elect, at its option and in its sole discretion, to convert all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, into a number of shares of Common Stock at a conversion price equal to $3.75 per share. The Warrants are exercisable for a period of five years into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock into which the Notes are convertible at an exercise price equal to 120% of the Conversion Price.

 

On July 19, 2016, the Company entered into a Consulting Service Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Tusk Ventures LLC (“Tusk”) effective August 1, 2016 (the “Effective Date”), which has since been terminated. The Company was required to pay Tusk an equity fee equal to $25,000 per month, which initially will take the form of convertible notes and then, upon the mandatory conversion of certain of the Company’s other convertible notes, the monthly equity fee shall be paid in shares of the Company’s Common Stock based upon the trailing month’s average price per share. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had issued five notes, each of $25,000 to Tusk under this Agreement. Each Note bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum and is due on the earlier of: (i) February 10, 2018; (ii) the date the Common Stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market or NYSE MKT (the “Listing”); or (iii) a “Change of Control” of the Company which is defined as a liquidation, dissolution, winding up, change in voting control or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. Each Note sold is convertible into shares of Common Stock equal to the outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, divided by a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lowest of: (i) the trading price on the date of the Listing; (ii) the price per share paid by investors in a subsequent underwritten public offering in connection with the Listing; (iii) the lowest price paid by investors in a subsequent offering of the Company’s securities; (iv) the per share price in a Change of Control transaction; or (v) $3.75 per share. Prior to maturity, an Investor may elect, at its option and in its sole discretion, to convert all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, into a number of shares of Common Stock at a conversion price equal to $3.75 per share.

 

 

On August 6, 2015, the Company entered into and consummated an Agreement of Merger and Plan of Reorganization (the “Merger Agreement”), with Biohitech Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Acquisition”) and Bio Hi Tech America, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Acquisition merged with and into BioHiTech in a statutory reverse triangular merger (the “Merger”) with Bio Hi Tech America, LLC surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. As consideration for the Merger, the Company issued the interest holders of BioHiTech an aggregate of 6,975,000 shares of Common Stock.

 

All of the securities referred to, above, were offered and sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) in reliance on the exemptions provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act as provided in Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated thereunder. The Notes and Warrants and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes and exercise of the Warrants, have not been registered under the Securities Act or any other applicable securities laws, and unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

The Company relied on the exemptions from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder. The Purchase Agreements and the Agreement contain representations to support the Company’s reasonable belief that the investors had access to information concerning the Company’s operations and financial condition, the investors acquired the securities for their own account and not with a view to the distribution thereof in the absence of an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from registration, and that the investors are sophisticated within the meaning of Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and are “accredited investors” (as defined by Rule 501 under the Securities Act). In addition, the sale of securities did not involve a public offering; the Company made no solicitation in connection with the sale other than communications with the investors; the Company obtained representations from the investors regarding their investment intent, experience and sophistication; and the investors either received or had access to adequate information about the Company in order to make an informed investment decision.

 

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PARTIES

 

The following table presents information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the issuer or any “affiliated party” of shares or other units of any class of the Company’s equity securities. The Company has no announced plans or programs to acquire its equity securities.

 

Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased				Average Price per Share				Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publically Announced Plan or Program				Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plan or Program
		(a)				(b)				(c)				(d)
Year ended December 31, 2017:
None			-				-				-				-
Year ended December 31, 2016:
December 30, 2016			1,100	(1)		$	1.92				-				-
Total			1,100			$	1.92				-				-

 

(1)

On December 30, 2016, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company acquired 1,100 shares of the Company’s common stock in a series of open market purchases.

 

 

ITEM 6: SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

 

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by 17 C.F.R. 229(10)(f)(i) and are not required to provide the information under this heading.

  

ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein and in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Readers should carefully review the risk factors disclosed in this Form 10-K and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC.

 

As used in this report, the terms “Company”, “we”, “our”, and “us” refer to BioHiTech Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

PRELIMINARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “estimates,” “intends”, “plans”, “could,” “possibly,” “probably,” anticipates,” “projects,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” or “should,” “designed to,” “designed for,” or other variations or similar words or language. The forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the Company and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those set forth in the discussion under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report. Actual results may differ materially from results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. We base the forward-looking statements on information currently available to us, and we assume no obligation to update them.

 

Acquisition and Reorganization

 

On August 6, 2015, the Company entered into and consummated an Agreement of Merger and Plan of Reorganization (the “Merger Agreement”), with BioHiTech Global, Inc. (“BioHiTech”, the “Company”, “we”, or “us”), that was incorporated on March 20, 2013 under the laws of the state of Delaware as Swift Start Corp. and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Acquisition”) and Bio Hi Tech America, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Acquisition merged with and into BioHiTech in a reverse business combination (the “Merger”) with Bio Hi Tech America, LLC surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. As consideration for the Merger, we issued the interest holders of Bio Hi Tech America, LLC (the “BioHiTech Holders”) an aggregate of 6,975,000 shares (the “Merger Shares”) of our Common Stock in accordance with their pro rata ownership of Bio Hi Tech America, LLC membership interests. Prior to the merger the Company’s initial business plan was to develop a website that offered comprehensive online computer programming courses for anyone with any level of computer programming knowledge, from beginners to experts. Following the Merger, the Company adopted the business plan of Bio Hi Tech America, LLC in the development, marketing and sales of food waste disposal systems which transform food waste into nutrient-neutral water which may be disposed of via sewer systems while utilizing proprietary software to collect and transmit environmental performance data to its customers.

   

The following discussion is focused on the current and historical operations of BioHiTech and excludes the prior operations of Swift Start Corp.

 

Overview

 

The Company’s vision since its inception has been to disrupt the waste management industry in North America through the development and utilization of our own practices and proprietary technologies, as well as successful practices and technologies acquired from other worldwide areas, to create the next level of a commercially viable, fully integrated, sustainable waste management company. The Company offers a suite of technologies and services that can be utilized separately or in tandem. The Company provides cost-effective technologies for on-site food waste reduction and elimination as well as proprietary technology for the processing of solid waste from municipalities and large organizations through a mechanical and biological process that recovers certain recyclables, reduces weight and produces an E.P.A. recognized alternative fuel commodity, with significantly less materials destined for landfill. The Company also intends to provide traditional waste collection services in certain markets.

 

The Company’s initial focus was primarily on its on-going Digester business. During 2014 and 2015 the Company expanded its Eco-Safe Digester offering for mid- to large-level food waste generators through the development of technologies that transformed the digester market from just food waste diversion to one that provides information that can allow customers to reduce and eliminate or minimize their food waste through improved supply chain management and other efficiencies.

 

 

During 2016 and 2017, the Company initiated development of its Revolution Series of Digesters, a technologically advanced digester targeting smaller food waste generators, that is smaller in size, easy to install, and offered at a lower price point. The Revolution Series of Digesters became commercially available in the second half of 2017.

 

Also during 2016, the Company expanded from its technology-digester single product line by starting strategic initiatives in Mechanical Biological Treatment (“MBT”) facilities that rely upon High Efficiency Biological Treatment (“HEBioT”) to process waste at the municipal or enterprise level converting a significant portion of intake into an United States EPA recognized alternative commodity fuel.

 

During 2017, the Company initiated strategic activities relating to traditional waste management and recycling service. Subsequently, in 2018, the Company made its initial investment in a traditional waste management and recycling company, with primary operations in the Southern New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania markets.

 

The combination of traditional waste and recycling collection, on-site digester and the facility based HEBioT technology results in a unique offering that provides a turn-key solution for customers seeking to achieve zero waste. The Company envisions use of its digesters for disposal of food waste at certain retail customer’s locations, with regional disposal services being directed to the Company’s HEBioT facilities. This cost effective solution can result in less than 20% of each customer’s waste being directed to landfills, hence resulting in a near-zero footprint.

 

Results of operations for the Year ended December 31, 2017

compared to the year ended December 31, 2016

 

Revenue by Type

 

The following table breaks down our revenue by type: 

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017								2016
Rental, service and maintenance		$	1,622,114				67	%		$	1,371,087				61	%
Equipment sales			799,091				33	%			872,379				39	%
		$	2,421,205				100	%		$	2,243,466				100	%

 

Total revenue increased by $177,739, or 7.9%, from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in Revenues was a result of a $251,027, or 18.3% increase in rental, service and maintenance revenue in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase is primarily the result of a larger overall number of deployed units that has led to a 23.8% increase in our total rental revenues, which accounted for 53.3% of the category for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to 50.9% for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 66.1% of the overall increase. This increase in rental, service and maintenance revenues was partially offset by a year over year decrease of $73,288, or 8.4%, in revenue derived from equipment sales reflecting the Company’s continued focus on the rental market and, to a lesser extent, a decrease reseller activity in certain international markets. The total number of digester units deployed in 2017 was 91, consisting of 48 of our Eco Safe Series and 43 of our new Revolution Series, compared to 67 digester units deployed in 2016, consisting solely of our Eco Safe Series. The shift in unit mix reflects the Company’s sales focus on its Revolution Series of digesters following the launch of the new product series in the second half of 2017. The Revolution Series is offered at a lower price point than the Eco Safe Series and targets what the Company believes is a much larger segment of the market in terms of potential deployable units.

 

Cost of Revenue

 

The following table breaks down our cost of revenue by type:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017								2016
Rental, service and maintenance		$	1,207,050				72	%		$	1,084,251				65	%
Equipment sales			479,393				28	%			585,673				35	%
		$	1,686,443				100	%		$	1,669,924				100	%

 

 

Cost of revenue mainly consists the cost of acquiring digester units that are sold, and depreciation, warehousing, installation, maintenance, parts and shipping costs, as well as related salary and employee costs related to rental units. Total costs of revenue increased by $16,519, or 1.0%, from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to the change in mix of revenue between equipment sales and rental, service and maintenance, as well as improved margins, which are discussed below.

  

Rental, service and maintenance costs of revenue increased by $122,799, or 11.3% (as compared to a 18.3% increase in rental, service and maintenance revenue) from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017. Included in the total costs were:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017								2016
Labor related costs		$	254,775				21	%		$	156,098				14	%
Depreciation			288,792				24	%			343,628				32	%
Contracted services			233,590				19	%			217,875				20	%
Parts and maintenance supplies			349,881				29	%			288,464				27	%
Other			80,012				7	%			78,186				7	%
		$	1,207,050				100	%		$	1,084,251				100	%

 

Labor related costs increased by $98,677, or 63.2%, from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily due to increased staffing to support the number of units in service. Depreciation decreased 16.0% from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017, due to a change in the estimated economic lives for a pool of digesters, whose leases expire in 2017 that resulted in higher 2016 depreciation. Contracted services increased by $15,715, or 7.2%, from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily due to utilization for areas not covered by the Company’s in-house staff. Parts and maintenance supplies increased by $61,417 or 21.2% due to an aging of the equipment serviced and the initial introduction of the new Revolution Series of digesters in 2017. Other expenses primarily include costs relating to the BioBrain offering, including costs associated with retrofitting older machines that customers choose to invest in an upgrade on their existing units, as well as warehouse rent.

 

Equipment sales cost of revenue increased by $106,280, or 18.2%, from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017 due to an overall 8.4% decrease in equipment sales, combined with changes in mix and sourcing of manufacturing that resulted in improved overall margins.

 

Gross Profit and Margin

 

The following table breaks down our gross profit by type:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017								2016
Rental, service and maintenance		$	415,064				56	%		$	286,836				50	%
Equipment sales			319,698				44	%			286,706				50	%
		$	734,762				100	%		$	573,542				100	%

 

The following table breaks down our gross margin by type:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017				2016
Rental, service and maintenance			25.6	%			20.9	%
Equipment sales			40.0	%			32.9	%
Total			30.4	%			25.6	%

  

Rental, service and maintenance gross margin improved from 20.9% for the year ended December 31, 2016 to 25.6% for the year ended December 31, 2017. This improvement was the result of changes in demand, including contracted services and improved utilization of fixed costs.

 

 

Equipment sales gross margin increased from 32.9% for the year ended December 31, 2016 to 40.0% for the year ended December 31, 2017. This increased rate was primarily driven by a change in the mix of models sold and a change in the manufacturing costs of the equipment.

 

Operating expenses

 

The following table breaks down our operating expenses by type:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017								2016
Selling, general and administrative		$	4,066,771				56	%		$	4,222,152				65	%
Research and development			819,389				11	%			899,400				14	%
Professional fees			2,298,888				32	%			1,263,183				19	%
Depreciation and amortization			113,784				1	%			113,474				2	%
Total		$	7,298,832				100	%		$	6,498,209				100	%

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $155,381, or 3.9%, from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017. The following table breaks down the major categories of selling, general and administrative expenses:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017								2016
Personnel		$	3,099,823				76	%		$	3,246,451				77	%
Facility and office costs			363,874				9	%			344,826				8	%
Sales and marketing			304,012				7	%			226,086				5	%
Other			299,062				8	%			404,789				10	%
Total		$	4,066,771				100	%		$	4,222,152				100	%

 

Personnel related expenses decreased by $146,628, or 4.5%, from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017. This decrease was driven by reduction in employee stock compensation in 2017 of $337,096 due to forfeitures and a normalization of the expense (2016 was the introductory year for employee stock options that included some immediate vesting) off-set in part by $190,468 of general personnel cost increases. All other expenses decreased by $8,753, or 0.9%, from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Research and development expenses decreased by $80,011, or 8.9%, from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017, due to a $122,037 decrease in personnel related costs off-set in part by a $42,026 increase in external costs relating to digester design.

 

Professional fees increased by $1,035,705, or 82.0% from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017. The following table breaks down the major categories of professional fees:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017								2016
Legal		$	329,951				14	%		$	236,572				19	%
Marketing and communications			73,624				3	%			100,852				8	%
Investment banking, investor relations and market consulting			1,639,025				71	%			202,412				16	%
Audit and accounting services			246,155				11	%			294,492				23	%
Other			10,133				1	%			428,855				34	%
Total		$	2,298,888				100	%		$	1,263,183				100	%

 

Professional fees expense increased primarily due to an increase of $1,426,613 in investor relations and market consulting offset in-part by a $418,722 in other, which included a strategic consulting contract that was terminated in 2016.

 

 

Other (expense) income

 

Other expense increased by $965,738. This increase is primarily driven by a $946,686 increase in interest expense from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017 due to increased average borrowing and due to a $17,765 equity loss in affiliate in 2017.

 

Income tax

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 there was no net provision for income tax due to the losses incurred and management’s evaluation of the recovery of the tax asset resulting in net operating loss carry-forward.

 

The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was enacted in December 2017. Among other things, the TCJA reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The result of the TCJA was to reduce gross deferred tax assets and the corresponding valuation allowance resulting in no net changes in financial position or in the overall tax provision.

  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company realized cash flows from financing activities of $7,404,585 and $5,425,851, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had cash of $901,112 and subsequent to December 31, 2017 the Company entered into a $5,000,000 senior secured credit facility, of which $1,463,736 was used to repay an existing line of credit and continued to raise funds relating to its Series B preferred stock.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had a net loss of $8,350,527, incurred a consolidated loss from operations of $6,564,070 and used net cash in consolidated operating activities of $4,772,950. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had a net loss of $6,745,386, incurred a consolidated loss from operations of $5,924,667 and used net cash in consolidated operating activities of $5,181,400. At December 31, 2017, consolidated stockholders’ deficit amounted to $11,489,018 and the Company had a consolidated working capital deficit of $1,755,061. The Company does not yet have a history of financial stability. Historically, the principal source of liquidity has been the issuance of debt and equity securities. These factors raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

As of December 31, 2017, liabilities included a total of $12,861,620 of notes and accrued interest that is either mandatorily convertible into the Company’s common stock, subsequently converted at the holders’ option or at the option of the Company may be paid in common stock. In early February 2018, the Company completed the following series of transactions:

 

·

Entered into a $5,000,000 long-term senior secured note with Michaelson Capital that commences repayments in March 2021 that was utilized to repay and existing $2,463,736 line of credit and for general purposes;

·

Entered into a line of credit with Comerica Bank for $1,000,000;

·

Entered into an exchange agreement with the Chief Executive Officer of the company to exchange $4,000,000 in note payable from the company and $544,777 in advances into $4,000,000 of a newly created Series C non-redeemable convertible preferred stock and a $1,044,777 note payable that does not mature until after the Michaelson Capital debt is paid off;

·

Amended the Series C convertible debt to extend the maturity to 2019 and to provide for a mandatory conversion into the Company’s common stock in the event of an uplisting to a national market.

 

In addition to the transactions, above, stockholders’ equity was impacted by the following:

 

·

Subsequent to December 31, 2017, a total of $3,703,885 in convertible debt either mandatorily converted or optionally converted into the Company’s common stock;

·

On January 2018 the Company issued $2,250,000 in common stock to acquire an interest in Gold Medal Group, LLC and entered into an agreement with Gold Medal Holdings, Inc. to provide management services in exchange for $750,000 per year;

·

Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the Company issued $1,191,665 in Series B mandatorily convertible preferred stock.

 

After giving effect for the cash raised subsequent to year end, a resulting projected cash balance of approximately $3,000,000 as of the date of filing this Annual Report on Form 10-K and their effect on the working capital of the Company, along with the Company’s projected cash burn, management believes that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern for at least twelve months following the issuance of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our projected cash burn also factors in increases in revenues from our firm rental contracts and our recently awarded management agreement with Gold Medal Holdings, Inc. and the reduction in certain discretionary expenses relating to investment banking, investor relations and market consulting and in other professional fees. While not factored into the Company’s cash burn, the Company continuously seeks additional sources of funds through debt and equity offerings to fund future development projects and strategic initiatives, each of which, management has the ability to accelerate or curtail based upon available funding.

 

The combination of improved financial position, a reduction in cash utilized in operations, an expansion of its revenue base including management fees from its investment in unconsolidated entities, along with an improvement in the Company’s working capital and debt/capital structure are sufficient to alleviate substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Cash

 

As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had cash balances of $901,112 and $325,987, respectively.

 

Borrowings and Debt

 

The table below presents borrowings at face amount due at maturity, debts and advances as of December 31, 2017, along with their stated maturities.

 

		December 31,				Due in:
		2017				2018				2019				2020				Thereafter
Payable in cash:
Line of credit*(1)		$	2,463,736			$	2,463,736			$	-			$	-			$	-
Notes payable			375,000				-				-				375,000				-
Advances(2)			544,777				544,777				-				-				-
Promissory note due to related party(2)			4,500,000				-				4,500,000				-				-
Vehicle loans			30,845				8,874				9,165				4,605				8,201
Payable in cash			7,914,358				3,017,387				4,509,165				379,605				8,201
Payable in stock or cash at holders’ option:
Series C convertible secured notes(3)			1,250,000				1,250,000				-				-				-
Convertible unsecured note(4)			110,000				110,000				-				-				-
Payable in stock or cash at holders’ option			1,360,000				1,360,000				-				-				-
Mandatorily payable in stock:
Series A convertible unsecured notes(5)			3,400,000				3,400,000				-				-				-
Series B convertible unsecured notes(6)			1,900,000				1,900,000				-				-				-
Series D convertible unsecured notes(6)			2,000,000				-				2,000,000				-				-
Series V convertible unsecured notes(6)			425,000				425,000				-				-				-
			7,725,000				5,725,000				2,000,000				-				-
		$	16,999,358			$	10,102,387			$	6,509,165			$	379,605			$	8,201

 

*	The line of credit, which does not have any operating financial covenants, is guaranteed by several related parties and is excluded from the related party amount included above, as the guarantee is secondary to the primary borrower.
(1)	Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the Company paid off its line of credit and replaced the line of credit with a new line of credit that provides for $1,000,000 in credit availability. The Company immediately drew down the full line upon entering into the new line. (See note 21 to the Company’s December 31, 2017 consolidated financial statements.)
(2)	Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the Company’s CEO, who was owed advances and a note payable exchanged the advances and notes for a $4,000,000 in a new series of preferred stock of the Company and a loan amounting to $1,022,727 that is due in 2024. (See note 21 to the Company’s December 31, 2017 consolidated financial statements.)
(3)	Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the holders of the Series C convertible secured notes agreed to extend the maturity to 2019 and to provide for mandatory conversion into the Company’s common stock upon an uplisting. (See note 21 to the Company’s December 31, 2017 consolidated financial statements.)
(4)	Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the holder converted the entire remaining debt into the Company’s common stock.
(5)	Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the Series A convertible unsecured notes were converted into the Company’s common stock in accordance with their terms.
(6)	The Series B, D and V convertible unsecured notes include an early mandatory conversion upon an uplisting of the Company’s common stock.

 

 

Cash Flows

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

We used $4,772,950 of cash in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2017, an improvement of $408,450 from $5,181,400 of cash used in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2016. Our net loss during the year ended December 31, 2017 of $8,350,527 was reduced by $402,548 of depreciation and amortization, $329,782 from stock-based employee compensation and for $1,156,105 in fees paid in stock, as well as by $446,603 of interest resulting from amortization of financing costs and discounts. Changes in operating assets and liabilities provided $1,117,357 of cash during the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $87,736 for the year ended December 31, 2016. Our net loss during the year ended December 31, 2016 of $6,745,386 was impacted by $457,102 of depreciation and amortization, $674,782 from stock-based employee compensation, fees paid in stock and convertible notes amounting to $173,953.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

Net Cash used in investing activities amounted to $2,070,743 for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to net cash used by investing activities of $8,146 for the year ended December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2017, $2,078,272 was invested in various MBT related assets.

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

Cash provided by financing activities amounted to $7,404,585 for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $5,425,851 for the year ended December 31, 2016, a change of $1,978,734. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we received $ 7,437,029 of proceeds from the issuance of convertible promissory notes, advances and preferred stock, a 27.0% increase over the prior year’s amount of $5,855,000.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements during the year ended December 31, 2017.

  

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

 

Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in conformity with GAAP requires the extensive use of management’s estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates are used when accounting for items and matters including, but not limited to, allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, obsolete, slow moving and excess inventory, asset valuations, including goodwill and intangibles, and useful lives, employee benefits, taxes and other provisions and contingencies.

  

Product and Services Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes revenue for the majority of its products sold upon transfer of title and the passage of the risk of ownership, which is generally upon shipment to the customer. Revenue from services is recognized as services are performed.

 

 

The Company recognizes revenue from multiple-element arrangements when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred, (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability of the sale is reasonably assured. The Company’s arrangements do not contain general rights of return.

 

Lease Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes revenue from the rental of the digester units ratably on a monthly basis over the term of the lease, as it has determined that the rental agreements entered into in connection with its Eco-Safe Digester units qualify as operating leases, for which the Company is the operating lessor. In order to determine lease classification as operating, the Company evaluates the terms of the rental agreement to determine if the lease includes any of the following provisions which would indicate sales type lease treatment:

 

·

Transfer of ownership of the digester unit,

·

Bargain purchase option at the end of the term of the lease,

·

Lease term is greater than 75% of the economic life of the digester unit, or

·

Present value of minimum lease payments exceed 90% of the fair value of the digester unit at inception of the lease.

 

In addition, the Company also considers the following:

 

·

Collectability of the minimum lease payments is reasonably predictable, and

·

No important uncertainties surround the amount of unreimbursable costs yet to be incurred by the Company under the lease.

 

Long-Lived Assets - The Company assesses potential impairments to its long-lived assets if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. An impaired asset is written down to its estimated fair value based upon the most recent information available. Estimated fair market value is generally measured by discounting estimated future cash flows.

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities - The Company utilizes the equity method of accounting for investments in companies if the investment provides the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies of the investee. The Company’s proportionate share of net income or loss is included in the Company’s consolidated operations as earning or loss from unconsolidated equity basis investments.

 

Financial Instruments, Convertible Instruments, Warrants and Derivatives - The Company reviews its convertible instruments for the existence of embedded conversion features that may require bifurcation. If certain criteria are met, the bifurcated derivative financial instrument is required to be recorded at fair value and adjusted to market at each reporting period end date. The Company also reviews and re-assesses, at each reporting date, any common stock purchase warrants and other freestanding derivative financial instruments and classifies them on the consolidated balance sheet as equity, assets or liabilities based upon the nature of the instruments.

 

Income Taxes - Deferred income taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities given provisions of enacted laws. Deferred income tax provisions and benefits are based on changes to the asset or liabilities from year to year. In providing for deferred taxes, the Company considers tax regulations of the jurisdictions in which it operates, estimates the future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. If tax regulations, operating results or the ability to implement tax planning and strategies vary, adjustments to the carrying value of deferred tax assets and liabilities may be required. Valuation allowances are recorded related to deferred tax assets based on the “more than likely” criteria.

 

The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

 

Stock-Based Compensation - The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation.” ASC 718 requires generally that all equity awards be accounted for at their “fair value.” This fair value is measured on the grant date for stock-settled awards. Fair value is equal to the underlying value of the stock for “full-value” awards such as restricted stock and performance shares, and is estimated using an option-pricing model with traditional inputs for “appreciation” awards such as stock options and stock appreciation rights.

 

 

Costs equal to these fair values are recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period based on the number of awards that are expected to vest, or in the period of the grant for awards that vest immediately and have no future service condition. For awards that vest over time, cumulative adjustments in later periods are recorded to the extent actual forfeitures differ from the Company’s initial estimates; previously recognized compensation cost is reversed if the service or performance conditions are not satisfied and the award is forfeited. The expense resulting from share-based payments is recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations based upon the classification of the underlying employees or service providers with a corresponding increase to additional paid in capital.

 

Subsequent modifications to outstanding awards result in incremental cost if the fair value is increased as a result of the modification. Thus, a value-for-value stock option repricing or exchange of awards in conjunction with an equity restructuring does not result in additional compensation cost.

 

Deferred Financing Costs - Deferred financing costs relating to issued debt are included as a reduction to the applicable debt and amortized as interest expense over the term of the related debt instruments.

 

Foreign Operations - Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated at the average rates during the respective periods. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) while transaction gains and losses are recorded in net earnings (loss). Deferred taxes are not provided on cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments as the Company presently expects foreign earnings to be permanently reinvested.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company implemented the following recent accounting pronouncements:

 

Stock Compensation - In March 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (Topic 718). The amendments in this ASU is to significantly reduce the complexity and cost of accounting for excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to employee share-based payment transactions, which include restricted stock and stock options. Also, ASU No. 2016-09 requires an entity to run excess tax benefits and deficiencies through its income statement, which in effect eliminates the concept of additional paid-in capital. This new guidance was implemented during the first quarter of 2017 and its implementation did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

Inventory - In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires inventory measured using any method other than last-in, first out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method to be subsequently measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market. This new guidance was implemented during the first quarter of 2017 and its implementation did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

Statement of Cash Flows - In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). The update amends the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice related to eight specific cash flow issues. The Company elected to early adopt this new guidance during the first quarter of 2017 and its implementation did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features - In July 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-11—Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): I. Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features and II. Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Non-controlling Interests with a Scope Exception. ASU 2017-11 eliminates the requirement that a down round feature precludes equity classification when assessing whether an instrument is indexed to an entity’s own stock. A freestanding equity-linked financial instrument no longer would be accounted for as a derivative liability at fair value as a result of the existence of a down round feature. The effective date for ASU 2017-11 is for annual or any interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company implemented this ASU on a retrospectively basis as of January 1, 2017 and April 1, 2017. Since there was no reduction of the conversion price and exercise price of the warrants associated with the Notes, there is no impact upon implementation of ASU 2017-11 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

The Company has not yet implemented the following recent accounting pronouncements:

 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers - In April 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” (Topic 606). The amendments clarify two aspects of ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” by providing (1) guidance for identifying performance obligations and (2) licensing implementation guidance. Public business entities should apply the guidance similar to Update 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 provides guidance for revenue recognition and affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is the recognition of revenue when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. This standard has an effective date of January 1, 2018, and the Company anticipates using the modified retrospective implementation method, whereby a cumulative effect adjustment is recorded to retained earnings as of the date of initial application, if needed. In preparing for adoption, the Company has evaluated the terms, conditions and performance obligations under our existing contracts with customers. The Company does not expect to have a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings, and does not anticipate that the new standard will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Leases - In February 2016, the FASB issued new lease accounting guidance (ASU No. 2016-02, Leases). Under the new guidance, at the commencement date, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability, which is a lessee‘s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The new guidance is not applicable for leases with a term of 12 months or less. Lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Public business entities should apply the amendments in ASU 2016-02 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted upon issuance. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, that adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial position or results of operations. 

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by 17 C.F.R. 229 (10)(f)(i) and are not required to provide information under this item.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The information required by Item 8 appears after the signature page to this report. 

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

 

None. 

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

 

Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), the Company carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the Company’s principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (the Company’s principal financial and accounting officer), of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are not effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Our internal control system was designed to, in general, provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements, but because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Our management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. The framework used by management in making that assessment was the criteria set forth in the document entitled “Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that assessment, our management has determined that as of December 31, 2017, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective for the purposes for which it is intended and determined there to be a material weakness.

 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

Based on their evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Because of our limited operations we have a small number of employees which prohibits a segregation of duties. As we grow and expand our operations we will engage additional employees and experts as needed. However, there can be no assurance that our operations will expand.

 

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

 

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. Other Information

 

None.

 

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

The information set forth under Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K with respect to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Code of Conduct and Ethics

 

We have adopted Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and persons performing similar functions, and our directors. Our codes of ethics and business conduct can be found posted in the investor relations sections on our website at http://investors.biohitechglobal.com/corporate-governance. None of the websites referenced in this Annual Report on or the information contained therein is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The information set forth under Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K with respect to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

 

The information set forth under Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K with respect to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

The information set forth under Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K with respect to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The information set forth under Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K with respect to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

 

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS

 

Number		Description
2.1		Agreement of Merger and Plan of Reorganization between Swift Start Corp., BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Bio Hi Tech America, LLC, dated August 6, 2015 (1)
3.1		Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BioHiTech Global, Inc. (August 6, 2015)(1)
3.2		Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BioHiTech Global, Inc. (June 12, 2017)(2)
3.3		By-laws (3)
3.4		Certificate of Formation of Bio Hi Tech America, LLC (1)
3.5		Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Bio Hi Tech America, LLC (1)
4.1		2015 Equity Incentive Plan (4)
4.2		2017 Executive Equity Incentive Plan (5)
14.1		Code of Ethics (6)
21.1		List of Subsidiaries
31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
32.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH		XBRL Schema Document.
101.CAL		XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF		XBRL Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB		XBRL Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE		XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document.

  

	(1)	Previously filed on the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 11, 2015.
	(2)	Previously filed on the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2017.
	(3)	Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on November 7, 2013.
	(4)	Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 on the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 29, 2016
	(5)	Previously filed as Appendix A on Proxy Statement (Schedule 14A) filed on May 15, 2017
	(6)	Previously filed as Exhibit 14.1 on the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 29, 2017

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: April 2, 2018

 

	BIOHITECH GLOBAL, INC.
	By:	/s/    Frank E. Celli
		Name: Frank E. Celli
		Title:	Chairman Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

	By:	/s/    Brian C. Essman
		Name: Brian C. Essman
		Title:	Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

April 2, 2018
	/s/ Frank E. Celli
	Name: Frank E. Celli
	Title: Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)
April 2, 2018	/s/ Brian C. Essman
	Name: Brian C. Essman
	Title: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

April 2, 2018	/s/ James D. Chambers
	Name: James D. Chambers
	Title: Director

 

April 2, 2018	/s/ Anthony Fuller
	Name: Anthony Fuller
	Title: Director

 

April 2, 2018	/s/ Robert A. Graham
	Name: Robert A. Graham
	Title: Director

 

April 2, 2018	/s/ Harriet Hentges
	Name: Harriet Hentges
	Title: Director

 

April 2, 2018	/s/ Douglas M. VanOort
	Name: Douglas M. VanOort
	Title: Director

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

		Page
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016		2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016		3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016		4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016		5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		6
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		33

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017				2016
Revenue
Rental, service and maintenance		$	1,622,114			$	1,371,087
Equipment sales			799,091				872,379
Total revenue			2,421,205				2,243,466
Cost of revenue
Rental, service and maintenance			1,207,050				1,084,251
Equipment sales			479,393				585,673
Total Cost of revenue			1,686,443				1,669,924
Gross profit			734,762				573,542
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative			4,066,771				4,222,152
Research and development			819,389				899,400
Professional fees			2,298,888				1,263,183
Depreciation and amortization			113,784				113,474
Total operating expenses			7,298,832				6,498,209
Loss from operations			(6,564,070	)			(5,924,667	)
Other expense (income)
Equity loss in affiliate			17,765				-
Interest income			(712	)			-
Interest expense			1,767,405				820,719
Loss on change in fair value of warrants			1,999				-
Total other expense, net			1,786,457				820,719
Net loss			(8,350,527	)			(6,745,386	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustment			(47,509	)			16,720
Comprehensive loss		$	(8,398,036	)		$	(6,728,666	)
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted		$	(0.98	)		$	(0.82	)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted			8,541,167				8,229,712

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

		December 31,
		2017				2016
Assets
Current Assets
Cash		$	901,112			$	325,987
Accounts receivable, net			274,405				140,130
Inventory			332,101				706,017
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			79,686				21,865
Total Current Assets			1,587,304				1,193,999
Equipment on operating leases, net			1,451,144				1,023,404
Equipment, fixtures and vehicles, net			63,509				54,356
Intangible assets, net			174,133				267,042
Investment in Entsorga West Virginia, LLC			1,016,263				-
MBT facility development and license costs			6,223,766				-
Other assets			23,500				13,500
Total Assets		$	10,539,619			$	2,552,301
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit
Current Liabilities:
Line of credit		$	1,000,000			$	2,463,736
Accounts payable			1,287,740				1,197,277
Accrued interest payable			29,431				411,917
Accrued expenses			892,136				522,727
Deferred revenue			84,686				61,879
Notes payable (related party of $275,000)			-				375,000
Advance from related party			-				1,213,027
Customer deposits			39,498				36,131
Long-term debt, current portion			8,874				8,525
Total Current Liabilities			3,342,365				6,290,219
Notes payable (related party of $275,000)			375,000				-
Line of credit			1,463,736				-
Promissory note due to related party			4,500,000				2,500,000
Advance from related party			544,777				-
Accrued interest due at maturities			1,860,591				253,000
Convertible unsecured note, net of financing costs of $2,965 and discounts of $3,150			103,885				-
Convertible secured notes (related party of $450,000), net of discounts of $228,084			1,021,916				-
Unsecured subordinated mandatorily convertible notes, (related parties of $4,625,000 and $3,800,000, respectively), net of deferred financing costs of $26,179 and $118,866 respectively			7,698,819				4,956,134
Long-term debt, net of current portion			21,971				11,048
Total Liabilities			20,933,060				14,010,401
Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock, 333,401 shares designated, issued and outstanding			1,095,577				-
Commitments and Contingencies			-				-
Stockholders' Deficit
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 1,444,601 designated, 493,401 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017:
Series B Convertible preferred stock, 1,111,200 shares designated, 160,000 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017			699,332				-
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 50,000,000 and 20,000,000 shares authorized, 9,598,208 and 8,229,712 shares issued and outstanding, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, at par			960				823
Additional paid in capital			17,280,696				9,604,324
Accumulated deficit			(29,431,416	)			(21,072,166	)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) gain			(38,590	)			8,919
Total Stockholders' Deficit			(11,489,018	)			(11,458,100	)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit		$	10,539,619			$	2,552,301

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017				2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss:		$	(8,350,527	)		$	(6,745,386	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations:
Depreciation and amortization			402,548				457,102
Provision for bad debts			105,418				93,406
Stock based employee compensation			329,782				674,782
Fees paid in stock and warrants			1,156,105				48,953
Fees paid in convertible notes			-				125,000
Interest resulting from amortization of financing costs and discounts			446,603				77,007
Equity loss in affiliate			17,765				-
Change in fair value of warrant liability			1,999				-
Changes in operating assets and liabilities			1,117,357				87,736
Net cash used in operations			(4,772,950	)			(5,181,400	)
Cash flow from investing activities:
Sale of used machinery and equipment			16,762				-
Investment in Entsorga West Virginia, LLC			(1,034,028	)			-
Acquisition of MBT license rights			(839,678	)			-
Increase in MBT facility development costs			(204,566	)			-
Purchases of equipment, fixtures and vehicles			(9,233	)			(8,146	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(2,070,743	)			(8,146	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in line of credit			-				(25,017	)
Proceeds from convertible notes, including warrants and beneficial conversion features			2,683,000				1,150,000
Convertible notes deferred financing costs			(23,000	)			(195,873	)
Repayments of long-term debt			(9,444	)			(8,259	)
Proceeds for the issuance of preferred stock			2,270,300				-
Related party:
Net increases of advances			1,120,756				503,027
Proceeds from promissory notes			786,973				701,973
Repayments of promissory notes			-				(200,000	)
Proceeds from convertible notes			576,000				3,500,000
Net cash provided by financing activities			7,404,585				5,425,851
Effect of exchange rate on cash			14,233				50,487
Net change in cash			575,125				286,792
Cash - beginning of period			325,987				39,195
Cash - end of period		$	901,112			$	325,987

 

Note 19 includes supplemental cash flow information, non-cash investing and financing activities and changes in operating assets and liabilities.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit

 

		Preferred Stock								Common Stock								Additional Paid in				Accumulated Comprehensive				Accumulated
		Shares				Amount				Shares				Amount				Capital				Other Loss				Deficit				Total
Balance at January 1, 2016											8,229,712			$	823			$	8,880,589			$	(7,801	)		$	(14,326,780	)		$	(5,453,169	)
Share-based employee and director compensation											-				-				674,782				-				-				674,782
Share-based professional services compensation											-				-				48,953				-				-				48,953
Foreign currency translation adjustment											-				-				-				16,720				-				16,720
Net loss																											(6,745,386	)			(6,745,386	)
Balance at December 31, 2016											8,229,712				823				9,604,324				8,919				(21,072,166	)			(11,458,100	)
Issuance of Series B preferred stock			160,000			$	699,332				-				-				-				-				-				699,332
Common stock issued for MBT intellectual property rights			-				-				1,035,905				104				5,179,418				-				-				5,179,522
Share-based employee and director compensation			-				-				-				-				329,782				-				-				329,782
Share-based professional services compensation			-				-				208,000				21				1,156,084				-				-				1,156,105
Common stock warrants issued in connection with debt and preferred stock			-				-				-				-				688,285				-				-				688,285
Beneficial conversion feature of debt			-				-				-				-				207,521				-				-				207,521
Conversion of promissory notes			-				-				40,454				4				115,290				-				-				115,294
Exercise of warrants			-				-				84,137				8				(8	)			-				-				-
Foreign currency translation adjustment			-				-				-				-								(47,509	)			-				(47,509	)
Series A preferred stock dividend			-				-				-				-				-				-				(8,723	)			(8,723	)
Net loss			-				-				-				-				-				-				(8,350,527	)			(8,350,527	)
Balance at December 31, 2017			160,000			$	699,332				9,598,208			$	960			$	17,280,696			$	(38,590	)		$	(29,431,416	)		$	(11,489,018	)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Note 1.

Basis of Presentation and Going Concern

 

Nature of Operations -BioHiTech Global, Inc. (the “Company” or “BioHiTech”) through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, BioHiTech America, LLC, BioHiTech Europe Limited and E.N.A. Renewables LLC (formerly Entsorga North America, LLC), (collectively “subsidiaries”) offers its customers cost-effective and technologically innovative advancements integrating technological, biological and mechanical engineering solutions for the control, reduction and / or reuse of organic and municipal waste.

 

Basis of Presentation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, segment reporting, the Company reports as a single segment company. In addition to its wholly owned subsidiaries, the Company also consolidates its 31% interest in Apple Valley Waste Conversions, LLC (“AVWC”); an entity that has not previously had any business activities, which is also 20.9% owned by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company who assigned his voting rights in AVWC to The Company, resulting in an effective 51.9% controlling interest by the Company. Additionally, effective March 1, 2016, Entsorgafin, S.p.A., an Italian company with intellectual property rights related to large scale mechanical biological treatment (“MBT”) of municipal or regional waste, granted rights to the MBT intellectual property to AVWC for distribution throughout 11 north and mid-Atlantic eastern states. Entsorgafin, S.p.A. through a subsidiary, owns 6.2% of AVWC.

 

Reclassifications to certain prior period amounts have been made to conform to current period presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported net loss.

 

Going Concern and Liquidity - For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had a net loss of $8,350,527, incurred a consolidated loss from operations of $6,564,070 and used net cash in consolidated operating activities of $4,772,950. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had a net loss of $6,745,386, incurred a consolidated loss from operations of $5,924,667 and used net cash in consolidated operating activities of $5,181,400. At December 31, 2017, consolidated stockholders’ deficit amounted to $11,489,018 and the Company had a consolidated working capital deficit of $1,755,061. The Company does not yet have a history of financial stability. Historically, the principal source of liquidity has been the issuance of debt and equity securities. These factors raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

As of December 31, 2017, liabilities included a total of $12,861,620 of notes and accrued interest that is either mandatorily convertible into the Company’s common stock, subsequently converted at the holders’ option or at the option of the Company may be paid in common stock. In early February 2018, the Company completed the following series of transactions:

 

·

Entered into a $5,000,000 long-term senior secured note with Michaelson Capital that commences repayments in March 2021 that was utilized to repay and existing $2,463,736 line of credit and for general purposes;

·

Entered into a line of credit with Comerica Bank for $1,000,000;

·

Entered into an exchange agreement with the Chief Executive Officer of the company to exchange $4,000,000 in note payable from the company and $544,777 in advances into $4,000,000 of a newly created Series C non-redeemable convertible preferred stock and a $1,044,777 note payable that does not mature until after the Michaelson Capital debt is paid off;

·

Amended the Series C convertible debt to extend the maturity to 2019 and to provide for a mandatory conversion into the Company’s common stock in the event of an uplisting to a national market.

 

In addition to the transactions, above, stockholders’ equity was impacted by the following:

 

·

Subsequent to December 31, 2017, a total of $3,703,885 in convertible debt either mandatorily converted or optionally converted into the Company’s common stock;

·

On January 2018 the Company issued $2,250,000 in common stock to acquire an interest in Gold Medal Group, LLC and entered into an agreement with Gold Medal Holdings, Inc. to provide management services in exchange for $750,000 per year;

·

Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the Company issued $1,191,665 in Series B mandatorily convertible preferred stock.

 

After giving effect for the cash raised subsequent to year end, a resulting projected cash balance of approximately $3,000,000 as of the date of filing this Annual Report on Form 10-K and their effect on the working capital of the Company, along with the Company’s projected cash burn, management believes that the Company will be able to continue as a going concern for at least twelve months following the issuance of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our projected cash burn also factors in increases in revenues from our firm rental contracts and our recently awarded management agreement with Gold Medal Holdings, Inc. and the reduction in certain discretionary expenses relating to investment banking, investor relations and market consulting and in other professional fees. While not factored into the Company’s cash burn, the Company continuously seeks additional sources of funds through debt and equity offerings to fund future development projects and strategic initiatives, each of which, management has the ability to accelerate or curtail based upon available funding.

 

The combination of improved financial position, a reduction in cash utilized in operations, an expansion of its revenue base including management fees from its investment in unconsolidated entities, along with an improvement in the Company’s working capital and debt/capital structure are sufficient to alleviate substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Note 2.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Use of Estimates — The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in conformity with GAAP requires the extensive use of management’s estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates are used when accounting for items and matters including, but not limited to, allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable, obsolete, slow moving and excess inventory, asset valuations, including intangibles, and useful lives, employee benefits, taxes and other provisions and contingencies.

 

Foreign Operations — Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated at the average rates during the respective periods. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) while transaction gains and losses are recorded in net earnings (loss). Deferred taxes are not provided on cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments as the Company presently expects foreign earnings to be permanently reinvested.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

The Company pays Value Added Tax (“VAT”) or similar taxes (“input VAT”) within the normal course of its business in in the United Kingdom on merchandise and/or services it acquires. The Company also collects VAT or similar taxes on behalf of the government (“output VAT”) for merchandise and/or services it sells. If the output VAT exceeds the input VAT, then the difference is remitted to the government, usually on a monthly basis. If the input VAT exceeds the output VAT, this creates a VAT receivable. The Company either requests a refund of this VAT receivable or applies the balance to expected future VAT payables.

 

Product and Services Revenue Recognition — The Company recognizes revenue for the majority of its products sold upon transfer of title and the passage of the risk of ownership, which is generally upon shipment to the customer. Revenue from services is recognized as services are performed.

 

The Company recognizes revenue from multiple-element arrangements when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred, (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability of the sale is reasonably assured. The Company’s arrangements do not contain general rights of return.

 

Deferred revenue represents amounts billed to customers or payments received from customers prior to providing services and for which the related revenue recognition criteria have not been met.

 

The Company records taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis.

 

Lease Revenue Recognition — The Company recognizes revenue from the rental of the digester units ratably on a monthly basis over the term of the lease, as it has determined that the rental agreements entered into in connection with its Eco Safe Digester units qualify as operating leases, for which the Company is the operating lessor. In order to determine lease classification as operating, the Company evaluates the terms of the rental agreement to determine if the lease includes any of the following provisions which would indicate sales type lease treatment:

 

	·	Transfer of ownership of the digester unit,
	·	Bargain purchase option at the end of the term of the lease,
	·	Lease term is greater than 75% of the economic life of the digester unit, or
	·	Present value of minimum lease payments exceed 90% of the fair value of the digester unit at inception of the lease.

 

In addition, the Company also considers the following:

 

	·	Collectability of the minimum lease payments is reasonably predictable, and
	·	No important uncertainties surround the amount of unreimbursable costs yet to be incurred by the Company under the lease.

 

Accounts Receivable, net — Receivables are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts and primarily include trade receivables and miscellaneous receivables. Specific customer provisions are made when a review of significant outstanding amounts, utilizing information about customer creditworthiness and current economic trends, indicates that collection is doubtful. In addition, provisions are made at differing rates, based upon the age of the receivable and the Company’s historical collection experience.

 

Inventory — Inventory include parts, assemblies and finished equipment, which are stated at the lower of cost, based on the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) or specific identification methods or net realizable value, net of excess and slow-moving reserves. Provisions, if required, for excess and obsolete inventories are made at differing rates, utilizing historical data and current economic trends, based upon the age and type of the inventory.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Equipment, Fixtures and Vehicles, Including Equipment Leased to Others — Equipment, fixtures and vehicles, including equipment leased to others, is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, as follows:

 

		Years
Equipment leased to others			5 - 7
Computer software and hardware			3 - 5
Vehicles			5
Furniture and fixtures			7 - 15

 

Long-Lived Assets — The Company assesses potential impairments to its long-lived assets if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. An impaired asset is written down to its estimated fair value based upon the most recent information available. Estimated fair market value is generally measured by discounting estimated future cash flows.

 

Amortization — Certain costs to acquire and develop computer software are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful life using the straight-line method, up to a maximum of five years. Other intangible assets, except for those intangible assets with indefinite lives, are recognized separately and are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

 

Shipping Costs — Shipping and handling charges are recorded gross in both the revenue and in cost of revenue and amounted to $107,265 and $72,387 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Advertising — The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense amounted to $63,060 and $61,489 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Research and Development — All research and development costs incurred by the Company are expensed as incurred.

 

Fair Value Measurements — Certain assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include long-lived assets held and used, long-lived assets held for sale, goodwill and other intangible assets. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term debt and accounts payable approximate their carrying values. The three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes valuation methodologies based on the reliability of the inputs, is:

 

Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 — Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 — Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting the Company’s own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

The Company had no financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities —The Company utilizes the equity method of accounting for investments in companies if the investment provides the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies of the investee. The Company’s proportionate share of net income or loss is included in the Company’s consolidated operations as earning or loss from unconsolidated equity basis investments.

 

Deferred Financing Costs — Deferred financing costs relating to issued debt are included as a reduction to the applicable debt and amortized as interest expense over the term of the related debt instruments.

 

Financial Instruments, Convertible Instruments, Warrants and Derivatives — The Company reviews its convertible instruments for the existence of embedded conversion features that may require bifurcation. If certain criteria are met, the bifurcated derivative financial instrument is required to be recorded at fair value. The Company also reviews and re-assesses, at each reporting date, any common stock purchase warrants and other freestanding derivative financial instruments and classifies them on the consolidated balance sheet as equity, assets or liabilities based upon the nature of the instruments.

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss) — Comprehensive income (loss) for the Company consists of net earnings (loss) and foreign currency translation.

 

Income Taxes — Deferred income taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities given provisions of enacted laws. Deferred income tax provisions and benefits are based on changes to the asset or liabilities from year to year. In providing for deferred taxes, the Company considers tax regulations of the jurisdictions in which it operates, estimates the future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. If tax regulations, operating results or the ability to implement tax planning and strategies vary, adjustments to the carrying value of deferred tax assets and liabilities may be required. Valuation allowances are recorded related to deferred tax assets based on the “more than likely” criteria.

 

The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

 

Stock-Based Compensation — The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation.” ASC 718 requires generally that all equity awards be accounted for at their “fair value.” This fair value is measured on the grant date for stock-settled awards. Fair value is equal to the underlying value of the stock for “full-value” awards such as restricted stock and performance shares, and is estimated using an option-pricing model with traditional inputs for “appreciation” awards such as stock options and stock appreciation rights.

 

Costs equal to these fair values are recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period based on the number of awards that are expected to vest, or in the period of the grant for awards that vest immediately and have no future service condition. For awards that vest over time, cumulative adjustments in later periods are recorded to the extent actual forfeitures differ from the Company’s initial estimates; previously recognized compensation cost is reversed if the service or performance conditions are not satisfied and the award is forfeited. The expense resulting from share-based payments is recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations based upon the classification of the underlying employees or service providers with a corresponding increase to additional paid in capital.

 

Subsequent modifications to outstanding awards result in incremental cost if the fair value is increased as a result of the modification. Thus, a value-for-value stock option repricing or exchange of awards in conjunction with an equity restructuring does not result in additional compensation cost.

 

Loss per Share — The Company computes basic loss per share using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding and diluted loss per share, while the diluted loss per share also includes the effects of dilutive instruments using the “treasury method.” Dividend attributable to preferred stock, whether declared or accrued, are deducted from income attributable to common shareholders for purposes of earnings per share.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

The Company’s potential dilutive instruments include options, convertible debt and warrants. These instruments have not been considered in the calculation of diluted loss per share as they are anti-dilutive for the reported periods.

 

Note 3.

Accounts Receivable, net

 

Accounts receivable consists of the following:

 

		December 31,
		2017				2016
Accounts receivable		$	408,693			$	206,219
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts receivable			(134,288	)			(66,089	)
		$	274,405			$	140,130

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts activities are as follows:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017				2016
Balance at beginning of year		$	(66,089	)		$	(65,574	)
Provision for doubtful accounts			(105,418	)			(93,406	)
Amounts written off			37,219				92,891
Balance at end of year		$	(134,288	)		$	(66,089	)

 

Note 4.

Inventory

 

Inventory, comprised of finished goods and parts or assemblies, consist of the following:

 

		December 31,
		2017				2016
Equipment		$	139,939			$	191,240
Parts and assemblies			192,162				514,777
		$	332,101			$	706,017

 

Note 5.

Equipment on Operating Leases, net

 

Equipment on operating leases consist of the following:

 

		December 31,
		2017				2016
Leased equipment		$	2,558,423			$	1,870,569
Less: accumulated depreciation			(1,107,279	)			(847,165	)
		$	1,451,144			$	1,023,404

 

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, depreciation expense included in cost of revenue, amounted to $288,792 and $343,628, respectively.

 

The Company is a lessor of Revolution and Eco Safe Series digester units under non-cancellable operating lease agreements expiring through December 2023. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, revenue under the agreements, which is included in rental, service and maintenance revenue, amounted to $864,013 and $697,965, respectively.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

The minimum future estimated contractual payments to be received under these leases as of December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

December 31, 2017
2018		$	974,561
2019			762,372
2020			584,024
2021			335,834
2022 and thereafter			125,964
Total minimum lease income as of December 31, 2017		$	2,782,755
Total minimum lease income as of December 31, 2016		$	1,962,924

 

Note 6.

Equipment, Fixtures and Vehicles, net

 

Equipment, fixtures and vehicles consist of the following:

 

		December 31,
		2017				2016
Computer software and hardware		$	102,195			$	93,543
Furniture and fixtures			48,196				48,196
Vehicles			71,918				69,253
			222,309				210,992
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			(158,800	)			(156,636	)
		$	63,509			$	54,356

 

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, depreciation expense amounted to $20,875 and $15,478, respectively.

 

Note 7.

Investment in Entsorga West Virginia LLC (“EWV”)

 

Effective January 1, 2017, the Company executed several agreements to acquire up to approximately a 40% interest in EWV from the original investors at their original purchase price of $60,000 for each 1% of interest in EWV. The agreement provides for a required investment of $1,034,028, representing a 17.2% interest, with the remaining 23.1% being at the option of the Company. The agreement was subject to the approval of the EWV bond trustee, which was granted on March 20, 2017. On March 21, 2017, the Company completed the required investment acquisition of $1,034,028 for a 17.2% interest, which is recognized utilizing the equity method of accounting.

 

Summarized financial information for EWV is as follows:

 

		September 30,
Balance Sheet		2017(a)
Current assets - cash
Cash		$	4,520,100
Prepaid expenses			17,500
Non-current assets:
Restricted cash			12,471,725
Facility under development and construction			16,789,154
Total Assets		$	33,798,479
Current liabilities		$	5,107,748
Non-current liabilities - Tax-exempt bonds, net of $1,616,131 of issuance costs			23,528,512
Membership equity			5,162,219
		$	33,798,479

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Statement of Operations		Nine Months ended September 30, 2017
Revenue		$	-
Operating expenses			52,780
Loss from operations			(52,780	)
Interest expense			50,504
Net loss		$	(103,284	)
Net loss attributable to BioHiTech Global, Inc. (17.2%)		$	(17,765	)

 

(a.)

The Company utilizes a three-month lag in reporting its share of equity income or loss in EWV.

 

EWV has financed the development and construction of the facility through $25,000,000 in Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds issued by the West Virginia Economic Development Authority (the “Bonds”). In connection with the Bonds, each member has been required to pledge their membership interest in EWV to the Bond trustee as collateral of the Bonds. While each member has pledged their membership interests to the Bond Trustee, there is no obligation that each member provide additional investment in the future or support any losses incurred.

 

Note 8.

MBT Facility Development and License Costs

 

On March 1, 2017 the Town Counsel of New Windsor, NY approved, the sale of 12 acres of property to the Company for the development of a Mechanical Biological Treatment (“MBT”) facility, for which the agreement was executed on April 10, 2017. The purchase price of the property is $1,092,000, subject to reduction for option payments made by the Company in the monthly amount of $3,500 for the first 12 months and $6,000 per month for the following 12 months, until the closing. The purchase of the property is contingent upon the Company obtaining: necessary permits to allow construction of a Mechanical Biological Treatment (“MBT”) facility; approvals from state and local authorities; financing for the construction of the MBT facility; contracts for offtake of solid recovered fuel; and the satisfaction of the Company’s due diligence investigation of the property. The contract also contains customary representations warranties and covenants of the parties for like transactions.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the consolidated financial statements include capitalized costs related to the New Windsor, NY site, including those related to the land option payments, legal costs and survey/engineering costs of $48,000, $10,371 and $146,195, respectively. There were no capitalized costs as of December 31, 2016.

 

On November 1, 2017, BioHiTech Global, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary E.N.A. Renewables LLC, entered into a Technology License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with Entsorgafin S.p.A. (“Entsorga”) whereby the Company acquired a license for the design, development construction, installation and operation of a High Efficiency Biological Treatment (“HEBioT”) renewable waste facility with a capacity of 165,000 tons per year. The patented HEBioT technology converts mixed municipal and organic waste to a US Environmental Protection Agency recognized alternative fuel source.

 

The royalty payment for the license amounted to $6,019,200, which was comprised of 1,035,905 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share and cash payments in an amount up to $839,678 for Entsorga’s withholding taxes in the Unites States and Italy. The Company also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with Entsorga whereby the Company granted Entsorga certain piggy-back and demand registration rights with respect to the Shares. This Technology License Agreement can be utilized in the Company’s project at the New Windsor, NY site or any other site and will be amortized once the facility is in operation.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Note 9.

Intangibles Assets, net

 

Intangible assets consist of the following:

 

		Useful Lives (Years)				Remaining Weighted Average Life (Years)				Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization				Net Carrying Amount
December 31, 2017:
Digester distribution agreements			10				1.9			$	902,000			$	(727,867	)		$	174,133
Website			3				-				23,388				(23,388	)			-
Intangible assets, net										$	925,388			$	(751,255	)		$	174,133
December 31, 2016:
Digester distribution agreements			10				2.8			$	902,000			$	(637,667	)		$	264,333
Website			3				0.3				23,388				(20,679	)			2,709
Intangible assets, net										$	925,388			$	(658,346	)		$	267,042

 

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, amortization expense, included in depreciation and amortization of operating expenses, amounted to $92,909 and $97,996, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2017, future annual estimated amortization expense is summarized as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31,
2018		$	90,200
2019			43,533
2020			20,200
2021			20,200
Total		$	174,133

 

Note 10.

Risk Concentrations

 

The Company operates as a single segment on a worldwide basis through its subsidiaries, resellers and independent sales agents. Gross revenues and net non-current tangible assets on a domestic and international basis is as follows:

 

		United States				International				Total
2017:
Revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2017		$	1,801,168			$	620,037			$	2,421,205
Non-current tangible assets, as of December 31, 2017			1,349,461				188,692				1,538,153
2016:
Revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2016		$	1,681,490			$	561,976			$	2,243,466
Non-current tangible assets, as of December 31, 2016			1,019,664				71,596				1,091,260

 

Credit risk — Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable.

 

The Company minimizes credit risk associated with cash by periodically evaluating the credit quality of its primary financial institutions. At times, the Company’s cash may be uninsured or in deposit accounts that exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) in the USA and the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) in the UK insurance limits. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had not experienced losses on these accounts and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Major customers — During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, no customers represented at least 10% of revenues.

 

As of December 31, 2017, no customers represented at least 10% of accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2016, two customers represented at least 10% of accounts receivable, accounting for 22% and 10% of accounts receivable.

 

Vendor concentration — During the year ended December 31, 2017, two vendors represented at least 10% of costs of revenue, accounting for 26% (a 1.7% shareholder) and 14% of the combined cost of revenues and change in inventory. During the year ended December 31, 2016, two vendors represented at least 10% of costs of revenue, each accounting for 32% (BioHiTech International, a 10% shareholder and another 1.7% shareholder) of the combined cost of revenues and change in inventory.

 

As of December 31, 2017, three vendors represented at least 10% of accounts payable, accounting for 19% (BioHiTech International, Inc., a related party), 19% and 18% (a 1.7% shareholder) of accounts payable. As of December 31, 2016, two vendors represented at least 10% of accounts payable, accounting for 32% (a 1.7% shareholder) and 21% of accounts payable.

 

Note 11.

Related Party Transactions

 

Related parties include Directors, Senior Management Officers, and shareholders, plus their immediate family, who own a 5% or greater ownership interest at the time of a transaction. The table below presents direct related party assets and liabilities and other transactions or conditions as of or during the periods indicated.

 

				December 31,
				2017				2016
Assets:
Intangible assets, net		(a)		$	174,133			$	264,333
Liabilities:
Accounts payable					298,942				85,374
Accrued interest payable					9,536				390,812
Long term accrued interest					1,545,146				187,667
Notes payable					275,000				275,000
Advance from related party		(b)			544,777				1,213,027
Promissory note - related parties		(c)			4,500,000				2,500,000
Series A - Unsecured subordinated convertible notes		(d)			2,250,000				2,250,000
Series B - Unsecured subordinated convertible notes		(e)			1,750,000				1,250,000
Series C – Subordinated secured convertible notes		(f)			450,000				-
Series D - Unsecured subordinated convertible notes		(g)			325,000				-
Series V - Unsecured subordinated convertible notes		(h)			300,000				300,000
Other:
Line of credit guarantee		(i)			2,463,736				2,463,736

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 

 

The table below presents direct related party expenses or transactions for the periods indicated. Compensation and related costs for employees of the Company are excluded from the table below.

 

				Year Ended December 31
				2017				2016
Consulting revenue		(j)		$	81,110			$	-
S, G & A - Rent expense		(k)			53,447				52,657
Cost of revenues – Rent expense		(k)			43,619				42,773
S, G & A - Consulting expense		(a)			200,000				200,000
Interest expense					1,027,787				572,345
Cost of revenue, inventory or equipment on operating leases acquired		(a and l)			362,497				1,355,780

 

(a)	Distribution Agreement - BioHiTech has an exclusive license and distribution agreement (the “License Agreement”) with BioHiTech International, Inc. (“BHT-I”), a company owned by James Koh, a BioHiTech shareholder and other unrelated parties. The License Agreement provides distribution rights to the Eco-Safe Digester through December 31, 2023 (unless extended by mutual agreement) and for annual payments to Mr. Koh in the amount of $200,000 for the term of the License Agreement and a 2.5% additional commission on all sales closed by Mr. Koh.
(b)	Advance from Related Party - The Company’s Chief Executive Officer has advanced the Company funds for operating and capital purposes. The advances bear interest at 13% and are unsecured and due on demand. There are no financial covenants related to this advance and there are no formal commitments to extend any further advances. See footnote 21 (e) for subsequent event to December 31, 2017 exchange for preferred stock.
(c)	Promissory Note - Related Party - On June 25, 2014, the Company initially entered into a secured promissory note with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000 (the “Promissory Note”). This note has been amended effective July 31, 2015, January 1, 2016 and February 1, 2017. The amended note, which was converted into a series of the Company’s preferred stock subsequent to December 31, 2017 (See Note 21 provides for up to $4,500,000 in borrowings, an interest rate of 13% per annum, which is subject to prospective reduction to 10% upon the Company’s completion of raising $6,000,000 in connection with an offering of unsecured subordinated convertible notes and warrants and is due on the earlier of (a) a change of control, (b) an event of non-payment default, (c) the two-year anniversary of the Promissory Note, or (d) a Qualified Financing. For purposes of the Promissory Note, a Qualified Financing is defined as the first issuance of debt or equity by the Company through which the Company received gross proceeds of a minimum of $5,000,000 from one or more financial institutions or accredited investors. In connection with the January 1, 2016 amendment, $263,027 of accrued interest was added to the outstanding balance of the note. See footnote 21 (e) for subsequent event to December 31, 2017 exchange for preferred stock.
(d)	Series A Unsecured Subordinated Convertible Notes and Warrants - In connection with the Company’s issuance of unsecured subordinated convertible notes and warrants in 2016, as further disclosed in Note 12, certain related parties participated in such offering.
(e)	Series B Unsecured Subordinated Convertible Notes and Warrants - In connection with the Company’s issuance of unsecured subordinated convertible notes and warrants in 2016, as further disclosed in Note 12, certain related parties participated in such offering.
(f)	Series C – Subordinated secured convertible notes - In connection with the Company’s issuance of subordinated secured convertible notes and warrants in 2017, as further disclosed in Note 12, certain related parties participated in such offering.
(g)	Series D - Unsecured subordinated convertible notes - In connection with the Company’s issuance of unsecured subordinated convertible notes and warrants in 2016, as further disclosed in Note 12, certain related parties participated in such offering.
(h)	Series V Unsecured Subordinated Convertible Notes - In connection with the Company’s issuance of unsecured subordinated convertible notes in 2016, as further disclosed in Note 12, BioHiTech International, see note a, above, exchanged $300,000 in accounts payable by the Company for a $300,000 note.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

(i)	Line of Credit - Under the terms of the line of credit, several related parties have personally guaranteed the line and are contingently liable should the Company not meet its obligations under the line.
(j)	Consulting Revenue - The Company provides environmental and project consulting to Entsorga West Virginia LLC, an entity that the Company accounts for as an equity investment effective March 2017.
(k)	Facility Lease - The Company leases its corporate headquarters and warehouse space from BioHiTech Realty LLC, a company owned by two stockholders of the Company, one of whom is the Chief Executive Officer. The lease expires in 2020, with a renewal option for an additional five-year period. Minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2017 under these operating leases are:

 

Year Ending December 31,
2018		$	98,524
2019			100,003
2020			41,926
Total		$	240,453

 

(l)	Inventory Acquisition – During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 the Company commenced acquiring certain sub-assemblies for final assembly by the Company from a company controlled by a 1.7% shareholder of BioHiTech.

 

Note 12.

Line of Credit, Notes Payable, Advance, Promissory Note, Convertible Promissory Notes and Long-Term Debt

 

Notes, lines, advances and long-term debts are comprised of the following:

 

		December 31, 2017								December 31, 2016
		Total				Related Party				Total				Related Party
Line of credit		$	2,463,736			$	-			$	2,463,736			$	-
Unsecured subordinated convertible notes:
Series A			3,393,116				2,250,000				3,310,500				2,250,000
Series B			1,885,955				1,750,000				1,220,634				1,250,000
Series D			1,994,748				325,000				-				-
Series V			425,000				300,000				425,000				300,000
Series C – Subordinated secured convertible notes			1,021,916				450,000				-				-
Convertible note			103,885				-				-				-
Promissory note - related party (See Note 10)			4,500,000				4,500,000				2,500,000				2,500,000
Notes payable			375,000				275,000				375,000				275,000
Advances (See Note 10)			544,777				544,777				1,213,027				1,213,027
Long term debt - other, current and long-term portion			30,845				-				19,573				-

 

Line of Credit — The Company has a revolving line of credit with a bank which provides for aggregate borrowings of up to $2,500,000. The line of credit is due on demand and bears interest at the prime rate plus 0.5% (4.75% and 4.25% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively), which is recorded as a component of interest expense. The line of credit is secured by the Company's assets, is personally guaranteed by certain stockholders of the Company and does not contain any financial covenants. The line of credit also provides for letters of credit aggregating $250,000. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no letters of credit outstanding. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 the average balance outstanding under the line was $2,459,453 and $2,459,453, and the average interest rate was 4.65% and 4.02%, respectively. Subsequent to December 31, 2017, in connection with a senior secured $5,000,000 credit facility and a subordinated secured credit facility, this line of credit was repaid and replaced with a $1,000,000 line of credit, accordingly the Line of Credit is presented as $1,000,000 as a current liability and $1,463,736 as a non-current liability (See Note 21. (f) Subsequent Events).

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 

 

Series A Unsecured Subordinated Convertible Promissory Notes — During 2016, the Company entered into a series of Securities Purchase Agreements (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain accredited investors (the “Investors”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and the Investors agreed to purchase in a private placement offering (the “Private Placement”) units (the “Units”) in the aggregate offering amount of $3,400,000, of which $2,250,000 was with related parties.

 

Each Unit is comprised of a convertible promissory note and warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Each note bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum and is due on the earlier of: (i) 24 months (February 10, 2018); (ii) the date the common stock is listed on The Nasdaq stock market or NYSE MKT; or (iii) a “Change of Control” of the Company, which is defined as a liquidation, dissolution, winding up, change in voting control or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. Each note sold is convertible into shares of Common Stock equal to the outstanding principal amount under the note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, divided by a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lowest of: (i) the trading price on the date of the listing; (ii) the price per share paid by investors in a subsequent underwritten public offering in connection with the listing; (iii) the lowest price paid by investors in a subsequent offering of the Company’s securities, including the Series B offering; (iv) the per share price in a change of control transaction; or (v) $3.75 per share. Prior to maturity, an investor may elect, at its option and in its sole discretion, to convert all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount under the note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price equal to $3.75 per share.

 

The warrants are exercisable for a period of five years into shares of common stock equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the notes are convertible at an exercise price equal to 120% of the conversion price of the notes.

 

The embedded conversion feature and warrants issued in the transaction are not indexed to the Company’s common stock. However, the embedded conversion feature and warrants did not meet the definition of a derivative and therefore such conversion feature was not bifurcated from the underlying note payable and the warrants were not recorded as a derivative liability.

 

As of December 31, 2017, and 2016, the balance of the outstanding notes amounted to $3,400,000 and is presented net of unamortized deferred offering costs of $6,884 and $89,500, respectively, resulting from deferred offering costs of $165,230 less $158,346 and $75,730 of accumulated amortization, respectively. These costs are being amortized as a component of interest expenses over the original 24-month terms of the notes, unless there is an early maturity. During 2017 and 2016 interest resulting from the amortization of deferred offering costs amounted to $82,616 and $75,730, respectively. Interest expense on the notes is due at the maturity of the notes, in cash or common stock at the Company’s option, and has been presented as a non-current liability as the Company intends on paying in its common stock.

 

The notes have been presented as a non-current liability, as they are only payable in the Company’s common stock.

 

Series B Unsecured Subordinated Convertible Promissory Notes — During 2017 and 2016, the Company entered into a series of Securities Purchase Agreements (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain accredited investors (the “Investors”), who were also shareholders of the Company, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and the Investors agreed to purchase in a private placement offering (the “Private Placement”) units (the “Units”) in the aggregate offering amount of $650,000 and $1,250,000, respectively.

 

Each Unit is comprised of a convertible promissory note and warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Each note bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum and is due on the earlier of: (i) 24 months (November 18, 2018); (ii) the date the common stock is listed on The Nasdaq stock market or NYSE MKT; or (iii) a “Change of Control” of the Company, which is defined as a liquidation, dissolution, winding up, change in voting control or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. Each note sold is convertible into shares of Common Stock equal to the outstanding principal amount under the note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, divided by a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lowest of: (i) the trading price on the date of the listing; (ii) the price per share paid by investors in a subsequent underwritten public offering in connection with the listing; (iii) the lowest price paid by investors in a subsequent offering of the Company’s securities; (iv) the per share price in a change of control transaction; or (v) $2.75 per share. Prior to maturity, an investor may elect, at its option and in its sole discretion, to convert all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount under the note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price equal to $2.75 per share.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 

 

The warrants are exercisable for a period of five years into shares of common stock equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the notes are convertible at an exercise price equal to 120% of the conversion price of the notes.

 

The embedded conversion feature and warrants issued in the transaction are not indexed to the Company’s common stock. However, the embedded conversion feature and warrants did not meet the definition of a derivative and therefore such conversion feature was not bifurcated from the underlying note payable and the warrants were not recorded as a derivative liability.

 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the balance of the outstanding notes amounted to $1,900,000 and $1,250,000, respectively, and is presented net of unamortized deferred offering costs of $14,045 and $29,366, respectively, resulting from deferred offering costs of $30,643 less $16,598 and $1,277 of accumulated amortization, respectively. These costs are being amortized as a component of interest expenses over the original 24-month terms of the notes, unless there is an early maturity. During 2017 and 2016 interest resulting from the amortization of deferred offering costs amounted to $15,321 and $1,277, respectively. Interest expense on the notes is due at the maturity of the notes, in cash or common stock at the Company’s option, and has been presented as a non-current liability as the Company intends on paying in its common stock.

 

The notes have been presented as a non-current liability, as they are only payable in the Company’s common stock.

 

Series D Subordinated Convertible Promissory Notes — During the third quarter of 2017, the Company entered into a series of Securities Purchase Agreements (the “Purchase Agreement”) with twenty one accredited investors (the “Investors”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and the Investors agreed to purchase units (the “Units”) in the aggregate offering amount of $2,000,000, including $140,000 of payment in kind. Units aggregating $325,000 were with related parties. Each Unit is comprised of a mandatorily Convertible Promissory Note (the “Note”) and Warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”). Prior to maturity, an Investor may elect, at its option and in its sole discretion, to convert all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, into a number of shares of Common Stock at a conversion price equal to $2.75 per share. Each Note bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum and is due on the earlier of: (i) July 6, 2019; (ii) the date the Common Stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market or NYSE MKT (the “Listing”); or (iii) a “Change of Control” of the Registrant which is defined as a liquidation, dissolution, winding up, change in voting control, or sale of all or substantially all of the Registrant’s assets (the “Maturity”). At Maturity, each Note is convertible into shares of Common Stock equal to the outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, divided by a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lowest of: (i) the trading price on the date of the Listing; (ii) the price per share paid by investors in a subsequent underwritten public offering in connection with the Listing; (iii) the lowest price paid by investors in a subsequent offering of the Registrant’s securities; (iv) the per share price in a Change of Control transaction; or (v) $2.75 per share. The Warrants are exercisable for a period of five years into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock into which such Investor’s Note is convertible at an exercise price equal to 120% of the Conversion Price.

 

The embedded conversion feature and warrants issued in the transaction are not indexed to the Company’s common stock. However, the embedded conversion feature and warrants did not meet the definition of a derivative and therefore such conversion feature was not bifurcated from the underlying note payable and the warrants were not recorded as a derivative liability.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 

 

As of December 31, 2017, the balance of the outstanding notes amounted to $2,000,000 and is presented net of unamortized deferred offering costs of $5,252 resulting from deferred offering costs of $7,000 less $1,748 of accumulated amortization. These costs are being amortized as a component of interest expenses over the original 24-month terms of the notes, unless there is an early maturity. During 2017 interest resulting from the amortization of deferred offering costs amounted to $1,748. Interest expense on the notes is due at the maturity of the notes, in cash or common stock at the Company’s option, and has been presented as a non-current liability as the Company intends on paying in its common stock.

 

The notes have been presented as a non-current liability, as they are only payable in the Company’s common stock.

 

Series V Subordinated Convertible Promissory Notes — During 2016, the Company entered into a series of convertible promissory notes. Each note bears interest at the rate of 8% per annum and is due on the earlier of: (i) 24 months (from September to December 2018); (ii) the date the common stock is listed on The Nasdaq stock market or NYSE MKT; or (iii) a “Change of Control” of the Company, which is defined as a liquidation, dissolution, winding up, change in voting control or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. Each note sold is convertible into shares of Common Stock equal to the outstanding principal amount under the note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, divided by a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lowest of: (i) the trading price on the date of the listing; (ii) the price per share paid by investors in a subsequent underwritten public offering in connection with the listing; (iii) the lowest price paid by investors in a subsequent offering of the Registrant’s securities, including the Series B offering; (iv) the per share price in a change of control transaction; or (v) $3.75 per share. Prior to maturity, an investor may elect, at its option and in its sole discretion, to convert all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount under the note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to $3.75 per share.

 

The notes have been presented as a non-current liability, as they are only payable in the Company’s common stock.

 

Series C – Subordinated secured convertible notes — From May 24, 2017 through August 11, 2017, the Company entered into a series of Securities Purchase Agreements (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain accredited investors (the “Investors”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell, and the Investors agreed to purchase units (the “Units”) in the aggregate offering amount of $1,250,000. The aggregate offering amount initially included $640,000 from the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, of which, in the third quarter, $190,000 were assigned to a third party at their original cost. Each Unit, in the minimum subscription amount of $100,000 is comprised of an Original Issue Discount Convertible Promissory Note (the “Note,” collectively, the “Notes”) and warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”). Each Note bears interest at the rate of 3.5 % per annum, has been issued with an original issue discount of 10% and is due on May 24, 2018 (the “Maturity Date”). The Notes are secured by any proceeds received by the Registrant from its investments in Entsorga West Virginia, LLC and Apple Valley Waste Conversions, LLC, (“AVWC”) and the membership interests in AVWC. The Notes are convertible at the option of the Investors, at any time up to and including the Maturity Date, into shares of Common Stock equal to the outstanding principal amount under the Note, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, divided by a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to $3.00 per share. The Warrants are exercisable for a period of five years into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 50% of the number of shares of Common Stock into which the Notes are convertible at an exercise price equal to $3.75 per share. Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the holders agreed to amend the notes and to extend the maturity to May 24, 2019 and to provide for a mandatory conversion into the Company’s common stock upon the listing of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq stock market or NYSE MKT (See Note 21. (e) Subsequent Events for an amendment entered into subsequent to December 31, 2017). The holders retain the right to convert the notes at any time prior to maturity.

 

The Purchase Agreement also provides the Investors the right to participate in up to 20% of the future external financing for the Registrant’s equity investment in up to six future High Efficiency Biological Treatment (HEBioT) facilities. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of the Registrant and the Investors for like transactions.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Notes reflect: face amount of $1,250,000, net of original issue discount of $125,000, bifurcated warrants of $151,584, bifurcated beneficial conversion feature of $138,240, net of amortization of discounts of $186,740. The warrants for 208,334 shares of common stock were valued utilizing the Monte Carlo modelling technique utilizing stock prices of $3.05 to $7.50 on the dates of the grant, an exercise price of $3.75, a standard deviation (volatility) of 31.1% to 33.2% based on the date of issue, a risk-free interest rate of 2.62% to 2.79% based on the date of issue with a term of 5 years. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. Conversion options are recorded as debt discounts and are amortized as interest expense over the life of the underlying debt instrument.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 

 

Convertible Note — Effective March 30, 2017 the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement, a Convertible Note with a maximum funding amount of $550,000 and Warrants with Vista Capital Investments LLC (“Vista”). As of March 31, 2017, in exchange for $100,000, Vista received a $110,000 face value note, which included a beneficial conversion feature valued at $4,014, a warrant for 24,750 shares of common stock valued at $16,043 utilizing the Black–Scholes–Merton model utilizing a stock price of $2.954 on the date of the grant, an exercise price of $4.00, a standard deviation (volatility) of 31.43%, a risk-free interest rate of 2.88% with a term of 5 years. As of June 26, 2017, in exchange for an additional $100,000, the face value note outstanding was $220,000; this additional $100,000 funding also included a beneficial conversion feature valued at $1,930, a warrant for 24,750 shares of common stock valued at $16,360 utilizing the Black–Scholes–Merton model utilizing a stock price of $2.98 on the date of the grant, an exercise price of $4.00, a standard deviation (volatility) of 31.43%, a risk-free interest rate of 2.88% with a term of 5 years.

 

The note allows for fundings representing up to $550,000 in original principal amount notes with interest at 9.5%, of which $110,000 is outstanding as of December 31, 2017. Each funding matures in seven months from the time of the funding, accordingly the funding of March 31, 2017 originally matured on October 31, 2017 and the funding of June 26, 2017 matures January 26, 2018. The funding maturing on October 31, 2017 was converted prior to maturity. Subsequent to December 31, 2017, the funding maturing on January 26, 2018 was converted prior to maturity. The note is convertible into common shares of the Company at $2.85 per share at any time there is an outstanding balance.

 

During the third quarter of 2017, the holder exercised 24,750 warrants in a cashless exercise, resulting in the issuance of 14,093 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2017, the holder has warrants outstanding that provide for the acquisition of up to 24,750 shares of common stock at $4.00 per share and expire in five years from the date of issuance.

 

Notes Payable — During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company entered into two unsecured promissory notes that have been amended during 2016 and 2017, which do not contain any financial covenants. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the notes each have a remaining balance outstanding of $100,000 and $275,000 with interest at the rate of 10.0% and each mature on January 1, 2020.

 

Long Term Debt — Represents two loans collateralized by vehicles with interest ranging from 1.9% to 4.99%, each with amortizing principal payment requirements through 2020 and 2022, respectively.

 

Maturities of Non-Current Promissory Note, Long Term Debt and Unsecured Subordinated Convertible Notes — as of December 31, 2017, excluding discounts and deferred finance costs, which are being amortized as interest expense, are as follow:

 

Year Ending December 31,		Amortizing				Non- Amortizing*				Optionally Convertible into Common Stock				Mandatorily Convertible into Common Stock*				Total
2018		$	8,874			$	3,008,513			$	1,360,000			$	5,725,000			$	10,102,387
2019			9,165				4,500,000				-				2,000,000				6,509,165
2020			4,605				375,000				-				-				379,605
2021			4,381				-				-				-				4,381
2022 and thereafter			3,820				-				-				-				3,820
Total		$	30,845			$	7,883,513			$	1,360,000			$	7,725,000			$	16,999,358

 

* Certain notes are subject to earlier maturities. The table above presents all notes at their time period-based maturity condition as in effect at December 31, 2017.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Interest Expense — All interest on the Company’s various debts are recognized as interest expense in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 13.

Equity Transactions

 

The Company has had the following equity related transactions over the two years ended December 31, 2017:

 

Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock — During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with a single, accredited investor (the “Investor”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and the Investor agreed to purchase up to an aggregate of 333,401 shares of the Registrant’s newly created Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series A Shares”) for an aggregate investment of up to $1,667,000. Over the fourth quarter, in several investments, Company received total proceeds of $1,500,300 after giving effect to an original issue discount of 10%. In addition, the Company issued warrants (the “Warrants”) that are exercisable for four years to purchase up to 333,401 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) at the exercise price of $5.00 per share.

 

The Series A Preferred Shares are convertible into share of Common Stock at the rate of one share of Common Stock for $5.00 of stated value of Series A Shares converted. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment for stock splits, reclassification and issuance of certain Securities at a purchase price per share below the conversion price. The Series A Shares will automatically convert into Common Stock if the Registrant (i) receives gross proceeds of $6,000,000 from a financing or (ii) receives gross proceeds sufficient to qualify for listing on a national securities exchange. If the Registrant completes a financing at a price per share of less than $5.00, one-half of the Series A Shares will convert at a conversion price equal to the purchase price of such financing. The Series A Shares are entitled to receive dividends, payable quarterly commencing December 31, 2017, at the rate of five percent (5%) during the first year of issuance, increasing two percent (2%) per month thereafter. The Series A Shares rank senior to the Registrant’s Common Stock with respect to dividends, distributions and payments on liquidation. The Registrant also has the right to redeem the Series A Shares one year after the First Closing for 120% of the stated value plus any unpaid dividends. Commencing on June 1, 2019, the Investor will have the right to require the Registrant to redeem the Series A Shares for 115% of the Conversion Amount, under certain circumstances. The Company also granted the Investor certain piggy-back registration rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying the conversion of the Series A Shares and the exercise of the Warrants.

 

Due to the redemption features, the Series A Preferred Stock has been classified as temporary equity between total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Series A Preferred Stock reflect: stated amount of $1,666,999, net of original issue discount of $166,699, bifurcated warrants of $403,630, bifurcated beneficial conversion feature of $63,336, net of amortization of discounts of $86,658. In addition, the Series A Preferred Stock is presented net of $24,414 in deferred issuance costs, $30,000 incurred, net of amortization of $5,586. Amortization of discounts and deferred issuance costs are reflected as interest expense. The warrants for 333,401 shares of common stock were valued utilizing the Monte Carlo modelling technique utilizing stock prices of $4.45 to $5.40 on the dates of the grants, an exercise price of $5.00, a standard deviation (volatility) of 38.7% to 45.7% based on the date of issue, a risk-free interest rate of 2.60% to 2.74% based on the date of issue, with a term of 4 years. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. Conversion and exercise options are recorded as instrument discounts and are amortized as interest expense over the period up to the first Investor redemption date (June 1, 2019).

 

Series B Convertible Preferred Stock — On December 28 and 29, 2017, the Company entered into a series of Securities Purchase Agreements (individually, the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain accredited investors (the “Investors”), pursuant to which the Registrant agreed to sell and the Investors agreed to purchase, in a private placement offering (the “Offering”), an aggregate of 160,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series B Preferred Shares”) at the price of $5.00 per Series B Preferred Share and warrants (the “Warrants”) that are exercisable for five years to purchase 88,888 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, for an aggregate offering amount of $800,000.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 

 

The Series B Shares are convertible at any time by the Investors, into shares of Common Stock at the rate of one share of Common Stock for $4.50 of stated value of Series B Preferred Shares converted. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment for stock splits, reclassification and issuance of certain Securities at a purchase price per share below the conversion price. The Series B Shares mandatorily convert into Common Stock on the earliest of the date (i) the Common Stock is listed on a National Securities Exchange; (ii) a fundamental transaction, which is defined as effectively a change in control of the voting capital stock or transfer of substantially all of the assets of the Registrant; (iii) of an underwritten public offering in an amount not less than $3,000,000, or (iv) December 1, 2018. The Series B Shares are entitled to receive dividends, at the rate of six percent (6%) until their conversion into Common Stock. The Series B Shares rank senior to the Registrant’s Common Stock with respect to dividends, distributions and payments on liquidation but junior to all existing and future indebtedness and any class of preferred stock. The Registrant also granted the Investors certain piggy-back registration rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying the conversion of the Series B Preferred Shares and the exercise of the Warrants and anti-dilution rights with respect to the conversion price of the Series B Preferred Shares.

 

Due to the lack of redemption features and the presence of mandatory conversion features, the Series B Preferred stock is presented as a component of shareholders’ deficit.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Series B Preferred Stock reflect the stated amount of $800,000, net of bifurcated warrants of $100,688. The warrants for 88,889 shares of common stock were valued utilizing the Monte Carlo modelling technique utilizing stock prices of $3.92 to $4.09 on the dates of the grants, an exercise price of $5.00, a standard deviation (volatility) of 39.4%, a risk-free interest rate of 2.65% to 2.67% based on the date of issue, with a term of 5 years. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. Conversion options are recorded as instrument discounts and are not being amortized due to the mandatory conversion features.

 

Maxim Warrants — In connection with the issuance of the Series A Units described in Note 12, the Company agreed to issue warrants to Maxim Group LLC, the placement agent, that are exercisable into 10% of the total number of shares of common stock that the notes are convertible under the notes at an exercise price of $3.75 per share. The warrants expire 5 years from the date of issuance of the underlying notes, which was February 10, 2016.

 

The unsecured subordinated convertible promissory notes contain conversion features that are required to be measured when the contingency is resolved. The terms of the conversion feature in the notes, and hence the Maxim Warrants, do not permit the Company to compute the number of common shares that the note holders will receive upon conversion. Accordingly, the Company must wait until the contingent event occurs to compute the number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the warrants.

 

Barksdale Warrants — In connection with an Offering of BHTA in October 2013 of Class B Common Interests BHTA agreed to issue Barksdale Global Holdings, LLC (“Barksdale”) warrants to purchase a number of Class B Common Interests of BHTA, as now converted into Common Stock of the Company. The warrants were subsequently issued on June 30, 2015, whereby Barksdale was issued a warrant to purchase up to $140,000 of BHTA’s Class B Common Interests on or before the expiration date of June 30, 2020. The warrant is exercisable during the period commencing upon the consummation of the Company’s next successive equity raise in which the Company receives gross proceeds of a minimum of $5.0 million (“Qualified Financing”). If the Company does not consummate a Qualified Financing prior to the expiration date, the warrant shall never be exercisable.

 

Series Debt and Series Preferred Stock Offerings — In connection with the various series debt and preferred stock offerings, warrants issued have been disclosed as part of the description of the debt and preferred stock offerings.

 

2014 and 2015 Debt Offerings — In connection with prior debt offerings that have been converted into equity, warrants expiring between May and July of 2020 representing an $80,000 purchase equity interest remain outstanding. The warrants allow the holders to acquire up to $80,000 of the Company’s common stock at a price of 120% of the closing price of the Company’s first issuance of equity in one, or a series of related transactions, through which the Company receives gross process of $5,000,000 or more from one or more financial institutions or “accredited investors”. Should the Company not consummate such an issuance of equity by the expiration of the warrants, the warrants shall never be exercisable.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Shareholder Awareness Consulting Agreement — During 2017, the Company initially entered into a ninety-day consulting agreement for shareholder awareness. The contract provided for 100,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock that will vest over the ninety-day period. During 2017, 100,000 shares were earned at a cost of $302,368 and are reflected as professional fees and an increase to additional paid in capital. The contract also provided for the granting of a warrant for 100,000 shares of common stock. The warrant was valued at $105,188 utilizing the Black–Scholes–Merton model utilizing a stock price of $3.00 on the date of the initial estimation of the liability in the second quarter of 2017 utilizing the Black–Scholes–Merton model utilizing, an exercise price of $2.75, a standard deviation (volatility) of 31.11%, a risk-free interest rate of 2.75% with a term of 5 years. The costs reflect the vesting of such shares based upon the daily closing prices of the Company’s common stock and the estimated valuation of the warrant, which are reflected as professional fees and an increase to additional paid in capital. During the second quarter of 2017, the warrant was issued and the valuation at the time of issuance resulted in a $1,999 change in the fair value of the warrant, which has been expensed as a non-operational expense. During the third quarter of 2017, the consultant exercised 100,000 warrants in a cashless exercise, resulting in the issuance of 70,044 shares of common stock.

 

During the third quarter of 2017, the Company and the consultant amended the terms to extend the contract through December 31, 2017. Under the terms of the extension, in addition to cash fees, the Company agreed to grant the consultant an additional 75,000 shares that will be earned over the term of the contract, from the date that the initial contract expired. During 2017, 75,000 shares were earned at a cost of $325,172. The costs reflect the vesting of such shares based upon the daily closing prices of the Company’s common stock and reflected as professional fees and an increase to additional paid in capital.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company and consultant further amended and restated the terms of the agreement, which terminated on December 31, 2017, to provide for cash payments in the fourth quarter of $90,000 and for the issuance of a warrant to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The warrant was valued at $23,851 utilizing the Black–Scholes–Merton model utilizing a stock price of $5.80 on the date of the issuance, an exercise price of $5.00, a standard deviation (volatility) of 35.6%, a risk-free interest rate of 2.74% with a term of 5 years. The costs are reflected as professional fees and an increase to additional paid in capital.

 

Public Relations and Corporate Communications Agreement — During 2016, the Company entered into a service agreement, as amended, for a twelve-month term. In addition to monthly cash fees, the Company initially issued 15,000 shares of fully vested restricted common stock at a per share price of $2.40 during 2016, which is reflected as an expense in the accompanying financial statements. The agreement, as amended, required 40,000 shares of fully vested restricted common stock be earned during the second six-month period of the agreement. During 2017, 30,000 shares were earned with a related cost of $185,475. The costs reflect the vesting of such shares based upon the daily closing prices of the Company’s common stock and reflected as professional fees and an increase to additional paid in capital.

 

Shareholder Information and Marketing Agreement — During 2016, the Company entered into a service agreement for an initial three-month term, subject to a termination option after the initial 30-day period. In addition to monthly cash fees, the Company will issue 8,000 shares of restricted common stock that will vest over the three-month period. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, 3,200 shares were earned at a cost of $8,053. During 2016, 4,800 shares were earned with a related cost of $12,952. The costs reflect the vesting of such shares based upon the daily closing prices of the Company’s common stock and reflected as professional fees and an increase to additional paid in capital. The 8,000 shares were issued in the second quarter of 2017.

 

Strategic Consulting Agreement — During 2016, the Company entered into a strategic consulting agreement for a twelve-month term, subject to a sixty-day termination option by either party, which was exercised by the Company resulting in a termination effective December 31, 2016. In addition to monthly cash fees, the agreement also included issuing Series V convertible debt in the amount of $25,000 per month. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $125,000 of such Series V convertible debt was outstanding.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Note 14.

Equity Incentive Plans

 

2015 Equity Incentive Plan — During 2015, the Company established the BioHiTech Global, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan, which is available to eligible employees, directors, consultants and advisors of the Company and its affiliates. The plan allows for the granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, reload options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock representing up to 750,000 shares. The Plan is administered by the board of directors. Effective March 1, 2016, the Company granted nonqualified options for 371,250 shares. Effective April 15, 2016, the Company granted 347,500 restricted stock units. As of December 31, 2017, there were 175,346 shares available under the Plan for future grants. There have been no grant awards made during the year ended December 31, 2017. Compensation expense related to the options and restricted stock units was:

 

		2017				2016
Stock options		$	99,975			$	245,636
Restricted stock units			229,807				429,146
		$	329,782			$	674,782

 

Stock Options – The fair value of options is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The valuation determined by the Black-Scholes pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate for the expected life at the time of grant, volatility is based on the average long-term implied volatilities of peer companies, the expected life is based on the estimated average of the life of options using the simplified method, and forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant based on certain historical data. The Company utilizes the simplified method to determine the expected life of its options due to insufficient exercise activity during recent years as a basis from which to estimate future exercise patterns. The expected dividend assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts.

 

Forfeitures are required to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

 

On March 1, 2016, the Company granted 371,250 stock options to employees and directors for future services that vest over four years. These options had a fair value of $520,210 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

  

Risk-free interest rate			1.3 - 1.5	%
Expected dividend yield			0.00	%
Expected volatility			28.8 - 30.3	%
Expected term in years			5.0 - 6.0

 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted on March 1, 2016 was $520,210. Total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options at December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounts to $117,927 and $263,895, respectively, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.1 and 2.1 years, respectively.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

		Number of Options				Weighted Average Exercise Price				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)				Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding – January 1, 2016			-				-				-				-
Granted			371,250			$	3.75				10.00				-
Exercised			-				-				-				-
Forfeited or Canceled			(7,500	)			3.75				-				-
Outstanding – December 31, 2016			363,750			$	3.75				9.17			$	-
Exercisable – December 31, 2016			90,418			$	3.75				9.17			$	-
Outstanding – January 1, 2017			363,750			$	3.75				9.17				-
Granted			-			$	-								-
Exercised			-				-								-
Forfeited, Canceled or Expired			(51,041	)			3.75								-
Outstanding – December 31, 2017			312,709			$	3.75				8.17			$	53,161
Exercisable – December 31, 2017			153,121			$	3.75				8.17			$	26,081

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for non-vested options for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

		Number of Options				Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance at January 1, 2016			-
Granted			371,250			$	3.75
Vested			(90,418	)			(3.75	)
Forfeited or Canceled			(7,500	)			(3.75	)
Balance at December 31, 2016			273,332				3.75
Granted			-				-
Vested			(79,091	)			(3.75	)
Forfeited, Canceled or Expired			(34,653	)			(3.75	)
Balance at December 31, 2017			159,588			$	3.75

 

Restricted Stock Units – On April 15, 2016, the Company granted 347,500 restricted stock units (“RSU”) to certain employees. 15,833 of the RSUs vested immediately and the remaining units vest over a three-year period, subject to continued service on each applicable vesting date. The RSUs have no voting or dividend rights. The fair value of the common stock on the date of the grant was $4.05 per share based upon the quoted closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The aggregate grant date fair value of the award amounted to $1,407,375 which will be recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value of the unvested RSUs, determined by multiplying the anticipated number of RSUs that will vest by the closing market price of the underlying common stock, was $670,759 and $746,251, respectively.

 

Total unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested RSUs at December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounts to $446,740 and $978,229, respectively, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.16 and 2.16 years, respectively.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

		Number of Shares
Unvested balance at January 1, 2016			-
Granted			347,500
Vested			(15,833	)
Forfeited or Canceled			-
Unvested balance at December 31, 2016			331,667
Granted			-
Vested			(75,000	)
Forfeited or Canceled			(85,555	)
Unvested balance at December 31, 2017			171,112

 

2017 Executive Incentive Plan — At the Annual Shareholders Meeting on June 7, 2017 the shareholders approved the 2017 Executive Incentive Plan that allows for the granting of awards for up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. No grants under the plan have been made as of December 31, 2017.

 

Note 15.

Income Taxes

 

The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017 and introduces significant changes to U.S. income tax law. Effective in 2018, the Tax Act reduces the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21%, transitions the U.S international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and creates new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings and certain related-party payments, which are referred to as the global intangible low-taxed income tax and the base erosion tax, respectively. The Company recognized a deferred tax expense of $2,144,139 to reflect the reduced U.S. tax rate of the Tax Act and a corresponding deferred tax benefit to reflect the reduction of the valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2017, the Company did not have accumulated foreign subsidiary earnings, accordingly, while the Tax Act provides for a one-time transition tax on accumulated foreign subsidiary earnings not previously subject to U.S. income tax, there was no tax expense related to that part of the Tax Act.

 

The following table presents the components of income tax expense (benefit) from operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017				2016
US Federal:
Deferred		$	(230,242	)		$	(1,932,456	)
State and local:
Deferred			(701,299	)			(681,025	)
Non-US:
Deferred			(49,781	)			(69,203	)
Change in valuation allowance			981,322				2,682,684
Income tax provision		$	-			$	-

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of differences between the Federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017				2016
U. S. Federal Statutory rate			(34.0	)%			(34.0	)%
Non-U.S. losses			0.5				0.6
Impact of US statutory tax rate change			25.7				-
Impact of US statutory tax rate change on valuation allowance			(25.7	)			-
Local taxes, net of benefit			(7.4	)			(6.8	)
Other			3.4				0.4
			(37.5	)			(39.8	)
Change in valuation allowance			37.5				39.8
Effective income tax rate			-	%			-	%

 

The following table presents the Company’s net deferred tax assets and valuation allowance as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

		December 31,
		2017				2016
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses - Federal		$	2,722,166			$	2,341,288
Net operating losses - State			1,365,898				691,582
Net operating losses - Non-US			118,984				69,203
Stock-based compensation - Federal			221,238				246,069
Stock-based compensation - State			104,024				77,440
Accrued liabilities - Federal			408,985				412,346
Accrued liabilities - State			192,530				129,768
			5,133,825				3,967,696
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment - Federal			(135,276	)			(11,333	)
Property and equipment - State			(63,531	)			(2,667	)
			(198,807	)			(14,000	)
Net deferred tax assets			4,935,018				3,953,696
Valuation allowance			(4,935,018	)			(3,953,696	)
Net deferred tax assets		$	-			$	-

 

The net operating loss carryovers may be subject to limitation under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 should there be greater than a 50% ownership change as determined under the regulations. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for federal, state and non-US income tax purposes of approximately $13,208,821 and $7,125,127, respectively. The federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire, if not utilized, beginning December 31, 2036. There were no net operating losses for federal corporate income tax purposes prior to the year ended December 31, 2015. US Federal corporate income tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2015 and later are open for examination and audit.

 

Note 16.

Commitments and Contingencies

 

From time to time, the Company is involved in legal matters arising in the ordinary course of business, including matters that relate to items for which the Company has accrued their contractual obligations, but are disputing payment for. The Company has one such matter relating to a consulting services agreement with Tusk Ventures LLC, in which they claim that it is owed $250,000 pursuant to an agreement. This matter was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County in April 2017 and while the Company has accrued all contractual amounts, it intends to defend the action vigorously. The Company and legal counsel believe this matter does not present a material risk to the Company. While the Company believes that these such matters are currently not material, there can be no assurance that matters arising in the ordinary course of business for which the Company is, or could be, involved in litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Note 17.

Employee 401(k) Savings Plan

 

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company established a defined contribution retirement savings plan qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the plan, employees may contribute a percentage of eligible compensation on both a before-tax and after-tax basis. The Company may match a percentage of employee’s before-tax contributions, but is not required to do so, as the annual matching contributions are discretionary. No contributions have been made to the plan by the Company during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

Note 18.

Operating Leases

 

The Company rents its headquarters and attached warehousing space from a related party (see Note 10) and their research and development office from an unrelated party under operating leases. The research and development office lease commenced in October 2015 and will expire in 2018, subject to one renewal option for an additional one-year period. The total future minimum lease payments under all of these leases is:

 

Year Ending December 31,
2018		$	115,711
2019			100,003
2020			41,926
Total		$	257,640

 

Total rent expense under all operating leases amounted to $137,802 and $128,903 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Note 19.

Supplemental Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Information

 

Changes in non-cash operating assets and liabilities, as well as other supplemental cash flow disclosures, are as follows:

 

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017				2016
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and note receivable		$	(236,249	)		$	79,743
Inventory			(330,699	)			(997,535	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			(56,732	)			42,722
Accounts payable			221,462				281,787
Accrued interest payable			1,223,105				640,056
Accrued expenses			274,266				12,800
Deferred revenue			18,837				16,360
Customer deposits			3,367				11,803
Net change in operating assets and liabilities		$	1,117,357			$	87,736
Supplementary cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest		$	113,801			$	106,251
Income taxes			-				-
Supplementary Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Transfer of inventory to leased equipment		$	747,993			$	531,392
Series V Notes issued in settlement of accounts payable with a related party			-				300,000
Accrued interest added to principle of promissory note - related party			-				263,027
Acquisition of MBT facility development and technology license			5,179,522				-
Conversion of advances from related party to promissory notes			576,000				-
In-Kind payments by investors for Series notes			140,000				-
Vehicle acquisition with long-term debt			20,716				-

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Note 20.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company implemented the following recent accounting pronouncements:

 

Stock Compensation — In March 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (Topic 718). The amendments in this ASU is to significantly reduce the complexity and cost of accounting for excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to employee share-based payment transactions, which include restricted stock and stock options. Also, ASU No. 2016-09 requires an entity to run excess tax benefits and deficiencies through its income statement, which in effect eliminates the concept of additional paid-in capital. This new guidance was implemented during the first quarter of 2017 and its implementation did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

Inventory — In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires inventory measured using any method other than last-in, first out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method to be subsequently measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market. This new guidance was implemented during the first quarter of 2017 and its implementation did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

Statement of Cash Flows — In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). The update amends the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice related to eight specific cash flow issues. The Company elected to early adopt this new guidance during the first quarter of 2017 and its implementation did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features — In July 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-11—Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): I. Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features and II. Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Non-controlling Interests with a Scope Exception. ASU 2017-11 eliminates the requirement that a down round feature precludes equity classification when assessing whether an instrument is indexed to an entity’s own stock. A freestanding equity-linked financial instrument no longer would be accounted for as a derivative liability at fair value as a result of the existence of a down round feature. The effective date for ASU 2017-11 is for annual or any interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company implemented this ASU on a retrospectively basis as of January 1, 2017 and April 1, 2017. Since there was no reduction of the conversion price and exercise price of the warrants associated with the Notes, there is no impact upon implementation of ASU 2017-11 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company has not yet implemented the following recent accounting pronouncements:

 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers — In April 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” (Topic 606). The amendments clarify two aspects of ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” by providing (1) guidance for identifying performance obligations and (2) licensing implementation guidance. Public business entities should apply the guidance similar to Update 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 provides guidance for revenue recognition and affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is the recognition of revenue when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation.  This standard has an effective date of January 1, 2018, and the Company anticipates using the modified retrospective implementation method, whereby a cumulative effect adjustment is recorded to retained earnings as of the date of initial application, if needed. In preparing for adoption, the Company has evaluated the terms, conditions and performance obligations under our existing contracts with customers. The Company does not expect to have a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings, and does not anticipate that the new standard will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Leases — In February 2016, the FASB issued new lease accounting guidance (ASU No. 2016-02, Leases). Under the new guidance, at the commencement date, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability, which is a lessee‘s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The new guidance is not applicable for leases with a term of 12 months or less. Lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Public business entities should apply the amendments in ASU 2016-02 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted upon issuance. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, that adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

Note 21.

Subsequent Events

 

The Company evaluates subsequent events and transactions that occur after the balance sheet date up to the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. Any material events that occur between the balance sheet date and the date that the financial statements were available for issuance are disclosed as subsequent events, while the financial statements are adjusted to reflect any conditions that existed at the balance sheet date. Based upon this review, except as discussed below, the Company did not identify any recognized or non-recognized subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

(a)

Series B Mandatorily Convertible Preferred Stock – Subsequent to December 31, 2017, though March 22, 2018, the Company issued 207,333 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock and in related warrants for proceeds of $1,191,665, including $216,665 payment in kind.

 

(b)

Optional Conversion of Vista Capital Convertible Note – On January 3 and 25, 2018, Vista Capital, the note holder optionally converted the remaining balance of its note, which was $103,885 as of December 31, 2017, and accrued interest into 40,482 shares of the Company’s common stock in accordance with the terms of the note.

 

(c)

Investment in Gold Medal Group, LLC – On January 25, 2018, the Company entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to acquire 9.2% of the outstanding membership units (the “Units”) of Gold Medal Group, LLC (“GM Group”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company acquired the Units from two unrelated parties in consideration $2,250,000 paid through the issuance of 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”). The Purchase Agreement contains customary provisions, including representations, warranties, indemnities and “piggyback” registration rights, and closed upon the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. In addition to the Company’s Option Agreement to acquire additional units, described below, should the other Unit holder invest additional funds into GM Group, without additional funds from the Company, the Company’s ownership interest may be diluted.

 

In connection with the Purchase Agreement, ENA entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) of GM Group with GM Group’s other member. The LLC Agreement contains customary provisions regarding the governance of GM Group.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

Also on January 25, 2018, the Company entered into a Letter Agreement (the “Option Agreement”) with GM Group. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, ENA may purchase up to 5,000,000 additional Units of GM Group at an aggregate purchase price of $5,000,000, provided that the Registrant’s Common Stock, if it is still publicly traded, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE American, or the NASDAQ Stock Market (each, a “Qualified Exchange”). In the event that the Registrant’s Common Stock is not listed on a Qualified Exchange on any day after November 30, 2018, the Option Agreement also grants the other GM Group member the right to purchase all then-outstanding Units of GM Group that are owned by the Registrant or ENA.

 

The Company also entered into the Advisory Services Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with Gold Medal Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”). Pursuant to the Advisory Services Agreement, the Registrant will provide Holdings with advisory services relating to corporate development, strategic planning, operational and sales oversight and other general administrative and support services, as more particularly described within the Advisory Agreement. As consideration for providing these services, the Company, will be compensated with an annual advisory services fee equal to the greater of (i) $750,000 and (ii) 10% of Holdings’ annual ordinary earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement is for one year.

 

(d)           Michaelson Senior Secured Term Promissory Financing – On February 2, 2018, the Company and several of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into and consummated a Note Purchase and Security Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Michaelson Capital Special Finance Fund II, L.P. (“ MCSFF ”) to issue a senior secured term promissory note in the principal amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) (the “Note”). The Note is not convertible and accrues interest at the rate of 10.25% per annum. The Note is to be repaid in eight, equal, quarterly installments of Six Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($625,000) commencing on March 15, 2021 and ending February 2, 2023 (the “Maturity Date”). Additionally, the Note is secured by a general security interest in all of the Registrant’s assets as well all of the assets of the Registrant’s subsidiaries. Further, the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer, Frank E. Celli (“Celli”), guaranteed a portion of the Registrant’s obligations to MCSFF. In connection with the issuance of the Note, the Registrant issued MCSFF 320,000 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. The Purchase Agreement contains customary provisions, including representations, warranties, indemnities and “piggyback” registration rights, and closed upon the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

 

(e)           Exchange of Note Payable and Advances for Series C Convertible Preferred Stock – On February 2, 2018, in connection with and as a condition precedent to the closing of the MCSFF Note, the Company entered into a Securities Exchange and Note Purchase Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with Frank E. Celli, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, whereby Celli exchanged $4,500,000 in a note receivable and $544,000 in advances made to the Registrant for $4,000,000 of the Registrant’s Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 (the Series C Preferred Stock”) and a junior promissory note (the “Junior Note”). The Junior Note, which is subordinated to the MCSFF Note, is not convertible, accrues interest at the rate of 10.25% per annum and matures on February 2, 2024. The Series C Preferred Stock has a stated value of $10.00 per share and is convertible, at the holder’s option, into the Registrant’s common stock, par $0.0001, at a conversion price of $4.75 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-redeemable, has voting rights together with the common stock, par $0.0001, at the rate of 4 votes to 1 and accrues dividends at 10.25% of the stated value outstanding. In connection with this transaction, the Registrant also issued Celli warrants to purchase 421,053 shares of Common Stock, exercisable at $5.50 per share which expire in five (5) years.

 

(f)           Comerica Line of Credit – In a series of transactions, on February 2, 2018, BioHiTech Global, Inc. (the “Registrant”) in connection with its $5 million gross proceeds financing with Michaelson Capital Special Finance Fund II, L.P., the Company utilized a portion of the proceeds to pay off, in-full, and close out an existing line of credit with Comerica Bank (“Comerica”) that was payable and secured by the assets of the Company’s subsidiary, BioHiTech America, LLC. Also in connection with and in accordance with the MCSFF financing, on February 2, 2018, the Company’s subsidiary, BHT Financial, LLC (“BHTF”) entered into a new Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) and a Master Revolving Note (the “Note”) with Comerica that provides for a facility of up to $1,000,000, secured by the assets of BHTF. The Note carries interest at the rate of 3%, plus either the Comerica prime rate or a LIBOR-based rate, and matures on January 1, 2020. Further, the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer, Frank E. Celli and James C Chambers, a director, guaranteed BHTF’s obligations to Comerica. The Credit Agreement and Note contain customary provisions, including representations, warranties, and closed upon the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Registrant did not issue any securities to Comerica in connection with the debt.

 

 

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

(g)           Amendment of Series C Secured Convertible Notes – Also on February 2, 2018, in connection with and as a condition precedent to the closing of the MCSFF Financing, all of the holders (the “Holders”) of the Company’s Series C Original Issue Discount Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Series C Notes”, respectively) agreed to amend the Series C Notes to change the maturity date from May 24, 2018 to May 24, 2019. The Series C Notes were also amended to provide for a mandatory conversion of the outstanding and unpaid principal amount of the Series C Notes upon the Registrant’s listing on the Nasdaq stock market or the NYSE American into shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”). In consideration for the amendment, the Registrant issued the Holders additional warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 10% of the number of shares such Series C Note is convertible into at an exercise price of $4.50 per share of Common Stock and expiring in five (5) years.

 

(h)           Optional Conversion of Series D Note – On February 14, 2018 a holder of $200,000 in Series D mandatorily convertible debt converted their entire balance into 72,727 share of the Company’s common stock in accordance with the terms of the note. The Series B financing also had warrants to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock. The number of warrant shares and the exercise price was not known at the time of issuing the debt. This uncertainty was removed by its conversion into the Company’s common stock, resulting in warrants that may be exercised through August 17, 2022 for 72,727 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $3.30 per share.

 

(i)            Maturity of Series A Mandatorily Convertible Debt – On February 12, 2018, in accordance with the terms of the notes, all of the Series A Mandatorily Convertible Debt, which amounted to $3,400,000 was converted into 1,236,369 shares of the Company’s common stock. Under the terms of the debt, the Company paid the $523,788 in accrued interest in 104,889 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Series A Mandatorily Convertible Debt also had warrants to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock. The number of warrant shares and the exercise price was not known at the time of issuing the debt. This uncertainty was removed by the maturity of the debt and its conversion into the Company’s common stock, resulting in warrants that may be exercised through February 10, 2021 for 1,236,369 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $3.30 per share.

 

(j)            Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Amendment – On March 30, 2018, the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred”) was amended and restated to provide the holder with the option to redeem the their shares anytime following the first anniversary if the Company consummates an equity financing in an amount equal to the stated value of the Series A Preferred, plus any and all accrued dividends. The holder’s option to redeem the Series A Preferred after January 1, 2019 was removed. In addition, the dividend on the Series A Preferred was amended to nine percent (9%), the first dividend payment date was amended to June 30, 2018 and the Stated Value of the Series A Preferred was reduced to $4.50. In addition, the Company agreed to issue the holders, within 5 business days after the first day of trading of the Company’s common stock par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) on an Eligible Market, warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase up to 180,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.50 per share and expiring in four (4) years on a pro-rata basis to the holders of record of the Series A Preferred Shares at the time of such issuance.

 

(k)           Exchange of Note Payable and Advances for Series C Convertible Preferred Stock – On March 23, 2018, the Company entered into a Securities Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with Frank J. Celli, the father of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, whereby Celli exchanged $275,000 in a note receivable for $275,000 of the Registrant’s Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 (the Series C Preferred Stock”). The Series C Preferred Stock has a stated value of $10.00 per share and is convertible, at the holder’s option, into the Registrant’s common stock, par $0.0001, at a conversion price of $4.75 per share. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-redeemable, has voting rights together with the common stock, par $0.0001, at the rate of 4 votes to 1 and accrues dividends at 10.25% of the stated value outstanding. In connection with this transaction, the Registrant also issued Celli warrants to purchase 28,948 shares of Common Stock, exercisable at $5.50 per share which expire in five (5) years.

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of

BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BioHiTech Global, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, cash flows and stockholders’ deficit for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Marcum LLP

 

Marcum LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.

 

Melville, NY

April 2, 2018