UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to _____________
Commission File No. 333-149784
CAR CHARGING GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 03-0608147 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 601 Miami Beach, Florida |
33139 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (305) 521-0200
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: | |
Title of each class: | Name of each exchange on which registered: |
None | None |
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange 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 Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference 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, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting 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) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X]
State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates (55,296,458 shares) computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold ($0.34) as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2015): $18,800,796.
As of July 27, 2016, the registrant had 80,476,508 common shares issued and outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by Reference: None.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements discuss matters that are not historical facts. Because they discuss future events or conditions, forward-looking statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” “seek,” “plan,” “might,” “will,” “expect,” “predict,” “project,” “forecast,” “potential,” “continue” negatives thereof or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this Report and include information concerning possible or assumed future results of our operations; business strategies; future cash flows; financing plans; plans and objectives of management; any other statements regarding future operations, future cash needs, business plans and future financial results, and any other statements that are not historical facts.
From time to time, forward-looking statements also are included in our other periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K, in our press releases, in our presentations, on our website and in other materials released to the public. Any or all of the forward-looking statements included in this Report and in any other reports or public statements made by us are not guarantees of future performance and may turn out to be inaccurate. These forward-looking statements represent our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Many of those factors are outside of our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a different extent or at a different time than we have described. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Report. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning other matters addressed in this Report and attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this Report.
Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, or otherwise.
For discussion of factors that we believe could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results see “Item 1A — Risk Factors” below.
In this report, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, “CarCharging”, “the Company”, “we”, “us” or “our” refer to Car Charging Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and its subsidiaries.
The mark “Blink” is our registered trademark in the U.S., Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, and is a trademark registered under the Madrid Protocol and pursuant to the Community Trade Mark (“CTM”) in certain European countries. The mark “HQ” is our registered trademark in the U.S. All other service marks, trademarks, and tradenames appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are the property of their respective owners.
Overview
CarCharging is a leading owner, operator, and provider of electric vehicle (“EV”) charging equipment and networked EV charging services. CarCharging offers both residential and commercial EV charging equipment, enabling EV drivers to easily recharge at various location types.
Our principal line of products and services is our Blink EV charging network (the “Blink Network”) and EV charging equipment (also known as electric vehicle supply equipment - EVSE) and EV related services. Our Blink Network is proprietary cloud-based software that operates, maintains, and tracks all of the Blink EV charging stations and the associated charging data. The Blink Network provides property owners, managers, and parking companies, who we refer to as our Property Partners, with cloud-based services that enable the remote monitoring and management of EV charging stations, payment processing, and provides EV drivers with vital station information including station location, availability, and applicable fees.
We offer our Property Partners with a flexible range of business models for EV charging equipment and services. In our comprehensive and turnkey business model, we own and operate the EV charging equipment, manage the installation, maintenance, and related services; and share a portion of the EV charging revenue with the property owner. Alternatively, Property Partners may share in the equipment and installation expenses, with CarCharging operating and managing the EV charging stations and providing connectivity to the Blink Network. For Property Partners interested in purchasing and owning EV charging stations, that they manage, we can also provide EV charging hardware, site recommendations, connectivity to the Blink Network, and service and maintenance services.
We have strategic partnerships across numerous transit/destination locations, including airports, auto dealers, healthcare/medical, hotel, mixed-use, municipal locations, multifamily residential and condo, parks and recreation areas, parking lots, religious institution, restaurants, retailers, schools and universities, stadiums, supermarkets, transportation hubs, and workplace locations. We currently have approximately 4,880 Level 2 public charging units, 130 DC Fast Charging EV chargers and 2,800 residential charging units in service on the Blink Network. Additionally, we currently have approximately 370 Level 2 charging units on other networks and there are also approximately an additional 3,400 non-networked, residential Blink EV charging stations.
Industry Overview
The market for plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) has experienced significant growth in recent years in response to consumer demand for vehicles with greater fuel efficiency, greater performance, and with lower environmental emissions. The demand for EVs has been spurred in part by federal and state fuel economy standards and other state and local incentives and rebates for EVs. For example, the states of California, Oregon, Ney York, Maryland, Massachusetts and others have created mandates for EVs with the goal of 3.3 million EVs on the road by 2025. At the same time, oil and gas prices continue to experience spikes and fluctuations, while at the same time the cost of battery technology continues to fall as the battery industry achieves scale. In response, major automotive OEMs have accelerated the adoption of EV models, with more than 25 EV models currently available from Tesla, Nissan, Kia, GM, Ford, Fiat, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Land Rover, Porsche, and many others. As a result, sales of EVs have risen to more than 400,000 vehicles in 2015 and, according to the Electric Drive Transportation Association, is expected to grow by a factor of 12 to 3.5 million in 2025.
However, a major impediment to EV adoption has been the lack of EV charging infrastructure. We believe that a viable model for continued deployment of EV charging infrastructure continues to evolve. Examples of federal programs designed to stimulate development of EV charging infrastructure includes the recent White House announcement of, among other things, programs to release up to $4.5 billion in loan guarantees and invite applications to support the deployment of commercial EV charging facilities, and the launching of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act process to identify and develop corridors for zero emission and alternative fuel vehicles, which will include a network of EV fast charging stations.
According to a report published by Navigant Research in the second quarter of 2016, sales of EV service equipment globally are expected to grow from approximately 0.425 million units in 2016 to 2.5 million units in 2025. Major utility companies are also working on upgrading their grid infrastructure in order to prepare for mass consumption of electricity by electric vehicles.
While many believe that the majority of EV charging occurs at home, we believe the need for a robust, pervasive public EV charging infrastructure is required to eliminate range anxiety. In addition to providing strategic, public charging stations, we believe that it is necessary to provide EV charging solutions to those drivers that do not live in single-family homes, but share parking facilities, including multifamily residential apartment buildings and condominiums. While there are a few, leading competitors and various, smaller EV charging equipment or service providers that have emerged in the market, their products and services are limited. Typically, these companies offer EV charging equipment, an EV charging network, or EV charging services with third party equipment.
1 |
Our EV Charging Solutions
We offer a broad range of EV charging products and services to property partners and EV drivers.
EV Charging Products | ||
● | Level 2. We offer Level 2 (AC) EV charging equipment, which is ideal for commercial and residential use, and has the standard J1772 connector, which is compatible with all major auto manufacturer electric vehicle models. Our commercial equipment is available in pedestal or wall mount configurations, with the ability to connect to our robust Blink Network. Our non-networked residential product, Blink HQ, is available in a wall-mount configuration and offers a delay start feature that allows users to optimize charging by utility rates. Level 2 charging stations typically provide a full charge in two to eight hours. Level 2 chargers are ideally suited for low-cost installations and frequently used parking locations, such as workplace, multifamily residential, retail and mixed-use, parking garages, municipalities, colleges/schools, hospitals, and airports. | |
● | DCFC. Our DC Fast charging equipment (DFC) currently has the CHAdeMo connector, which is compatible with Nissan, Kia, and Tesla electric vehicle models (additional models may be potentially available in the future), and typically provides a full-charge in less than 30 minutes. Installation of DC Fast Charging stations and grid requirements are typically greater than Level 2 charging stations, and are ideally suited for transportation hubs and locations between travel destinations. |
We intend to enhance our current equipment offerings by developing and offering new generations of EV charging equipment.
EV Charging Services | ||
● | Blink Network. Our proprietary, cloud-based Blink Network allows us to share convenient and advantageous station management features and pertinent data with property partners and EV drivers through user interfaces. These features include real-time station status, payment processing, detailed charging session information, monitoring and troubleshooting stations remotely, as well as standard and customized reporting capabilities (energy dispensed, greenhouse gases reduced, oil barrels saved, gallons of fuel saved, etc.). | |
● | Blink Mobile application. Our proprietary mobile application, available for iOS and Android, provides EV drivers with vital station information, including the ability to locate EV charging stations on the Blink Network, view real-time station status information, pay and initiate EV charging sessions, become a Blink member, and manage their Blink account (billing information, RFID cards, SMS and email notifications). |
We believe that we are unique in our ability to provide various business models to property partners and leverage our technology to meet the needs of both property partners and EV drivers. Our property partner business model options include:
1. | The property partner purchases our EV charging equipment for use by EV drivers and pays for connectivity to the Blink Network as well as payment transaction fees. | |
2. | We provide EV charging equipment, which we own and maintain, and operate the EV charging services through our Blink Network and share a portion of the revenues generated from the stations with our property partner. | |
3. | We also offer customized business models that meet individual property partner needs. |
Our Strategy
Our objective is to continue to be a leading provider of EV charging solutions by deploying mass scale EV charging infrastructure, and by doing so, enable the accelerated growth of EV adoption and the EV industry. Key elements of our strategy include:
● | Relentless Focus on Customer Satisfaction. Increase overall customer satisfaction with new and existing property partners and EV drivers by upgrading and expanding the EV charging footprint throughout high demand, high density geographic areas. In addition, improve productivity and utilization of existing EV charging stations, as well as to continue to enhance the valuable features of our EV charging station hardware and the Blink Network. | |
● | Leverage Our Early Mover Advantage. We continue to leverage our large and defendable first mover advantage and the digital customer experience we have created for both drivers and property partners. We believe that there are tens of thousands of Blink driver registrants that appreciate the value of transacting charging sessions on a leading, established, and robust network experience. We have thousands of Blink chargers deployed across the United States and the tendency is to stay within one consistent network for expansion on any given property. |
2 |
● | Expand Sales and Marketing Resources. Our intention is to invest in sales and marketing infrastructure to capitalize on the growth in the market as well as to expand our go-to-market strategy. Today, we use a direct sales force and intend to continue to expand our efforts as well as invest in a wholesale channel go-to-market strategy that may include wholesale electrical distributors, independent sales agents, utilities, solar distributors, contractors, automotive manufacturers, and auto dealers. | |
● | Continue to Invest in Technology Innovation. We will continue to enhance the product offerings available in our EV charging hardware, cloud-based software, and networking capability. This includes the design and launch of our next generation of EV charging solutions, including accelerating the charge currents currently available in EV charging hardware and new, robust Blink Network features in order to distance ourselves from the competition. The company’s key service solutions allow us to remain technology agnostic, and if market conditions shift, we have the option to leverage pure play hardware providers to augment our products. | |
● | Properly Capitalize Our Business. We continue to pursue and welcome new potential capital sources to deliver on key operational objectives and the necessary resources to execute our overall strategy. The EV charger industry as a whole is undercapitalized to deliver the full potential of the expected EV market growth in the near future. We expect to retain our leadership position with new capital. |
Our Customers and Partners
CarCharging has strategic partnerships across numerous transit/destination locations, including airports, auto dealers, healthcare/medical, hotel, mixed-use, municipal locations, multifamily residential and condo, parks and recreation areas, parking lots, religious institution, restaurants, retailers, schools and universities, stadiums, supermarkets, transportation hubs, and workplace locations. CarCharging has hundreds of property partners that include well-recognized companies, large municipalities, and local businesses. Some examples are Caltrans, City of Azusa, City of Chula Vista, City of Springfield, City of Tucson, Cracker Barrel, Federal Realty, Fred Meyer Stores, Inc., Fry’s Food & Drug, Inc., IKEA, JBG Associates, LLC, Kroger Company and Ralphs Grocery Company. CarCharging continues to establish contracts with property partners that previously had contracts with ECOtality, the former owner of the Blink related assets.
We currently have approximately 11,600 charging stations deployed of which 4,880 are Level 2 public charging units, 130 DC Fast Charging EV chargers and 2,800 residential charging units in service on the Blink Network. Additionally, we currently have approximately 370 Level 2 charging units on other networks and there are also approximately an additional 3,400 non-networked, residential Blink EV charging stations.
Our revenues are primarily derived from EV charging hardware sales to our property partners, fees from public EV charging services to EV drivers, government grants, and marketing incentives. EV charging fees to EV drivers are based either on an hourly rate, a per kilowatt-hour (“kWh”) rate, or by session, and are calculated based on a variety of factors, including associated station costs and local electricity tariffs. In addition, other sources of fees from EV charging services are network fees and payment processing fees paid by our property partners.
We continue to invest in the improvement of the service and maintenance of our Company-owned stations, as well as those stations with a service and maintenance plans, and expanding our cloud-based network capabilities. We anticipate continuing to expand our revenues by selling our next generation of EV charging equipment, expanding our sales channels, and implementing EV charging station occupancy fees (after charging is completed, fees for remaining connected to the charging station beyond an allotted grace period), subscription plans for our Blink-owned public charging locations, and advertising fees.
Sales and Marketing
We currently maintain an in-house field sales force that maintains business relationships with our property partners and develops new sales opportunities through lead generation and marketing. We also sell our products and services through reseller partners, which then sell to property representatives and/or hosts.
Marketing is performed by CarCharging’s in-house staff. To promote and sell the Company’s services to property owners and managers, parking companies, and EV drivers, CarCharging also utilizes marketing and communication channels including press releases, email marketing, websites (www.CarCharging.com, www.BlinkNetwork.com, www.BlinkHQ.com), Google AdWords, and social media. The information on the Company’s websites is not, and will not be deemed, a part of this Report or incorporated into any other filings the Company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
CarCharging has strategic partnerships across numerous transit/destination locations, including airports, car dealers, healthcare/medical, hotel, mixed-use, municipal locations, multifamily residential and condo, parks and recreation areas, parking lots, religious institution, restaurants, retailers, schools and universities, stadiums, supermarkets, transportation hubs, and workplace locations. CarCharging has hundreds of property partners that include well-recognized companies, large municipalities, and local businesses. Some examples are Caltrans, City of Azusa, City of Chula Vista, City of Springfield, City of Tucson, Cracker Barrel, Federal Realty, Fred Meyer Stores, Inc., Fry’s Food & Drug, Inc., IKEA, JBG Associates, LLC, Kroger Company and Ralphs Grocery Company. CarCharging continues to establish contracts with property partners that previously secured independently, or had contracts with ECOtality, the former owner of the Blink related assets.
3 |
Competition
The EV charging equipment and service market is highly competitive and we expect the market to become increasingly competitive as new entrants enter this growing market. Our products and services compete on the basis of product performance and features, total cost of ownership, sales capabilities, financial stability, brand recognition, product reliability and size of installed base. Our existing competition currently includes ChargePoint, which manufactures EV charging equipment and operates the ChargePoint Network; and EVgo, which offers home and public charging with pay-as-you-go and subscription models. There are other entrants into the connected EV charging station equipment market, such as General Electric, SemaCharge, EVConnect, and Greenlots. These additional competitors struggle with gaining the necessary network traction but could gain momentum in the future. While Tesla does offer EV charging services, the connector type utilized currently restricts the chargers to Tesla vehicles. There are many other large and small EV charger companies that offer non-networked or “basic” chargers that have limited customer leverage, but could provide a low-cost solution for basic charger needs in commercial and home locations.
Although we believe we have competitive advantages, such as our long-term contracts with property owners and managers, and our flexible business model where we are able to sell both EV charging stations as well provide access to a leading EV charging network, many of our current and expected future competitors have considerably greater financial and other resources than we do, and may leverage those resources to compete effectively.
Government Regulation and Incentives
Regulations
State, regional, and local regulations for installation of EV charging stations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may include permitting requirements, inspection requirements, licensing of contractors, and certifications as examples. Compliance with such regulation(s) may cause installation delays.
Currently, the Company applies charging fees by the kilowatt-hour for its services in states that permit this policy and hourly and by session for its services in states that do not permit per kilowatt-hour pricing. California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington have determined that companies that sell EV charging services to the public will not be regulated as utilities, therefore, allowing CarCharging to charge fees based on kilowatt usage. These individual state determinations are not binding on any other regulator or jurisdiction; however, they demonstrate a trend in the way states view the industry. Other jurisdictions are in the process of adopting such reforms.
Historically, the Company has secured and depended on incentives, and intends to continues to pursue incentives from various governmental jurisdictions. As an example, the Company recently endorsed the Obama Administration’s announcement of, among other things, programs to:
● | Release up to $4.5 billion in loan guarantees and invite applications to support the deployment of commercial EV charging facilities; | |
● | Launch the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act process to identify and develop corridors for zero emission and alternative fuel vehicles, which will include a network of EV fast charging stations; and | |
● | Host an “Electric Vehicle Hackathon” in order to determine insights and develop new EV charging solutions. |
We intend to continue to vigorously seek additional grants, loans, rebates, subsidies, and incentives as a cost effective means of reducing our capital investment in the promotion, purchase, and installation of charging stations where applicable. We expect that these incentives, rebates, and tax credits will be critical to our future growth.
4 |
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, copyright, unfair competition and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual restrictions, to establish, maintain and protect our proprietary rights. Our success depends in part upon our ability to obtain and maintain proprietary protection for our products, technology and know-how, to operate without infringing the proprietary rights of others, and to prevent others from infringing our proprietary rights.
As of April 28, 2016, we had 6 patents issued in the U.S., 4 patents issued in Canada, and 4 patents issued in South Korea. These patents relate to various aspects of battery charging and EV charging design. We intend to continue to regularly assess opportunities for seeking patent protection for those aspects of our technology, designs and methodologies that we believe provide a meaningful competitive advantage. However, our ability to do so may be limited until such time as we are able to generate cash flow from operations or otherwise raise sufficient capital to continue to invest in our intellectual property. If we are unable to do so, our ability to protect our intellectual property or prevent others from infringing our proprietary rights may be impaired.
In addition, in March 2012, the Company entered into an exclusive Patent License Agreement with Michael D. Farkas, our Executive Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, and an affiliate of Mr. Farkas (the “Farkas License”), whereby the Company agreed to pay a royalty of 10% of the gross profits received by the Company from commercial sales and/or use of two provisional patent applications, one relating to an inductive charging parking bumper and one relating to a process which allows multiple EVs to plug into an EV charging station simultaneously and charge as the current becomes available.
In March 2016, the Company and Mr. Farkas terminated the license agreement as to the pending patent application relating to the inductive charging parking bumper. The Company has not paid nor incurred any royalties to date under the Farkas License Agreement.
Employees
As of July 27, 2016, we have 30 full-time and 7 part-time employees. Our full-time employees work in the following places: 10 are located at our headquarters in Miami Beach, Florida, 15 are located in Phoenix, Arizona, 1 is located in Los Gatos, California, 1 is located in San Francisco, California, 1 is located in Los Angeles, California, 1 is located in New York, New York and 1 is located in Oregon. None of our employees are represented by a union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We have not experienced any work stoppages and we consider our relationship with our employees to be good.
Other Corporate Information
Car Charging Group, Inc. is the parent company of Car Charging, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which serves as the main operating company and is, in turn, the parent company of several distinct wholly-owned subsidiary operating companies including, but not limited to, eCharging Stations LLC, Blink, Beam Charging LLC and EV Pass LLC. We determined that we are the primary beneficiary of 350 Green LLC (“350 Green”), and as such, 350 Green’s assets, liabilities and results of operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
We maintain our principal offices at 1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 601, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139. Our telephone number is (305) 521-0200. Our Silicon Valley office houses the Company’s CEO as a strategic location for continued visibility and recruitment from the largest EV market and technology hub. Our website is www.CarCharging.com; we can be contacted by email at info@CarCharging.com. The information on the Company’s websites is not, and will not be deemed, a part of this Report or incorporated into any other filings the Company makes with the SEC.
In addition to other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the following risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating our business as they may have a significant impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected. Because of the following factors, as well as other variables affecting our operating results, past financial performance should not be considered as a reliable indicator of future performance and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods.
5 |
Relating to Our Business
Our revenue growth depends on consumers’ willingness to adopt EVs.
Our growth is highly dependent upon the adoption by consumers of, and we are subject to a risk of any reduced demand for EVs. If the market for EVs does not gain broad market acceptance or develops more slowly than we expect, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be harmed. The market for alternative fuel vehicles is relatively new, rapidly evolving, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, price competition, additional competitors, evolving government regulation and industry standards, frequent new vehicle announcements, long development cycles for EV original equipment manufacturers and changing consumer demands and behaviors. Factors that may influence the purchase and use of alternative fuel vehicles, and specifically EVs, include:
● | perceptions about EV quality, safety (in particular with respect to lithium-ion battery packs), design, performance and cost, especially if adverse events or accidents occur that are linked to the quality or safety of EVs; | |
● | the limited range over which EVs may be driven on a single battery charge and concerns about running out of power while in use; | |
● | improvements in the fuel economy of the internal combustion engine; | |
● | consumers’ desire and ability to purchase a luxury automobile or one that is perceived as exclusive; | |
● | the environmental consciousness of consumers; | |
● | volatility in the cost of oil and gasoline; | |
● | consumers’ perceptions of the dependency of the U.S. on oil from unstable or hostile countries and the impact of international conflicts; | |
● | government regulations and economic incentives promoting fuel efficiency and alternate forms of energy; | |
● | access to charging stations, standardization of EV charging systems and consumers’ perceptions about convenience and cost to charge an EV; and | |
● | the availability of tax and other governmental incentives to purchase and operate EVs or suture regulation requiring increased use of nonpolluting vehicles. |
The influence of any of the factors described above may negatively impact the widespread consumer adoption of EVs, which would materially adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects.
We need additional capital to fund our growing operations and cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain sufficient capital on reasonable terms or at all, and we may be faced to limit the scope of our operations.
We need additional capital to fund our growing operations and if adequate additional financing is not available on reasonable terms or available at all, we may not be able to undertake expansion or continue our marketing efforts and we would have to modify our business plans accordingly. The extent of our capital needs will depend on numerous factors, including (i) our profitability; (ii) the release of competitive products and/or services by our competition; (iii) the level of our investment in research and development; (iv) the amount of our capital expenditures, including acquisitions, and (v) our growth. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain capital in the future to meet our needs.
Even if we do find a source of additional capital, we may not be able to negotiate terms and conditions for receiving the additional capital that are acceptable to us. Any future capital investments could dilute or otherwise materially and adversely affect the holdings or rights of our existing shareholders. In addition, new equity or convertible debt securities issued by us to obtain financing could have rights, preferences and privileges senior to our common stock. We cannot give you any assurance that any additional financing will be available to us, or if available, will be on terms favorable to us.
The report of our independent registered public accounting firm contains an explanatory paragraph that expresses substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
The report of our independent registered public accounting firm with respect to our financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and for the year then ended indicates that our financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern. The report states that, since we have incurred net losses since inception and we need to raise additional funds to meet our obligations and sustain our operations, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our plans in regard to these matters are described in footnote two to our audited financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years then ended, which are included following Item 15 – Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
We have a history of significant losses, and if we do not achieve and sustain profitability, our financial condition could suffer.
We have experienced significant net losses, and we expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future. We incurred net losses of $8.2 million and $23.2 million the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and as of December 31, 2015 our accumulated deficit was $73.4 million. Our prior losses, combined with expected future losses, have had and will continue to have, for the foreseeable future, an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital. If our revenue grows more slowly than we anticipate, or if our operating expenses are higher than we expect, we may not be able to achieve profitability and our financial condition could suffer. Even if we achieve profitability in the future, we may not be able to sustain profitability in subsequent periods.
6 |
The unavailability, reduction or elimination of government incentives could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.
Currently, government grants account for 29% of our revenues. Any reduction, elimination or discriminatory application of government subsidies and economic incentives because of policy changes, fiscal tightening or other reasons may result in diminished revenues from government sources and diminished demand for our products. This could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Our growth depends in part on the availability and amounts of government subsidies for EV charging equipment. In the event such subsidies discontinue, our business outlook and financial conditions could be negatively impacted.
If we are unable to keep up with advances in electric vehicle technology, we may suffer a decline in our competitive position.
The EV industry is characterized by rapid technological change. If we are unable to keep up with changes in EV technology, our competitive position may deteriorate which would materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition. As technologies change, we plan to upgrade or adapt our EV charging stations and Blink Network software in order to continue to provide EV charging services with the latest technology. However, due to our limited cash resources, our efforts to do so may be limited. For example, the EV charging network that we acquired from Ecotality was originally funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Energy, which funding is no longer available to us. As a result, we may be unable to grow, maintain and enhance the network of charging stations that we acquired from Ecotality at the same rate and scale as Ecotality did prior to the acquisition or at levels comparable our current competitors. Any failure of our charging stations to compete effectively with other manufacturers’ charging stations will harm our business, operating results and prospects.
We need to manage growth in operations to realize our growth potential and achieve our expected revenues, and our failure to manage growth will cause a disruption of our operations resulting in the failure to generate revenue and an impairment of our long-lived assets.
In order to take advantage of the growth that we anticipate in our current and potential markets, we believe that we must expand our marketing operations. This expansion will place a significant strain on our management and our operational, accounting, and information systems. We expect that we will need to continue to improve our financial controls, operating procedures and management information systems. We will also need to effectively train, motivate and manage our employees. Our failure to manage our growth could disrupt our operations and ultimately prevent us from generating the revenues we expect.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned targets, the general strategies of our Company are to maintain and search for hard-working employees who have innovative initiatives; as well as to keep a close eye on expansion opportunities through merger and/or acquisition.
We have limited insurance coverage, and any claims beyond our insurance coverage may result in our incurring substantial costs and a diversion of resources.
We hold employer’s liability insurance generally covering death or work-related injury of employees. We hold public liability insurance covering certain incidents involving third parties that occur on or in the premises of the Company. We hold directors and officers liability insurance. We do not maintain key-man life insurance on any of our senior management or key personnel, or business interruption insurance. Our insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover any claim for product liability, damage to our fixed assets or employee injuries. Any liability or damage to, or caused by, our facilities or our personnel beyond our insurance coverage may result in our incurring substantial costs and a diversion of resources.
7 |
Our future success depends, in part, on the performance and continued service of our officers.
We presently depend to a great extent upon the experience, abilities and continued services of Michael Calise, Michael D. Farkas, Andy Kinard and Ira Feintuch, our management team. The loss of services of Mr. Calise, Mr. Farkas, Mr. Kinard or Mr. Feintuch could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operation.
Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel.
Our future success also depends upon our ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. Expansion of our business and the management and operation of the Company will require additional managers and employees with industry experience, and our success will be highly dependent on our ability to attract and retain skilled management personnel and other employees. There can be no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain highly qualified personnel. As our industry continues to evolve, competition for skilled personnel with the requisite experience will be significant. This competition may make it more difficult and expensive to attract, hire and retain qualified managers and employees.
We are in an intensely competitive industry and there can be no assurance that we will be able to compete with our competitors who may have greater resources.
The Company faces strong competition from competitors in the EV charging services industry, including competitors who could duplicate our model. Many of these competitors may have substantially greater financial, marketing and development resources and other capabilities than the Company. In addition, there are very few barriers to entry into the market for our services. There can be no assurance, therefore, that any of our current and future competitors, many of whom may have far greater resources, will not independently develop services that are substantially equivalent or superior to our services. Therefore, an investment in the Company is very risky and speculative due to the competitive environment in which the Company may operate.
If a third party asserts that we are infringing its intellectual property, whether successful or not, it could subject us to costly and time-consuming litigation or expensive licenses, and our business may be harmed.
The EV and EV charging industries are characterized by the existence of a large number of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets. As we face increasing competition, the possibility of intellectual property rights claims against us grows. Our technologies may not be able to withstand any third-party claims or rights against their use. Additionally, although we have acquired from other companies proprietary technology covered by patents, we cannot be certain that any such patents will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Intellectual property infringement claims against us could harm our relationships with our customers, may deter future customers from subscribing to our services or could expose us to litigation with respect to these claims. Even if we are not a party to any litigation between a customer and a third party, an adverse outcome in any such litigation could make it more difficult for us to defend our intellectual property in any subsequent litigation in which we are a named party. Any of these results could harm our brand and operating results.
Any intellectual property rights claim against us or our customers, with or without merit, could be time-consuming, expensive to litigate or settle and could divert management resources and attention. An adverse determination also could prevent us from offering our services to our customers and may require that we procure or develop substitute services that do not infringe.
With respect to any intellectual property rights claim against us or our customers, we may have to pay damages or stop using technology found to be in violation of a third party’s rights. We may have to seek a license for the technology, which may not be available on reasonable terms, may significantly increase our operating expenses or require us to restrict our business activities in one or more respects. The technology also may not be available for license to us at all. As a result, we may also be required to develop alternative non-infringing technology, which could require significant effort and expense.
The success of our business depends in large part on our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights.
We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, service mark, trademark, and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual restrictions, to establish and protect our proprietary rights, all of which provide only limited protection. We cannot assure you that any patents will issue with respect to our currently pending patent applications, in a manner that gives us the protection that we seek, if at all, or that any future patents issued to us will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Our currently issued patents and any patents that may issue in the future with respect to pending or future patent applications may not provide sufficiently broad protection or they may not prove to be enforceable in actions against alleged infringers. Also, we cannot assure you that any future service mark registrations will be issued with respect to pending or future applications or that any registered service marks will be enforceable or provide adequate protection of our proprietary rights.
8 |
We endeavor to enter into agreements with our employees and contractors and agreements with parties with whom we do business in order to limit access to and disclosure of our proprietary information. We cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent unauthorized use of our technology or the reverse engineering of our technology. Moreover, others may independently develop technologies that are competitive to ours or infringe our intellectual property. The enforcement of our intellectual property rights also depends on our legal actions against these infringers being successful, but we cannot be sure these actions will be successful, even when our rights have been infringed.
Furthermore, effective patent, trademark, service mark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which our services are available over the Internet. In addition, the legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property rights in EV-related industries are uncertain and still evolving.
Risks Associated with Our Common Stock
Our prior failure to prepare and file timely our periodic reports with the sec limits us from accessing the public markets to raise debt or equity capital. In addition, our common stock is not currently Rule 144 eligibile and we are unable to file a registration statement as contemplated under the terms of a registration rights agreement entered into on July 24, 2015 with Eventide.
We have not filed a Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. Because we are not current in our reporting requirements with the SEC, we are limited in our ability to access the public markets to raise debt or equity capital. Our limited ability to access the public markets could prevent us from pursuing transactions or implementing business strategies that we believe would be beneficial to our business. As a result of our failure to file our SEC filings by the filing date required by the SEC (including the grace period permitted by Rule 12b-25 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), our common stock is not eligible for resale under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. Accordingly, investors and holders of our common stock may not be able to sell their stock until we are current under the 1934 Act.
In addition, on July 24, 2015, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement with Eventide Gilead Fund (“Eventide”) whereby Eventide purchased shares of preferred stock and warrants in the Company and the Company agreed to file a Registration Statement within 120 calendar days following the Closing Date to register such shares and warrant shares. We cannot file a Registration Statement until we are current in our Exchange Act filings and, therefore, we may be subject to penalties from Eventide.
If we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or prevent fraud. Any inability to report and file our financial results accurately and timely could harm our reputation and adversely impact the trading price of our common stock.
Effective internal control is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business and reputation with investors may be harmed. As a result, our small size and any current internal control deficiencies may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and access to capital. We have carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level due to the material weaknesses described below.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, within the meaning of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) Audit Standard No. 5, 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. Management has identified the following material weaknesses which have caused management to conclude that as of December 31, 2015 our internal controls over financial reporting (“ICFR”) were not effective at the reasonable assurance level:
1. | We do not have written documentation of our internal control policies and procedures. Written documentation of key internal controls over financial reporting is a requirement of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act which is applicable to us for the year ended December 31, 2015. Management evaluated the impact of our failure to have written documentation of our internal controls and procedures on our assessment of our disclosure controls and procedures and has concluded that the control deficiency that resulted represented a material weakness. | |
2. | We do not have sufficient resources in our accounting function, which restricts the Company’s ability to gather, analyze and properly review information related to financial reporting in a timely manner. In addition, due to our size and nature, segregation of all conflicting duties may not always be possible and may not be economically feasible. However, to the extent possible, the initiation of transactions, the custody of assets and the recording of transactions should be performed by separate individuals. Management evaluated the impact of our failure to have segregation of duties on our assessment of our disclosure controls and procedures and has concluded that the control deficiency that resulted represented a material weakness. |
9 |
3. | We do not have personnel with sufficient experience with United States generally accepted accounting principles to address complex transactions. | |
4. | We have inadequate controls to ensure that information necessary to properly record transactions is adequately communicated on a timely basis from non-financial personnel to those responsible for financial reporting. Management evaluated the impact of the lack of timely communication between non–financial and financial personnel on our assessment of our reporting controls and procedures and has concluded that the control deficiency represented a material weakness. | |
5. | We have determined that oversight over our external financial reporting and internal control over our financial reporting by our audit committee is ineffective. The audit committee has not provided adequate review of the Company’s SEC’s filings and consolidated financial statements and has not provided adequate supervision and review of the Company’s accounting personnel or oversight of the independent registered accounting firm’s audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statement. |
We have taken steps to remediate some of the weaknesses described above, including by engaging financial consultants with expertise in accounting for complex transactions. We intend to continue to address these weaknesses as resources permit.
Our common stock is currently quoted only on the OTC Pink marketplace (“OTC Pink”), which may have an unfavorable impact on our stock price and liquidity.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Pink. The OTC Pink is a significantly more limited market than the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ Stock Market. The quotation of our shares on the OTC Pink may result in a less liquid market available for existing and potential stockholders to trade shares of our common stock, could depress the trading price of our common stock and could have a long-term adverse impact on our ability to raise capital in the future.
There can be no assurance that there will be an active market for our shares of common stock either now or in the future. Market liquidity will depend on the perception of our operating business and any steps that our management might take to bring us to the awareness of investors. There can be no assurance given that there will be any awareness generated. Consequently, investors may not be able to liquidate their investment or liquidate it at a price that reflects the value of the business. As a result holders of our securities may not find purchasers for our securities should they to desire to sell them. Consequently, our securities should be purchased only by investors having no need for liquidity in their investment and who can hold our securities for an indefinite period of time.
Our shares of common stock are very thinly traded, and the price may not reflect our value and there can be no assurance that there will be an active market for our shares of common stock either now or in the future.
Our shares of common stock are very thinly traded, and the price, if traded, may not reflect our value. There can be no assurance that there will be an active market for our shares of common stock either now or in the future. The market liquidity will be dependent on the perception of our operating business and any steps that our management might take to increase awareness of the Company with investors. There can be no assurance given that there will be any awareness generated. Consequently, investors may not be able to liquidate their investment or liquidate it at a price that reflects the value of the business. If a more active market should develop, the price may be highly volatile. Because there may be a low price for our shares of common stock, many brokerage firms may not be willing to effect transactions in the securities. Even if an investor finds a broker willing to effect a transaction in the shares of our common stock, the combination of brokerage commissions, transfer fees, taxes, if any, and any other selling costs may exceed the selling price. Further, many lending institutions will not permit the use of such shares of common stock as collateral for loans.
Future issuance of our common stock, preferred stock, options and warrants could dilute the interests of exisitng stockholders.
We may issue additional shares of our common stock, preferred stock, options and warrants in the future. The issuance of a substantial amount of common stock, options and warrants could have the effect of substantially diluting the interests of our current stockholders. In addition, the sale of a substantial amount of common stock or preferred stock in the public market, or the exercise of a substantial number of warrants and options either in the initial issuance or in a subsequent resale by the target company in an acquisition which received such common stock as consideration or by investors who acquired such common stock in a private placement could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
10 |
The application of the security and exchange commission’s “penny stock” rules to our common stock could limit trading activity in the market, and our stockholders may find it more difficult to sell their stock.
Our common stock continues to trade at less than $5.00 per share and is, therefore, subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) penny stock rules. Penny stocks generally are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00. Penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. The broker-dealer must also make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity, if any, in the secondary market for a security that becomes subject to the penny stock rules. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by such requirements may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our securities, which could severely limit their market price and liquidity of our securities. These requirements may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our common stock and may affect your ability to resell our common stock.
We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, and you must rely on increases in the market prices of our common stock for returns on your investment.
For the foreseeable future, we intend to retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock. Accordingly, investors must be prepared to rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation to earn an investment return, which may never occur. Investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase our common stock. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of the Board and will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors the Board deems relevant.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
This information is not required for smaller reporting companies.
The Company’s corporate headquarters are located in Miami Beach, Florida. The Company currently leases space located at 1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 601, Miami Beach Florida 33139. On July 31, 2015, the lease agreement was amended such that the lease is for a term of 38 months beginning on August 1, 2015 and ending September 30, 2018. Additionally, the Company has a month-to-month lease for an office in Los Gatos, California beginning in June 2016. The Company also has a five-year sublease for office and warehouse space in Phoenix, Arizona beginning December 1, 2013 and ending November 30, 2018.
On July 28, 2015, a Notice of Arbitration was received stating ITT Cannon has a dispute with Blink for the manufacturing and purchase of 6,500 charging cables by Blink, who has not taken delivery or made payment on the contract price of $737,425. ITT Cannon also seeks to be paid the cost of attorney’s fees as well as punitive damages. We contend that the product was not in accordance with the specifications in the purchase order and, as such, believes the claim is without merit. The parties have agreed on a single arbitrator and are working to schedule the arbitration while simultaneously pursuing settlement options.
350 Green, LLC
On January 20, 2015, the ECOtality Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (“Committee”) filed a motion to set aside Confirmation Order Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9024 (“Order”) requesting that the Bankruptcy court set aside a prior order confirming a Plan of Reorganization (“Plan”), previously confirmed by the Court on December 31, 2014, to which a wholly-owned subsidiary (“subsidiary”) of ours was a party, due to the alleged failure by the subsidiary and us to perform certain obligations as required by the Order and alleged misrepresentations, non-disclosures and other alleged actions in relation thereto. On February 2, 2015, the Committee then initiated an adversary proceeding in the Bankruptcy Case and filed a complaint against us requesting the same relief and reserving all rights and remedies regarding civil causes of action or damages against the defendants. The matter has been resolved between the parties.
On September 9, 2015, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit of Chicago, Illinois affirmed the ruling of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in the matter of JNS Power & Control Systems, Inc. (“JNS”) v. 350 Green, LLC in favor of JNS, which affirmed the sale of certain assets by 350 Green to JNS and the assumption of certain 350 Green liabilities by JNS. JNS has amended the complaint to add CCGI alleging an unspecified amount of lost revenues from the chargers, among other matters, caused by the defendants. Plaintiff also seeks indemnity for its unspecified costs in connection with enforcing the Asset Purchase Agreement in courts in New York and Chicago. CCGI has filed a motion to dismiss and the parties have concurrently agreed to attend a settlement conference, the date for which has not yet been confirmed by the Court.
General Litigation
From time to time, the Company is a defendant or plaintiff in various legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. The Company records legal costs associated with loss contingencies as incurred and has accrued for all probable and estimable settlements.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
11 |
ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES. |
Market Information
Our common stock currently trades on the OTC Pink under the symbol “CCGI”. The OTC Pink is a quotation service that displays real-time quotes, last-sale prices, and volume information in over-the-counter equity securities.
Price Range of Common Stock
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low bid prices per share for our common stock as reported by the relevant OTC quotation service. These bid prices represent prices quoted by broker-dealers on the relevant OTC quotation service. The prices reflect inter-dealer quotations, do not include retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions and do not necessarily reflect actual transactions.
Quarter ended | High | Low | ||||||
June 30, 2016 | $ | 0.89 | $ | 0.25 | ||||
March 31, 2016 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 0.10 | ||||
December 31, 2015 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.11 | ||||
September 30, 2015 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.21 | ||||
June 30, 2015 | $ | 0.41 | $ | 0.25 | ||||
March 31, 2015 | $ | 0.49 | $ | 0.31 | ||||
December 31, 2014 | $ | 0.62 | $ | 0.28 | ||||
September 30, 2014 | $ | 0.84 | $ | 0.43 | ||||
June 30, 2014 | $ | 1.15 | $ | 0.76 | ||||
March 31, 2014 | $ | 1.49 | $ | 0.75 |
Security Holders
As of July 27, 2016, there were approximately 303 stockholders of record. Because shares of our common stock are held by depositaries, brokers and other nominees, the number of beneficial holders of our shares is substantially larger than the number of stockholders of record.
Dividends
To date, we have not declared or paid any dividends on our common stock. We currently do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future on our common stock. Although we intend to retain our earnings, if any, to finance the exploration and growth of our business, the Board will have the discretion to declare and pay dividends in the future.
Payment of dividends in the future will depend upon our earnings, capital requirements, and other factors, which the Board may deem relevant.
We are not permitted to pay any dividends on our common stock as long as any shares of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock are outstanding.
12 |
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
There were no sales of unregistered securities during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that were not previously disclosed in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or a Current Report on Form 8-K except as follows:
On November 11, 2015, the Company issued 18,750 fully vested shares of the Company’s common stock to Andrew Shapiro, a member of the Board, as compensation for attending a Board meeting. The shares had a grant date fair value of $3,000 based on the $0.16 trading price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the meeting.
On October 16, 2015, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with Eventide Gilead Fund (the “Purchaser”) for the purchase of an aggregate of $250,000. Pursuant to the securities purchase agreement, the Company issued the following to the Purchaser: (i) 4,167 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock with a stated value of $100 per share, and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 595,286 shares of common stock for an exercise price of $1.00 per share.
Shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock are convertible at any time at the option of the holder. Each share of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock can be converted into 143 shares of common stock.
On October 27, 2015, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with Eventide Gilead Fund (the “Purchaser”) for the purchase of an aggregate of $850,000. Pursuant to the securities purchase agreement, the Company issued the following to the Purchaser: (i) 14,166 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock with a stated value of $100 per share, and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,023,714 shares of common stock for an exercise price of $1.00 per share.
On October 14, October 16, October 27, November 9, and December 31, 2015, the Company issued one-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 20,994 shares of common stock at an estimated fair value of $12,333 to the former Beam members. The warrants had exercise prices ranging from $0.16 to $1.00 per share.
On October 14, December 4, December 7, and December 11, 2015, the Company issued five-year options to purchase a total of 30,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.17 to $0.20 per share to members of the Board as compensation for attending meetings of the OPFIN Committee. The options vest immediately and had a grant date fair value of $5,550.
On December 7, 2015, the Company issued five-year options to purchase 20,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.19 per share to members of the Board as compensation for attending a Board meeting. The options are fully vested and had an aggregate fair value of $3,800.
On November 13, 2015, the Company issued five-year options to purchase 1,045,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.63 per share to 21 employees as compensation. The options are fully vested and had an aggregate fair value of $658,350.
These shares were issued in reliance on the exemption under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended (the “Securities Act”). These shares of our common stock qualified for exemption under Section 4(2) since the issuance shares by us did not involve a public offering. In addition, the recipients had the necessary intent as required by Section 4(2) since they agreed to and received share certificates bearing a legend stating that such shares are restricted pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act. This restriction ensures that these shares would not be immediately redistributed into the market and therefore not be part of a “public offering.” Based on an analysis of the above factors, we have met the requirements to qualify for exemption under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act for this transaction.
13 |
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
We are not required to provide the information required by this item because we are a smaller reporting company.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those consolidated financial statements that are included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Our discussion includes forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. See “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
CarCharging is the largest owner, operator, and provider of electric vehicle charging services, owner of one of the leading EV charging networks, and provides EV charging solutions. CarCharging offers both commercial and residential EV charging equipment and services, enabling EV drivers to easily recharge at various location types. Headquartered in Miami Beach, FL with offices in Los Gatos, CA, and Phoenix, AZ, CarCharging’s strategy is designed to expand EV charging infrastructure availability.
CarCharging owns Blink, a company that manufactures Blink EV charging stations and develops Blink Network, the software that operates, maintains, and tracks all of the Blink EV charging stations and the associated charging data. Blink Network provides property owners and managers (“property partners”) with cloud-based services that enable the remote monitoring and management of EV charging stations, and provides EV drivers with vital station information including station location, availability, and applicable fees, and processes payments.
CarCharging offers various options to commercial and residential property owners for EV charging services. In our comprehensive and turnkey business model, CarCharging owns and operates the EV charging equipment; manages the installation, maintenance, and related services; and shares a portion of the EV charging revenue with the property owner. Alternatively, property partners can share in the equipment and installation expenses with CarCharging operating and managing the EV charging stations and providing connectivity to the Blink Network. For property partners interested in purchasing and owning EV charging stations, CarCharging can also provide EV charging hardware, site recommendations, connectivity to the Blink Network, and management and maintenance services.
CarCharging has strategic partnerships across numerous transit/destination locations, including airports, car dealers, healthcare/medical, hotel, mixed-use, municipal locations, multifamily and condo, parks and recreation areas, parking lots, religious institution, restaurants, retailers, schools and universities, stadiums, supermarkets, transportation hubs, and workplace locations.
Sales
Our revenues are primarily derived from hardware sales, fees from public EV charging services, government grants, and marketing incentives. EV charging fees are based either on an hourly rate, a per kilowatt-hour (“kWh”) rate, or by session, and are calculated based on a variety of factors, including associated station costs and local electricity tariffs. In addition, other sources of fees from EV charging services are network fees and payment processing fees.
We continue to invest in the improvement of the service and maintenance of our Company-owned stations, as well as those stations with a service and maintenance plans, and expanding our cloud-based network capabilities. We anticipate continuing to expand our revenues by selling our next generation of EV charging equipment, expanding our sales channels, and implementing EV charging station occupancy fees (after charging is completed, fees for remaining connected to the charging station beyond an allotted grace period), subscription plans for our Blink-owned public charging locations, and advertising fees.
14 |
Revenue Growth
Revenues for fiscal 2015 and 2014, were $3,957,795 and $2,791,644, respectively, representing year over year growth of approximately 42% for fiscal 2015. Revenues derived from network and transaction fees earned from our hosts increased 886%, charging service revenues increased 36%, equipment sales increased 42%, and grant revenues increased 23%.
Our demonstrated growth reflects, we believe, our ability to manage through flat EV market conditions and improve in our key areas, including EV charging equipment sales, EV charging fees, and cost reductions in the Company’s general and administrative expenses, including consolidating redundant facilities, restructuring and optimizing the call center, as well as optimizing other overhead and personnel costs. As a result of selling Blink EV charging equipment to new customers, we were also able to reduce existing first generation equipment inventory and provide future recurring service fees. Additionally, we secured commitments from new strategic customers for the next generation of commercial EV charging stations ahead of product launch and expanded relationships with marquee customers and strategic EV charging station hosts to retain market share and improve overall customer satisfaction.
We believe that the continued short-term and long-term growth of the Company is dependent on various factors, including overall EV adoption, infrastructure incentives, grant requirements, and expanding the Company’s sales channels. We believe that EV adoption is still dependent on mass scale EV charging infrastructure, which requires capital and support from the auto manufacturers to meet national and global target adoption rates. We do believe that there continues to be market demand for charging infrastructure to support the accelerated growth of EVs in future years and that there are significant growth opportunities. However, there are also inherent risks and challenges.
In order to prepare for future growth, the Company must continue to expand its charging equipment offerings and its cloud-based charging network, and control its operating and administrative costs. If these challenges and factors are not managed effectively, then our business and its operating results could be adversely affected.
Recent Developments
Private Placements
On July 24, 2015, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with a purchaser for the purchase of an aggregate gross proceeds of $830,000. Pursuant to the securities purchase agreement, we issued the following to the purchaser: (i) 9,223 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock with a stated value of $100 per share, and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,318,889 shares of common stock for an exercise price of $1.00 per share.
On October 14, 2015, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with a purchaser for the purchase of an aggregate gross proceeds of $1,100,000. Pursuant to the securities purchase agreement, we issued the following to the purchaser: (i) 18,333 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, and (ii) a five-year warrant to purchase 2,618,997 shares of common stock for an exercise price of $1.00 per share.
On March 11, 2016, we entered into securities purchase agreements with two purchasers for proceeds of an aggregate of $3,000,000, of which, $750,000 was paid to us at closing and the remaining $2,250,000 was payable to us upon the completion of certain milestones, as specified in the agreement. Based on the Company’s achievement of certain of the milestones prior to the June 24, 2016 deadline, the Company received a final aggregate of $1,367,120 and issued a total of (i) 22,786 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, and (ii) five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 3,255,047 shares of common stock for an exercise price of $1.00 per share.
Notes Payable
On June 24, 2016, we issued a sixty-day convertible note in the principal amount of $105,000 to a company wholly-owned by our Executive Chairman. The principal amount is to be repaid upon the date at which we have received payment under an existing grant with the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Interest on the note accrues at a rate of 18% annually and is payable at maturity. The unpaid principal and accrued interest are convertible at the election of the holder into shares of common stock at $0.70 per share. In connection with the note issuance, we issued a five-year immediately vested warrant to purchase 525,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.70 per share.
On June 24, 2016, we issued a sixty-day convertible note in the principal amount of $95,000 to a company wholly-owned by our Executive Chairman. The principal amount is to be repaid upon the date at which we have received at least $1,000,000 in financing from third parties. Interest on the note accrues at a rate of 18% annually and is payable at maturity. The unpaid principal and accrued interest are convertible at the election of the holder into shares of common stock at $0.70 per share. In connection with the note issuance, we issued a five-year immediately vested warrant to purchase 475,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.70 per share.
On July 27, 2016, the Company issued a sixty-day convertible note in the principal amount of $200,000 to a company wholly-owned by our Executive Chairman. The principal amount is to be repaid upon the date at which we have received at least $1,000,000 in financing from third parties. Interest on the note accrues at a rate of 18% annually and is payable at maturity. The unpaid principal and accrued interest are convertible at the election of the holder into shares of common stock at $0.70 per share. In connection with the note issuance, we issued a five-year immediately vested warrant to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.70 per share.
15 |
Resignation of Chief Financial Officer
On December 7, 2015, Jack Zwick resigned as our Chief Financial Officer and as a member of the Board, effective immediately. There was no disagreement between us and Mr. Zwick on any matter that caused his resignation. Michael Calise was appointed as our interim principal financial officer by the Board.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
Revenues
We generated charging service revenue of $1,703,013 related to installed EV charging stations for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to $1,247,778 for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $455,235, or 36%, which is primarily a result of the Company’s participation in a program sponsored by Nissan North America in which Nissan provides free electric charging to purchasers of Nissan Leafs in certain markets in the United States that commenced in July 2014, which resulted in an increase of $441,916 in charging service revenues.
Grant revenue increased from $950,358 to $1,169,149 during the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $218,791, or 23%. Grants, rebate and incentives, collectively “grant revenue” related to equipment and related installation (which are included within fixed assets on the consolidated balance sheets), are deferred and amortized in a manner consistent with the depreciation expense of the related assets over their useful lives. Grant revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was primarily derived from our agreement with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
Equipment sales increased from $565,057 to $805,143 during the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $240,086, or 42%. The increase was primarily due to a higher volume of residential and commercial units sold in 2015.
Other revenue increased from $28,451 to $280,490 during the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $252,039, or 886%. Other revenues are comprised of network and transaction fees earned from our hosts which the Company initiated during the fourth quarter of 2014, which resulted in an increase in the number of fee generating units on our network during 2016.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues primarily consists of depreciation of installed charging stations, amortization of the Blink Network infrastructure, the cost of charging station goods and related services sold, repairs and maintenance, electricity reimbursements and revenue share payments to hosts when we are the primary obligor in the revenue share arrangement. Cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $2,861,738 as compared to $5,634,379 for the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease of $2,772,641, or 49%, primarily due to a reduction in depreciation and amortization expenses resulting from the impairment of certain fixed assets in 2014. There is a degree of variability in our gross margins related to charging services revenues from period to period primarily due to (i) the mix of revenue share payment arrangements, (ii) electricity reimbursements, and (iii) the estimated repair and maintenance costs associated with those charging stations not currently in operation. Any variability in our gross margins related to equipment sales depends on the mix of products sold.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses consist of selling, marketing, advertising, payroll, administrative, finance and professional expenses.
Compensation expense decreased by $46,196, or 1%, from $8,246,442 (consisting of approximately $4.7 million of cash compensation and approximately $3.5 million of non-cash compensation) for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $8,200,246 (consisting of approximately $4.3 million of cash compensation and approximately $3.9 million of non-cash compensation) for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Other operating expenses consist primarily of rent, travel and IT expenses. Other operating expenses increased by $927,489, or 126%, from $735,259 for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $1,662,748 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable a one-time gain recognized during 2014 associated with other operating expenses.
16 |
General and administrative expenses decreased by $258,236, or 9%, from $2,811,093 for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $2,552,857 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in amortization expense of approximately $448,000 resulting from the impairment of certain fixed assets in 2014, a reduction in legal fees of $204,000 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, due to reduced litigation activity, partially offset by higher consulting fees in 2015 of approximately $360,000 due to increased external accounting fees.
Impairment of goodwill of $4,901,261 for the year ended December 31, 2014 was initially associated with the acquisition of 350 Green of $3,299,379 and the acquisition of Beam Charging LLC of $1,601,882 as the carrying value of goodwill exceeded the fair value.
An impairment charge of $2,854,442 for the year ended December 31, 2014 related to:
● | the net book value of 304 electric chargers to be removed from a host’s locations of $333,974; | |
● | the net book value of chargers whose net book value at December 31, 2014 exceeded fair value by $631,011; | |
● | the net book value of chargers to which title passed to the respective hosts as a result of non-novation of United States Department of Energy grant of $1,591,115; and | |
● | the net book value of deployments in progress acquired in conjunction with 350 Green for which continuance was not deemed feasible of $298,322. |
Impairment expense of $536,161 in 2014 associated with the net book value of a government contract that expired.
Impairment expense of $1,200,000 in 2014 associated with our acquisition of ECOtality estate.
Loss on replacement of malfunctioning EV charging stations was $39,768 during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Inducement expense for the exclusive EV installation rights provided to the Company was $321,877 during the year ended December 31, 2014, which is related to the issuance of warrants to a host to extend exclusive EV installation rights on its properties to the Company.
Other (Expense) Income
Other (expense) income increased by $1,815,171, or 144%, from other income of $1,259,699 for the year ended December 31, 2014 to other income of $3,074,870 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The net increase was primarily attributable to:
● | A gain of $1,833,896 in the year ended December 31, 2015 and a gain of 482,611 in the year ended December 31, 2014 which relate to two separate notifications from the U.S Department of Energy (“DOE”) that it had no further property interest in certain direct current fast chargers, which resulted in the release of our liability to the DOE.; and | |
● | An inducement expense of $858,118 in the year ended December 31, 2014 for the issuance of warrants to four shareholders of the Company who agreed to provide financial support to the Company in the amount of $6,250,000 through 2014 and placement agents for securing such financing; partially offset by: | |
● | A gain from the change in the fair value of warrant liabilities of $3,262,637 during the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $3,868,374 during the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease of $605,737; and | |
● | A provision for non-compliance penalty for delinquent regular SEC filings of $(1,722,217) during the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to $(711,517) during the year ended December 31, 2014. |
Net Loss
Our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $14,984,395, or 65%, to $8,244,924 as compared to $23,229,319 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in operating expenses of $9,230,432 and increases in gross profit of $3,938,792 and other income of $1,815,171. Our net loss attributable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $13,134,193, or 58%, from $22,718,817 to $9,584,624 for the aforementioned reasons and due to an increase of dividends attributable to Series C Convertible Preferred shareholders of $929,300.
17 |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
During the year ended December 31, 2015, we financed our activities from proceeds derived from sales of our capital stock. A significant portion of the funds raised from the sale of capital stock have been used to cover working capital needs and personnel, office expenses and various consulting and professional fees.
For the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we used cash of $5,937,237 and $7,036,321, respectively, in operations. Our cash use for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily attributable to our net loss of $8,244,924, adjusted for net non-cash expenses in the aggregate amount of $1,587,263, partially offset by $720,424 of net cash provided by changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities. Our cash use for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily attributable to our net loss of $23,229,319, adjusted for net non-cash expenses in the aggregate amount of $15,698,475 partially offset by $494,523 of net cash provided by changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, cash used in investing activities was $102,264, of which $210,965 was paid to the ECOtality Estate Creditor’s Committee, partially offset by $108,701 of proceeds from the sale of fixed assets. Net cash used in investing activities was $830,113 during the year ended December 31, 2014, of which, $460,798 was used for purchases of electric vehicle charging stations, $137,165 was used for the purchase of an automobile and $162,150 was used for the purchase of network software.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $4,601,670, of which $4,930,000 was provided in connection with proceeds from the issuance of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants, partially offset by the repayment of notes payable of $328,330. Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $1,656,157 of which $1,470,000 was provided in connection with proceeds from the issuance of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants, $400,000 was provided in connection with proceeds from the issuance of notes and convertible notes payable, partially offset by the repayment of notes payable of $213,843.
Subsequent to December 31, 2015, we received an aggregate of $1,367,120 through sales of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and $400,000 through the issuance of convertible notes payable.
We intend to raise additional funds during the next twelve months. The additional capital raised would be used to fund our operations. The current level of cash and operating margins is insufficient to cover our existing fixed and variable obligations, so increased revenue performance and the addition of capital through issuances of securities are critical to our success. Should we not be able to raise additional debt or equity capital through a private placement or some other financing source, we would take one or more of the following actions to conserve cash: further reductions in employee headcount, reduction in base salaries to senior executives and employees, and other cost reduction measures. Assuming that we are successful in our growth plans and development efforts, we believe that we will be able to raise additional debt or equity capital. There is no guarantee that we will be able to raise such additional funds on acceptable terms, if at all.
Our independent auditor has issued an audit opinion which includes a statement expressing substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had a cash balance, a working capital deficiency and an accumulated deficit of $189,231, $14,437,434, and $73,372,655, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred net losses of $8,244,924 and $23,229,319, respectively. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons, also known as “special purpose entities” (SPEs).
18 |
Critical Accounting Policies
Derivative Financial Instruments
We evaluate our convertible instruments to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivative financial instruments to be separately accounted for in accordance with Topic 815 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The accounting treatment of derivative financial instruments requires that we record the embedded conversion option and warrants at their fair values as of the inception date of the agreement and at fair value as of each subsequent balance sheet date. Any change in fair value is recorded as non-operating, non-cash income or expense for each reporting period at each balance sheet date. Conversion options are recorded as a discount to the host instrument and are amortized as interest expense over the life of the underlying instrument. We reassess the classification of our derivative instruments at each balance sheet date. If the classification changes as a result of events during the period, the contract is reclassified as of the date of the event that caused the reclassification.
The Binomial Lattice Model was used to estimate the fair value of the warrants that are classified as derivative liabilities. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. The expected volatility is estimated based on the most recent historical period of time equal to the weighted average life of the warrants.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
We measure the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on the guidance of ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”) which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable
Level 3 — inputs that are unobservable (for example, cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions)
The carrying amounts of our financial assets and liabilities, such as cash, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying amount of our notes payable approximates fair value because the effective yields on these obligations, which include contractual interest rates, taken together with other features such as concurrent issuance of warrants, are comparable to rates of returns for instruments of similar credit risk.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. We consider revenue realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) the services have been rendered to the customer, (iii) the sales price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured. Accordingly, when a customer completes use of a charging station, the service can be deemed rendered and revenue may be recognized based on the time duration of the session or kilowatt hours drawn during the session. Sales of EV stations are recognized upon shipment to the customer, free on board shipping point, or the point of customer acceptance.
Governmental grants and rebates pertaining to revenues and periodic expenses are recognized as income when the related revenue and/or periodic expense are recorded. Government grants and rebates related to EV charging stations and their installation are deferred and amortized in a manner consistent with the related depreciation expense of the related asset over their useful lives.
For arrangements with multiple elements, which is comprised of (1) a charging unit, (2) installation of the charging unit, (3) maintenance and (4) network fees, revenue is recognized dependent upon whether vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value exists for separating each of the elements. We determined that VSOE exists for both the delivered and undelivered elements of our multiple-element arrangements. We limit our assessment of fair value to either (a) the price charged when the same element is sold separately or (b) the price established by management having the relevant authority.
19 |
Stock-Based Compensation
We measure the cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award. For employees, the fair value of the award is measured on the grant date and for non-employees, the fair value of the award is measured on the grant date and re-measured on vesting dates and interim financial reporting dates until the service period is complete. The fair value amount is then recognized over the period during which services are required to be provided in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. Awards granted to non-employee directors for their service as a director are treated on the same basis as awards granted to employees. We compute the fair value of equity-classified warrants and options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605 - Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”) and most industry-specific guidance throughout ASC 605. The standard requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of 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 is effective on December 15, 2017 and should be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 amends the existing guidance to require that inventory should be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the effects of ASU 2015–11 on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires an entity to recognize assets and liabilities arising from a lease for both financing and operating leases. The ASU will also require new qualitative and quantitative disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating ASU 2016-02 and its impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Principal versus Agent Considerations.” This Update provides clarifying guidance regarding the application of ASU No. 2014-09 - Revenue From Contracts with Customers when another party, along with the reporting entity, is involved in providing a good or a service to a customer. In these circumstances, an entity is required to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide that good or service to the customer (that is, the entity is a principal) or to arrange for the good or service to be provided to the customer by the other party (that is, the entity is an agent). The amendments in the Update clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The Update is effective, along with ASU 2014-09, for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-08 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statement or disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718)” (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 requires an entity to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2016-09 and its impact on its consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” (“ASU 2016-10”). The amendments in this update clarify the following two aspects to Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. The entity first identifies the promised goods or services in the contract and reduce the cost and complexity. An entity evaluates whether promised goods and services are distinct. Topic 606 includes implementation guidance on determining whether an entity’s promise to grant a license provides a customer with either a right to use the entity’s intellectual property (which is satisfied at a point in time) or a right to access the entity’s intellectual property (which is satisfied over time). We are currently evaluating ASU 2016-10 and its impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements upon adoption.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are not required to provide the information required by this Item because we are a smaller reporting company.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements required by this Item 8 are included in this Annual Report following Item 15 hereof. As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide supplementary financial information.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
20 |
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports, filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 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 our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In reaching a reasonable level of assurance, management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. In addition, the design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
As required by the SEC Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b), we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level due to the material weaknesses described below.
To address these material weaknesses, management engaged financial consultants, performed additional analyses and other procedures to ensure that the financial statements included herein fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.
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 (“ICFR”) 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, 2015. The framework used by management in making that assessment was the criteria set forth in the document entitled “2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that assessment, management concluded that, during the period covered by this report, such internal controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2015 and that material weaknesses in ICFR existed as more fully described below.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, within the meaning of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) Audit Standard No. 5, 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. Management has identified the following material weaknesses which have caused management to conclude that as of December 31, 2015 our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective at the reasonable assurance level:
1. | We do not have written documentation of our internal control policies and procedures. Written documentation of key internal controls over financial reporting is a requirement of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act which is applicable to us for the year ended December 31, 2015. Management evaluated the impact of our failure to have written documentation of our internal controls and procedures on our assessment of our disclosure controls and procedures and has concluded that the control deficiency that resulted represented a material weakness. | |
2. | We do not have sufficient resources in our accounting function, which restricts the Company’s ability to gather, analyze and properly review information related to financial reporting in a timely manner. In addition, due to our size and nature, segregation of all conflicting duties may not always be possible and may not be economically feasible. However, to the extent possible, the initiation of transactions, the custody of assets and the recording of transactions should be performed by separate individuals. Management evaluated the impact of our failure to have segregation of duties on our assessment of our disclosure controls and procedures and has concluded that the control deficiency that resulted represented a material weakness. |
21 |
3. | We do not have personnel with sufficient experience with United States generally accepted accounting principles to address complex transactions. | |
4. | We have inadequate controls to ensure that information necessary to properly record transactions is adequately communicated on a timely basis from non-financial personnel to those responsible for financial reporting. Management evaluated the impact of the lack of timely communication between non–financial personnel and financial personnel on our assessment of our reporting controls and procedures and has concluded that the control deficiency represented a material weakness. | |
5. | We have determined that oversight over our external financial reporting and internal control over our financial reporting by our audit committee is ineffective. The audit committee has not provided adequate review of the Company’s SEC’s filings and consolidated financial statements and has not provided adequate supervision and review of the Company’s accounting personnel or oversight of the independent registered accounting firm’s audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statement. |
We have taken steps to remediate some of the weaknesses described above, including by engaging a financial reporting advisor with expertise in accounting for complex transactions. We intend to continue to address these weaknesses as resources permit.
Notwithstanding the assessment that our ICFR was not effective and that there are material weaknesses as identified herein, we believe that our consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the years covered thereby in all material respects.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm as we are a smaller reporting company and are not required to provide the report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our internal control over financial reporting has not changed during the fourth quarter covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
None.
22 |
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our current directors, executive officers and key employees are listed below. The number of directors is determined by the Board. All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of the board or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. Officers are elected by the Board and their terms of office are, except to the extent governed by employment contract, at the discretion of the Board.
Name | Age | Principal Positions With Us | ||
Michael D. Farkas (1) | 44 | Executive Chairman of Board of Directors | ||
Andy Kinard | 51 | President, Director | ||
Michael J. Calise (2) | 55 | Chief Executive Officer, Director | ||
Ira Feintuch (3) | 45 | Chief Operating Officer | ||
Andrew Shapiro (4) | 48 | Director | ||
Donald Engel (5) | 84 | Director |
(1) | Effective as of January 1, 2015, Mr. Michael D. Farkas was authorized, approved and ratified to serve as Executive Chairman of the Board. | |
(2) | At the Board of Directors meeting of July 29, 2015, Mr. Michael J. Calise was authorized, approved and ratified to serve as Chief Executive Officer. Effective December 7, 2015, Michael Calise was appointed as the Company’s interim principal financial officer by the Board. At the Board meeting of March 9, 2016, Mr. Michael J. Calise was authorized, approved and ratified to serve as a member of the Board. | |
(3) | At the Board meeting of March 24, 2015, Mr. Ira Feintuch was authorized, approved and ratified to serve as Chief Operating Officer. | |
(4) | At the Board meeting of April 17, 2014, Mr. Andrew Shapiro was authorized, approved and ratified to serve as a member of the Board. | |
(5) | At the Board meeting of July 30, 2014, Mr. Donald Engel was authorized, approved and ratified to serve as a member of the Board. |
Set forth below is a brief description of the background and business experience of our directors and executive officers for the past five years.
Michael D. Farkas, Executive Chairman of Board of Directors
Mr. Farkas served as our Chief Executive Officer from 2010 through July 24, 2015. Mr. Farkas has served as a member of the Board since 2010 and has been our Executive Chairman since January 1, 2015. Mr. Farkas is the founder and manager of The Farkas Group, a privately held investment firm. Mr. Farkas also currently holds the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlas Group, where its subsidiary, Atlas Capital Services, was a broker-dealer that had successfully raised capital for a number of public and private clients until it withdrew its FINRA registration in 2007. Over the last 20 years, Mr. Farkas has established a successful track record as a principal investor across a variety of industries, including telecommunications, technology, aerospace and defense, agriculture, and automotive retail.
Based on his work experience and education, the Company has deemed Mr. Farkas fit to serve on the Board.
Andy Kinard, President, Director
Mr. Kinard has served as our President and as a member of the Board since 2009. Prior to his joining the Company Mr. Kinard sold electric vehicles in Florida for Foreign Affairs Auto from 2007 to 2009. From 2004 through 2005, he marketed renewable energy in Florida and was a Guest Speaker at the World Energy Congress. His first employer was Florida Power & Light (“FPL”) where he worked for 15 years. In his early years, his focus was on engineering. During his tenure, he performed energy analysis for large commercial accounts, and ultimately became a Certified Energy Manager. Simultaneously, Mr. Kinard was assigned to FPL’s electric vehicle program. FPL had their own fleet of electric vehicles that they used to promote the technology. He also served on the Board of Directors of the South Florida Manufacturing Association for 4 years. He has City, County, and State contacts throughout Florida, and has attended every car show and green fair in the State. Mr. Kinard graduated from the Auburn University in 1987 with a degree in Engineering.
Based on his work experience and education, the Company has deemed Mr. Kinard fit to serve on the Board.
23 |
Michael J. Calise, Chief Executive Officer, Director
Mr. Calise has served as our Chief Executive Officer since July 29, 2015 and as a member of the Board since March 9, 2016. Mr. Calise was previously the Head of North America Electric Vehicle Solutions at Schneider Electric, a world leader in energy management and energy efficiency. While at Schneider, Mr. Calise was responsible for the electric vehicle strategy, product, and services, and took the business from its infancy to one of the top contenders in the electric vehicle solutions industry. Prior to Schneider Electric, Mr. Calise was the founder and principal of EVadvise, an independent advisory firm focused on mass scale electric vehicle infrastructure. While there he helped develop the EV Charging infrastructure technology plan for Marin Transportation Authority’s (MTA) county-wide charger deployment. Prior to EVadvise, Mr. Calise held various executive positions as president, GM and EVP. Mr. Calise received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Buffalo in New York, and is a member of the IEEE, California Clean Cars, Cleantech.org, Plug In America and the Electric Auto Association (EAA), and former board member of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) and the BACC EV Strategic Council.
Based on his work experience and education, the Company has deemed Mr. Calise fit to serve on the Board.
Ira Feintuch, Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Feintuch commenced employment with the Company in 2009 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer on March 24, 2015. In his more than five years with the Company, Mr. Feintuch has served as Vice President of Operations. In this capacity, Mr. Feintuch has been responsible for the purchasing, installation, and maintenance of EV charging equipment, the selection and management of third-party electricians and service professionals for the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as developing strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships for the Company.
Andrew Shapiro, Director
Mr. Shapiro founded and currently leads Broadscale Group, a new model of investment firm working with leading energy corporations to invest in and commercialize the industry’s most promising market-ready innovations. Prior to Broadscale, Mr. Shapiro founded GreenOrder, a strategic advisory firm that worked with more than 100 enterprises to create energy and environmental innovation as a competitive advantage. In this capacity, Mr. Shapiro and his team worked with General Electric’s leadership on the creation and execution of its multi-billion dollar “ecomagination” initiative, provided strategic counsel to General Motors on the launch of the Chevrolet Volt, and served as the green advisor for 7 World Trade Center, New York City’s first LEED-certified office tower. GreenOrder’s client list included Alcan, Allianz, Bloomberg, BP, Bunge, Citi, Coca-Cola, Dell, Disney, Duke Energy, DuPont, eBay, Hines, HP, JPMorganChase, KKR, McDonald’s, Morgan Stanley, NASDAQ OMX, National Grid, NBC Universal, NRG, Office Depot, Pfizer, Polo Ralph Lauren, Simon Property Group, Staples, Target, Tishman Speyer, TXU, and Waste Management. Mr. Shapiro and GreenOrder also co-founded the US Partnership for Renewable Energy Finance (US PREF), and created GO Ventures, a subsidiary to incubate and invest in environmentally innovative businesses, which cofounded and financed California Bioenergy, Class Green Capital, and GreenYour.com. Mr. Shapiro also led the sale of GreenYour.com to Recyclebank and joined Recyclebank’s Sustainability Advisory Council.
Based on his work experience and education, the Company has deemed Mr. Shapiro fit to serve on the Board.
Donald Engel, Director
Mr. Engel served as Managing Director and consultant at Drexel Burnham Lambert for 15 years. Mr. Engel managed and developed new business relationships and represented clients such as Warner Communications and KKR & Co., L.P. Mr. Engel also served as a consultant to Bear Stearns and as a Director of such companies as Revlon, Uniroyal Chemical, Levitz, Banner Industries, Savannah Pulp & Paper, and APL Corp. In the last decade, Mr. Engel consulted to Morgan Joseph TriArtisan.
Based on his work experience, previous directorships and education, the Company has deemed Mr. Engel fit to serve on the Board.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between any of the officers or directors of the Company.
24 |
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has, during the past ten years:
● | been convicted in a criminal proceeding or been subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); | |
● | had any bankruptcy petition filed by or against the business or property of the person, or of any partnership, corporation or business association of which he was a general partner or executive officer, either at the time of the bankruptcy filing or within two years prior to that time; | |
● | been subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction or federal or state authority, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting, his involvement in any type of business, securities, futures, commodities, investment, banking, savings and loan, or insurance activities, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; | |
● | been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated; | |
● | been the subject of, or a party to, any federal or state judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated (not including any settlement of a civil proceeding among private litigants), relating to an alleged violation of any federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or | |
● | been the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. |
Except as set forth in our discussion below in “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” none of our directors or executive officers has been involved in any transactions with us or any of our directors, executive officers, affiliates or associates which are required to be disclosed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Term of Office
Our directors are appointed for a three-year term to hold office or until removed from office in accordance with our bylaws. Our officers are appointed by the Board and hold office until removed by the Board.
Board Committees
The Board has no separate committees and the entire Board acts as the audit committee and the compensation committee.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
The Company does not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act and therefore its directors, executive officers, and any persons holding more than ten percent of the Company’s common stock are not required to comply with Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
Code of Ethics
Our Code of Ethics creates an affirmative obligation on the part of the CEO, CFO and any members of the finance department to, among other things, generally act with honesty and integrity and to promptly report any violations of law or business ethics. A copy of our Code of Ethics is posted on our website www.carcharging.com. A copy of our Code of Ethics will be provided without charge to any person submitting a written request to the attention of the Chief Operating Officer at the principal executive offices of the Company. The information on the Company’s websites is not, and will not be deemed, a part of this Report or incorporated into any other filings the Company makes with the SEC.
25 |
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following summary compensation table sets forth all compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the named executive officers paid by us during the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014 in all capacities. Our named executive officers for 2014 were our Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chief Financial Officer and our named executive officers for 2015 were our Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chief Operating Officer.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Name and | Stock | Option | All Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal Position | Year | Salary | Bonus | Awards (1) | Awards (1) | Compensation | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard, | 2015 | $ | 74,949 | $ | - | $ | 12,000 | $ | 3,868 | $ | 11,621 | $ | 102,437 | |||||||||||||
President | 2014 | $ | 83,000 | $ | - | $ | 9,000 | $ | 109,142 | $ | 25,023 | $ | 226,165 | |||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas, | 2015 | $ | 460,000 | (6) | $ | - | $ | 18,000 | $ | 4,849 | $ | 225,134 | (7) | $ | 707,983 | |||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer (2) | 2014 | $ | 435,000 | (6) | $ | - | $ | 9,000 | $ | 199,783 | $ | 88,578 | $ | 732,361 | ||||||||||||
Michael J. Calise | 2015 | $ | 114,583 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 302,850 | $ | - | $ | 517,433 | |||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ira Feintuch | 2015 | $ | 270,833 | $ | - | $ | 1,750,000 | $ | - | $ | 90,972 | $ | 2,111,806 | |||||||||||||
Chief Operating Officer (4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jack Zwick | 2015 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 12,000 | $ | 3,779 | $ | - | $ | 15,779 | |||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer (5) | 2014 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 9,000 | $ | 189,147 | $ | 46,100 | $ | 244,247 |
(1) | The amounts reported in these columns represent the grant date fair value of the stock and options awards granted during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. | |
(2) | Mr. Farkas resigned as Chief Executive Officer on July 29, 2015. From July 29, 2015 through November 24, 2015, Mr. Farkas served as Chief Visionary Officer, an executive position. Mr. Farkas has served as Executive Chairman of the Board since January 1, 2015. | |
(3) | At the Board of Directors meeting of July 29, 2015, Mr. Calise was authorized, approved and ratified to serve as Chief Executive Officer. | |
(4) | At the Board of Directors meeting of March 24, 2015, Mr. Ira Feintuch was authorized, approved and ratified to serve as Chief Operating Officer. | |
(5) | On December 7, 2015, Jack Zwick resigned as our Chief Financial Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. | |
(6) | Of the salary of $460,000 earned in 2015 by Mr. Farkas, $240,000 was paid in cash during 2015, $80,000 was unpaid as of December 31, 2015 and $140,000 was satisfied by the issuance of Series C Preferred Stock in 2015. OF the salary of $435,000 earned in 2014 by Mr. Farkas, $315,000 was paid in cash during 2014 and $120,000 was satisfied by the issuance of Series C Preferred Stock in 2015. | |
(7) | Of the commissions earned in 2015 by Mr. Farkas, $140,000 was satisfied by the issuance of Series C Preferred Stock in 2015. |
Stock Awards
Messrs. Kinard, Farkas, and Calise were awarded 42,270, 77,564 and 220,588 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $12,000, $18,000 and $75,000, respectively, during 2015. Pursuant to a March 24, 2015 employment agreement, Mr. Feintuch is entitled to receive 1,000,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 1,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and 1,500,000 shares of common stock valued at $1,000,000, $150,000 and $600,000, respectively. The stock awards are payable 50% upon the signing of the employment agreement and 50% upon the one year anniversary of the employment agreement. During 2014, Mr. Kinard and Mr. Farkas were each awarded 20,520 shares of common stock for serving on the Board, each valued on the date of grant at $9,000.
26 |
Option Grants
During the year ended December 31, 2015, Mr. Farkas and Mr. Kinard were awarded an aggregate of 30,000 and 20,000 options, respectively, under the Company’s 2015 Plan, which had an aggregate value on the dates of grant at $4,849 and $3,868, respectively. Pursuant to Mr. Calise’s employment agreement, Mr Calise is entitled to receive 5,488,308 options which have not been issued as of December 31, 2015. The estimated grant date fair value was $302,850. Messrs. Kinard and Farkas were awarded 82,000 and 210,000 options, respectively, under the Company’s 2013 Plan which were valued on the date of grant at $59,211 and $149,852, respectively, in 2014. Messrs. Kinard and Farkas were each awarded 55,000 options for serving on the Board, which were valued on the date of grant at $49,931 in 2014.
Other Compensation
Mr. Kinard received $11,621 and $11,523 of Company paid health insurance benefits in calendar years 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Mr. Farkas received an auto allowance of $19,500 for the year ended December 31, 2014, and Company paid health insurance benefits of $14,634 and $15,328 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Farkas Group, Inc. also earned commissions in the year ended December 31, 2015 of $187,750 in commissions relating to the installation of chargers ($47,750 was paid in cash and $140,00 was paid in Series C Preferred Stock) and $22,750 in provisional commission payments pertaining to certain charging service revenues in accordance with its agreement and earned commissions in the year ended December 31, 2014 of $40,250.
During 2015, Mr. Feintuch received Company paid health insurance benefits of $24,522 and earned commissions of $66,450.
During 2014, Mr. Kinard and Mr. Farkas each earned $13,500 in cash fees for serving on the Board.
27 |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information on outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2015 to the named executive officers:
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Number of securities underlying unexercised options exercisable | Number of securities underlying unexercised options unexercisable | Equity incentive plan awards: Number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options | Option exercise price | Option expiration date | Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested | Market value of shares of units that have not vested | Equity incentive plan awards: Number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested | Equity incentive plan awards: Market or payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 300,000 | - | - | $ | 1.46 | 12/27/2017 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 10,000 | - | - | $ | 1.28 | 8/26/2016 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 1.31 | 6/28/2018 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 1.22 | 8/27/2018 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 1.19 | 9/26/2018 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 0.90 | 10/10/2018 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 1.56 | 11/14/2018 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 27,333 | 54,667 | (1) | - | $ | 1.00 | 5/14/2019 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 1.01 | 4/17/2019 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 0.95 | 6/6/2021 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 0.54 | 8/21/2019 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 0.53 | 10/21/2019 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Kinard | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 0.53 | 12/17/2019 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ira Feintuch | 600,000 | - | - | $ | 1.46 | 12/27/2017 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ira Feintuch | 686,665 | - | - | $ | 1.28 | 8/26/2016 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ira Feintuch | 70,000 | 140,000 | (2) | - | $ | 1.00 | 5/14/2019 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Ira Feintuch | - | - | - | $ | - | 750,000 | (3) | $ | 105,000 | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ira Feintuch | - | - | - | $ | - | 500,000 | (4) | $ | 175,000 | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ira Feintuch | - | - | - | $ | - | 750 | (5) | $ | 41,753 | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 750,000 | - | - | $ | 1.61 | 12/27/2017 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 1.31 | 6/28/2018 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 1.22 | 8/27/2018 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 1.19 | 9/26/2018 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 10,000 | - | - | $ | 1.06 | 10/4/2018 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 0.90 | 10/10/2018 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 1.56 | 11/14/2018 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 210,000 | - | (3) | - | $ | 1.10 | 5/14/2019 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 1.01 | 4/17/2019 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 0.95 | 6/6/2021 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 0.54 | 8/21/2019 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 0.53 | 10/21/2019 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 5,000 | - | - | $ | 0.33 | 12/17/2019 | - | $ | - | - | $ | - |
(1) | Option is exercisable to the extent of 27,333 and 27,334 shares effective as of May 14, 2016 and May 14, 2017, respectively. | |
(2) | Option is exercisable to the extent of 70,000 shares effective as of each of May 14, 2016 and May 14, 2017. | |
(3) | Common stock vested on March 24, 2016. | |
(4) | Represents shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that vested on March 24, 2016 and were convertible into 12,500,000 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2015. | |
(5) | Represents shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock that vested on March 24, 2016 and were convertible into 339,857 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2015. |
28 |
Employment Agreements
On December 23, 2014, in connection with the closing and as a condition to the closing of the securities purchase agreement executed simultaneously therewith, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with its then Chief Executive Officer, Michael D. Farkas. The amendment provides that Mr. Farkas shall have a salary of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000) per month. However, for such time as any of the Aggregate Subscription Amount is still held in escrow, Mr. Farkas shall receive Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) in cash and the remaining amount of his compensation: (i) shall be deferred; and (ii) must be determined by the compensation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors to be fair and equitable. Additionally, beginning on the date that the Aggregate Subscription Amount is released from escrow and continuing for so long as the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock remains issued and outstanding, Mr. Farkas’ salary shall only be paid in cash if doing so would not put the Company in a negative operating cash flow position.
Effective July 24, 2015, the Company amended its employment agreement with Mr. Michael D. Farkas, such that Mr. Farkas was appointed the Company’s Chief Visionary Officer and shall no longer serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Farkas will continue to serve as the Company’s Executive Chairman of the Board. The employment agreement had a four-month term. The amended employment agreement specified the following: (i) in the event of a sale of the Company within one year of July 24, 2015, Mr. Farkas shall be entitled to receive an incentive payment equal to 1% of the gross sale price; (ii) in satisfaction of amounts previously owed to Mr. Farkas, the Company was to issue 4,444 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred stock. The one year elapsed without a sale of the Company and the 4,444 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred stock were issued 4,000 on July 24, 2015 and 444 on March 31, 2016.
On March 24, 2015, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Ira Feintuch to serve as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer for an initial three-year term renewable annually unless written notice is provided 60 days prior to the renewal term. In consideration thereof, Mr. Feintuch is to receive an annual salary of $250,000 and shall participate in all benefit programs of the Company. In addition, Mr. Feintuch will receive 1,000,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 1,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and 1,500,000 shares of common stock. The stock awards are payable 50% upon the signing of the employment agreement and 50% upon the one-year anniversary of the employment agreement. In addition, options to purchase an aggregate of 1,495,665 shares of common stock held by Mr. Feintuch with exercise prices ranging from $1.00 to $1.46 per share had their expiration dates extended to March 24, 2018.
On July 29, 2015 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Michael J. Calise to serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to which Mr. Calise will be compensated at the rate of $275,000 per annum. In addition, Mr. Calise will be entitled to receive (1) 3,584,400 options with an exercise price of $0.70 per share, (2) 1,588,016 options with an exercise price of $1.00 per share, (3) 26,422 options with an exercise price of $1.50 per share, (4) 287,970 options with an exercise price of $2.00 per share and (5) 1,500 options with an exercise price of $3.00 per share. The option quantities were derived from a percentage of the total options and warrants outstanding on the Effective Date (the “Underlying Instruments”) and can be adjusted downward on a pro rata basis as a result of an expiration or amendment of the Underlying Instruments. Each of the options shall vest and become exercisable at the rate of 25% of the total number of shares on the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Effective Date and 1/16 of the total number of shares each quarter thereafter on each quarterly anniversary of the Effective Date, however, no option shall be exercisable prior to the exercise of the Underlying Instruments. The options shall have a four (4) year term from each of the respective vesting dates. The option grant requires stockholder approval of an increase in the number of shares authorized to be issued pursuant to the Company’s equity incentive plan.
In addition, Mr. Calise will receive a signing bonus consisting of (i) 220,588 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $75,000 and (ii) a $25,000 cash payment. Within thirty (30) days of Mr. Calise’s acceptance of this position, Mr. Calise and the Board of the Directors will mutually set the Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”) for Mr. Calise’s annual performance bonus. Mr. Calise will be initially eligible to receive an annual performance bonus in the amount of $100,000. Any entitled annual performance bonus shall be payable in January after the end of each year, and awarded for meeting the KPIs mutually set by Mr. Calise and the Board of Directors for the prior calendar year. Mr. Calise and the Board of Directors will meet at the beginning of each calendar year to set the KPIs and the annual bonus amount for that calendar year. Mr. Calise may receive an additional bonus in the form of cash and/or stock, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, or pursuant to one or more written plans adopted by the Board of Directors. Mr. Calise is entitled to paid time off of 20 days per annum. Upon termination by the Company other than for cause, death, disability, or if Mr. Calise resigns for good reason, Mr. Calise will be entitled to: (i) a lump sum payment equal to nine (9) months of salary, then in effect, (ii) a prorated annual performance bonus, (iii) reimbursement of COBRA premiums for a period of (12) months and (iv) (9) months of accelerated vesting with respect to Mr. Calise’s then-outstanding equity awards. In addition to the preceding termination benefits, if Mr. Calise is terminated three months or less prior to, or upon, or within twelve months following a change of control, Mr. Calise will be entitled to accelerated vesting of then-outstanding equity awards ranging from an additional three months up to 100% acceleration of vesting.
29 |
Compensation of Directors
Directors are permitted to receive fixed fees and other compensation for their services as directors. The Board has the authority to fix the compensation of directors.
The Company entered into a director agreement (the “Richardson Agreement”) with Governor Richardson on December 10, 2012. Pursuant to the Richardson Agreement, Governor Richardson will fulfill general duties associated with being Chairman of the Board. For every board meeting he attends, Governor Richardson will receive five-year options to purchase 5,000 shares at an exercise price equal to the then-current market price, which will vest two years following the grant date, and $1,500, which can be paid in shares at a value of $3,000 at the Company’s discretion. Additionally, Governor Richardson will receive $100,000 annually for being Chairman of the Board. Upon the execution of the Richardson Agreement, Governor Richardson received 200,000 shares and five-year options to purchase 10,000 shares at an exercise price of $1.00, which will vest two years following the grant date. Effective January 1, 2015, with the appointment by the Board of Michael D. Farkas as Chairman of the Board, Governor Bill Richardson will remain a member of our Board of Directors and has agreed to revise his compensation package so that he will be compensated solely for his attendance at meetings of the Board. His compensation for each meeting shall include: (i) 5,000 options to purchase shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to $0.01 above the closing price of our common stock on the date of the Board meeting; and (ii) a cash payment of $1,500 or, at the Company’s option, $3,000 worth of common stock based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of the Board meeting. On September 17, 2015, Governor Bill Richardson resigned from the Board of Directors and the Richardson Agreement was terminated.
The Company entered into a director agreement (the “Shapiro Agreement”) with Mr. Shapiro on April 28, 2014. The Shapiro Agreement has a term of three years, and Mr. Shapiro shall attend no fewer than four meetings per year. As compensation for his services, Mr. Shapiro shall receive: (i) annual compensation of $100,000; (ii) an option to purchase 400,000 shares of common stock, upon execution of the director agreement at an exercise price $0.01 above the closing price on the date of execution (the “Membership Option Award”); (iii) an option to purchase up to 5,000 shares of common stock for each Board meeting attended by Mr. Shapiro, at an exercise price $0.01 above the closing price on the date of such a meeting; (iv) $1,500 for each Board meeting attended for Mr. Shapiro; and (v) $1,500 for each committee meeting of the Board of Directors, should Mr. Shapiro become Chairman of such committee. The Membership Option Award shall vest immediately and expire seven years from the date of issue; all other options issued pursuant to the director agreement shall have a one year vesting period and expire five years from the date of issue. Pursuant to the director agreement, Mr. Shapiro has agreed to a six-month lock-up period for the disposition of any shares acquired, and, following the expiration of such lock-up period, shall have the right to sell up to five percent of the total daily trading volume of the common stock. The Shapiro Agreement may be terminated upon 30 days written notice by either party.
On July 30, 2014, the Board appointed Donald Engel to the Board to fill a vacancy. It has been determined by the Company that Mr. Engel is an independent member of the Board pursuant to the required standards set forth in Rule 10A-3(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In connection with his appointment, the Company and Mr. Engel entered into a Director Agreement whereby the Company agreed to issue Mr. Engel an option to purchase 300,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share. Additionally, for each Board meeting that Mr. Engel attends he will receive compensation of: (i) an option to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share; and (ii) at the Company’s option, either (a) $1,500 cash or such number of shares of common stock that equal $3,000 as of the date of such Board meeting.
The following table provides information for 2015 regarding all compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to each person who served as a non-employee director for some portion or all of 2015. Other than as set forth in the table, to date we have not paid any fees to or, except for reasonable expenses for attending Board and committee meetings, reimbursed any expenses of our directors, made any equity or non-equity awards to directors, or paid any other compensation to directors.
Fees Earned or | Stock | Option | All Other | |||||||||||||||||
Name | Paid in Cash | Awards | Awards | Compensation | Total | |||||||||||||||
Governor Richardson (1) | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
Jack Zwick (2) | - | 12,000 | 3,779 | - | 15,779 | |||||||||||||||
Andrew Shapiro | 100,000 | 38,995 | 10,986 | - | 149,981 | |||||||||||||||
Donald Engel | - | 6,000 | 2,003 | - | 8,003 | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 100,000 | $ | 56,995 | $ | 16,768 | $ | - | $ | 173,763 |
(1) | Governor Richardson was appointed as a Director on December 14, 2012 and resigned his directorship on September 17, 2015. | |
(2) | On December 7, 2015, Mr. Zwick resigned as a member of the Board effective immediately. There was no disagreement between the Company and Mr. Zwick on any matter that caused his resignation. |
ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. |
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our shares of common stock beneficially owned as of July 27, 2016, for (i) each stockholder known to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock, (ii) each named executive officer and director, and (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group. A person is considered to beneficially own any shares: (i) over which such person, directly or indirectly, exercises sole or shared voting or investment power, or (ii) of which such person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days through an exercise of stock options or warrants. Unless otherwise indicated, voting and investment power relating to the shares shown in the table for our directors and executive officers is exercised solely by the beneficial owner or shared by the owner and the owner’s spouse or children.
For purposes of this table, a person or group of persons is deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of any shares of common stock that such person has the right to acquire within 60 days of July 27, 2016. For purposes of computing the percentage of outstanding shares of our common stock held by each person or group of persons named above, any shares that such person or persons has the right to acquire within 60 days of July 27, 2016 is deemed to be outstanding, but is not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. The inclusion herein of any shares listed as beneficially owned does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership.
30 |
Amount and Nature | Percentage of | |||||||
of Voting | Voting | |||||||
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Securities (1) | Securities (2) | ||||||
5% Shareholders | ||||||||
Eventide Gilead Fund | 32,975,128 | (3) | 21.288 | % | ||||
Institutional Trust Custody | ||||||||
7 Easton Oval, EA4E62 | ||||||||
Columbus, OH 43219 | ||||||||
Nathan Low | 12,925,451 | (4) | 9.527 | % | ||||
600 Lexington Avenue, 23rd Floor | ||||||||
New York, NY 10019 | ||||||||
Platinum Partners (5) | 10,633,448 | (6) | 8.199 | % | ||||
152 West 57th Street | ||||||||
New York, NY 10019 | ||||||||
Allston Limited | 7,457,143 | (7) | 5.670 | % | ||||
Blake Building, Suite 302 | ||||||||
Corner of Hutson & Eyre Street | ||||||||
Belize City, Belize | ||||||||
Wolverine Flagship Fund Trading Limited | 6,984,397 | (8) | 5.309 | % | ||||
Wolverine Asset Management, LLC | ||||||||
175 West Jackson Blvd | ||||||||
Chicago, IL 60604 | ||||||||
ECOtality Consolidated Qualified Creditor Trust | 8,250 | (9) | ||||||
1850 N. Central Avenue | ||||||||
Suite 1400 | ||||||||
Phoenix, AZ 85004 | ||||||||
Directors and Executive Officers | ||||||||
Michael D. Farkas | 43,701,473 | (10) | 32.397 | % | ||||
1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 601 | ||||||||
Miami Beach, FL 33139 | ||||||||
Michael Calise | 235,588 | (11) | * | |||||
1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 601 | ||||||||
Miami Beach, FL 33139 | ||||||||
Ira Feintuch | 5,652,951 | (12) | 4.332 | % | ||||
1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 601 | ||||||||
Miami Beach, FL 33139 | ||||||||
Andrew Shapiro | 724,034 | (13) | * | |||||
1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 601 | ||||||||
Miami Beach, FL 33139 | ||||||||
Donald Engel | 385,520 | (14) | * | |||||
1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 601 | ||||||||
Miami Beach, FL 33139 | ||||||||
Andy Kinard | 532,457 | (15) | * | |||||
1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 601 | ||||||||
Miami Beach, FL 33139 | ||||||||
All directors and officers as a group (6 people) | 51,232,023 | (16) | 37.214 | % |
* Less than 1%
31 |
(1) | Voting securities consist of (i) shares of common stock, (ii) shares of Series A and Series C Preferred Stock which are convertible into shares of common stock, and (iii) common stock purchase options and warrants. Shares of Series B Preferred Stock only have voting rights with regard to CarCharging Limited, a subsidiary of the Company incorporated under the laws of Ireland. Shares of Series B Preferred Stock do not have voting rights with regard to the Company. |
(2) | Based on 129,067,937 shares of common stock consisting of (i) 80,476,508 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of July 27, 2016 and (ii) 11,000,000 and 147,640 shares of Series A and Series C Preferred Stock, respectively, issued and outstanding as of July 27, 2016, as if converted into 27,500,000 and 21,091,429 shares of common stock, respectively. Shares of common stock subject to options or warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage of the person holding such options or warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage of any other person. |
(3) | Includes 7,142,857 shares of common stock and 25,832,271 warrants which are currently exercisable. |
(4) | Includes 3,368,702 shares of common stock held by Sunrise Securities Corp., which is 100% owned by Nathan Low; 1,750,000 shares of common stock held by NLBDIT Portfolio LLC, a trust held in the name of Nathan Low’s children, of which he is a guardian; 1,200,000 shares of common stock held by the Sunrise Charitable Foundation of which Mr. Low has voting authority, 6,606,749 currently exercisable warrants, held by Sunrise Financial Group, which is 100% owned by Nathan Low, held by Nathan Low and in Mr. Low’s Individual Retirement Account. |
(5) | Consists of shares beneficially owned by Platinum Partners Value Arbitrage Fund LP and Platinum Partners Liquid Opportunity Master Fund LP which are affiliated and vote their shares in tandem. |
(6) | Includes 10,014,400 shares of common stock and 619,048 warrants which are currently exercisable. |
(7) | Includes 5,000,000 shares of common stock and 2,457,143 warrants which are currently exercisable. |
(8) | Includes 3,940,826 shares of common stock, 3,805 Series C Convertible Preferred Stock as if converted into 543,571 shares of common stock and 2,500,000 warrants which are currently exercisable. |
(9) | Consists of shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock beneficially owned by Carolyn J. Johnsen, Trustee of ECOtality Consolidated Qualified Creditor Trust. These are all of the shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock currently outstanding. |
(10) | Includes 10,000,000 Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as if converted into 25,000,000 shares of common stock, 1,700,930 shares of common stock, and 1,030,000 options all owned by Mr. Farkas. Additionally included are 250,000 common shares owned by each of Mr. Farkas’ three minor children of which Mr. Farkas has voting authority and serves as custodian; 4,000 shares owned by the Farkas Family Irrevocable Trust of which Mr. Farkas is a beneficiary and 360,000 common shares owned by The Farkas Family Foundation of which Mr. Farkas has voting authority as trustee, convertible notes which are convertible into 285,714 shares of common stock plus 10,062,494 common shares and 4,438,335 warrants, which are currently exercisable, held by The Farkas Group, Inc. which is wholly-owned by Michael D. Farkas. |
(11) | Includes 220,588 shares of common stock and 15,000 options which are currently exercisable. |
(12) | Includes 1,500,000 shares of common stock, 1,584 Series C Convertible Preferred Stock as if converted into 226,286 shares of common stock, 1,000,000 Series A Convertible Preferred Stock as if converted into 2,500,000 shares of common stock, and 1,426,665 options which are currently exercisable. |
(13) | Includes 199,034 shares of common stock and 525,000 options which are currently exercisable. |
(14) | Includes 45,520 shares of common stock and 340,000 options which are currently exercisable. |
(15) | Includes 62,790 shares of common stock and 469,667 options which are currently exercisable. |
(16) | Includes 14,905,356 shares of common stock, 11,000,000 and 19,834 shares of Series A and Series C Preferred Stock, respectively, as if converted into 27,500,000 and 226,286 shares of common stock, respectively, and options and warrants to purchase 3,876,332 and 4,438,335 shares of common stock, respectively, which are currently exercisable. |
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
On November 30, 2012, the Board, as well as a majority of the Company’s shareholders, approved the Company’s 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”), which enabled the Company to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, phantom stock and dividend equivalent rights to associates, directors, consultants, and advisors of the Company and its affiliates. The Company believes the 2012 Plan improved the ability of the Company to attract, retain, and motivate individuals upon whom the Company’s sustained growth and financial success depend by providing such persons with an opportunity to acquire or increase their proprietary interest in the Company. Stock options granted under the 2012 Plan were Non-Qualified Stock Options or Incentive Stock Options, within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, except that stock options granted to outside directors and any consultants or advisers providing services to the Company or an affiliate were always Non-Qualified Stock Options. The 2012 Plan was administered by the Board, which had discretion over the awards and grants thereunder. The aggregate maximum number of shares of common stock for which stock options or awards could have been granted pursuant to the 2012 Plan was 5,000,000, adjusted as provided in Section 11 of the 2012 Plan. The 2012 Plan expired on December 1, 2014. As of December 31, 2015, 3,320,000 stock options are issued and are outstanding to employees and consultants. All options vest ratably over three years from date of issuance, December 27, 2012, and expire in five years from date of issuance. The following table provides further information regarding the 2012 Plan.
32 |
2012 Plan | ||||||||||||
Number of securities | ||||||||||||
Number of securities | remaining available for | |||||||||||
to be issued upon | Weighted-average | future issuance under | ||||||||||
exercise of | exercise price of | equity compensation plans | ||||||||||
outstanding options, | outstanding options, | (excluding securities | ||||||||||
warrants and rights | warrants and rights | reflected in column (a)) | ||||||||||
Plan Category | (a) | (b) | (c) | |||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 3,320,000 | $ | 1.49 | - | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | $ | - | - | ||||||||
Total | 3,320,000 | $ | 1.49 | - |
On January 11, 2013, the Board approved the Company’s 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”), which enabled the Company to grant similar securities as the Company was able to grant pursuant to the 2012 Plan to natural persons associated with the Company and its affiliates. The Company believes the 2013 Plan improved the ability of the Company to attract, retain, and motivate individuals upon whom the Company’s sustained growth and financial success depend by providing such persons with an opportunity to acquire or increase their proprietary interest in the Company. The 2013 Plan was substantially similar to the 2012 Plan. The 2013 Plan expired on December 1, 2015. The Plan was approved by a majority of the Company’s shareholders on February 13, 2013. As of December 31, 2015, 2,351,667 stock options and 1,373,621 shares of common stock had been issued and are outstanding to employees and consultants of the Company. The vesting range of options is from immediately upon issuance to three years from date of issuance, and expire in five years from date of issuance. The following table provides further information regarding the 2013 Plan.
2013 Plan | ||||||||||||
Number of securities | ||||||||||||
Number of securities | remaining available for | |||||||||||
to be issued upon | Weighted-average | future issuance under | ||||||||||
exercise of | exercise price of | equity compensation plans | ||||||||||
outstanding options, | outstanding options, | (excluding securities | ||||||||||
warrants and rights | warrants and rights | reflected in column (a)) | ||||||||||
Plan Category | (a) | (b) | (c) | |||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 2,351,667 | $ | 1.07 | - | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | $ | - | - | ||||||||
Total | 2,351,667 | $ | 1.07 | - |
On March 31, 2014, the Board approved the Company’s 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), which enables the Company to grant similar securities as the Company was able to grant pursuant to the 2012 Plan and 2013 Plan to natural persons associated with the Company and its affiliates. The Company believes the 2014 Plan improves the ability of the Company to attract, retain, and motivate individuals upon whom the Company’s sustained growth and financial success depend by providing such persons with an opportunity to acquire or increase their proprietary interest in the Company. The 2014 Plan is substantially similar to the 2012 Plan and the 2013 Plan. The 2014 Plan expires on December 1, 2016. The 2014 Plan was approved by a majority of the Company’s shareholders on April 17, 2014. As of December 31, 2015, 1,965,000 stock options and 2,522,383 shares of common stock had been issued and are outstanding to employees and consultants of the Company. The vesting of options range is from immediately upon issuance to three years from the date of issuance, and expire in five years from the date of issuance. The following table provides further information regarding the 2014 Plan.
33 |
2014 Plan | ||||||||||||
Number of securities | ||||||||||||
Number of securities | remaining available for | |||||||||||
to be issued upon | Weighted-average | future issuance under | ||||||||||
exercise of | exercise price of | equity compensation plans | ||||||||||
outstanding options, | outstanding options, | (excluding securities | ||||||||||
warrants and rights | warrants and rights | reflected in column (a)) | ||||||||||
Plan Category | (a) | (b) | (c) | |||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 1,965,000 | $ | 0.78 | 512,617 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | $ | - | - | ||||||||
Total | 1,965,000 | $ | 0.78 | 512,617 |
On February 10, 2015, the Board approved the Company’s 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”), which enables the Company to grant similar securities as the Company was able to grant pursuant to the 2012 Plan, 2013 Plan, and 2014 Plan to natural persons associated with the Company and its affiliates. The Company believes the 2015 Plan improves the ability of the Company to attract, retain, and motivate individuals upon whom the Company’s sustained growth and financial success depend by providing such persons with an opportunity to acquire or increase their proprietary interest in the Company. The 2015 Plan is substantially similar to the 2012 Plan, 2013 Plan, and 2014 Plan. The option price of any options granted pursuant to the 2015 Plan must be at least 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant and if issued to a 10% or greater shareholder must be 110% of the fair market value on the date of the grant. No awards may be issued after March 11, 2017. The 2015 Plan was approved by a majority of the Company’s shareholders on April 21, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, options to purchase 145,000 shares of common stock and 489,409 shares of common stock were issued and are outstanding to employees and consultants of the Company, respectively.
2015 Plan | ||||||||||||
Number of securities | ||||||||||||
Number of securities | remaining available for | |||||||||||
to be issued upon | Weighted-average | future issuance under | ||||||||||
exercise of | exercise price of | equity compensation plans | ||||||||||
outstanding options, | outstanding options, | (excluding securities | ||||||||||
warrants and rights | warrants and rights | reflected in column (a)) | ||||||||||
Plan Category | (a) | (b) | (c) | |||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 145,000 | $ | 0.42 | 4,365,591 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | $ | - | - | ||||||||
Total | 145,000 | $ | 0.42 | 4,365,591 |
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
Related Party Transactions
The Company paid commissions to a company owned by Michael D. Farkas totaling $47,750 and $40,250 during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 for business development related to installations of EV charging stations by the Company in accordance with the support services contract. These amounts are recorded as compensation on the consolidated statement of operations.
The Company incurred accounting and tax service fees totaling $33,018 and $23,317 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 provided by a company that is partially owned by the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer. This expense was recorded as general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
34 |
On March 29, 2012, the Company entered into a patent license agreement with Michael D. Farkas and a company for which Michael D. Farkas is the majority shareholder and an officer of the company. Under terms of the agreement, the Company has agreed to pay royalties to the licensors equal to 10% of the gross profits received by the Company from bona fide commercial sales and/or use of the licensed products and licensed processes. As of December 31, 2015, the Company has not paid nor incurred any royalty fees related to this agreement.
On December 15, 2014, the Company issued a note to a company for which Michael D. Farkas is the majority shareholder and an officer of the company, in the amount of $65,000, due on the six-month anniversary date of the note with interest at 8% per annum. The Note was paid in full with accrued interest thereon of $202 on December 29, 2014.
On December 28, 2014, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company’s Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at an exercise price of $0.40 per share. The warrant vests immediately and expires two years from date of issuance.
Director Independence
Because our common stock is not currently listed on a national securities exchange, we have used the definition of “independence” of The NASDAQ Stock Market to make this determination. NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) provides that an “independent director” is a person other than an officer or employee of the Company or any other individual having a relationship which, in the opinion of the Company’s board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. The NASDAQ listing rules provide that a director cannot be considered independent if:
● | the director is, or at any time during the past three years was, an employee of the company; | |
● | the director or a family member of the director accepted any compensation from the company in excess of $120,000 during any period of 12 consecutive months within the three years preceding the independence determination (subject to certain exclusions, including, among other things, compensation for board or board committee service); | |
● | a family member of the director is, or at any time during the past three years was, an executive officer of the company; | |
● | the director or a family member of the director is a partner in, controlling stockholder of, or an executive officer of an entity to which the company made, or from which the company received, payments in the current or any of the past three fiscal years that exceed 5% of the recipient’s consolidated gross revenue for that year or $200,000, whichever is greater (subject to certain exclusions); | |
● | the director or a family member of the director is employed as an executive officer of an entity where, at any time during the past three years, any of the executive officers of the company served on the compensation committee of such other entity; or the director or a family member of the director is a current partner of the company’s outside auditor, or at any time during the past three years was a partner or employee of the company’s outside auditor, and who worked on the company’s audit. |
We have determined that Andrew Shapiro and Donald Engel are currently independent directors.
Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification of Securities Act Liabilities
Our directors and officers are indemnified as provided by the Nevada corporate law and our Bylaws. We have agreed to indemnify each of our directors and certain officers against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the provisions described above, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than our payment of expenses incurred or paid by our director, officer or controlling person in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of our counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
We have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities is asserted by one of our directors, officers, or controlling persons in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of our legal counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit the question of whether such indemnification is against public policy to a court of appropriate jurisdiction. We will then be governed by the court’s decision.
35 |
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Marcum LLP has served as our independent registered public accountants for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Audit Fees
For the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we were billed approximately $223,500 and $356,400 for professional services rendered by our independent auditors for the audit and review of our financial statements.
Audit Related Fees
There were no fees for audit related services rendered by our independent auditors or the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Tax Fees
For the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no fees for professional services rendered by our independent auditors for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.
All Other Fees
The Company did not incur any other fees related to services rendered by our independent auditors for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Pre-Approval Policies
As the Board does not currently have an audit committee, all of the above services and fees were reviewed and approved by the entire Board. No services were performed before or without approval.
36 |
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) | The following documents are filed as part of this report: |
(1) | Financial Statements: | |