ITEM 1.
BUSINESS.
The Company
We design, manufacture, market and distribute worldwide the Puradyn® bypass oil filtration system (the "Puradyn" or “system”) for use with substantially all internal combustion engines and hydraulic equipment that use lubricating oil. Working in conjunction with the equipment’s primary oil filter, the Puradyn system cleans oil by providing a second circuit of oil filtration and treatment to continually remove solid and liquid contaminants from the oil through a sophisticated and unique filtration and absorption process. The Puradyn system consists of a base filtration unit or housing that is connected via hoses or steel tubing to the engine or hydraulic system, along with filter elements that reside inside the filtration unit and are replaced periodically to maintain top performance. We believe that our filter is unique in that it incorporates an additive package to replenish depleted base additive levels in engine lubricating oil. Because Puradyn-filtered lubricating oil is kept in a continually clean state and within engine manufacturers’ specification, our system has been used effectively to safely and significantly extend oil-drain intervals and to extend the time between engine overhauls.
Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Puradyn
To date, and as described later in this report, we have been materially and adversely impacted by the disruptions in our business as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our company is located in Palm Beach County, Florida which is subject to a “stay at home” order. While we are able to continue operations as a non-consumer facing company that can fulfill shipments with a minimal staff that can maintain social distancing, we have reduced manufacturing and shipping to approximately 1 day per week. Even before we reduced operations, we were experiencing a general slowdown on all business as our customers slowed or ceased orders due to their limited or suspended operations. Notably, the Oil & Gas segment, traditionally our largest customer segment, has been especially impacted by the reduction in oil and gas demand as well as steep declines in oil and gas pricing, which has resulted in a significant reduction in planned capital expenditures. The ultimate impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our company is unknown.
Products
Our core product, the patented Puradyn bypass oil filtration system, is offered in two primary applications, engine systems and custom-engineered hydraulic systems, which can be attached to almost any engine or hydraulic application. The Puradyn bypass filtration system is similar to a kidney dialysis machine that provides an additional filtration circuit outside the body/engine to filter blood/oil and rid it of impurities, keeping the blood/oil continually clean. Whenever the engine or machinery is operating, the Puradyn is extracting from the oil solid particles down to less than one micron (1/39 millionth of an inch), as well as liquid contaminants, protecting the engine or hydraulic equipment from harmful wear and less efficient operation caused by these contaminants. Puradyn replacement filter elements contain an additive package that serves to replenish base additives (in engine lube oil only) in the oil during the filtration process, helping to maintain the oil’s proper chemical balance and viscosity.
Oil condition is monitored through periodic analysis of small oil samples. If the sample results show that the condition of the oil is considered good for continued use, the oil does not need to be changed. The Puradyn filter element is changed at the interval recommended by the OEM for oil changes, or at the customer’s current oil change interval.
Consequently, the Puradyn system significantly reduces maintenance costs by decreasing oil consumption, engine wear and certain other types of general maintenance as well as reducing environmental impact and concerns and costs associated with the storage and disposal of waste oil. Depending on the application, potential savings from utilizing the Puradyn system generally provide a relatively short average payback period of 3 to 12 months, during which time the customer’s oil and labor savings more than recoup the cost of the filtration unit and expended filter elements.
The Puradyn system is offered in seven different-sized systems that can be used in single or multiple configurations to effectively filter sizes from small (4 qt. / 3.8 L) to large (510 gal. / 1930.50 L) sump capacity engines, allowing the product to be used virtually on most engines in every industry. The system offers water contaminant removal through the Company’s patented Polydry® polymer technology embedded in each filter element.
The hydraulic filtration system provides the same filtration efficiency and ability to remove water and solid particles as our engine filtration systems and is capable of handling hydraulic fluids with capacities up to 1,500 gallons (5,678 liters). Certain hydraulic filtration systems being developed now will easily adapt to other industries where our systems are already operating in engine lube applications.
All Puradyn systems are compatible with virtually all standard and synthetic oils on the market, and they work with engines using gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas. The Puradyn system, ordinarily, cannot be used on engines that do not have a pressurized lubricating system.
We are also the sole manufacturer and provider of replacement filter elements for the Puradyn system. Depending upon the application, we generally recommend that the element be replaced at the engine manufacturer's recommended/approved periodic oil change interval or current customer service interval. The type of element used also depends upon the specific type of engine or hydraulic application. A customer can change the filter element and take the required oil sample in approximately five to 10 minutes.
The Puradyn system has no moving parts and consequently requires no significant ongoing maintenance. As long as filter elements are changed at the recommended intervals and other standard preventive maintenance procedures are completed, such as changing factory full-flow oil filters and air filters and completing regular oil analyses, the Company believes the Puradyn system will perform as designed; such belief is established and supported by historical field performance over more than two decades.
Warranties
The Puradyn system carries a six-month ‘money-back’ performance guarantee and is currently warrantied to the original user to be free of defects in material and workmanship for five years from date of purchase, with a one-year limited warranty on the heating element contained in the legacy PFT models. The Company will accept returns of products that are defective at the time of sale or prove to be defective during the limited warranty period. Returns are subject to specific conditions.
For the Company’s performance guarantee and warranty to remain in effect, users must, among other things, maintain a record of the laboratory oil analysis results and use Puradyn filter elements and replacement parts. The Company has received letters from numerous OEMs which have all stated that the installation and use of the Puradyn system does not void their manufacturer warranties if there is no oil related engine failure or malfunction attributed to the Puradyn system. To date, there have been no significant warranty claims, although there can be no assurances that such a trend will continue.
Marketing
The Company has an in-house marketing department comprised of one executive and one employee, with various projects outsourced on an as-needed basis.
The Company’s products are marketed to numerous industries that include hydraulic applications, and other users of engines or equipment that utilize up to 50 weight oil for lubrication. Additionally, we offer marketing assistance in material development to distributors.
Distribution
We currently have a network of approximately 45 domestic and international distributors and dealers; however, the majority of our products are sold through a limited number of distributors. Our distributors and dealers sell products to a number of industries, including oil and gas services, power generation, construction and forestry, commercial marine, mining, and transportation. Currently, international sales are administered by Puradyn from the United States. The international distributors are located in South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Our international distributors purchase product directly from the Company and sell to their existing or new customers. All distributor agreements can be terminated by either party with a 30 to 60 day written notice.
In February 2018 we entered into a second amendment to our September 2017 amended distribution agreement with DNOW LP (DNOW), a distributor with approximately 300 outlets worldwide that have the potential to sell and service the Puradyn system. Under the terms of the amended distribution agreement with DNOW, we granted it exclusive distribution agreement for the worldwide rights to sell our product in the oil and gas industry effective September 7, 2017. An incentive program was included in the original agreement to incentivize and compensate the distributor for reaching certain sales thresholds through June 30, 2018, but those thresholds were not met and no incentives were earned by DNOW.
MNI Diesel, LLC (MNI) joined the Puradyn distributor network in 2012, and in August 2018, they became the exclusive distributor of Puradyn products to the commercial marine industry for the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the U.S. Gulf Coast of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
Sales
Direct Sales
The Company directly and/or with the assistance of its manufacturer's representatives, distributors, or other agents, markets its products directly to OEMs, other distributors and national accounts. We are dependent upon sales from a limited number of customers. At December 31, 2019, one customer represented approximate 64% of total accounts receivables, and sales from two customers represented 37% and 30% for a total of 67% of sales. At December 31, 2018 one customer represented approximately 95% of total accounts receivables. During the year ended December 31, 2018 sales from four customers represented 41%, 21%, 11% and 10% for a total of 83% of sales. The loss of business from one or a combination of the Company’s significant customers could adversely affect its operations.
International Sales
The Company, directly and/or with the assistance of commission-based manufacturer's representatives, has established primarily non-exclusive distributors and sales representation in various countries, including the Middle East, Germany, Turkey, United Kingdom, Thailand, Colombia, and others. The ultimate success of these and other distributors primarily depends upon their ability to successfully introduce and sell the product in their respective territories, including obtaining local evaluations, establishing distribution, and other factors similar to those faced by the Company in the United States. Unlike domestic sales, the Company has a policy that international sales be paid in advance or secured by a letter of credit before shipping. The Company’s credit risk is minimal with international sales as a result of this policy. Total international sales amounted to approximately 25% and 10% of net sales in 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Manufacturing and Production
The Company purchases component parts for unit housings and filter elements. The component parts are assembled, packed and shipped from our facility in Boynton Beach, Florida.
We currently source a majority of our raw materials and component parts from various vendors in the United States, and actively search for suppliers that are based in the United States. Substantially all the tools and dies used by certain of our vendors are owned by the Company. We have researched alternative sources of supply and do not anticipate that the loss of any single supplier would have a material long-term adverse effect on our business, operations or financial condition. However, there can be no assurance that our current or future suppliers will be able to meet our requirements on commercially reasonable terms or within scheduled delivery times. An interruption of our arrangements with suppliers could cause a delay in the production of our products for timely delivery to distributors and customers which could result in a loss of sales revenue in future periods. The Company achieved ISO 9001 registration from the International Organization for Standardization, validating its Quality Management Standards process for ‘design, manufacture, sales and distribution of bypass oil filtration systems and replacement filters for various industries.’
Engineering and development costs are expensed as incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we incurred engineering and development costs, excluding payroll and benefit expenses for engineering, in the amount of $7,097 and $5,866, respectively, which are included in selling and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of operations.
Competition
Bypass oil filtration systems produced by other companies in varying degrees address the issues of solid or liquid contaminant filtration through centrifugal design, media filtration or evaporation. However, Puradyn believes that its solution is the only bypass oil filtration system that simultaneously incorporates all of the following features, which provide us with a competitive advantage:
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Filtering solid contaminants to as small as below one micron, including enhanced soot retention through the use of a patent-pending process for chemical grafting;
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Effectively removing harmful gaseous and liquid contaminants through a heated evaporation chamber or patented polymer formulation; and
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Replenishing the base additives in engine oil so as to maintain the oil’s chemical balance and viscosity well within engine manufacturers’ specifications for longer periods of time.
The proper use of our products reduces the need for oil-related maintenance services, replacement parts, original oil sales and consumption and waste oil disposal.
Some of our competitors may have more capital, greater brand recognition, larger customer bases and significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. Our competitors' products may achieve greater acceptance in the marketplace than our own, limiting our ability to gain market share and customer loyalty and to generate sufficient revenues to achieve a profitable level of operations.
Intellectual Property
Our ability to compete effectively depends in part on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology, products and manufacturing processes. We principally rely upon patent, trademark, trade secrets and contract law to establish and protect our proprietary rights.
We rely on a combination of trade secrets, patents and trademarks to establish and protect our intellectual property rights. As of December 31, 2019, we had issued nine U.S. patents and 22 issued international patents that directly relate to our technology that expire between 2020 and 2037, and 4 pending patent applications internationally.
Subject to the availability of sufficient working capital, we expect to pursue additional patent protection to the extent that we believe it would be beneficial and cost effective.
In 2019 and 2018 we spent $7,097 and $5,866, respectively, on engineering and development. During 2019 we recorded an expense of $66,234 for the impairments of patents as we could not identify any future economic value.
We have registered the product trademark “Puradyn®” in the United States and other countries where the "Purifiner®" trademark was registered, and have also registered the trademarks “Polydry®”, “CGP®” ,“Keep It Clean!® ”, “We Fight Dirty®”, Let’s Talk Dirty®”, and the Puradyn logo in the United States and targeted countries.
We have also obtained the rights to the domain name www.puradyn.com and puradyn.ro, and puradyn.com.tr. As with telephone numbers, we do not have and cannot acquire any property rights in an Internet address.
Employees
At April 7, 2020, the Company had 13 full-time employees, including our executive officers.
Our employees are not covered by collective bargaining agreements, and we believe our relationship with our employees to be good.
History of our Company
The Company has been incorporated in the State of Delaware since February 1988. On February 4, 1998, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation, changing its name to Puradyn Filter Technologies Incorporated.
Corporate Information
The Company’s principal executive offices are located 2017 High Ridge Road, Boynton Beach, Florida 33426, and our telephone number is (561) 547-9499. Our corporate website is www.puradyn.com.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS.
An investment in our common stock involves a significant degree of risk. You should not invest in our common stock unless you can afford to lose your entire investment. You should consider carefully the following risk factors and other information in this annual report before deciding to invest in our common stock. If any of the following risks and uncertainties develops into actual events, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected, and you could lose your entire investment in our Company.
Risks Related to our Business
THERE ARE NO ASSURANCES WE WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE AS A GOING CONCERN.
We have incurred substantial operating and net losses, as well as negative operating cash flows, since our inception through December 31, 2019. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we reported net losses of $1,686,641 and $216,382, respectively, and at December 31, 2019 we had a working capital deficit of $2,820,926. At December 31, 2019, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $64.5 million. Our financial statements have been prepared on the basis that we will operate as a going concern; however, as set forth in the report on our audited financial statements issued by our independent auditor appearing later in this report, there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. We anticipate that we will continue to incur losses in future periods until we are successful in significantly increasing our revenues, if ever, particularly in light of the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our Company’s operations. There are no assurances that we will be able to raise our revenues to a level which supports profitable operations and provides sufficient funds to pay our obligations. If we are unable to meet those obligations, we could be forced to cease operations in which event investors would lose their entire investment in our Company.
WE EXPECT THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON OUR COMPANY TO MATERIALLY IMPACT OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS IN 2020.
We have been materially and adversely impacted by the disruptions in our business as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our company is located in Palm Beach County, Florida which is subject to a “stay at home” order. While we are able to continue limited operations as a non-consumer facing company that can fulfill orders and shipments with a minimal staff that can maintain social distancing, we have reduced production and shipments to approximately 1 day per week.
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As described elsewhere herein, we are materially dependent on revenues from a limited number of customers. Even before the “stay at home” order was issued, we were experiencing a significant decline in orders from our customers because of disruptions in our customers’ businesses as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, as a result of our historic concentration on sales to customers in the oil and gas industry, the decline in oil prices is expected to further materially adversely impact our sales beginning with the first quarter of 2020. During the first quarter of 2020 we have also already experienced a slowdown from customer’s inquiries from other industries and we expect that trend to continue until such time as the full impact of the virus is known, travel restrictions are lifted and corporate capital expenditures are normalized;
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We also expect delays in our supply chain, including delivery of raw materials and component products as companies throughout the country are affected by local quarantines and disruptions.
While the foregoing are some of the immediate impacts we are witnessing, this list is not exhaustive and we are unable to predict the overall impact on our company at this time. Our loss of revenues will materially impact our liquidity, and we do not know if we have sufficient access to working capital from historic sources to continue as a going concern. Our senior management will continue to monitor our situation on a daily basis. However, we expect that these factors and others we have yet to experience will materially adversely impact our company, its business and operations for the foreseeable future.
WE NEED ADDITIONAL FINANCING WHICH WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN ON ACCEPTABLE TERMS. IF WE CANNOT RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL AS NEEDED, OUR ABILITY TO FUND OUR ONGOING OPERATIONS WILL BE IN JEOPARDY AND WE WILL BE UNABLE TO CONTINUE AS A GOING CONCERN.
As described elsewhere herein, our net sales are not sufficient to pay our operating expenses. Our capital requirements depend on a number of factors, including our ability to internally grow our revenues, manage our business and control our expenses. Historically, our operations have been financed primarily through a credit line from our Executive Chairman, as well as short-term loans from other affiliates. At December 31, 2019, we owed him approximately $9.5 million which is due on December 31, 2021. In 2017 he advised us that he did not expect to continue to provide working capital advances to the Company at historic levels, if at all. In 2019 and 2018, we borrowed additional $833,000 and $325,000, respectively from him under short term demand notes. On March 9, 2020 the Company entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement with Christian Meissner pursuant to which Mr. Meissner agreed to make a $250,000 credit line available to us from time to time until September 30, 2020. Our ability to draw amounts under the credit line is at the discretion of Mr. Meissner. On March 9, 2020 we drew an initial $100,000 under this credit line and $33,618 to satisfy our obligations under the Business Loan Agreement with Kabbage and we used the balance of the proceeds for working capital. The reductions in the amount of advances to us from our Executive Chairman have adversely impacted our operations from time to time and there are no assurances Mr. Meissner will agree to make further advances to us under the Revolving Credit Agreement. While we do not have any external sources of liquidity at this time, the Company is in continuing discussion with third parties for potential investment. These historic discussions, however, have not resulted in identifying any potential capital raising transactions which were upon proposed terms which we believed were fair to our Company and our stockholders. Given our history of losses and secured debt levels and the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our Company’s operations, we expect to continue to face a number of significant challenges in our ability to raise capital. If we do not raise funds as needed, or if we should be unable to borrow additional funds under the Revolving Credit Agreement, our ability to provide for current working capital needs, pay our obligations as they become due, and continue our existing business and operations is in jeopardy. In this event, we would no longer be able to continue as a going concern, and you could lose all of your investment in our Company.
OUR NET SALES DECREASED IN 2019 FROM 2018 AND ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO FUND OUR OPERATING EXPENSES.
Net sales for 2019 decreased by 64% from 2018 and our current operations remain insufficient to fund our operating expenses and pay our obligations as they become due. We used cash in operations of approximately $945,916 and $187,222 in 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our gross profit margins decreased from 41% in 2018 to 14% during 2019.The decrease in our gross profit margins in 2019 is attributable to reduced sales which is attributable to reduced facility utilization due to decreased sales and an increase in the reserve for slow moving inventory of $30,368. We are unable to predict when, if ever, our gross margins will return to 2018 levels. This significant decline in our gross profit margins further exacerbates our ability to continue as a going concern.
WE ARE DEPENDENT UPON SALES TO A LIMITED NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS AND ONE EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR REPRESENTING THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY.
We are dependent upon sales to a limited number of customers. During 2019 sales from two customers represented a total of 67% of sales and during 2018 sales from four customers represented a total of 83% of sales. We do not have contracts with our customers and the loss of sales from one or more of these customers could materially impact our results of operations in future periods. In addition, in September 2017, we granted DNOW exclusive worldwide rights to sell our products in the oil and gas industry. Sales under the agreement amounted to approximately $556,302 in 2019, representing approximately 37% of our total net sales for 2019 versus $1.7 million in 2018 representing 42% of our total net sales in 2018. There are no binding obligations from DNOW to purchase a certain amount of product from us, nor to undertake any specific marketing or sales incentives related to our products. While we granted DNOW these exclusive rights because we believed its distribution network was broad enough that it could facilitate our growth in this industry, we are wholly dependent upon DNOW’s sales efforts over which we have limited control. The exclusive nature of this agreement prevents us from engaging other distributors to facilitate sales of our products in the oil and gas industry. In that event, our revenues may be adversely impacted in future periods.
OUR ASSETS SERVE AS COLLATERAL UNDER A TWO SECURED LENDING ARRANGEMENTS.
As described elsewhere in this report, in March 2019 under the terms of a note exchange agreement with our Executive Chairman, we granted him a first position security interest in our assets in exchange for his agreement to extend the due date of the obligations due to our Executive Chairman to December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2019 we owe him approximately $9.5 million. In March 2020, the Company entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement with Christian Meissner pursuant to which Mr. Meissner agreed to make a $250,000 credit line available to us from time to time until September 30, 2020which is secured by a first position security interest in our assets. In connection with this transaction, our Executive Chairman entered a Subordination Agreement subordinating his first position security interest to this new secured lender. If we were to default on our obligations under these security agreements, one or both of the lenders could seek to foreclose on our assets in which event we would be unable to continue our operations, even assuming such operations resume once the “stay at home” order described earlier in this report is lifted. In that event, you would lose your entire investment in our company.
AT DECEMBER 31, 2019 OUR CURRENT LIABILITIES INCLUDE $1,542,423 OF DEFERRED COMPENSATION. WE DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO PAY THESE AMOUNTS.
Since 2005, Mr. Kroger, our President and COO, has deferred a portion of his compensation to assist us in managing our cash flow and working capital needs. In addition, Mr. Edward Vittoria, our CEO who joined our company in May 2018, is also deferring a portion of his compensation when necessary to assist us in managing our cash flow and working capital needs. Finally, two other former employees, who no longer receive a salary, received regular payments from their deferred compensation through May 31, 2019, after which we did not maintain adequate cash flow to continue making such payments. As there is no written agreement with these employees which memorializes the terms of salary deferral, only an election to do so, it is possible that the employees could demand payment in full at any time, elect to no longer defer their salaries, or reduce the amount they currently defer. Unless we are successful in raising additional capital, we are unable to satisfy this or any other demands by these officers and employees for full payment of these obligations, of which there are no assurances. On or about April 9, 2020 a former employee of the Company filed a complaint in the circuit court of the 15th judicial circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, alleging breach or oral contract for failure to pay deferred salary, demanding relief of approximately $356,500 in deferred salary, plus applicable interests and attorneys’ fees and costs. While as of the date of this filing the Company has not been served with the complaint, the Company intends to vigorously defend itself against the claims.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO PROTECT OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OUR ABILITY TO CONDUCT OUR BUSINESS AS IT IS PRESENTLY CONDUCTED IS IN JEOPARDY.
Our success is heavily dependent on our proprietary technology and we rely on a combination of contractual rights, patents, trade secrets, trademarks and non-disclosure agreements to establish and protect our proprietary rights. There can be no assurances that the steps we take to protect our proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of the technology or independent development by others of products with features based upon, or otherwise similar to, our products. In addition, although we believe that any new technology currently in development or patent pending has been independently developed and does not infringe on the proprietary rights of others, there can be no assurance that we are correct or that third parties will not assert infringement claims against us in the future. If instituted, there can be no assurances we will have adequate resources to defend a patent infringement or other proprietary rights infringement action. If we are unable to adequately protect our proprietary rights or if other products should be developed which are substantially similar to ours, our ability to continue our operations as they are presently conducted could be in jeopardy and we could be forced to cease operations. The Company believes it will have future benefits from current patent awards and applications to the extent it has working capital to pursue those patents, of which there is no assurance, and does not regard our business as being dependent upon any single patent or group of patents that may expire in the near-term.
Risk Related to our Common Stock
PROVISIONS OF OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS MAY DELAY OR PREVENT A TAKE-OVER WHICH MAY NOT BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF OUR STOCKHOLDERS.
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may be deemed to have anti-takeover effects, which include when and by whom special meetings of our shareholders may be called, and may delay, defer or prevent a takeover attempt. In addition, certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law also may be deemed to have certain anti-takeover effects. Further, our certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 500,000 shares of preferred stock with such rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our board of directors in their sole discretion. Although, to date, we have never issued preferred stock, our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, issue series of preferred stock with dividends, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock.
THE EXERCISE OF OUTSTANDING WARRANTS AND OPTIONS WILL BE DILUTIVE TO OUR EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS.
At December 31, 2019, we had 69,016,468 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding and the following securities, which are exercisable into shares of our common stock, were outstanding:
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350,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants with exercise price $0.050 per share; and
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11,152,500 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of options with exercise prices ranging from $0.017 per share to $0.046 per share.
The issuance of these shares will be dilutive to our existing stockholders.
BECAUSE OUR STOCK CURRENTLY TRADES BELOW $5.00 PER SHARE, AND IS QUOTED ON THE OTCQB® MARKETPLACE, OUR STOCK IS CONSIDERED A "PENNY STOCK" WHICH CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT ITS LIQUIDITY.
As the trading price of our common stock is less than $5.00 per share, our common stock is considered a "penny stock," and trading in our common stock is subject to the requirements of Rule 15g-9 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under this rule, broker/dealers who recommend low-priced securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors must satisfy special sales practice requirements. The broker/dealer must make an individualized written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written consent prior to the transaction.
Securities and Exchange Commission regulations also require additional disclosure in connection with any trades involving a "penny stock," including the delivery, prior to any penny stock transaction, of a disclosure schedule explaining the penny stock market and its associated risks. These requirements severely limit the liquidity of our common stock in the secondary market because few brokers or dealers are likely to undertake these compliance activities. Purchasers of our common stock may find it difficult to resell the shares in the secondary market.
THERE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT LIQUIDITY IN THE MARKET FOR OUR SECURITIES IN ORDER FOR INVESTORS TO SELL THEIR SECURITIES. THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK MAY BE VOLATILE.
While our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB Tier of the OTC Markets, our common stock is thinly traded and should be considered an illiquid investment. The market price of our common stock will likely be highly volatile, as is the stock market in general, and the market for over the counter quoted stocks in particular. Some of the factors that may materially affect the market price of our common stock are beyond our control, such as conditions or trends in the industry in which we operate or sales of our common stock. These factors may materially adversely affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our performance. In addition, the public stock markets have experienced extreme price and trading volume volatility. This volatility has significantly affected the market prices of securities of many companies for reasons frequently unrelated to the operating performance of the specific companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
FINRA SALES PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS MAY ALSO LIMIT A STOCKHOLDERS ABILITY TO BUY AND SELL OUR STOCK.
In addition to the penny stock rules promulgated by the SEC, which are discussed earlier in this section, the rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative, low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must have reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common stock, which may limit the ability to buy and sell our stock and have an adverse effect on the market value for our shares.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
Not applicable to a smaller reporting company.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES.
We lease approximately 25,500 square feet of office and warehouse space in Boynton Beach, Florida which serves as our principal executive offices, from an unrelated third party under a lease which expires on July 31, 2024. On June 29, 2018, the Company entered into a non-cancellable five-year lease for the same facilities commencing August 1, 2019 and expiring July 31, 2024. The lease will require an initial rent of $14,899 per month, beginning August 1, 2019 for the first year, increasing by 3% per year to $16,769 per month in the fifth year. In addition, the Company is responsible for all operating expenses and utilities. As part of the lease the landlord reimbursed the Company $58,000 towards the replacement of air conditioning units, upon written request.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
On or about April 9, 2020 a former employee of the Company filed a complaint in the circuit court of the 15th judicial circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, alleging breach or oral contract for failure to pay deferred salary, demanding relief of approximately $356,500 in deferred salary, plus applicable interests and attorneys’ fees and costs. While as of the date of this filing the Company has not been served with the complaint, the Company intends to vigorously defend itself against the claims.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable to our Company.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.
STOCKHOLDER MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB® Tier of the OTC Markets under the symbol PFTI.
On April 9, 2020, the last sale price of our common stock as reported on the OTCQB® was $0.01. As of April 9, 2020, there were 343 record owners of our common stock. The transfer agent for the Company’s common stock is ClearTrust LLC, 16540 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 201, Lutz, Florida 33558.
Dividend Policy
The Company has never declared or paid cash dividends on its common stock. Under Delaware law, we may declare and pay dividends on our capital stock either out of our surplus, as defined in the relevant Delaware statutes, or if there is no such surplus, out of our net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. If, however, the capital of our Company, computed in accordance with the relevant Delaware statutes, has been diminished by depreciation in the value of our property, or by losses, or otherwise, to an amount less than the aggregate amount of the capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets, we are prohibited from declaring and paying out of such net profits and dividends upon any shares of our capital stock until the deficiency in the amount of capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets shall have been repaired.
The Company presently intends to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of its business and does not anticipate any cash dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. The future dividend policy will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, expansion plans, financial condition and other relevant factors.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
Not applicable to a smaller reporting company.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
You should read the following discussion together with our audited financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this report. In addition to historical financial information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Actual results could differ from these expectations as a result of factors including those described under “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information” and Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
We focus our sales strategy on individual sales and distribution efforts as well as on the development of a global distribution network that will not only sell, but also install and support our product. DistributionNow (DNOW) joined the Puradyn distributor network in 2016 and became exclusive distributor for the oil and gas industry in September 2017. With 300 locations worldwide, DNOW provides the potential to reach to new markets and customers which we would otherwise not be able to effectively reach, and consistently support our product on a global basis. MNI Diesel, LLC (MNI) joined the Puradyn distributor network in 2012, and in August 2018 became the exclusive distributor of Puradyn products to the commercial marine industry for the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the U.S. Gulf Coast of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. In addition to the DNOW network and MNI, we currently have approximately 45 distributors and manufacturer representatives that sell and/or service the Puradyn system in the U.S. and internationally. Today our products are found around the world in a number of industries, including oil and gas, power generation, construction and forestry, commercial marine, mining, and transportation.
2019 business highlights
·
Revenues throughout 2019 were negatively impacted by the continued delays in expected orders, especially from new customers in the Oil & Gas category. Our sales in Oil & Gas were down 79% in 2019 compared to the 2018. Customers within the drilling and pressure pumping segments are reducing active equipment, which has a combined effect of reduced demand of replacement filters among existing customers and the pausing of orders by prospective customers. While we believe these orders may eventually be received, it has become difficult to predict the timing. Two major customers in the midstream category have also delayed orders despite the fact that results from their respective pilots met or exceeded targets.
·
Our efforts to diversify our customer base continue to show promise as our Commercial Marine business grew 17% during 2019 compared to 2018. In 2019 we secured new business from industry leader, Campbell Transportation, who purchased Puradyn systems for their entire fleet.
·
A major government contractor that manages the maintenance of generators at remote U.S. military operations purchased new systems for one of their primary locations.
·
We launched a completely updated website at www.puradyn.com including an e-commerce component to facilitate direct-to-consumer sales.
2019 financial highlights:
·
A 64% decline in net sales during 2019 compared to 2018;
·
Gross profit margins declined from 41% in 2018 to 14% in 2019; and
·
A net loss of $(1,686,641) for 2019 compared to a loss of $(216,382) in 2018.
Key strategies:
We are focusing our sales and marketing efforts in 2020 on:
·
Finding new partners to help broaden Puradyn’s reach and relevance
·
Continuing to build on our sales momentum in commercial marine and power generation to help diversify from historical dependence on the Oil & Gas category;
·
Re-opening efforts with operators of transit buses and other fleets; and
·
Further expanding in key international markets through new and existing distributors.
In addition, from an operating standpoint we are placing additional emphasis on:
·
Finding new partners for access to capital
·
Reducing general and administrative costs to help offset lower sales; and
·
Managing materials costs and preparing for any impacts from new tariffs or supply chain disruption due to COVID-19
Outlook
We attribute the decrease in 2019 sales to a virtual halt of new system orders and reduced filter orders due to oversupply in late 2018 from customers within the Oil & Gas industry. Our primary business segment is now Commercial Marine, which may likely continue to drive the majority of sales in 2020. While the Oil & Gas segment will likely remain weak in 2020 due to continued downsizing of active rigs, we do anticipate an increase in filter demand for the remaining active equipment later in 2020 as customer inventories diminish. We are also continuing to try and finalize a large transit bus opportunity that has been worked on for two years, which is now only being held up by financing on the customer side. And finally, we are working to increase sales with government contractors maintaining large generator fleets for remote operations. Our business in 2020 will likely be negatively impacted by the reduction in customer demand associated to Covid-19 closures, but the degree of this impact is difficult to determine at this time.
Going Concern
Our financial statements have been prepared on the basis that we will operate as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. We have incurred net losses each year since inception and have relied on loans from related parties to fund our operations. These recurring operating losses, liabilities exceeding assets and the reliance on cash inflows from our principal stockholder, as set forth above, have led our independent registered public accounting firm Liggett & Webb, P.A. to include a statement in its audit report relating to our audited financial statements for 2019 and 2018 expressing substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain the necessary financing to meet our obligations and repay our liabilities when they become due and to generate profitable operations in the future. There are no assurances that we will have sufficient funds to execute our business plan, pay our obligations as they become due or generate positive operating results.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported periods. The more critical accounting estimates include estimates related to revenue recognition and accounts receivable allowances. We also have other key accounting policies, which involve the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that are significant to understanding our results, which are described in Note 1 to our audited financial statements appearing elsewhere in this report.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Information concerning recently issued accounting pronouncements is set forth in Note 1 of our Notes to Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this report.
Results of Operations
The following table provides certain selected financial information for the periods presented:
Net sales
The decrease in net sales in 2019 as compared to 2018 was driven primarily by a 79% decline in sales to the Oil & Gas segment where customers within the drilling and pressure pumping segments reduced active equipment, which has a combined effect of reduced demand of replacement filters among existing customers and the pausing of new system orders by prospective customers.
Gross profit
The decrease in our gross profit margins in the 2019 periods is attributable to reduced facility utilization and operating efficiencies due to decreased sales which were partially offset by an increase in the reserve for slow moving inventory from amounts recorded in 2018. We have been advised by several of our suppliers that prices for various raw materials are being increased as a result of the loss of some of their primary suppliers and higher prices with their secondary suppliers and the unknown impact of recently enacted tariffs by the current administration. However, we are exploring and implementing measures to help mitigate the impact on our costs. We notified our customers of pricing increases effective October 1, 2018 which varied by product, and we will continue to review cost of materials increases and adopt further pricing action in the future as warranted.
Total operating costs
Our total operating costs, which include salaries and wages and selling and administrative expenses, increased during 2019 due to increases in early 2019 of salary and advertising expenses which were then offset by cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions and a 20% reduction in factory hours and office salaries that began late in the second quarter of 2019. The additional expense was offset by the impact of two employees who are now being paid only from deferred compensation. The increase also attributable to increases in non-cash expenses associated with stock compensation to employees and our decision to restart targeted advertising. The Company also recorded an expense of $66,234 in 2019 for the impairments of patents as it could not identify any future economic value. We anticipate that our selling and administration expenses will increase slightly throughout 2020, inclusive of communication costs, office supplies, and other components of administrative expenses, although we are unable at this time to quantify the amount of this expected increase.
Total other expense, net
Total other expense, net represents interest we pay to related parties on amounts advanced to us for working capital.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We had cash on hand of $77,516 and a working capital deficit of $2,820,926 at December 31, 2019 as compared to cash on hand of $112,769 and a working capital deficit of $1,603,639 at December 31, 2018. Our current ratio (current assets to current liabilities) was .27 to 1 at December 31, 2019 as compared to .45 to 1 at December 31, 2018. The increase in negative working capital is primarily attributable to a decrease in accounts receivable and increases in operating lease liabilities, short-term loan and notes payable - stockholders which were offset by decreases in accrued liabilities and deferred compensation and increase in inventory. We do not currently have any commitments for capital expenditures.
Our net sales are not sufficient to pay our operating expenses or satisfy our obligations as when they become due. Historically, we have been materially reliant on working capital advances from our Executive Chairman to address our liquidity and working capital issues through the utilization of the borrowing agreement with him. In 2019 we borrowed an additional $833,000 from him under short-term demand notes. In addition, the Company received additional loans in the amount of $50,000 from a related party to both the Company’s Executive Chairman and its Chief Executive Officer, as advances for working capital needs.
On March 25, 2019 we entered into a note exchange agreement with our Executive Chairman pursuant to which he exchanged $7,989,622 of principal and $395,510 of accrued interest which was due on December 31, 2019 under an unsecured loan for a secured promissory note in the principal amount of $8,385,132. The note, which matures on December 31, 2021, bears interest at 4% per annum, payable monthly, and is secured by a first position security interest in our assets. In addition, we owe him $1,158,000 for other working capital advances which are due on demand. Subsequent, he subordinated his first position security interest to additional secured lenders.
We also owe two of our executive officers and two former employees $1,542,423 in deferred cash compensation at December 31, 2019, which represents 40% of our current liabilities on that date. These current and former employees agreed to defer a portion of their compensation to assist us in managing our cash flow and working capital needs. As there is no written agreement with these current and former employees which memorializes the terms of salary deferral, only an election to do so, it is possible these individuals could demand payment in full at any time or elect to no longer defer their salaries, or reduce the amount they currently defer One employee has formally demanded the full repayment of his remaining deferred compensation. Unless we are successful in raising additional capital, we are unable to satisfy this or any other demands by these officers and employees for full payment of these obligations, of which there are no assurances.
Our net sales are not sufficient to pay our operating expenses. Our capital requirements depend on a number of factors, including our ability to increase revenues, increase gross profit margins and control our expenses. Over the past few years we have not had any external sources of liquidity, and our discussions with third parties for potential investments have not been successful. We historically have encountered resistance from potential investors on a variety of fronts, including our revenue levels, operating losses, and the amount of debt due to our Executive Chairman. At December 31, 2019 we owe him in excess of $9 million. He is not obligated to lend us any additional funds and a substantial amount of what we owe him is secured by our assets under the terms of a secured note which matures in December 2021. He has advised us that he does not expect to continue to provide working capital advances to the Company at historic levels, if at all.
Accordingly, during October 2019 we obtained a one year $43,100 principal amount, high-interest secured loan from a third party commercial lender to provide operating capital. While our Executive Chairman subordinated his first position security interest in our assets to accommodate our need to take out this loan, there are no assurances we will do so in the future should we be forced to seek additional third party loans. On March 9, 2020 the Company entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement with Christian Meissner pursuant to which Mr. Meissner agreed to make a $250,000 credit line available to us from time to time until September 30, 2020. Under the terms of the Agreement, amounts we borrow from Mr. Meissner will be evidenced by a 5% Senior Secured Revolving Note. The Note will pay interest at the rate of 5% per annum, matures on September 30, 2020 and our obligations thereunder are secured by a first position security interest in our assets as evidenced by a Security Agreement of even date by and between the Company and Mr. Meissner. Our secured creditor, Mr. Joseph V. Vittoria, our Executive Chairman, entered a Subordination Agreement subordinating his first position security interest in our assets which secures a Senior Secured Promissory Note in the principal amount of $8,385,132 due Mr. Vittoria to Mr. Meissner. On March 9, 2020 we drew an initial $100,000 under this credit line and on March 12, 2020 used $33,618 of the proceeds to satisfy our obligations under the Business Loan Agreement with Kabbage dated October 24, 2019. We are using the balance of the proceeds for working capital.
Given our declining revenues, history of losses and debt levels, we face a number of challenges in our ability to raise capital from third parties. Our ability to provide for our current working capital needs, pay our obligations as they become due, grow our company, and continue our existing business and operations is in jeopardy. If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to significantly increase our net sales over sustained quarters and/or raise significant outside capital, we will no longer be able to continue as a going concern. The adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our business and operations as discussed earlier in this report is further exacerbating our already precarious financial position. It is possible that we may elect to seek bankruptcy protection if our operations continue to be adversely impacted to levels which make our ability to continue as a going concern unachievable. In that event, you would lose all of your investment in our company.
Summary cash flows
During 2019 net cash used by our operating activities was principally related to an increase in inventory, which was offset by decreases in accrued liabilities and accounts receivable. During 2019, the Company entered into an accounts receivable financing agreement, similar to accepting credit cards, which improved cash flow by accelerating accounts receivable. The increases in inventory and accounts payable were a result of the Company’s expected increase in sales and timing of receiving raw materials. The decrease in accrued liabilities was mainly the result of the conversion of $395,510 of accrued interest into a note payable. During 2018 net cash used by our operating activities was principally related to increases in inventory, accounts receivable and offset by increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The increases in accounts receivable as well as the corresponding increases in inventory and accounts payable were a result of the Company’s expected increase in sales and timing of receiving raw materials
During 2019 and 2018, net cash used by investing activities represented capitalized patent costs and purchases of equipment.
During 2019, net cash provided by financing activities represented increase in notes payable to stockholder and proceed of $43,000 from a short-term loan, net of repayment of short-term loan. During 2018, net cash provided by financing activities represented increase in notes payable to stockholders, net of capital lease payments and repayments of note payable to stockholders.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of the date of this report, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors. The term "off-balance sheet arrangement" generally means any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with us is a party, under which we have any obligation arising under a guarantee contract, derivative instrument or variable interest or a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to such entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support for such assets.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Our financial statements are contained later in this report beginning on page.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, which includes our Chief Executive Officer, and our CFO consultant who serves as our principal financial and accounting officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of December 31, 2019. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our CFO consultant who serves as our principal financial and accounting officer, concluded that as of December 31, 2019 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure as a result of material weaknesses.
Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent all error and fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. In addition, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the control. The design of any systems 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, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of these inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our CFO consultant who serves as our principal financial and accounting officer, are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
·
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
·
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
·
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the 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 our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. In making its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework “2013”. Based on this assessment, our management has concluded that as of December 31, 2019, our internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Directors and Executive Officers
The following individuals serve as our executive officers and/or members of our Board of Directors:
Joseph V. Vittoria was appointed to the Puradyn Board of Directors as Chairman on February 8, 2000 and to the office of Chief Executive Officer on October 24, 2006. On May 18, 2018, he resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer and has been appointed Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Vittoria was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Travel Services International, Inc. from 1997 until it was sold in 2000. From 1987 to 1997, Mr. Vittoria served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avis, Inc., and was its President and Chief Operating Officer from 1982 to 1987. Mr. Vittoria also serves on the Board of Yachtico.com. He is also an Emeritus Member of the Columbia Business School’s Board of Overseers.
Mr. Vittoria’s extensive management, banking, organizational growth and experience bring oversight and guidance to the Company’s entire organization. The Board believes that Mr. Vittoria has the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills necessary to serve as Executive Chairman.
Edward S. Vittoria was appointed on May 18, 2018 as Chief Executive Officer of Puradyn Filter Technologies Incorporated and as a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Vittoria brings 25 years of corporate marketing, business development and strategic leadership to Puradyn, beginning with over a dozen years at American Express. In 2006, he joined Starwood Hotels & Resorts to lead their Luxury Collection brand, the third largest luxury hotel brand in the world after which he joined Steve Case’s payments start-up, Revolution Money, where he led customer acquisition and branding. After Revolution Money was purchased by American Express, he led New Business Development for Time Inc.’s Synapse division until 2012 when he joined Simon Property Group, where he developed and launched a first of its kind loyalty program for mall shoppers. Mr. Vittoria holds a B.A. in Economics from Yale University and is the son of Mr. Joseph Vittoria.
The Board believes that Mr. Vittoria has the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills necessary to serve as Chief Executive Officer and a Director.
Kevin G. Kroger joined Puradyn July 3, 2000 as President and Chief Operating Officer and was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 2000. Mr. Kroger was with Detroit Diesel Corporation from 1989 to the time he joined our Company, serving in various executive and Board positions prior to his appointment in 1998 to the position of Vice President and General Manager of Series 55/40/30/Cento Industrial product line. From 1987 to 1989 he was Vice President of R.E.S. Leasing and of VE Corporation. From 1971 to 1987, he held several management positions with Caterpillar Corporation.
With significant experience in the heavy-duty engine industry, Mr. Kroger provides our company with operations oversight and guidance in engineering, which facilitates our research and development area. The Board believes that Mr. Kroger has the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills necessary to serve as a Director.
Lieutenant General (Retired) John S. Caldwell, Jr. was appointed to the Puradyn Board of Directors on August 25, 2005 and served as Chairman of the Compensation Committee until it was disbanded in March 2016. Gen. Caldwell served as the Army’s top ranking officer for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology when he retired in January 2004. He also served as Director of the 50,000-person Army Acquisition Workforce, responsible for personnel development and training policy and key assignment recommendations. Prior to these positions, Gen. Caldwell served as the Commanding General of the US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), in which capacity he developed, fielded and supported lethality, survivability and mobility capabilities for approximately 70% of the Army’s ground force. He served 4 years as the Project Manager, Abrams Tank System, leading R&D, production, quality assurance, procurement and logistical support of the Army’s tank program, a $600 million R&D, $15 billion procurement program with major international components. General Caldwell currently consults in various capacities, including as a Member of The Spectrum Group. General Caldwell holds the degrees of Bachelor of Science from the US Military Academy, West Point, in New York; Master in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. General Caldwell served as a member of the board of Taser International from 2007 to May 2016.
Gen. Caldwell’s logistic and military background brings to our organization oversight and guidance in the planning and execution of our financial and operational growth plan. The Board believes that Gen. Caldwell has the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills necessary to serve as a Director.
There are no family relationships between any of the executive officers and directors, except as set forth above. Each director is elected at our annual meeting of stockholders and holds office until the next annual meeting of stockholders, or until his successor is elected and qualified.
If any director resigns, dies or is otherwise unable to serve out his or her term, or if the Board increases the number of directors, the Board may fill any vacancy by a vote of a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum exists. A director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor. Vacancies occurring by reason of the removal of directors without cause may only be filled by vote of the stockholders.
CFO Consultant
During2019 and 2018 we engaged a company owned by Mr. Martin Scott, to assist us in the preparation of our financial statements. Under the scope of this engagement, Mr. Scott, who is not an executive officer or employee of our company, also serves as our principal financial and accounting officer. Mr. Scott is the President of Martin Scott CFO Consulting Services Inc., which provides chief financial officer services to various companies. Mr. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science from the Florida State University, is a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the State of Florida.
Compliance With Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to us under Rule 16a-3(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the year ended December 31, 2019 and Forms 5 and amendments thereto furnished to us with respect to the year ended December 31, 2019, as well as any written representation from a reporting person that no Form 5 is required, we are not aware of any officer, director or 10% or greater stockholder that failed to file on a timely basis, as disclosed in the aforementioned Forms, reports required by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Business Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Statement outlining business ethics and conflicts of interest for all officers, directors and employees of the Company, including procedures for prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to the appropriate persons.
You will find a copy of our Business Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Statement posted on our website at https://www.puradyn.com under Investor Relations, or you may write to us at Puradyn Investor Relations, 2017 High Ridge Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33426. Our Code of Ethics applies to all directors, officers and employees. We will provide a copy to you upon request at no charge.
Board Leadership Structure and the Role of our Board in Risk Oversight
The Board of Directors oversees our business affairs and monitors the performance of management. One of our three directors is independent and we do not have a lead independent director. In accordance with our corporate governance principles, our independent director does not involve himself in day-to-day operations. The independent director keeps informed through discussions with our Chief Executive Officer and our other executive officers, and by reading the reports and other materials that we send them and by participating in meeting of the Board of Directors. Our independent director may meet at any time in his sole discretion without any other directors or representatives of management present. Our independent director has access to the members of our management team or other employees as well as full access to our books and records. We have no policy limiting, and exert no control over, meetings of our independent directors. Our Board of Directors believes our current structure provides independence and oversight and facilitates the communication between senior management and the Board of Directors regarding risk oversight, which the Board believes strengthens its risk oversight activities.
Risk is inherent with every business, and how well a business manages risk can ultimately determine its success. We face a number of risks, including liquidity risk, operational risk, strategic risk and reputation risk. Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of the risks we face, while the Board, as a whole, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management. In his role and as independent director, General Caldwell meets regularly with management to discuss strategy and risks we face and to address any questions or concerns they may have on risk management and any other matters.
Nominees the Board of Directors
We do not have a policy regarding the consideration of any director candidates which may be recommended by our stockholders, including the minimum qualifications for director candidates, nor has our Board of Directors established a process for identifying and evaluating director nominees. We have not adopted a policy regarding the handling of any potential recommendation of director candidates by our stockholders, including the procedures to be followed. Our Board has not considered or adopted any of these policies as we have never received a recommendation from any stockholder for any candidate to serve on our Board of Directors. We do not anticipate that any of our stockholders will make such a recommendation in the near future. While there have been no nominations of additional directors proposed, in the event such a proposal is made, all members of our Board will participate in the consideration of director nominees.
Committees of the Board of Directors
We do not have any committees of comprised of members of our Board of Directors, including an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee or a Nominating Committee, any committee performing a similar function. The functions of those committees are being undertaken by Board of Directors as a whole. None of our directors is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of Item 401(e) of Regulation S-K. In general, an “audit committee financial expert” is an individual member of the audit committee or board of directors who:
·
understands generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements,
·
is able to assess the general application of such principles in connection with accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves,
·
has experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements comparable to the breadth and complexity to our financial statements,
·
understands internal controls over financial reporting, and
·
understands audit committee functions.
Our securities are not quoted on an exchange that has requirements that a majority of our Board members be independent and we are not currently otherwise subject to any law, rule or regulation requiring that all or any portion of our board of directors include “independent” directors, nor are we required to establish or maintain an Audit Committee or other committee of our Board of Directors.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The following table summarizes all compensation recorded by us in the last completed fiscal year for:
·
our principal executive officer or other individual serving in a similar capacity, and
·
two most highly compensated executive officer other than our principal executive officer was were serving as an executive officer at December 31, 2019.
For definitional purposes in this annual report these individuals are sometimes referred to as the "named executive officers." The value attributable to any option awards is computed in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. Two executives deferred 5% and 23% in 2019 and 0% and 2% in 2018 of base wages, respectively. The amounts included below reflect wages actually earned during the respective periods.
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1.
Mr. Joseph Vittoria is our Executive Chairman. Mr. Vittoria’s compensation excludes interest paid to him under the working capital loan he provides to our Company. See Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence appearing later in this report.
2.
Mr. Edward Vittoria is our Chief Executive Officer. He voluntarily reduced his base salary beginning in June 2019, from $200,000 to $160,000. Annual salary and bonus deferral of $9,136 and $50,000 is included in his salary and bonus for 2019 and 2018, respectively, in the foregoing table.
3.
Mr. Kroger serves as our President and Chief Operating Officer. All Other Compensation in the foregoing table represents the aggregate dollar amount of a car allowance received by Mr. Kroger during each fiscal year and disability and life insurance premiums we pay on his behalf. Annual salary and other compensation deferral of $46,186 and $2,994 is included in his salary and other compensation for 2019 and 2018, respectively, in the foregoing table. As there is no written agreement with Mr. Kroger which memorializes the terms of salary deferral, only an election to do so, it is possible that he could demand payment in full at any time, elect to no longer defer his salary, or reduce the amount he currently defers.
How our Executive Officers Compensation is Determined
On May 18, 2018 we entered into a letter agreement with Mr. Edward S. Vittoria pursuant to which he agreed to be employed by us as our Chief Executive Officer for an initial term ending May 31, 2019, which such term may be extended by mutual agreement upon terms and conditions to be mutually agreed upon prior to the expiration of such initial term. Under the terms of the letter agreement we agreed to pay him: (i) an annual base salary of $200,000, payable in accordance with our normal payroll practices; (ii) an annual cash bonus to be awarded by our Board of Directors in January in a minimum amount of $50,000; and (iii) granted him options to purchase 6,500,000 shares of our common stock, vesting one-third in arrears, at an exercise price equal to fair market value on the date of grant pursuant to the terms and conditions of our 2018 Equity Compensation Plan. He is also entitled to: (i) participate in all of our benefit programs currently existing or hereafter made available to executive and/or salaried; (ii) an amount of annual paid vacation consistent with his position and length of service to us; and (iii) reimbursement for all reasonable, out of-pocket expenses incurred by him. In June, 2019, Mr. Vittoria voluntarily reduced his base salary by 20% from $200,000 to $160,000. As a result, his net base salary was approximately $180,000 in 2019. He also deferred $9,136 of his base salary in 2019. During 2018, Mr. Vittoria’s annual cash bonus of $50,000 was deferred in entirety.
On July 3, 2000, the Company entered into an employment agreement, with an initial term of three years, with Mr. Kroger, who serves as our President and Chief Operating Officer. Thereafter, the contract was amended on December 23, 2002 and July 3, 2003. The term of the agreement automatically renews on a year to year basis on the same terms and conditions contained herein in effect as of the time of renewal. The contract initially provided for an annual salary of $166,000, minimum bonuses of $50,000, $80,000 and $80,000, respectively, for the years 2000 through 2002; 300,000 qualified stock options; a one-year salary severance clause, and certain insurance and auto allowance compensations. Mr. Kroger is also entitled to pay health insurance, a life insurance and disability policy, a $1,000 per month car allowance, five weeks paid vacation and other executive benefits which may be made available from time to time. Upon entering into the agreement we granted Mr. Kroger 10-year options to purchase 300,000 shares of our common stock at the then fair market value of our common stock which vested in equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary date of the agreement. The agreement also contains customary indemnification, non-compete, confidentiality and invention assignment clauses. The term of the agreement continues on a year-to-year basis on the same terms and conditions as were in effect at the time of renewal. The agreement may be terminated by us upon Mr. Kroger’s death or disability, by us for good cause as defined in the agreement, or by either party without cause. In the event the agreement is terminated on Mr. Kroger’s death, by us for cause or by him without cause, we do not owe any severance benefits. If the agreement is terminated as a result of his disability, we are required to pay him a lump sum equal to the greater of the base salary then in effect for the remaining term of the agreement or for one year. If the agreement is terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Kroger in the event of a change of control of our Company, we are required to pay him a lump sum equal to the greater of the base salary then in effect for the remaining term of the agreement or for one year, together with any declared but unpaid bonus. The addendum dated July 3, 2003 discontinued the bonus provision of the contract but all other terms and conditions of the contract remain in effect.
On November 16, 2017 we entered into an addendum with Mr. Kroger pursuant to which the amount of his life insurance policy was reduced, but all other terms and conditions of the contract remain in effect. During 2019 and 2018, Mr. Kroger’s base annual salary was $186,000 with approximately $46,186 and $2,994, or 23% and 2%, respectively, deferred annually. Mr. Kroger also deferred approximately $10,154 in other compensation in 2019. As there is no written agreement with Mr. Kroger which memorializes the terms of salary deferral, only an election to do so, it is possible that he could demand payment in full at any time, elect to no longer defer his salary, or reduce the amount he currently defers. In addition, on April 12, 2018, the Company granted Mr. Kroger options to purchase 600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.0189. The options vest over a three-year period and expire April 12, 2028.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The following table provides information concerning unexercised options, stock that has not vested and equity incentive plan awards for each named executive officer outstanding as of December 31, 2019:
Incentive and Non-qualified Stock Option and Stock Award Plans
We currently have three stock option plans, our 2018 Option Plan, 2010 Option Plan, and our Directors' Plan. Our earlier plans which were adopted in 1996 and 1999 have expired by their terms. Please see Note 15 to the notes to our financial statements appearing elsewhere in this report for a description of the material terms of these plans.
Director Compensation
Our management directors do not receive compensation for their Board services. Each independent member of the Board of Directors is automatically granted 5,000 options upon election or appointment as a new member of the Board of Directors. Each independent director receives an additional 5,000 options at the close of each annual meeting of stockholders or on the anniversary of their appointment to the Board. Additionally, and at such time as the Board forms committees, each independent director automatically received 2,500 options for each committee of the Board on which the director serves. Options are granted at a price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant, are exercisable commencing two years following grant, and will expire five years from the date of grant. In the event a person ceases to serve on the Board of Directors, the outstanding options expire one year from the date of cessation of service.
The following table provides information concerning the compensation of our independent Board members for their services as members of our Board of Directors for 2019. The value attributable to any option awards is computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions made in the valuations of the option awards are included in Note 14 of the Notes to our Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 appearing elsewhere in this report.
Director Compensation
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(1)
On August 26, 2019, General Caldwell was granted options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.033 per share, vesting on August 25, 2021 and expiring on August 25, 2024.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
At March 31, 2020 we had 69,016,468 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 31, 2020 by:
·
each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock;
·
each of our directors;
·
each of our named executive officers; and
·
our named executive officers, directors and director nominees as a group.
Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each person listed is in care of 2017 High Ridge Road, Boynton Beach, Florida 33426. The percentages in the table have been calculated on the basis of treating as outstanding for a particular person, all shares of our common stock outstanding on that date and all shares of our common stock issuable to that holder in the event of exercise of outstanding options, warrants, rights or conversion privileges owned by that person at that date which are exercisable within 60 days of that date. Except as otherwise indicated, the persons listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock owned by them, except to the extent that power may be shared with a spouse.
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*
represents less than 1%
(1)
The number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Edward Vittoria includes:
·
1,546,955 shares of common stock held for the benefit of minor children;
·
options to purchase 2,166,667 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.017 per share through May 18, 2028; and
·
options to purchase 3,500,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.012 per share through March 8, 2025.
The number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Ed Vittoria excludes:
·
unvested options to purchase 4,333,333 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.017 per share through May 18, 2028.
(2)
The number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Kroger includes:
·
options to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.21 per share through September 8, 2020;
·
options to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.28 per share through February 4, 2021;
·
options to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.14 per share through March 30, 2022;
·
options to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.16 per share through May 26, 2025;
·
options to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock at $0.0189 per share through April 12, 2028; and
·
options to purchase 3,350,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.011 per share through March 8, 2030.
The number of shares beneficially owned by Mr. Kroger excludes:
·
unvested options to purchase 400,000 shares of common stock at $0.0189 per share through April 12, 2028.
(3)
The number of shares beneficially owned by General Caldwell includes:
·
options to purchase 7,500 shares of common stock at $0.13 per share through August 25, 2020;
·
options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at $0.04 per share through August 25, 2021;
·
options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at $0.034 per share through August 25, 2022; and
·
options to purchase 16,667 shares of common stock at $0.0189 per share through April 12, 2028.
The number of shares beneficially owned by General Caldwell excludes:
·
unvested options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at $0.045 per share through August 25, 2023;
·
unvested options to purchase 33,333 shares of common stock at $0.0189 per share through April 12, 2028; and
·
unvested options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at $0.033 per share through August 25, 2024
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth securities authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans approved by our stockholders as well as any equity compensation plans not approved by our stockholders as of December 31, 2019.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTION, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
Please see Note 17 to the Company's audited financial statements appearing elsewhere in this report for a description of transactions with related parties during 2019 and 2018.
Director Independence
John S. Caldwell is considered "independent” within the meaning of Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Liggett & Webb, P.A., served as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2019 and 2018. The following table shows the fees that were billed for the audit and other services provided by such firm for 2019 and 2018.
Audit Fees - This category includes the audit of our annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in our Form 10-Q Quarterly Reports and services that are normally provided by the independent auditors in connection with engagements for those fiscal years. This category also includes advice on audit and accounting matters that arose during, or as a result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements.
Audit-Related Fees - This category consists of assurance and related services by the independent auditors that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported above under “Audit Fees.” The services for the fees disclosed under this category include consultation regarding our correspondence with the SEC and other accounting consulting.
Tax Fees - This category consists of professional services rendered by our independent auditors for tax compliance and tax advice. The services for the fees disclosed under this category include tax return preparation and technical tax advice.
All Other Fees - This category consists of fees for other miscellaneous items.
Our Board of Directors has adopted a procedure for pre-approval of all fees charged by our independent auditors. Under the procedure, the Board approves the engagement letter with respect to audit, tax and review services. Other fees are subject to pre-approval by the Board, or, in the period between meetings, by a designated member of Board. Any such approval by the designated member is disclosed to the entire Board at the next meeting. The audit and tax fees paid to the auditors with respect to 2019 were pre-approved by the entire Board of Directors.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following documents are filed as a part of this report or are incorporated by reference to previous filings, if so indicated:
ITEM 16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY.
The Company has elected not to provide the optional 10-K summary as part of this report.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date:
April 14, 2020
/s/ Edward S. Vittoria
Edward S. Vittoria
Chief Executive Officer and Director
principal executive officer
/s/ Joseph V. Vittoria
Joseph V. Vittoria
Executive Chairman of the Board, principal executive officer
/s/ Kevin G. Kroger
Kevin G. Kroger, President and Chief Operating Officer and Director
/s/ John S. Caldwell
John S. Caldwell, Director
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of:
Puradyn Filter Technologies, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Puradyn Filter Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ deficit and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Explanatory Paragraph - Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has experienced net losses since inception and has relied on stockholder loans to fund its operations. The Company has a working capital deficit and an accumulated deficit. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal controls over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Liggett & Webb, P.A.
LIGGETT & WEBB, P.A.
Certified Public Accountants
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2006
Boynton Beach, Florida
April 14, 2020
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
BALANCE SHEETS
See accompanying notes to financial statements
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
See accompanying notes to financial statements
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See accompanying notes to financial statements
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
See accompanying notes to financial statements
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
1. Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
Puradyn Filter Technologies Incorporated (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, is engaged in the manufacturing, distribution and sale of bypass oil filtration systems under the trademark Puradyn® primarily to companies within targeted industries. The Company holds the exclusive worldwide manufacturing and marketing rights for the Puradyn through direct ownership of various other patents.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from product sales to customers, distributors and resellers when products that do not require further services or installation by the Company are shipped, when there are no uncertainties surrounding customer acceptance and when collectability is reasonably assured. Cash received by the Company prior to shipment is recorded as deferred revenue. Sales are made to customers under terms allowing certain limited rights of return and other limited product and performance warranties for which provision has been made in the accompanying financial statements.
Amounts billed to customers in sales transactions related to shipping and handling, represent revenues earned for the goods provided and are included in net sales. Costs of shipping and handling are included in cost of products sold.
The Company accounts for revenue in accordance with Topic 606 which was adopted at the beginning of fiscal year 2018 using the modified retrospective method. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company did not recognize any cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption as the effect was immaterial. The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on the Company's statements of operations during the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Included in those estimates are assumptions about allowances for inventory obsolescence, useful life of fixed assets, warranty reserves and bad-debt reserves, valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset, life of intangible assets, impairment of intangible assets and the assumptions used in Black-Scholes valuation models related to stock options and warrants.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company did not have any cash equivalents.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and notes payable to stockholder approximate their fair values as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, because of their short-term natures.
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at fair value on the date revenue is recognized. The Company provides allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to repay their obligation. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to repay, additional allowances may be required. The Company provides for potential uncollectible accounts receivable based on specific customer identification and historical collection experience adjusted for existing market conditions. If market conditions decline, actual collection experience may not meet expectations and may result in decreased cash flows and increased bad debt expense. The policy for determining past due status is based on the contractual payment terms of each customer, which are generally net 30 or net 60 days. Once collection efforts by the Company and its collection agency are exhausted, the determination for charging off uncollectible receivables is made.
In June 2019, the Company entered into an accounts receivable financing agreement, similar to accepting credit cards, which improves cash flow by selling certain eligible unsecured trade accounts receivable, without recourse, to an unrelated third-party financial institution for cash using NOWaccount®. All customers need to be approved in advance by NOWaccount, and their fees are:
3.00 % Base Transaction Fee for Invoices with up to “Net 30 Day” Payment Terms* Applied to Total Value of Invoice
0.25% Surcharge for Invoices with up to “Net 60 Day” Payment Terms* Applied to Total Value of Invoice
0.50% Surcharge for Invoices with up to “Net 90 Day” Payment Terms* Applied to Total Value of Invoice
0.75% Surcharge for Invoices with up to “Net 120 Day” Payment Terms* Applied to Total Value of Invoice (special credit approval required)
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the first in, first out (FIFO) method. Net realizable value is defined as sales price less cost of completion, disposable and transportation and a normal profit margin. Production costs, consisting of labor and overhead, are applied to ending finished goods inventories at a rate based on estimated production capacity. Excess production costs are charged to cost of products sold. Provisions have been made to reduce excess or obsolete inventories to their net realizable value.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, except for assets held under capital leases, for which the Company records depreciation and amortization based on the shorter of the asset’s useful life or the term of the lease. The estimated useful lives of property and equipment range from 3 to 5 years. Upon sale or retirement, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are eliminated from their respective accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is included in results of operations. Repairs and maintenance charges, which do not increase the useful lives of the assets, are charged to operations as incurred.
Patents
Patents are stated at cost. Amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the patents. The estimated useful lives of patents are approximately 20 years. Upon retirement, the cost and related accumulated amortization are eliminated from their respective accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is included in results of operations.
`
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Management assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets when indicators of impairment are present. If such indicators are present, recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the undiscounted net cash flows estimated to result from those assets over the remaining life to the assets’ net carrying amounts. If the estimated undiscounted net cash flows are less than the net carrying amount, the assets would be adjusted to their fair value, based on appraisal or the present value of the undiscounted net cash flows.
Sales Incentives and Consideration Paid to Customers
The Company accounts for certain promotional costs such as sales incentives and cooperative advertising as a reduction of sales.
Product Warranty Costs
As required by FASB ASC 460, Guarantees, the Company is including the following disclosure applicable to its product warranties.
The Company accrues for warranty costs based on the expected material and labor costs to provide warranty replacement products. The methodology used in determining the liability for warranty cost is based upon historical information and experience. The Company's warranty reserve is calculated as the gross sales multiplied by the historical warranty expense return rate.
The following table shows the changes in the aggregate product warranty liability for the year ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively:
Advertising Costs
Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, advertising costs incurred by the Company totaled approximately $17,165 and $28,613, respectively, and are included in selling and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of operations.
Engineering and Development
Engineering and development costs are expensed as incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, engineering and development costs incurred by the Company totaled $7,097 and $5,866, respectively, and are included in selling and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of operations.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Stock Option Plans
We adopted FASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, effective January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective application method of adoption which requires us to record compensation cost related to unvested stock awards as of December 31, 2005 by recognizing the amortized grant date fair value in accordance with provisions of FASB ASC 718 on straight line basis over the service periods of each award. We have estimated forfeiture rates based on our historical experience. Stock option compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 has been recognized as a component of cost of goods sold and general and administrative expenses in the accompanying financial statements.
In 2019 and 2018, respectively, 5,000 and 10,980,000 options were granted at fair market value on the date of grant pursuant to the Stock Option Plan.
The Company leases its employees from a payroll leasing company. The Company’s leased employees meet the definition of employees as specified by FIN 44 for purposes of applying FASB ASC 718.
Stock options and warrants issued to consultants and other non-employees as compensation for services provided to the Company are accounted for based on the fair value of the services provided or the estimated fair market value of the option or warrant, whichever is more reliably measurable in accordance with FASB ASC 505, Equity, and FASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, including related amendments and interpretations. The related expense is recognized over the period the services are provided.
Credit Risk
The Company minimizes the concentration of credit risk associated with its cash by maintaining its cash with high quality federally insured financial institutions. However, cash balances in excess of the FDIC insured limit of $250,000 are at risk. At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, the Company did not have cash balances above the FDIC insured limit. The Company performs ongoing evaluations of its significant trade accounts receivable customers and generally does not require collateral. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained against trade accounts receivable at levels which management believes is sufficient to cover probable credit losses. The Company also has some customer concentrations, and the loss of business from one or a combination of these significant customers, or an unexpected deterioration in their financial condition, could adversely affect the Company’s operations. Please refer to Note 18 for further details.
Basic and Diluted Income / (Loss) Per Share
FASB ASC 260, Earnings per Share, requires a dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share. However, because of the Company’s net losses, the effects of stock options and warrants would be anti-dilutive and, accordingly, are excluded from the computation of earnings per share. The number of such shares excluded from the computations of diluted loss per share totaled 11,502,500 in 2019 and 12,518,336 in 2018.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
All other newly issued accounting pronouncements not yet effective have been deemed either immaterial or not applicable.
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
2. Going Concern
The Company has sustained losses since inception and does not have sufficient revenues and income to fully fund the operations. As a result, the Company has relied on stockholder loans to fund its activities to date. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company has a net loss of $1,686,641. At December 31, 2019, the Company has a working capital deficit of $2,820,926 and an accumulated deficit of approximately $64.5 million. The Company anticipates that it will continue to incur losses in future periods until the Company is successful in significantly increasing its revenues, if ever, particularly in light of the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on its Company’s operations. There are no assurances that the Company will be able to raise its revenues to a level which supports profitable operations and provides sufficient funds to pay our obligations. If the Company is unable to meet those obligations, the Company’s existing business and operations will be in jeopardy. The Company could be forced to cease its operations.
The Company’s financial statements have been prepared on the basis that it will operate as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
3. Inventories
At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 inventories consisted of the following:
4. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:
5. Property and Equipment
At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, property and equipment consisted of the following:
Depreciation and amortization expense of property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is $28,046 and $24,628, respectively, of which $6,285 and $5,841 is included in cost of products sold, $21,761 and $18,787 is included in selling and administrative costs, respectively, in the accompanying statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 the Company recognized a gain of $0 and ($1,244) on the disposal of fixed assets, respectively.
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
6. Patents
Included in other noncurrent assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are capitalized patent costs as follows:
Amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 amounted to $19,693 and $23,319, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded an expense of $66,234 and $105,665 for the impairment of patents it determined had no future economic value.
7. Leases
Operating right of use assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date. Operating lease liabilities represent the present value of lease payments not yet paid. Operating right of use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset and are based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for prepayments or accrued lease payments, initial direct costs, lease incentives, and impairment of operating lease assets. To determine the present value of lease payments not yet paid, we estimate incremental secured borrowing rates corresponding to the maturities of the leases. As we have outstanding secured debt, we used the rate based on loan of 4%.
Our office lease contains rent escalations over the lease term. We recognize expense for this office lease on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Additionally, tenant incentives used to fund leasehold improvements are recognized when earned and reduce our right-of-use asset related to the lease. These are amortized through the right-of-use asset as reductions of expense over the lease term.
The Company leases its office and warehouse facilities in Boynton Beach, Florida under a long-term non-cancellable lease agreement, which contains renewal options and rent escalation clauses. As of December 31, 2019, a security deposit of $34,970 is included in noncurrent assets in the accompanying balance sheet. On September 27, 2012 the Company entered into a non-cancellable six-year lease agreement for the same facilities commencing August 1, 2013 and expiring July 31, 2019. The total minimum lease payments over the remaining term of the current lease amount to $853,116.
On June 29, 2018, the Company entered into a non-cancellable five-year lease for the same facilities commencing August 1, 2019 and expiring July 31, 2024. The lease will require an initial rent of $14,899 per month, beginning August 1, 2019 for the first year, increasing by 3% per year to $16,769 per month in the fifth year. In addition, the Company is responsible for all operating expenses and utilities. As part of the lease the landlord agreed to reimburse the Company $58,000 towards the replacement of air conditioning units, upon written request. As of December 31, 2018 the Company had received all of the reimbursement.
In September 2018, the Company entered into a new capital lease for office equipment in the amount of $559, which commenced in December 2018 for a term of 48 months.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
﻿
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Lease term and discount rate were as follows:
(1) Variable lease cost primarily relates to common area maintenance, property taxes and insurance on leased real estate.
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to leases were as follows:
Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows as of September 30, 2019:
8. Accrued Liabilities
At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
9. Deferred Compensation
Deferred compensation represents amounts owed to two current employees and two former employees for salary. As there is no written agreement with these employees which memorializes the terms of salary deferral, only a voluntary election to do so, it is possible that the employees could demand payment in full at any time. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 the Company recorded deferred compensation of $1,542,423 and $1,564,253, respectively. One former employee has formally demanded the full repayment of his remaining deferred compensation in the amount of approximately $356,000 and filed a complaint in the circuit court of the 15th judicial circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida (See Note 19).
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
10.
Sales Incentives
The Company entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for the worldwide rights to sell its product in the oil and gas industry effective September 7, 2017. The agreement included an incentive program that rewarded credits toward future product redeemable only if targeted quarterly goals are achieved. The incentive-earning period ended on June 30, 2018, and no incentives were earned. The exclusivity agreement continues but can be terminated by Company with 60 days’ notice.
11. Short-term Loan
On October 24, 2019 we entered into a Business Loan Agreement with Kabbage® pursuant to which we borrowed $43,100 under the terms of a one year secured loan. The terms of the loan provided for a loan fee of $7,111.50 which results in an effective annual interest rate of 26.56%. We utilized these proceeds for working capital. We granted Kabbage® a security interest in our assets as collateral for this loan. The loan, which provides for monthly payments, may be prepaid by us at any time without penalty. The loan agreement includes customary events of default, as well as a cross default against any other loan and/or security agreement to which we are a party or if a judgment is entered against us in excess of $250, subject to a 30 day cure period. This loan has been personally guaranteed by Mr. Edward S. Vittoria, our Chief Executive Officer. As of December 31, 2019 the Company had a balance owed of $39,508. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $1,291. On March 12, 2020 the loan was repaid in full. (Refer to Note 19)
12. Notes Payable to Stockholders
On March 28, 2002 the Company executed a binding agreement with one of its principal stockholders, who is also the former Chief Executive Officer, now Executive Chairman of the Board, to fund up to $6.1 million. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company can draw amounts as needed to fund operations. Amounts drawn bear interest at the BBA LIBOR Daily Floating Rate plus 1.4 percentage points (4.06% and 3.88% per annum at December 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively), payable monthly and were to become due and payable on December 31, 2005 or upon a change in control of the Company or the consummation of any other financing over $7.0 million. Beginning in March 2006, annually, through February 2012, the maturity date for the agreement was extended annually from December 31, 2007, to December 31, 2018. On May 9, 2018 he extended the maturity rate to December 31, 2019. On March 25, 2019 we entered into a note exchange agreement with our Executive Chairman pursuant to which he exchanged $7,989,622 of principal and $395,510 of accrued interest which would have been due on December 31, 2019 under an unsecured loan for a secured promissory note in the principal amount of $8,385,132. The secured note which matures on December 31, 2021, and bears interest at 4% per annum, payable monthly, is secured by a first position security interest in our assets. (Refer to Note 17).
During the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company received additional loans in the amount of $833,000 and $325,000, respectively from the Company’s Executive Chairman as advances for working capital needs. The loans bear interest at the BBA Libor Daily Floating Rate plus 1.4 points and is payable upon demand. As of December 31, 2019 the total balance due was $9,543,132.
On January 7, 2019, the Company received an additional loan in the amount of $25,000 from a stockholder and former member of the Board of Directors. On November 19, 2019, the Company received an additional loan in the amount of $25,000 from the same stockholder and former member of the Board of Directors. The loan bears interest at a rate of 5% per annum and is due on January 7, 2020 and November 18, 2020, respectively. On April 13, 2020, the maturity date for loan received on January 7, 2019 was extended to December 31, 2020.
During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company incurred interest expense of $367,829 and $324,087, respectively, on its loans from the executive chairman, which is included in interest expense in the accompanying statements of operations. Also included in interest expense at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $39,405 and $3,365 of interest related to capital lease obligations, financing, late fees, short term loan and loans from a stockholder.
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Notes payable and capital leases consisted of the following at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
13. Income Taxes
2017 U.S. Tax Reform
The JOBS Act significantly revised the U.S. Corporate income tax by lowering the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018.
The significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets are as follows for the years ended December 31:
FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes, requires a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets reported if, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. After consideration of all the evidence, both positive and negative, management has determined that a full valuation allowance of $12,533,538 and $12,601,550 against its net deferred taxes is necessary as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The change in valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is $(68,012) and $54,454, respectively.
At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, the Company had approximately $48,152,000 and $48,495,000, respectively, of U.S. net operating loss carryforwards remaining.
As a result of certain ownership changes, the Company may be subject to an annual limitation on the utilization of its U.S. net operating loss carryforwards pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. A study to determine the effect, if any, of this change, has not been undertaken.
Tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015 are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
A reconciliation of the Company’s income taxes to amounts calculated at the federal statutory rate is as follows for the years ended December 31:
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
14. Commitments and Contingencies
Agreements
On October 24, 2019 we entered into a Business Loan Agreement with Kabbage® pursuant to which we borrowed $43,100 under the terms of a one year secured loan. The terms of the loan provided for a loan fee of $7,111.50 which results in an effective annual interest rate of 26.56%. We utilized these proceeds for working capital. We granted Kabbage® a security interest in our assets as collateral for this loan. The loan, which provides for monthly payments, may be prepaid by us at any time without penalty. The loan agreement includes customary events of default, as well as a cross default against any other loan and/or security agreement to which we are a party or if a judgment is entered against us in excess of $250, subject to a 30-day cure period. This loan has been personally guaranteed by Mr. Edward S. Vittoria, our Chief Executive Officer. As of December 31, 2019 the Company had a balance owed of $39,508. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $1,291. On March 12, 2020 the loan was repaid in full. (See Note 19)
On May 18, 2018 we entered into a letter agreement with Mr. Edward S. Vittoria pursuant to which he agreed to be employed by us as our Chief Executive Officer for an initial term ending May 31, 2019, which such term may be extended by mutual agreement upon terms and conditions to be mutually agreed upon prior to the expiration of such initial term. Under the terms of the letter agreement we agreed to pay him: (i) an annual base salary of $200,000, payable in accordance with our normal payroll practices; (ii) an annual cash bonus to be awarded by our Board of Directors in January in a minimum amount of $50,000; and (iii) granted him options to purchase 6,500,000 shares of our common stock, vesting one-third in arrears, at an exercise price equal to fair market value on the date of grant pursuant to the terms and conditions of our 2018 Equity Compensation Plan. He is also entitled to: (i) participate in all of our benefit programs currently existing or hereafter made available to executive and/or salaried; (ii) an amount of annual paid vacation consistent with his position and length of service to us; and (iii) reimbursement for all reasonable, out of-pocket expenses incurred by him.
The Company entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for the worldwide rights to sell its product in the oil and gas industry effective September 7, 2017. The agreement included an incentive program that rewarded credits toward future product redeemable only if targeted quarterly goals are achieved. The incentive-earning period ended on June 30, 2018, and no incentives were earned. The exclusivity agreement continued at a minimum through the end of 2019. (Refer to Note 10.)
On September 27, 2012, the Company entered into a 72-month lease for its corporate offices and warehouse facility in Boynton Beach, Florida. The renewed lease commenced August 1, 2013 and requires an initial rent of $12,026 per month beginning in the second month for the first year, increasing in varying amounts to $13,941 per month in the sixth year. In addition, the Company is responsible for all operating expenses and utilities.
On June 29, 2018, the Company entered into a non-cancellable five-year lease for the same facilities commencing August 1, 2019 and expiring July 31, 2024. The lease will require an initial rent of $14,899 per month, beginning August 1, 2019 for the first year, increasing by 3% per year to $16,769 per month in the fifth year. In addition, the Company is responsible for all operating expenses and utilities. As part of the lease the landlord agreed to reimburse the Company $58,000 towards the replacement of air conditioning units, upon written request. As of December 31, 2018 the Company had received all of the reimbursement
On October 20, 2009, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Boxwood Associates, Inc., whereby the Company pays $2,000 monthly for management and strategic development services performed. The contract will remain in effect until terminated by either party providing 30 days written notice. Mr. Telesco, a former member of our board of directors and a significant stockholder, is President of Boxwood Associates, Inc. (Refer to Note 17)
15. Stock Options
The Company has three stock option plans, one adopted on November 8, 2000 (the “Directors’ Plan”), one adopted in July 2010 (the “2010 Option Plan”), and one adopted in April 2018 (the “2018 Option Plan”). The 2010 Option Plan provides for the granting of 4,000,000 options; the Directors’ Plan provides for the granting of up to 400,000 options, and the 2018 Option Plan provides for the granting of 20,000,000 options.
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
On April 12, 2018 the Board of Directors approved the adoption of a 2018 Equity Compensation Plan. The Company has reserved 20,000,000 shares of our common stock for grants under this plan.
The 2018 Plan provides for the granting of both incentive and non-qualified stock options to key personnel, including officers, directors, consultants and advisors to the Company, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Each plan limits the exercise price of the options at no less than the quoted market price of the common stock on the date of grant. The option term is determined by the Board of the Directors, provided that no option may be exercisable more than 10 years after the date of its grant and, in the case of an incentive option granted to an eligible employee owning more than 10% of the Company’s common stock, no more than five years after the date of the grant. Generally, under both plans, options to employees vest over three years at 33.33% per annum unless the Board of Directors designates a different vesting schedule.
On March 28, 2019, the Company filed a definitive information statement on Schedule 14C with the Securities and Exchange Commission to notify our common shareholders that effective March 27, 2019, the holders of 35,713,727 shares of our common stock, representing 51.7% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, executed a written consent in lieu of a special meeting of shareholders ratifying the adoption of our 2018 Equity Compensation Plan, as amended.
On June 24, 2014, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission amending the shares of Common Stock included within its 2010 Stock Option from 2,000,000 shares to 4,000,000 shares.
The 2010 Plan provides for the granting of both incentive and non-qualified stock options to key personnel, including officers, directors, consultants and advisors to the Company, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Each plan limits the exercise price of the options at no less than the quoted market price of the common stock on the date of grant. The option term is determined by the Board of the Directors, provided that no option may be exercisable more than 10 years after the date of its grant and, in the case of an Incentive Option granted to an eligible employee owning more than 10% of the Company’s common stock, no more than five years after the date of the grant. Generally, under both plans, options to employees vest over four years at 25% per annum, except for certain grants to employees that vest 25% upon grant with remaining amounts over two years at 50% and 25% per annum, respectively.
The Directors’ Plan provides for the granting of non-qualified options to members of the Board of Directors at exercise prices not less than the quoted market price of the common stock on the date of grant and options expire five years from the date of grant. In the event a person ceases to serve on the Board of Directors, the outstanding options expire one year from the date of cessation of service. Such options may be exercised commencing two years from the date of grant.
On August 26, 2019, the Company granted one director options to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.030 per share. The options vest over a two year period and expire August 25, 2024. The quoted market price of the common stock at the time of issuance of the options was $0.030 per share. The fair value of the options totaled $164 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: i) risk free interest rate of 1.43%, ii) expected life of 5 years, iii) dividend yield of 0%, iv) expected volatility of 255%.
On April 12, 2018, the Company granted employees and directors options to purchase 4,475,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at exercise prices ranging from $0.0189 to $0.208 per share. The options vest over a three-year period and expire April 12, 2028. The fair value of the options totaled $69,989 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: i) risk free interest rate of 2.64%, ii) expected life of 5 years, iii) dividend yield of 0%, iv) expected volatility of 217%. On April 30, 2018 our Executive Chairman and former CEO voluntarily cancelled the grant on April 12, 2018 of options awarded him to purchase an aggregate of 1,400,000 shares of the common stock.
On May 18, 2018, the Company, upon recommendation and approval by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors, granted its new Chief Executive Officer, options to purchase 6,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.017 per share. The options vest over a three-year period and expire May 18, 2028. The fair value of the options totaled $101,437 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: i) risk free interest rate of 2.64%; ii) expected life of 5 years; iii) dividend yield of 0%; iv) expected volatility of 217%.
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
On August 24, 2018, the Company granted one director options to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.045 per share. The options vest over a two year period and expire August 25, 2023. The quoted market price of the common stock at the time of issuance of the options was $0.045 per share. The fair value of the options totaled $223 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: i) risk free interest rate of 2.70%, ii) expected life of 5 years, iii) dividend yield of 0%, iv) expected volatility of 188%.
At December 31, 2019 there was $69,867 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based payments, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 4 years. At December 31, 2018 there was $128,059 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based payments, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 4 years.
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted price of the Company’s common stock for those awards that have an exercise price currently below the closing price. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had options outstanding to purchase an aggregate of 11,152,500 and 11,785,000 shares respectively, with an exercise price above the quoted price of the Company’s stock, resulting in an intrinsic value $33,329 and $285, respectively.
Additional information concerning the activity in the four option plans is as follows:
Additional information concerning the unvested options is as follows:
Summarized information with respect to options outstanding under the four option plans at December 31, 2019 is as follows:
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
The estimated fair value of each stock option grant on the date of grant was computed using the following weighted-average assumptions:
16. Warrants
At December 31, 2019 and 2018, 350,000 and 773,336 shares, respectively, of common stock have been reserved for issuance under outstanding warrants. All of the warrants are fully vested and began expiring on March 24, 2013 with the remaining warrants expiring at various dates through October 1, 2019. Information concerning the Company’s warrant activity is as follows:
17. Related Party Transactions
Beginning on March 28, 2002, the Company executed a binding agreement with one of its principal stockholders, who is also the former Chief Executive Officer, now Executive Chairman of the Board, to fund up to $6.1 million. Under the terms of the agreements, the Company can draw amounts as needed to fund operations. Amounts drawn bear interest at the BBA LIBOR Daily Floating Rate plus 1.4 percentage points (3.88% and 3.62% per annum at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively), payable monthly and were to become due and payable on December 31, 2005 or upon a change in control of the Company or consummation of any other financing over $7.0 million. Beginning in March 2006, annually, through February 2012, the maturity date for the agreement was extended annually from December 31, 2007, to December 31, 2018. On May 9, 2018, our Executive Chairman extended the due date of the funding commitment to December 31, 2019).
On March 25, 2019 we entered into a note exchange agreement with our Executive Chairman pursuant to which he exchanged $7,989,622 of principal and $395,510 of accrued interest which would have been due on December 31, 2019 under an unsecured loan for a secured promissory note in the principal amount of $8,385,132. The secured note which matures on December 31, 2021, and bears interest at 4% per annum, payable monthly, is secured by a first position security interest in our assets.
In March 2019, the Company entered into a note exchange agreement with him whereby he agreed to extend the due date of these obligations to December 31, 2021 and granted him a first position security interest in our assets. (Refer to Note 12.)
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we borrowed an additional $833,000 from our Executive Chairman, together under a demand note not covered by this line of credit. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we borrowed an additional $26,273 from our Executive Chairman, together with $325,000 under a demand note not covered by this line of credit. This demand note bears interest at 4% per annum. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 we owed him an aggregate of $9,543,132 and $8,314,622, respectively, which represented approximately 74% and 76% of our total liabilities, respectively.
On January 7, 2019, the Company received an additional loan in the amount of $25,000 from a stockholder and former member of the Board of Directors. On November 19, 2019, the Company received an additional loan in the amount of $25,000 from the same stockholder and former member of the Board of Directors. The loan bears interest at a rate of 5% per annum and is due on January 7, 2020 and on November 18, 2020, respectively. On April 13, 2020, the maturity date for loan received on January 7, 2019 was extended to December 31, 2020.
From April 1, 2018 through May 15, 2018, the Company received additional loans in the amount of $250,000 from a related party to both the Company’s Executive Chairman and its Chief Executive Officer, as advances for working capital needs. The amounts are non-interest bearing and are payable upon demand. On July 15, 2018, $250,000 was repaid.
In November 2017, the Company received an additional loan in the amount of $25,000 from a stockholder and former member of the Board of Directors. The loan bears interest at a rate of 5% per annum and is due December 31, 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company recorded interest expense of $1,092. On November 16, 2018 the former member of the Board of Directors forgave the loan and the accrued interest amounting to $26,250 and recorded the amount as a capital contribution.
On April 12, 2018, the Company granted officers and directors options to purchase 2,050,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at exercise prices ranging from $0.0189 to $0.208 per share. The options vest over a three-year period and expire April 12, 2028. The fair value of the options totaled $36,806 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: i) risk free interest rate of 2.64%; ii) expected life of 5 years; iii) dividend yield of 0%; iv) expected volatility of 217%. On April 30, 2018 our Executive Chairman and former CEO voluntarily cancelled the grant on April 12, 2018 of options awarded him to purchase an aggregate of 1,400,000 shares of the common stock.
On May 18, 2018, Mr. Edward S. Vittoria was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as a member of its Board of Directors. Immediately prior to such appointment, Mr. Joseph V. Vittoria resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer and has been appointed Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Prior to his appointments, Mr. Edward Vittoria had been providing advisory services to us beginning in December 2017.
On May 18, 2018, the Company, upon recommendation and approval by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors, granted its new Chief Executive Officer options to purchase 6,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.017 per share. The options vest over a three-year period and expire May 18, 2028.
On August 26, 2019, the Company granted one director options to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.030 per share. The options vest over a two year period and expire August 25, 2024. The quoted market price of the common stock at the time of issuance of the options was $0.030 per share. The fair value of the options totaled $164 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: i) risk free interest rate of 1.43%, ii) expected life of 5 years, iii) dividend yield of 0%, iv) expected volatility of 255%.
On August 24, 2018, the Company granted one director options to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.045 per share. The options vest over a two year period and expire August 25, 2023. The quoted market price of the common stock at the time of issuance of the options was $0.045 per share.
On October 20, 2009, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Boxwood Associates, Inc., whereby the Company pays $2,000 monthly for management and strategic development services performed. The contract remains in effect until terminated by either party providing 30 days written notice. During each of 2019 and 2018 we recorded consulting fees for Boxwood Associates, Inc. $24,000 and $24,000, respectively, under this agreement. A former member of our board of directors is President of Boxwood Associates, Inc.
PURADYN FILTER TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
18. Major Customers
There are concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivables due to the amounts owed by one customer at December 31, 2019 whose balances each represented approximately 64% of total accounts receivables. During the year ended December 31, 2019, sales from two customers represented 37% and 30%, for a total of 67% of sales. There are concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivables due to the amounts owed by one customer at December 31, 2018 whose balances each represented approximately 95% of total accounts receivables. During the year ended December 31, 2018, sales from four customers represented 41%, 21%, 11%, and 10% for a total of 83% of sales.
19. Subsequent Events
On March 9, 2020 the Company entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement with Christian Meissner pursuant to which Mr. Meissner agreed to make a $250,000 credit line available to us from time to time until September 30, 2020. Our ability to draw amounts under the credit line is at the discretion of Mr. Meissner. Under the terms of the Agreement, amounts we borrow from Mr. Meissner will be evidenced by a 5% Senior Secured Revolving Note. The Note will pay interest at the rate of 5% per annum, matures on September 30, 2020 and our obligations thereunder are secured by a first position security interest in our assets as evidenced by a Security Agreement of even date by and between the Company and Mr. Meissner. Our secured creditor, Mr. Joseph V. Vittoria, our Executive Chairman, entered a Subordination Agreement subordinating his first position security interest in our assets which secures a Senior Secured Promissory Note in the principal amount of $8,385,132 due Mr. Vittoria to Mr. Meissner.
On March 9, 2020 we drew an initial $100,000 under this credit line and on March 12, 2020 used $33,618 of the proceeds to satisfy our obligations under the Business Loan Agreement with Kabbage dated October 24, 2019. We are using the balance of the proceeds for working capital. On April 1, 2020 the Company drew down an additional $100,000 under the credit line.
On March 9, 2020 the Company, upon recommendation and approval by the Board of Directors, granted its Chief Executive Officer options to purchase 3,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.012 per share. The options vest upon date of grant and expire March 8, 2025.
On March 9, 2020, the Company granted its President who is also a member of the Board of Directors options to purchase 3,350,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.011 per share. The options vest upon date of grant and expire March 8, 2030.
On March 9, 2020, the Company granted several employees options to purchase 4,050,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.011 per share. The options vest upon date of grant and expire March 8, 2030.
The Company’s operation has been materially and adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Company is located in Palm Beach County, Florida which is subject to a “stay at home” order effective April 3, 2020. While the Company is able to continue operations as a non-consumer facing company that can fulfill shipments with a minimal staff that can maintain social distancing, the Company has reduced operations to approximately 1 day per week. While the stay at home order is presently set to expire on May 1, 2020, there are no assurances the Florida governor will not extend the duration of the stay at home order for an unknown additional period of time. Until this stay at home order is lifted and the Company can resume its normal operations, the Company is unable to predict the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic at this time.
On or about April 9, 2020 a former employee of the Company filed a complaint in the circuit court of the 15th judicial circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, alleging breach or oral contract for failure to pay deferred salary, demanding relief of approximately $356,500 in deferred salary, plus applicable interests and attorneys’ fees and costs. While as of the date of this filing the Company has not been served with the complaint, the Company intends to vigorously defend itself against the claims.
On April 13, 2020, the maturity date for $25,000 loan received on January 7, 2019 from a stockholder and former member of the Board of Directors was extended from January 7, 2020 to December 31, 2020.