10-K
1
form10-k.htm
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-K
(Mark
One)
[X]
ANNUAL
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2020
or
[ ]
TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the transition period from ____________ to ____________
Commission
file number: 000-55903
BLUE
STAR FOODS CORP.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
82-4270040
(State
or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(IRS
Employer
Identification No.)
3000
NW 109th Avenue
Miami, Florida
33172
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
(305)
836-6858
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former
name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name
of each exchange
on
which registered
None
N/A
N/A
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common
Stock, $0.0001 par value
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ]
No [X]
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes [ ]
No [X]
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act
during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant
to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that
the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of the “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
“non-accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
Accelerated Filer
[ ]
Accelerated
Filer
[ ]
Non-Accelerated
Filer
[ ]
Smaller
reporting company
[X]
Emerging
Growth Company
[X]
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness
of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered
public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. [ ]
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No
[X]
The
aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at
which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of
the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $3,344,524.00.
As
of April 15, 2021, there were 19,633,161 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Not
Applicable.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
3
PART
I
4
ITEM
1.
BUSINESS
4
ITEM
1A.
RISK
FACTORS
13
ITEM
1B.
UNRESOLVED
STAFF COMMENTS
30
ITEM
2.
PROPERTIES
30
ITEM
3.
LEGAL
PROCEEDINGS
30
ITEM
4.
MINE
SAFETY DISCLOSURES
30
PART
II
30
ITEM
5.
MARKET
FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
30
ITEM
6.
SELECTED
FINANCIAL DATA
32
ITEM
7.
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
32
ITEM
7A.
QUANTITATIVE
AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
41
ITEM
8.
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
42
ITEM
9.
CHANGES
IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
70
ITEM
9A.
CONTROLS
AND PROCEDURES
70
ITEM
9B.
OTHER
INFORMATION
71
PART
III
71
ITEM
10.
DIRECTORS,
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
72
ITEM
11.
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
75
ITEM
12.
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
80
ITEM
13.
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
81
ITEM
14.
PRINCIPAL
ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
83
PART
IV
84
ITEM
15.
EXHIBITS,
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
84
ITEM
16.
FORM
10-K SUMMARY
87
SIGNATURES
88
2
FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
Except
for historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the “Exchange Act”). Such forward-looking statements include, among others, those statements including the words
“believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”
and words of similar import. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking
statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, potential target businesses, the economy
and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent
uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from
those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution you therefore that you should not rely on any of these forward-looking
statements as statements of historical fact or as guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include changes in local, regional, national
or global political, economic, business, competitive, market (supply and demand) and regulatory conditions and the following:
●
Our
ability to raise capital when needed and on acceptable terms and conditions;
●
Our
ability to make acquisitions and integrate acquired businesses into our company;
●
Our
ability to attract and retain management with experience in the business of importing, packaging and selling of seafood;
●
Our
ability to negotiate, finalize and maintain economically feasible agreements with suppliers and customers;
●
The
availability of crab meat and other premium seafood products we sell;
●
The
intensity of competition;
●
Changes
in the political and regulatory environment and in business and fiscal conditions in the United States and overseas; and
●
The
effect of COVID-19 on our operations and the capital markets.
These
risks and others described under the section “Risk Factors” below are not exhaustive.
Given
these uncertainties, readers of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on such forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the
result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.
All
references in this Annual Report to the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”, are to
Blue Star Foods Corp. (formerly AG Acquisition Group II, Inc.), a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries, John
Keeler & Co., Inc., d/b/a Blue Star Foods, a Florida corporation (“Keeler & Co.”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Coastal Pride Seafood, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (“Coastal Pride”).
3
PART
I
ITEM
1. BUSINESS
History
We
were incorporated on October 17, 2017 in the State of Delaware as a blank check company to be used as a vehicle to pursue a business
combination with an unidentified target. Since inception and prior to the Merger (as defined below), we only engaged in organizational
efforts. Following the Merger, we discontinued our prior activities of seeking a business for a merger or acquisition. In connection
with the Merger, we changed our name from “AG Acquisition Group II, Inc.” to “Blue Star Foods Corp.” and
succeeded to the business of Keeler & Co., which was formed on May 15, 1995.
Merger
On
November 8, 2018 (the “Closing Date”), we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization (the “Merger
Agreement”), with Keeler & Co., Blue Star Acquisition Corp., our newly formed, wholly-owned Florida subsidiary (“Acquisition
Sub”), and John Keeler, Keeler & Co’s sole stockholder (the “Sole Stockholder”). Pursuant to the terms
of the Merger Agreement, Acquisition Sub merged with and into Keeler & Co, which was the surviving corporation and thus became
our wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Merger”).
At
the Closing Date, each of the 500 shares of common stock of Keeler & Co issued and outstanding immediately prior to the closing
of the Merger was converted into 30,000 shares of our common stock. As a result, an aggregate of 15,000,000 shares of our common
stock were issued to the Sole Stockholder.
At
the effective time of the Merger, the Company redeemed an aggregate of 9,250,000 shares of common stock from the pre-Merger stockholders
of the Company (the “Pre-Merger Holders”) for cancellation by the Company (the “Share Redemption”) and,
as a result, the Pre-Merger Holders retained an aggregate of 750,000 shares of common stock after the Merger, representing a value
of $1.5 million. The shares were redeemed in consideration for the direct benefit the Pre-Merger Holders will receive in connection
with the consummation of the Merger.
Offering
Concurrently
with the closing of the Merger, we closed a private placement offering (the “Offering”) in which we sold an aggregate
of 725 units of our securities (the “Units”) at a purchase price of $1,000 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds
of $725,000. Each Unit consisted of one share of the Company’s 8% Series A convertible preferred stock, par value $0.0001
per share (the “Series A Stock”) and a three-year warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase one-half of one
share of common stock for every share of common stock that would be received upon conversion of a share of Series A Stock (the
“Warrant Shares”), at an exercise price of $2.40. The Series A Stock is convertible into shares (the “Conversion
Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, at a conversion rate of $2.00 per share (the “Conversion Rate”).
We issued 353,250 Warrant Shares in the Offering, which Warrant Shares are exercisable independently of any conversion of Series
A Stock. The net proceeds of the Offering were used by the Company for general corporate purposes.
Company
Settlement
Effective
upon the closing of the Merger, we issued an aggregate of 688 Units to eleven “accredited investors” (the “Settlement
Parties”) for each such individual or entity entering into a settlement and mutual general release agreement (the “Settlement
Agreement”) with the Company in full and complete settlement and satisfaction and release of claims such Settlement Parties
may have against the Company (the “Company Settlement”).
2018
Equity Incentive Award Plan
In
connection with the Merger, we adopted the 2018 Equity Incentive Award Plan (the “2018 Plan”), which was effective
immediately prior to the consummation of the Merger. The principal purpose of the 2018 Plan is to attract, retain and motivate
selected employees, consultants and non-employee directors through the granting of stock-based compensation awards and cash-based
performance bonus awards. 7,500,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2018 Plan as future incentive awards
to executive officers, employees, consultants and directors.
4
Upon
the closing of the Merger, (i) options to purchase an aggregate of 104 shares of Keeler & Co’s common stock at an exercise
price of $10,000 per share, which were outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the Merger, were converted into ten-year
immediately exercisable options to purchase an aggregate of 3,120,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.333 under
the 2018 Plan, and (ii) ten-year options to purchase 3,120,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00, which vest
one-year from the date of grant, were issued under the 2018 Plan.
Changes
to the Board of Directors and Executive Officers
On
the Closing Date of the Merger, the then-current directors and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
resigned from all such positions as directors and officers of the Company and were replaced by new officers and directors.
Lock-ups
In
connection with the Merger, each of our executive officers and directors after giving effect to the Merger (the “Restricted
Holders”) and each of the Pre-Merger Holders, holding at the closing date of the Merger an aggregate of 750,000 shares of
our common stock, entered into lock-up agreements (the “Lock-Up Agreements”), whereby the Restricted Holders are restricted
for a period of 18 months and the Pre-Merger Holders are restricted for 12 months, after the Merger (the “Restricted Period”),
from sales or dispositions (including pledges) in excess of 50% of all of the Common Stock held by (or issuable to) them and at
a price below $2.20 per share (such restrictions together the “Lock-Up”). Notwithstanding such restrictions, during
the Restricted Period (i) the Restricted Holders may transfer up to 10% of their shares to a charitable organization which agrees
to be bound by such Lock-Up restrictions and (ii) the Pre-Merger Holders may transfer up to 10% of their shares to a third party
which agrees to be bound by such Lock-Up restrictions. From and after the Restricted Period, neither the Restricted Holders nor
the Pre-Merger Holders may sell, dispose or otherwise transfer more than one-third of the Common Stock held by such Holder in
any two-month period.
Redemption
from Pre-Merger Holders
In
connection with the Merger, the Company redeemed an aggregate of 9,250,000 shares of Common Stock from the Company’s Pre-Merger
Holders for cancellation by the Company (the “Share Redemption”) and, as a result, the stockholders retained an aggregate
of 750,000 shares of common stock after the Merger (the “Retained Shares”), representing a value of $1.5 million.
The shares were redeemed in consideration for the direct benefit the Pre-Merger Holders will receive in connection with the consummation
of the Merger.
Our
authorized capital stock currently consists of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, and 5,000,000 shares of the preferred stock,
of which 10,000 shares have been designated as Series A Stock. Our Common Stock is not traded on any exchange. Our Common Stock
has been quoted on the OTC pink sheets under the symbol “BSFC” since February 18, 2020. Currently, there is a limited
trading market for our Common Stock.
Coastal
Pride Acquisition
On
November 26, 2019, Keeler & Co., Inc. (the “Purchaser”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization
(the “Coastal Merger Agreement”) with Coastal Pride Company, Inc., a South Carolina corporation, Coastal Pride Seafood,
LLC, a Florida limited liability company and newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Keeler & Co. (the “Acquisition
Subsidiary” and, upon the effective date of the Coastal Merger, the “Surviving Company), and The Walter F. Lubkin,
Jr. Irrevocable Trust dated 1/8/03 (the “Trust”), Walter F. Lubkin III (“Lubkin III”), Tracy Lubkin Greco
(“Greco”) and John C. Lubkin (“Lubkin”), constituting all of the shareholders of Coastal Pride Company,
Inc. immediately prior to the Coastal Merger (collectively, the “Sellers”). Pursuant to the terms of the Coastal
Merger Agreement, Coastal Pride Company, Inc. merged with and into the Acquisition Subsidiary, with the Acquisition Subsidiary
being the surviving company (the “Coastal Merger”).
Coastal
Pride is a seafood company, based in Beaufort, South Carolina, that imports pasteurized and fresh crabmeat sourced primarily from
Mexico and Latin America and sells premium branded label crabmeat throughout North America.
5
Pursuant
to the terms of the Coastal Merger Agreement, the following consideration was paid by Keeler & Co.: (i) an aggregate of $394,622
in cash; (ii) a five-year 4% promissory note in the principal amount of $500,000 (the “Lubkin Note), issued by Keeler &
Co. to Walter Lubkin Jr. (“Walter Jr.”); (iii) three-year 4% convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal
amount of $210,000 (collectively, the “Sellers Notes” and together with the Lubkin Note, the “Notes”),
issued by Keeler & Co. to Greco, Lubkin III and Lubkin, pro rata to their ownership of Coastal Pride Company, Inc.
immediately prior to the Coastal Merger; (iii) 500,000 shares of common stock of the Company, issued to Walter Lubkin,
Jr. (the “Walter Jr. Shares”); and (iii) an aggregate of 795,000 shares of common stock of the Company, issued to
Greco, Lubkin III and Lubkin, pro rata to their ownership of Coastal Pride Company, Inc. immediately prior to the Coastal
Merger (together with the Walter Jr. Shares, the “Consideration Shares”).
The
Notes are subject to a right of offset against the Sellers’ indemnification obligations as described in the Coastal Merger
Agreement and are subordinate and subject to prior payment of all indebtedness of John Keeler under the Loan Agreement with Lighthouse
Financial Corp., a North Carolina corporation (“Lighthouse”).
Principal
and interest under the Lubkin Note are payable quarterly, commencing February 26, 2020, in an amount equal to the lesser of (i)
$25,000 and (i) 25% of the Surviving Company’s quarterly earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization.
One-sixth
of the principal and interest under the Sellers Notes are payable quarterly commencing on August 26, 2021. The Sellers Notes are
convertible into shares of common stock of the Company at the Seller’s option, at any time after the first anniversary of
the date of the Note, at the rate of one share for each $2.00 of principal and/or interest so converted (the “Conversion
Shares”).
Keeler &
Co. has the right to prepay the Notes in whole or in part at any time without penalty or premium.
At
the effective time of the Coastal Merger, the Sellers entered into leak-out agreements (each, a “Leak-Out Agreement”)
pursuant to which the Sellers and Walter Jr. may not directly or indirectly pledge, sell, or transfer any of the Consideration
Shares or Conversion Shares, or enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers any of the economic consequences of ownership
of any such shares for one year from the date of the Coastal Merger. Thereafter, each Seller and Walter Jr. may transfer up to
25% of the aggregate of the Consideration Shares and the Conversion Shares held by such person, in each successive six-month period.
In
connection with the Coastal Merger, Lubkin III and Greco agreed to serve as president and chief financial officer, respectively,
of the Surviving Company.
ACF
Finco I, LP (“ACF”) and Keeler & Co. were parties to a loan and security agreement, originally dated as of August
31, 2016. As a condition to ACF’s waiver of certain events of default under the Loan Agreement, and consent to the formation
of the Acquisition Subsidiary and the Coastal Merger, the Acquisition Subsidiary and Keeler & Co. entered into the Joinder
and Seventh Amendment to the Loan Agreement which resulted, among other things, in Coastal Pride becoming an additional borrower
under the Loan Agreement. On March 31, 2021, Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride entered into a loan and security agreement (the
“Loan Agreement”) with Lighthouse Financial Corp., a North Carolina corporation (“Lighthouse”), and the
loan with ACF was extinguished.
Company
Overview
We
are an international seafood company that imports, packages and sells refrigerated pasteurized crab meat, and other premium seafood
products. Our current source of revenue is from importing blue and red swimming crab meat primarily from Indonesia, the Philippines
and China and distributing it in the United States and Canada under several brand names such as Blue Star, Oceanica, Pacifika,
Crab & Go, First Choice, Good Stuff and Coastal Pride Fresh. The crab meat which we import is processed in 13 plants throughout
Southeast Asia. Our suppliers are primarily via co-packing relationships, including two affiliated suppliers. We sell primarily
to food service distributors. We also sell our products to wholesalers, retail establishments and seafood distributors.
Our
premium proprietary brands are differentiated in terms of quality and price point.
6
We
believe that we utilize best-in-class technology, in both resource sustainability management and ecological packaging.
The
Company’s executive offices and warehouse facility are based in Miami, Florida. The offices of Coastal Pride Seafood LLC
are located in Beaufort, South Carolina. Additionally, the Company may, from time to time, utilize third party warehouses located
in Miami, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.
Strategy
Our
strategy is to create a vertically integrated seafood company that offers customers high quality products while maintaining a
focus on our core values of delivering food safety, traceability and certified sustainability.
We
plan to grow the Company organically by continuing to grow our customer base, offering additional species to our customers, introducing
new value-added product lines and strategically acquiring companies with strong portfolio of anchored categories that we believe
we can integrate into a larger, vertically integrated company.
Competitive
Strengths - Sustainable and Traceable Product Sourcing
We
believe that our greatest point of differentiation from other seafood companies are our efforts to ensure that our seafood products
are ethically sourced in a method that is consistent with our core values and those of our customers.
We
purchase the majority of our crab product from processors which source the crab meat from local fishermen in Indonesia, the Philippines,
Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and India, to whom we pay a premium in order to outfit their boats with a proprietary GPS-based system.
This system allows us to trace where the crab product originates and ensure that only mature crabs are being harvested by the
use of collapsible traps and not gill nets.
We
have created a technology platform that tracks the product through its entire chain of custody and collects and transmits various
data to the Company in real-time, from the loading site, to the packing plant, through the sorting and pasteurization process
and the exporting process to the end customer. Our technology allows our customers access to their “Scan on Demand”
QR code-enabled traceability application.
The
crab meat is purchased directly from processors with whom we have long-standing relationships, that have agreed to source their
product in a sustainable manner. All crab meat is sourced under the Company’s FDA approved Hazard Analysis Critical Control
Point (“HACCP”) Plan. Additionally, all suppliers are certified by the British Retail Consortium (the “BRC”)
and are audited annually to ensure safety and quality of our product.
Our
warehouse facility in Miami, Florida is the only crab meat facility audited by the BRC (graded A++) in the U.S.
Proprietary
Brands
We
have created several brands of crab meat that are well regarded amongst our customers and are differentiated by product quality
and price point.
●
Blue
Star is packed with only high quality Portunus Pelagicus species crab and is produced under exacting specifications and
quality control requirements.
●
Pacifika
is a quality brand for the price conscious end-user. The Portunus Haanii crab meat is packed in China and is ideal for
upscale plate presentations.
●
Oceanica
is made from the Portunus Haanii crab, which is caught and processed in Vietnam. It is an affordable choice to help reduce
food cost without sacrificing the look and taste of dishes.
●
Crab
+ Go Premium Seafood is geared towards millennials as part of the trend toward prepackaged grab and go items. The product
is packaged in flexible foil pouches.
●
Lubkin
Brand is packed with good quality Portunus Pelagicus specie crab in the Philippines and Indonesia.
7
●
First
Choice is a quality brand packed with Portunus Haanii crab from Malaysia.
●
Good
Stuff is a premium brand packed with the high quality Callinectes specie crab from Mexico.
●
Fresh
Brand is packed with Callinectes Sapidus crab from Venezuela and the United States.
Eco-Friendly
Packaging
Another
major point of differentiation from our competitors is our use of sustainable and ethical packaging. Our green pouches for Eco-Fresh
crab meat are patented in the United States, Europe, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia under patent Nos.1526091 B1 and US
Patents 8,337,922 and 8,445,046. Since their introduction in 2003, these pouches have saved in excess of one million metric tons
of carbon dioxide emissions versus metal can packaging material.
Competition
In
general, the international seafood industry is intensely competitive and highly fragmented. We compete with local and overseas
manufacturers and importers engaged in similar products.
The
Company’s primary competitors are Tri Union Frozen Products, Inc. (Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods), Phillips Foods, Inc.,
Harbor Seafood, Inc., Newport International and Twin Tails Seafood Corp.
Industry
Overview
The
international seafood industry is going through a period of rapid change as it strives to meet the needs of a growing population
around the world, where food consumption habits are evolving. We believe there are powerful trends emerging in the developing
world, including a growing demand for animal-based protein, as well as and in the developed world where there is an increased
awareness and focus on sustainable sourcing and protecting marine ecosystems.
Population
Growth and Global Seafood Consumption
●
The
United Nations estimates that there will be close to 9.7 billion people on our planet by the year 2050, a significant increase
from the existing population estimates of 7.7 billion. (1)
(1)
United
Nations – Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2019)
●
As
the population has grown, so has per capita consumption. Per capita food fish consumption grew from 9.0 kg (live weight equivalent)
in 1961 to 20.5 kg in 2018, by about 1.5% per year. (2)
(2)
Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations “The State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture – 2020”.
Sources
of Seafood
●
Global
total capture fishery production in 2018 reached 96.4 million tons, an increase of 5.4 percent from the average of the previous
three years, of which 84.4 million tons from marine waters and 12.0 million tons from inland waters. (3)
(3)
Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations “The State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture – 2020”.
●
Global
aquaculture production in 2018 reached 114.5 million tons in live weight, of which 51.3 million tons came from inland aquaculture.
(4)
(4)
Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations “The State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture – 2020”.
8
Seafood
Industry Participants
●
The
mix of parties involved in seafood varies from the local village fisherman, to large, international, vertically-integrated
seafood companies.
●
The
total number of fishing vessels in the world in 2018 is estimated at about 4.6 million, with the fleet in Asia being the largest,
consisting of 3.1 million vessels and accounting for 68 percent of the global fleet, followed by the Americas (14%), Europe
(10%), Africa (7%), and Oceania (1%). (5)
(5)
Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations “The State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture – 2020”.
Growth
Strategy
We
intend to grow the business organically and through strategic acquisitions.
Organic
growth – We believe that allocating additional capital to our existing business plan will allow us to continue to meet growing
demand from end-customers for seafood products. The Company also currently intends to enter the recirculation aquaculture systems
(“RAS”) space with high value seafood species such as Steel Head Salmon and Soft-Shell Blue Crab.
Acquisitions
– We also currently intend to evaluate strategic acquisitions in the fragmented seafood industry. We believe that such potential
acquisitions may add value in several ways, including geographical diversification and new anchor category specifies offerings,
as well as operational and price synergies.
Products
We
currently have the following products: Blue Star, Pacifika, Oceanica, Crab & Go Premium Seafood, Lubkin, First Choice, Good
Stuff and Coastal Pride Fresh.
Blue
Star is packed with only high quality Portunus Pelagicus species crab and is produced under exacting specifications and quality
control requirements.
Pacifika
is a quality brand for the price conscious end-user. The Portunus Haanii crab meat is packed in China and is ideal for upscale
plate presentations.
Oceanica
is made from the Portunus Haanii crab, which is caught and processed in Vietnam. It is an affordable choice to help reduce food
cost without sacrificing the look / taste of dishes.
Lubkin
Brand is packed with quality Portunus Pelagicus specie crab in the Philippines and Indonesia.
First
Choice is a quality brand packed with Portunus Haanii crab meat from Malaysia.
Good
Stuff is a premium brand packed with high quality Callinectes specie crab from Mexico.
Coastal
Pride Fresh Brand is packed with Callinectes Sapidus from Venezuela and the United States.
Grab
+ Go Premium Seafood is geared towards millennials as part of the trend toward pre-packaged, grab-and-go items. The product is
packaged in flexible foil pouches.
9
Suppliers
We
purchase crab meat directly from 13 processors with which we have long-standing relationships, that have agreed to source their
product in a sustainable manner. All crab meat is sourced under the Company’s FDA approved HACCP Plan. Additionally, all
suppliers are certified grade A by the BRC and are audited annually to ensure safety and quality.
The
Company had five suppliers which accounted for approximately 65% of the Company’s total purchases during the year ended
December 31, 2020. These five suppliers are located in the United States, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Mexico and the Philippines, which
accounted for approximately 93% of the Company’s total purchases during the year. During 2020, the Company purchased inventory
from two non-affiliated Indonesian suppliers that made up the balance of 25% of the supply concentration.
Sales,
Marketing and Distribution
The
Company’s products are sold in the United States and Canada. Its primary current source of revenue is importing blue and
red swimming crab meat primarily from Indonesia, Mexico, Malaysia, Sri-Lanka, China, the Philippines and Vietnam and distributing
it in the United States and Canada under several brand names such as Blue Star, Oceanica, Pacifika, and Lubkin’s Coastal
Pride, First Choice, Good Stuff, Coastal Pride Fresh.
The
Company has a sales team based throughout the United States who sell directly to customers most of whom are in the food service
and retail industry and also manage a network of regional and national brokers, that cover both the retail and wholesale segments.
The sales team and brokers help to pull the products through the system by creating demand at the end user level and pulling the
demand through our distributor customers. The Company sells to retail customers either directly or via distributors that specialize
in the retail segment.
The
Company does not own its own fleet of trucks and utilizes less than truckload freight shipping (“LTL”) national freight
carriers to deliver its products to its customers. LTL is used for the transportation of small freight or when freight does not
require the use of an entire trailer. When shipping LTL, the Company pays for a portion of a standard truck trailer, and other
shippers and their shipments fill the unoccupied space.
Our
Technology
We
have created a technology platform that tracks the product through its entire chain of custody and collects and transmits various
data to the Company in real-time, from the loading site, to the packing plant, through the sorting and pasteurization process
and the exporting process to the end customer. Our technology allows our customers access to their “Scan on Demand”
QR code-enabled traceability application.
Customers
Our
customer base is comprised of some of the largest companies in the food service and retail industry throughout the United States.
We sell our crab meat to our customers through purchase orders. For the year ended December 31, 2020, sales to food distributors
and retail and wholesale clubs accounted for 63% of our revenue. The balance of our revenue derived from smaller seafood
distributors and value-added processors.
The
Company had three customers which accounted for approximately 26% of revenue during the year ended December 31,
2020. Outstanding receivables from these customers accounted for approximately 19% of the total accounts receivable as
of December 31, 2020. The loss of any major customer could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations,
cash flows and financial position.
Intellectual
Property
Our
intellectual property is an essential element of our business. We use a combination of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret
and other intellectual property laws and confidentiality agreements to protect our intellectual property. Our policy is to seek
patent protection in the United States and in certain foreign jurisdictions for our products, processes and other technology where
available and when appropriate. We also in-license technology, inventions and improvements we consider important to the development
of our business.
10
In
addition to our patents, we also rely upon trade secrets, know-how, trademarks, copyright protection and continuing technological
and licensing opportunities to develop and maintain our competitive position. We monitor the activities of our competitors and
other third parties with respect to their use of intellectual property. We require our employees to execute confidentiality and
non-competition agreements upon commencing employment with us. Despite these safeguards, any of our know-how or trade secrets
not protected by a patent could be disclosed to, or independently developed by, a competitor.
It
is our standard practice to require our employees to sign agreements acknowledging that all inventions, trade secrets, works of
authorship, developments and other processes generated by them on our behalf are our property, and assigning to us any ownership
in those works. Despite our precautions, it may be possible for third parties to obtain and use without consent intellectual property
that we own. Unauthorized use of our intellectual property by third parties, and the expenses incurred in protecting our intellectual
property rights, may adversely affect our business.
Borrowings
under our loan and security agreement with Lighthouse are secured by substantially all of our personal property, including our
intellectual property.
The
following is a list of our patents:
Title
Country
Patent
No. OR
Publication
No
Issue
Date
Application
No.
Application
Date
POUCH-PACKAGED
CRABMEAT PRODUCT AND METHOD
US
2015/0257426
A1
14/205,742
3/12/2014
METHOD
FOR PACKAGING CRABMEAT
US
8445046
B2
5/21/2013
13/681,027
11/19/2012
METHOD
FOR PACKAGING CRABMEAT
US
8337922
B2
12/25/2012
10/691,480
10/21/2003
METHOD
FOR PACKAGING CRABMEAT
EPC
1526091
B1
10/21/2004
TH
28,256
PH
1-2005-000216
ID
21261
Our
patents expire 20 years from the date of issuance which range from year 2007 to 2015.
The
following is a list of our registered trademarks and trademarks for which we have filed applications.
Mark
Registration
No
Registration
Date
Application
No.
Application
Date
AMERICA’S
FAVORITE CRABMEAT
2961590
6/7/05
78344059
12/22/03
ECO-FRESH
4525998
5/6/14
77922376
1/28/10
3858522
10/5/10
77885209
12/3/09
3818057
7/13/10
77885203
12/3/09
OCEANICA
3711200
11/17/09
77595180
10/17/08
2419060
1/9/01
75855876
11/19/19
Lubkin’s
Coastal Pride
2879531
8/31/04
78289067
8/19/03
Lubkin’s
Good Stuff
N/A
N/A
87919629
5/14/18
Lubkin’s
First Choice
H/A
N/A
88645685
10/8/19
11
Government
Regulation
Our
distribution facility in Florida and our international suppliers are certified in accordance with the HACCP, standards for exporting
aquatic products to the United States. The HACCP standards are developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”),
pursuant to the FDA’s HACCP regulation, Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, part 123, and are used by the FDA to help
ensure food safety and control sanitary standards.
Food
Safety and Labeling
We
are subject to extensive regulation, including, among other things, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Food Safety
Modernization Act (“FSMA”), the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the FDA. The FSMA was enacted in order to aid the effective prevention of
food safety issues in the food supply. This comprehensive and evolving regulatory program impacts how food is grown, packed, processed,
shipped and imported into the United States and it governs compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices regulations (“GMPs”).
The FDA has finalized seven major rules to implement FSMA, recognizing that ensuring the safety of the food supply is a shared
responsibility among many different points in the global supply chain. The FSMA rules are designed to make clear specific actions
that must be taken at each of these points to prevent contamination. Some aspects of these laws use a strict liability standard
for imposing sanctions on corporate behavior. If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we may be subject to
civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls, or seizures, and criminal sanctions, any of which could impact our results
of operations.
In
addition, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 prescribes the format and content of certain information required to
appear on the labels of food products.
Our
operations and products are also subject to state and local regulation, including the registration and licensing of plants, enforcement
by state health agencies of various state standards, and the registration and inspection of facilities. Compliance with federal,
state and local regulation is costly and time-consuming. Enforcement actions for violations of federal, state, and local regulations
may include seizure and condemnation of products, cease and desist orders, injunctions or monetary penalties. We believe that
our practices are sufficient to maintain compliance with applicable government regulations.
Trade
For
the purchase of products harvested or manufactured outside of the United States, and for the shipment of products to customers
located outside of the United States, we are subject to customs laws regarding the import and export of shipments. Our activities,
including working with customs brokers and freight forwarders, are subject to regulation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
part of the Department of Homeland Security.
Federal
Trade Commission
We
are subject to certain regulations by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Advertising of our products is subject to such regulation
pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
12
Employee
Safety Regulations
We
are subject to certain health and safety regulations, including regulations issued pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health
Act. These regulations require us to comply with certain manufacturing, health, and safety standards to protect our employees
from accidents.
Anticorruption
Because
we are organized under the laws of a state and our principal place of business is in the United States, we are considered a “domestic
concern” under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and are covered by the anti-bribery provisions of
the FCPA. The provisions prohibit any domestic concern and any officer, director, employee, or agent, acting on behalf of the
domestic concern from paying or authorizing payment of anything of value to (i) influence any act or decision by a foreign official;
(ii) induce a foreign official to do or omit to do any act in violation of his/her lawful duty; (iii) secure any improper advantage;
or (iv) induce a foreign official to use his/her influence to assist the payor in obtaining or retaining business, or directing
business to another person.
Environmental
Regulation
We
are subject to a number of federal, state, and local laws and other requirements relating to the protection of the environment
and the safety and health of personnel and the public. These requirements relate to a broad range of our activities, including
the discharge of pollutants into the air and water; the identification, generation, storage, handling, transportation, disposal,
recordkeeping, labeling, and reporting of, and emergency response in connection with, hazardous materials (including asbestos)
associated with our operations; noise emissions from our facilities; and safety and health standards, practices, and procedures
that apply to the workplace and the operation of our facilities.
Employees
As
of April 15, 2021, we have sixteen full time employees and no part-time employees. We believe that our future success will
depend, in part, on our continued ability to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel.
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS
This
Annual Report contains certain statements relating to future events or the future financial performance of our Company.
You are cautioned that such statements are only predictions and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual events or results
may differ materially. In evaluating such statements, you should specifically consider the various factors identified in this
annual report, including the matters set forth below, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated
by such forward-looking statements.
An
investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors before
deciding to invest in our Company. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results
of operations and prospects for growth would likely suffer.
Risks
Relating to Our Company and Business
Future
acquisitions may have an adverse effect on our ability to manage our business.
Selective
acquisitions currently form part of our strategy to further expand our business. If we are presented with appropriate opportunities,
we may acquire additional businesses, services or products that are complementary to our core business. Future acquisitions and
the subsequent integration of new companies into ours would require significant attention from management. Future acquisitions
would also expose us to potential risks, including risks associated with the assimilation of new operations, services and personnel,
unforeseen or hidden liabilities, the diversion of resources from our existing businesses and technologies, the inability to generate
sufficient revenue to offset the costs and expenses of acquisitions and potential loss of, or harm to, relationships with employees
as a result of integration of new businesses. The diversion of our management’s attention and any difficulties encountered
in any integration process could have a material adverse effect on our ability to manage our business.
13
The
value of crab meat is subject to fluctuation which may result in volatility of our results of operations and the value of an investment
in the Company.
Our
business is dependent upon the sale of a commodity which value is subject to fluctuation. Our net sales and operating results
vary significantly due to the volatility of the value of the crab meat that we sell which may result in the volatility of the
market price of our common stock.
A
material decline in the population and biomass of crab meat that we sell in the fisheries from which we obtain our crab meat would
materially and adversely affect our business.
The
population and biomass of crab meat are subject to natural fluctuations which are beyond our control and which may be exacerbated
by disease, reproductive problems or other biological issues and may be affected by changes in weather and the global environment.
The overall health of a crab or other fish is difficult to measure, and fisheries management is still a relatively inexact science.
Since we are unable to predict the timing and extent of fluctuations in the population and biomass of our products, we are unable
to engage in any measures that might alleviate the adverse effects of these fluctuations. Any such fluctuation which results in
a material decline in the population and biomass in the fisheries from which we obtain our crab meat would materially and adversely
affect our business. Our operations are also subject to the risk of variations in supply.
We
are subject to the risk of product contamination and product liability claims.
The
sales of our products may involve the risk of injury to consumers. Such injuries may result from tampering by unauthorized personnel,
product contamination or spoilage, including the presence of foreign objects, substances, chemicals, or residues introduced during
the packing, storage, handling or transportation phases. While we are subject to governmental inspection and regulations and believe
our facilities comply in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, including internal product safety policies,
we cannot be sure that consumption of our products will not cause a health-related illness in the future or that we will not be
subject to claims or lawsuits relating to such matters. Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful, the negative publicity
surrounding any assertion that our products caused illness or injury could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential
customers and our brand image.
A
significant portion of our revenues are derived from a single product, crab meat, and therefore we are highly susceptible to changes
in market demand, which may be affected by factors over which we have limited or no control.
A
significant portion of our revenues are derived from a single product, crab meat. We therefore are highly susceptible to changes
in market demand, which may be impacted by factors over which we have limited or no control. Factors that could lead to a decline
in market demand for crab meat include economic conditions and evolving consumer preferences. A substantial downturn in market
demand for crab meat may have a material adverse effect on our business and on our results of operations.
Risks
Related to Our Industry
Regulation
of the fishing industry may have an adverse impact on our business.
The
international community has been aware of and concerned with the worldwide problem of depletion of natural fish stocks. In the
past, these concerns have resulted in the imposition of quotas that subject individual countries to strict limitations on the
amount of seafood that is allowed to be caught or harvested. Environmental groups have been lobbying for additional limitations.
If international organizations or national governments were to impose additional limitations on crab meat or the seafood products
we sell, this could have a negative impact on our results of operations.
Segments
of the seafood industry in which we operate are competitive, and our inability to compete successfully could adversely affect
our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We
compete with major integrated seafood companies such as Tri Union Frozen Products, Inc. (Chicken of the Sea Frozen Foods), Phillips
Foods, Inc., Harbor Seafood, Inc., and Twin Tails Seafood Corp. Some of our competitors have the benefit of marketing their products
under brand names that have better market recognition than ours or have stronger marketing and distribution channels than we do.
Increased competition as to any of our products could result in price reduction, reduced margins and loss of market share, which
could negatively affect our profitability. An increase in imported products in the United States at low prices could also negatively
affect our profitability.
14
Our
insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover losses we may incur or to fully replace a significant loss of assets.
Our
involvement in the fishing industry may result in liability for pollution, property damage, personal injury or other hazards.
Although we believe we have obtained insurance in accordance with industry standards to address such risks, such insurance has
limitations on liability and/or deductible amounts that may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of such liabilities or
losses. In addition, such risks may not, in all circumstances, be insurable or, in certain circumstances, we may choose not to
obtain insurance to protect against specific risks due to the high premiums associated with such insurance or for other reasons.
The payment of such uninsured liabilities would reduce the funds available to us. If we suffer a significant event or occurrence
that is not fully insured, or if the insurer of such event is not solvent, we could be required to divert funds from capital investment
or other uses towards covering any liability or loss for such events.
Our
operations, revenue and profitability could be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations in the countries where we
do business.
The
governments of countries into which we sell our products, from time to time, consider regulatory proposals relating to raw materials,
food safety and markets, and environmental regulations, which, if adopted, could lead to disruptions in distribution of our products
and increase our operational costs, which, in turn, could affect our profitability. To the extent that we increase our product
prices as a result of such changes, our sales volume and revenues may be adversely affected.
Furthermore,
these governments may change import regulations or impose additional taxes or duties on certain imports from time to time. These
regulations and fees or new regulatory developments may have a material adverse impact on our operations, revenue and profitability.
If one or more of the countries into which we sell our products bars the import or sale of crab meat or related products, our
available market would shrink significantly, adversely impacting our results of operations and growth potential.
A
decline in discretionary consumer spending may adversely affect our industry, our operations and ultimately our profitability.
Luxury
products, such as premium grade crab meat, are discretionary purchases for consumers. Any reduction in consumer discretionary
spending or disposable income may affect the crab meat industry significantly. Many economic factors outside of our control could
affect consumer discretionary spending, including the financial markets, consumer credit availability, prevailing interest rates,
energy costs, employment levels, salary levels, and tax rates. Any reduction in discretionary consumer spending could materially
adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Risks
Related to Our Reliance on Third Parties
We
are dependent on third parties for our operations.
Our
business is dependent upon our relationships with vendors in Southeast Asia for co-packing, processing and shipping product to
us. If for any reason these companies became unable or unwilling to continue to provide services to us, this would likely lead
to a temporary interruption in our ability to import our products until we found another entity that could provide these services.
Failure to find a suitable replacement, even on a temporary basis, would have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
15
We
do not have long-term agreements with many of our customers and suppliers.
Many
of our customers and suppliers operate through purchase orders. Though we have long-term business relationships with many of our
customers and suppliers and alternative sources of supply for key items, we do not have long-term agreements with such customers
and suppliers and cannot be sure that any of these customers or suppliers will continue to do business with us on the same basis
or on terms that are favorable to us. The termination or modification of any of these relationships may adversely affect our business,
financial performance and results of operations.
Risks
Related to Our Financial Condition and Capital Requirements
Our
independent registered public accounting firm has included an explanatory paragraph relating to our ability to continue as a going
concern in its report on our audited financial statements.
The
report from our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes an explanatory paragraph
stating that the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a net capital deficiency that raises substantial
doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent
on its ability to increase revenues, execute on its business plan to acquire complimentary companies, raise capital and continue
to sustain adequate working capital to finance its operations. If we are unable to do so, our financial condition and results
of operations will be materially and adversely affected and we may be unable to continue as a going concern.
COVID-19
has caused significant disruptions to the global financial markets which severely impacts our ability to raise additional capital.
The
full impact of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve as of the date of this Annual Report. Management is actively monitoring
the situation but given the daily evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Company is not able to estimate the effects of the COVID-19
outbreak on its operations or financial condition in the next 12 months. Additionally, the continued spread of COVID-19 and uncertain
market conditions may limit the Company’s ability to access capital.
We
may consider raising additional capital in the future to expand our business, to pursue strategic investments, to take advantage
of financing opportunities or for other reasons, including to:
●
increase
our sales and marketing efforts and address competitive developments;
●
provide
for supply and inventory costs;
●
fund
development and marketing efforts of any future products or additional features to then-current products;
●
acquire,
license or invest in new technologies;
●
acquire
or invest in complementary businesses or assets; and
●
finance
capital expenditures and general and administrative expenses.
Our
present and future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including:
●
our
ability to achieve revenue growth and improve gross margins;
●
the
cost of expanding our operations and offerings, including our sales and marketing efforts;
●
the
effect of competing market developments;
●
costs
related to international expansion; and
●
the
continuing effects of COVID-19.
16
If
we raise funds by issuing equity securities, dilution to our stockholders could result. Any equity securities issued also could
provide for rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of holders of our Common Stock. If we raise funds by issuing debt
securities, those debt securities would have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of holders of our Common Stock.
The terms of debt securities issued or borrowings pursuant to a credit agreement could impose significant restrictions on our
operations. If we raise funds through collaborations and licensing arrangements, we might be required to relinquish significant
rights or grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us.
We
incur additional costs as a result of operating as a public company and our management must devote time to public company compliance.
To
comply with the requirements of being a public company, we need to undertake various actions, including maintaining internal controls
and procedures. As a public company, we incur additional legal, accounting and other expenses due to our compliance with regulations
and disclosure obligations applicable to us, including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “Sarbanes-Oxley
Act”), and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) as well as rules
implemented by the SEC, and the OTC Markets. Stockholder activism, the current political environment and the current high level
of government intervention and regulatory reform may lead to substantial new regulations and disclosure obligations, which may
lead to additional compliance costs and impact, in ways we cannot currently anticipate, the manner in which we operate our business.
Our management and other personnel devote a substantial amount of time monitoring and complying with public company reporting
obligations which may causes us to incur additional legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time consuming.
Our
loan and security agreement with Lighthouse contains operating and financial covenants that may restrict business and financing
activities of our subsidiaries, Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride.
Borrowings
under our loan and security agreement with Lighthouse are secured by substantially all of our personal property, including our
intellectual property. Our loan and security agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants which restricts our wholly-owned
subsidiary, Keeler & Co. and its subsidiary, Coastal Pride’s ability to, among other things:
●
dispose
of or sell its assets;
●
make
material changes in its business;
●
merge
with or acquire other entities or assets;
●
incur
additional indebtedness;
●
create
liens on its assets;
●
pay
dividends; and
●
make
investments.
The
operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our loan and security agreement, as well as any future financing agreements
into which we may enter, may restrict the ability to finance operations and engage in, expand or otherwise pursue business activities
and strategies. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, and future breaches of
any of these covenants could result in a default under our loan and security agreement. If not waived, future defaults could cause
all of the outstanding indebtedness under our loan and security agreement to become immediately due and payable and terminate
all commitments to extend further credit.
17
If
we do not have or are unable to generate sufficient cash available to repay our debt obligations when they become due and payable,
either upon maturity or in the event of a default, we may not be able to obtain additional debt or equity financing on favorable
terms, if at all, which may negatively impact our ability to operate and continue our business as a going concern.
We
face risks related to the current global economic environment which could harm our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
The
state of the global economy continues to be uncertain. The current global economic conditions and uncertain credit markets, concerns
regarding the availability of credit pose a risk that could impact our international relationships, as well as our ability to
manage normal commercial relationships with our customers, suppliers and creditors, including financial institutions. Global trade
issues and the impositions of tariffs could also have an adverse effect on our international business activities. If the current
global economic environment deteriorates, our business could be negatively affected.
Risks
Related to Administrative, Organizational and Commercial Operations and Growth
We
may be unable to manage our future growth effectively, which could make it difficult to execute our business strategy.
We
anticipate growth in our business operations. This future growth could create a strain on our organizational, administrative and
operational infrastructure, including manufacturing operations, quality control, technical support and customer service, sales
force management and general and financial administration. Our ability to manage our growth properly will require us to continue
to improve our operational, financial and management controls, as well as our reporting systems and procedures. If we are unable
to manage our growth effectively, we may be unable to execute our business plan, which could have a material adverse effect on
our business and our results of operations.
If
we are unable to support demand for our current and our future products, including ensuring that we have adequate resources to
meet increased demand our business could be harmed.
As
our commercial operations and sales volume grow, we will need to continue to increase our workflow capacity for processing, customer
service, billing and general process improvements and expand our internal quality assurance program, among other things. We may
also need to purchase additional equipment and increase our manufacturing, maintenance, software and computing capacity to meet
increased demand. We cannot assure you that any of these increases in scale, expansion of personnel, purchase of equipment or
process enhancements will be successfully implemented.
The
loss of our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or our inability to attract and retain highly skilled officers and
key personnel could negatively impact our business.
Our
success depends on the skills, experience and performance of John Keeler, our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
The individual and collective efforts of such individual will be important as we continue to develop and expand our commercial
activities. The loss or incapacity of Mr. Keeler could negatively impact our operations if we experience difficulties in hiring
qualified successors. Qualified employees periodically are in great demand and may be unavailable in the time frame required to
satisfy our customers’ requirements. Expansion of our business could require us to employ additional personnel. There can
be no assurance that we will be able to attract and retain sufficient numbers of skilled employees in the future. The loss of
personnel or our inability to hire or retain sufficient personnel at competitive rates could impair the growth of our business.
If
we were sued for product liability or professional liability, we could face substantial liabilities that exceed our resources.
The
marketing and sale of our products could lead to the filing of product liability claims alleging that our product made users ill.
A product liability claim could result in substantial damages and be costly and time-consuming for us to defend.
18
We
maintain product liability insurance, but this insurance may not fully protect us from the financial impact of defending against
product liability claims. Any product liability claim brought against us, with or without merit, could increase our insurance
rates or prevent us from securing insurance coverage in the future. Additionally, any product liability lawsuit could lead to
regulatory investigations, product recalls or withdrawals, damage our reputation or cause current vendors, suppliers and customers
to terminate existing agreements and potential customers and partners to seek other suppliers, any of which could negatively impact
our results of operations.
We
face risks associated with our international business.
Our
international business operations are subject to a variety of risks, including:
●
difficulties
with managing foreign and geographically dispersed operations;
●
having
to comply with various U.S. and international laws, including export control laws and the FCPA, and anti-money laundering
laws;
●
changes
in uncertainties relating to foreign rules and regulations;
●
tariffs,
export or import restrictions, restrictions on remittances abroad, imposition of duties or taxes that limit our ability to
import product;
●
limitations
on our ability to enter into cost-effective arrangements with distributors, or at all;
●
fluctuations
in foreign currency exchange rates;
●
imposition
of limitations on production, sale or export in foreign countries;
●
imposition
of limitations on or increase of withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by foreign processors or joint
ventures;
●
imposition
of differing labor laws and standards;
●
economic,
political or social instability in foreign countries and regions;
●
an
inability, or reduced ability, to protect our intellectual property, including any effect of compulsory licensing imposed
by government action;
●
availability
of government subsidies or other incentives that benefit competitors in their local markets that are not available to us;
●
difficulties
in recruiting and retaining personnel, and managing international operations;
●
less
developed infrastructure; and impositions on operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If
we expand into other target markets, we cannot assure you that our expansion plans will be realized, or if realized, be successful.
We expect each market to have particular regulatory and funding hurdles to overcome and future developments in these markets,
including the uncertainty relating to governmental policies and regulations, could harm our business. If we expend significant
time and resources on expansion plans that fail or are delayed, our reputation, business and financial condition may be harmed.
Our
results may be impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Currently,
the majority of our international sales contracts are denominated in U.S. dollars. We pay certain of our suppliers in a foreign
currency and we may pay others in the future in foreign currency. As a result, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative
to foreign currencies could require us to reduce our selling price or risk making our product less competitive in international
markets or our costs could increase. Also, if our international sales increase, we may enter into a greater number of transactions
denominated in non-U.S. dollars, which could expose us to foreign currency risks, including changes in currency exchange rates.
19
A
larger portion of our revenues may be denominated in other foreign currencies if we expand our international operations. Conducting
business in currencies other than U.S. dollars subjects us to fluctuations in currency exchange rates that could have a negative
impact on our operating results. Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies impact our revenues,
cost of revenues and operating margins and result in foreign currency translation gains and losses.
We
could be negatively impacted by violations of applicable anti-corruption laws or violations of our internal policies designed
to ensure ethical business practices.
We
operate in a number of countries throughout the world, including in countries that do not have as strong a commitment to anti-corruption
and ethical behavior that is required by U.S. laws or by corporate policies. We are subject to the risk that we, our U.S. employees
or our employees located in other jurisdictions or any third parties that we engage to do work on our behalf in foreign countries
may take action determined to be in violation of anti-corruption laws in any jurisdiction in which we conduct business. Any violation
of anti-corruption laws or regulations could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties and curtailment
of operations in certain jurisdictions and might harm our business, financial condition or results of operations. Further, detecting,
investigating and resolving actual or alleged violations is expensive and can consume significant time and attention of our senior
management.
We
depend on our information technology systems, and any failure of these systems could harm our business.
We
depend on information technology and telecommunications systems for significant elements of our operations. We have developed
propriety software for the management and operation of our business. We have installed and expect to expand a number of enterprise
software systems that affect a broad range of business processes and functional areas, including for example, systems handling
human resources, financial controls and reporting, contract management, regulatory compliance and other infrastructure operations.
Information
technology and telecommunications systems are vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including telecommunications or
network failures, malicious human acts and natural disasters. Moreover, despite network security and back-up measures, some of
our servers are potentially vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses and similar disruptive problems.
Despite the precautionary measures we have taken to prevent unanticipated problems that could affect our information technology
and telecommunications systems, failures or significant downtime of our information technology or telecommunications systems or
those used by our third-party service providers could prevent us from providing support services and product to our customers
and managing the administrative aspects of our business. Any disruption or loss of information technology or telecommunications
systems on which critical aspects of our operations depend could harm our business.
Our
operations are vulnerable to interruption or loss due to natural or other disasters, power loss, strikes and other events beyond
our control.
We
conduct a significant portion of our activities, including administration and data processing, at facilities located in Southern
Florida that have experienced major hurricanes and floods which could affect our facilities, significantly disrupt our operations,
and delay or prevent product shipment during the time required to repair, rebuild or replace damaged processing facilities. Our
suppliers in Southeast Asia are also vulnerable to natural disasters which could disrupt their operations and their ability to
supply product to us. If any of our customers’ facilities are negatively impacted by a disaster, product shipments could
be delayed. Additionally, customers may delay purchases of products until operations return to normal. Even if we and/or our suppliers
are able to quickly respond to a disaster, the ongoing effects of the disaster could create some uncertainty in the operations
of our business. In addition, our facilities may be subject to a shortage of available electrical power and other energy supplies.
Any shortages may increase our costs for power and energy supplies or could result in blackouts, which could disrupt the operations
of our affected facilities and harm our business.
20
Risks
Related to Intellectual Property
Our
intellectual property rights are valuable, and any inability to adequately protect, or uncertainty regarding validity, enforceability
or scope of them could undermine our competitive position and reduce the value of our products, services and brand, and litigation
to protect our intellectual property rights may be costly.
We
attempt to strengthen and differentiate our product portfolio by developing new and innovative products and product improvements.
As a result, our patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights and other intellectual property rights are important assets to
us. Various events outside of our control pose a threat to our intellectual property rights as well as to our products and services.
For example, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in countries in which our products are sold. Also,
although we have registered our trademark in various jurisdictions, our efforts to protect our proprietary rights may not be sufficient
or effective. Any significant impairment of our intellectual property rights could harm our business or our ability to compete.
Litigation might be necessary to protect our intellectual property rights and any such litigation may be costly and may divert
our management’s attention from our core business. An adverse determination in any lawsuit involving our intellectual property
is likely to jeopardize our business prospects and reputation. Although we are not aware of any of such litigation, we have no
insurance coverage against litigation costs, and we would be forced to bear all litigation costs if we cannot recover them from
other parties. All foregoing factors could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any unauthorized
use of our intellectual property could harm our operating results.
We
may be exposed to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties, which, if determined against us, could adversely affect
our business and subject us to significant liability to third parties.
Our
success mainly depends on our ability to use and develop our technology and product designs without infringing upon the intellectual
property rights of third parties. We may be subject to litigation involving claims of patent infringement or violations of other
intellectual property rights of third parties. Holders of patents and other intellectual property rights potentially relevant
to our product offerings may be unknown to us, which may make it difficult for us to acquire a license on commercially acceptable
terms. There may also be technologies licensed to us and that we rely upon that are subject to infringement or other corresponding
allegations or claims by third parties which may damage our ability to rely on such technologies. In addition, although we endeavor
to ensure that companies that work with us possess appropriate intellectual property rights or licenses, we cannot fully avoid
the risks of intellectual property rights infringement created by suppliers of components used in our products or by companies
we work with in cooperative research and development activities. Our current or potential competitors may obtain patents that
will prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make, use or sell our products. The defense of intellectual property claims,
including patent infringement suits, and related legal and administrative proceedings can be both costly and time consuming, and
may significantly divert the efforts and resources of our technical personnel and management. These factors could effectively
prevent us from pursuing some or all of our business operations and result in our customers or potential customers deferring,
canceling or limiting their purchase or use of our products, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Our
commercial success will depend in part on our success in obtaining and maintaining issued patents and other intellectual property
rights in the United States and elsewhere. If we do not adequately protect our intellectual property, competitors may be able
to use our processes and erode or negate any competitive advantage we may have, which could harm our business.
We
cannot provide any assurances that any of our patents have, or that any of our pending patent applications that mature into issued
patents will include, claims with a scope sufficient to protect our products, any additional features we develop or any new products.
Patents, if issued, may be challenged, deemed unenforceable, invalidated or circumvented.
Furthermore,
though an issued patent is presumed valid and enforceable, its issuance is not conclusive as to its validity or its enforceability
and it may not provide us with adequate proprietary protection or competitive advantages against competitors with similar products.
Competitors may also be able to design around our patents. Other parties may develop and obtain patent protection for more effective
technologies, designs or methods. We may not be able to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of our knowledge or trade secrets
by consultants, suppliers, vendors, former employees and current employees. The laws of some foreign countries do not protect
our proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States, and we may encounter significant problems in protecting
our proprietary rights in these countries. If any of these developments were to occur, they each could have a negative impact
on our sales.
21
If
we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, our business and competitive position could be harmed.
We
rely upon copyright and trade secret protection, as well as non-disclosure agreements and invention assignment agreements with
our employees, consultants and third parties, to protect our confidential and proprietary information. In addition to contractual
measures, we try to protect the confidential nature of our proprietary information using physical and technological security measures.
Such measures may not, for example, in the case of misappropriation of a trade secret by an employee or third party with authorized
access, provide adequate protection for our proprietary information. Our security measures may not prevent an employee or consultant
from misappropriating our trade secrets and providing them to a competitor, and recourse we take against such misconduct may not
provide an adequate remedy to protect our interests fully. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated
a trade secret can be difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, trade secrets may
be independently developed by others in a manner that could prevent legal recourse by us. If any of our confidential or proprietary
information, such as our trade secrets, were to be disclosed or misappropriated, or if any such information was independently
developed by a competitor, our competitive position could be harmed.
We
may not be able to enforce our intellectual property rights throughout the world.
The
laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States.
Many companies have encountered significant problems in protecting and defending intellectual property rights in certain foreign
jurisdictions. This could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement or the misappropriation of our intellectual property
rights. Many foreign countries have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner must grant licenses to third parties.
In addition, many countries limit the enforceability of patents against third parties, including government agencies or government
contractors. In these countries, patents may provide limited or no benefit. Patent protection must ultimately be sought on a country-by-country
basis, which is an expensive and time-consuming process with uncertain outcomes. Accordingly, we may choose not to seek patent
protection in certain countries, and we will not have the benefit of patent protection in such countries.
Proceedings
to enforce our patent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts from other aspects
of our business. Accordingly, our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights in such countries may be inadequate. In
addition, changes in the law and legal decisions by courts in the United States and foreign countries may affect our ability to
obtain adequate protection for our technology and the enforcement of intellectual property.
Third
parties may assert that our employees or consultants have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information or misappropriated
trade secrets.
Although
we try to ensure that our employees and consultants do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work
for us, we may be subject to claims that we or our employees, consultants or independent contractors have inadvertently or otherwise
used or disclosed intellectual property, including trade secrets or other proprietary information, of a former employer or other
third parties. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition
to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel. Even if we are successful in defending
against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and other employees.
Risks
Related to Regulatory Matters
Our
products and operations are subject to government regulation and oversight both in the United States and abroad, and our failure
to comply with applicable requirements could harm our business.
The
FDA and other government agencies regulate, among other things, with respect to our products and operations:
●
design,
development and manufacturing;
22
●
testing,
labeling, content and language of instructions for use and storage;
●
product
safety;
●
marketing,
sales and distribution;
●
record
keeping procedures;
●
advertising
and promotion;
●
recalls
and corrective actions; and
●
product
import and export.
The
regulations to which we are subject are complex and have tended to become more stringent over time. Regulatory changes could result
in restrictions on our ability to carry on or expand our operations, higher than anticipated costs or lower than anticipated sales.
The
failure to comply with applicable regulations could jeopardize our ability to sell our products and result in enforcement actions
such as:
●
warning
letters;
●
fines;
●
injunctions;
●
civil
penalties;
●
termination
of distribution;
●
recalls
or seizures of products;
●
delays
in the introduction of products into the market; and
●
total
or partial suspension of production.
We
may also be required to take corrective actions, such as installing additional equipment or taking other actions, each of which
could require us to make substantial capital expenditures. We could also be required to indemnify our employees in connection
with any expenses or liabilities that they may incur individually in connection with regulatory action against them. As a result,
our future business prospects could deteriorate due to regulatory constraints, and our profitability could be impaired by our
obligation to provide such indemnification to our employees.
Any
of these sanctions could result in higher than anticipated costs or lower than anticipated sales and harm our reputation, business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Product
liability claims could divert management’s attention from our business, be expensive to defend and result in sizeable damage
awards against us that may not be covered by insurance.
23
Risks
Relating to Our Common Stock
If
we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or
detect fraud. Consequently, investors could lose confidence in our financial reporting and this may decrease the trading price
of our Common Stock.
We
must maintain effective internal controls to provide reliable financial reports and detect fraud. Failure to implement changes
to our internal controls or any other factors that we identify as necessary to maintain an effective system of internal controls
could harm our operating results and cause investors to lose confidence in our business, operations or reported financial information.
Any such inability to establish effective controls or loss of confidence would have an adverse effect on our Company and
could adversely affect the trading price of our Common Stock.
The
Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial
reporting. We continue to develop and refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within
the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange
Act is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers. Our current controls and any new controls
that we develop may become inadequate and weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the
future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls could negatively impact the results of periodic management evaluations
and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control
over financial reporting that we may be required to include in our periodic reports we will file with the SEC under Section 404
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, harm our operating results, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or result in a restatement
of our prior period financial statements. In the event that we are not able to demonstrate compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act, that our internal control over financial reporting is perceived as inadequate or that we are unable to produce timely or
accurate financial statements, investors may lose confidence in our operating results and the price of our common stock could
decline. In addition, if we are unable to continue to meet these requirements, our Common Stock may not be able to be eligible
for quotation on the OTC Markets or meet the eligibility requirements for the NASDAQ Stock Market.
We
are required to comply with the SEC rules that implement Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and are therefore required to make
a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. We are required to
comply with certain of these rules, which require management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual
reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. During
the evaluation and testing process, if we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting,
we will be unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective.
Our
independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control
over financial reporting until the first annual report required to be filed with the SEC following the date, we are no longer
an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act depending on whether we choose to rely on certain exemptions
set forth in the JOBS Act. If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our
independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could
harm our business.
The
price of our Common Stock may be volatile and may be influenced by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control.
Factors
that could cause volatility in the market price of our Common Stock include:
●
actual
or anticipated fluctuations in our financial condition and operating results;
●
actual
or anticipated changes in our growth rate relative to our competitors;
●
commercial
success and market acceptance of our products;
●
success
of our competitors in commercializing products;
●
strategic
transactions undertaken by us;
●
additions
or departures of key personnel;
24
●
product
liability claims;
●
prevailing
economic conditions;
●
disputes
concerning our intellectual property or other proprietary rights;
●
U.S.
or foreign regulatory actions affecting us or our industry;
●
sales
of our Common Stock by our officers, directors or significant stockholders;
●
future
sales or issuances of equity or debt securities by us;
●
business
disruptions caused by natural disasters; and
●
issuance
of new or changed securities analysts’ reports or recommendations regarding us.
In
addition, the stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that have been often unrelated to the operating performance
of the issuer. These broad market fluctuations may negatively impact the price or liquidity of our Common Stock. In the past,
when the price of a stock has been volatile, holders of that stock have sometimes instituted securities class action litigation
against the issuer. If any of our stockholders were to bring such a lawsuit against us, we could incur substantial costs defending
the lawsuit and the attention of our management would be diverted from the operation of our business.
We
are an “emerging growth company” and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging
growth companies will make our Common Stock less attractive to investors.
We
are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and may take advantage of certain exemptions from various
reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including
not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure
obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements
of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not
previously approved. We cannot predict if investors will find our Common Stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions.
If some investors find our Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Common
Stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
In
addition, Section 102 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended
transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, for complying
with new or revised accounting standards. An “emerging growth company” can therefore delay the adoption of certain
accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of the
benefits of this extended transition period. Our financial statements may therefore not be comparable to those of companies that
comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
You
may experience dilution of your ownership interests because of the future issuance of additional shares of our Common Stock or
preferred stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our Common Stock or preferred stock.
If
our existing stockholders convert our Series A Stock or exercise Warrants or sell, or indicate an intention to sell, substantial
amounts of our Common Stock in the public market, the price of our Common Stock could decline. The perception in the market that
these sales may occur could also cause the price of our Common Stock to decline.
25
In
the future, we may issue authorized but previously unissued equity securities, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests
of the then current stockholders. We are authorized to issue an aggregate of 100,000,000 shares of common stock and 5,000,000
shares of “blank check” preferred stock. We may issue additional shares of our Common Stock or other securities that
are convertible into or exercisable for our Common Stock in connection with hiring or retaining employees, future acquisitions,
future sales of our securities for capital raising purposes, or for other business purposes. The future issuance of any such additional
shares of our Common Stock may create downward pressure on the trading price of the common stock. We may need to raise additional
capital in the near future to meet our working capital needs, and there can be no assurance that we will not be required to issue
additional shares, warrants or other convertible securities in the future in conjunction with the capital raising efforts, including
at a price (or exercise prices) below the price you paid for your stock.
There
is currently a limited market for our Common Stock and an investor may be unable to resell shares of our Common Stock at times
and prices believed appropriate.
Our
Common Stock has been quoted on the OTC pink sheets under the symbol “BSFC” since February 18, 2020. Currently, there
is a limited trading market for our Common Stock and a more active market for our Common Stock may never develop. Accordingly,
our Common Stock is highly illiquid, and an investor may experience difficulty buying and selling shares at times and prices that
they may desire. Trading in stocks quoted on the OTC pink sheet market is often thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in
trading prices. Moreover, the OTC pink sheets is not a stock exchange, and trading of securities is often more sporadic than the
trading of securities listed on a quotation system like NASDAQ or a national stock exchange.
Our
Common Stock may be deemed a “penny stock” which may reduce the value of an investment in the stock.
Rule
15g-9 under the Exchange Act establishes the definition of a “penny stock,” for the purposes relevant to us, as any
equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject
to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require: (a) that a broker or dealer
approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks; and (b) the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written
agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased.
In
order to approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must: (a) obtain financial information
and investment experience objectives of the person and (b) make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks
are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating
the risks of transactions in penny stocks.
The
broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the SEC relating
to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form: (a) sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability
determination; and (b) confirms that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the
transaction. Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock”
rules. If our Common Stock is or becomes subject to the “penny stock” rules, it may be more difficult for investors
to dispose of our Common Stock and cause a decline in the market value of our Common Stock.
Disclosure
also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about commissions
payable to both the broker or dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and
remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing
recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.
The
sales practice requirements of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (“FINRA”) may limit a stockholder’s
ability to buy and sell our Common Stock.
FINRA
has adopted rules requiring 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 or low-priced securities to their
non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial
status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA has indicated its
belief that there is a high probability that speculative or low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers.
If these FINRA requirements are applicable to us or our securities, they may make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend
that at least some of their customers buy our Common Stock, which may limit the ability of our stockholders to buy and sell our
Common Stock and could have an adverse effect on the market for and price of our Common Stock.
26
Our
operating results for a particular period may fluctuate significantly or may fall below the expectations of investors or securities
analysts, each of which may cause the price of our Common Stock to fluctuate or decline.
We
expect our operating results to be subject to fluctuations. Our operating results will be affected by numerous factors, including:
●
variations
in the level of expenses related to future development plans;
●
fluctuations
in value of the underlying commodity;
●
inability
to procure sufficient quantities to meet demand due to the scarcity of the product available from its suppliers;
●
level
of underlying demand for our products and any other products we sell;
●
any
intellectual property infringement lawsuit or opposition, interference or cancellation proceeding in which we may become involved;
●
regulatory
developments affecting us or our competitors; and
●
the
continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If
our operating results for a particular period fall below the expectations of investors or securities analysts, the price of our
Common Stock could decline substantially. Furthermore, any fluctuations in our operating results may, in turn, cause the price
of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. We believe that comparisons of our financial results from various reporting periods
are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as an indication of our future performance
Our
principal stockholders and management own a significant percentage of our Common Stock and will be able to exercise significant
influence over matters subject to stockholder approval.
As
of the date of this filing, our executive officers, directors and principal stockholders, together with their respective affiliates,
owned approximately 79% of our Common Stock, including shares subject to outstanding options that are exercisable within
60 days after such date. Accordingly, these stockholders will be able to exert a significant degree of influence over our management
and affairs and over matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of our board of directors and approval of
significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership could have the effect of entrenching our management and/or
the board of directors, delaying or preventing a change in our control or otherwise discouraging a potential acquirer from attempting
to obtain control of us, which in turn could have a material and adverse effect on the fair market value of our Common Stock.
Because
we became a reporting company under the Exchange Act by means other than a traditional underwritten initial public offering, we
may not be able to attract the attention of research analysts at major brokerage firms.
Because
we did not become a reporting company by conducting an underwritten initial public offering of our Common Stock, and because we
will not be listed on a national securities exchange, securities analysts of brokerage firms may not provide coverage of our Company.
In addition, investment banks may be less likely to agree to underwrite secondary offerings on our behalf than they might
if we became a public reporting company by means of an underwritten initial public offering, because they may be less familiar
with our company as a result of more limited coverage by analysts and the media, and because we became public at an early stage
in our development. The failure to receive research coverage or support in the market for our shares will have an adverse effect
on our ability to develop a liquid market for our Common Stock.
27
Because
the Merger was a reverse merger, certain SEC rules may be more restrictive.
Additional
risks may exist as a result of our becoming a public reporting company through a “reverse merger.” Certain SEC rules
are more restrictive when applied to reverse merger companies, such as the ability of stockholders to re-sell their shares of
Common Stock pursuant to Rule 144.
The
resale of shares covered by the Company’s registration statement could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock
in the public market, should one develop, which result would in turn negatively affect our ability to raise additional equity
capital.
The
sale, or availability for sale, of our Common Stock in the public market may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our
Common Stock and may impair our ability to raise additional capital by selling equity or equity-linked securities. We have registered
with the SEC for resale an aggregate of 17,074,750 shares of Common Stock issued and/or issuable in connection with the Merger,
the Offering, the Company Settlement and the shares retained by the pre-Merger shareholders. The Registration Statement permits
the resale of these shares at any time. The resale of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock in the public market
could adversely affect the market price for our Common Stock and make it more difficult for you to sell shares of our Common Stock
at times and prices that you feel are appropriate. Furthermore, because there are a large number of shares registered pursuant
to the Registration Statement, selling stockholders will continue to offer shares covered by such Registration Statement for a
significant period of time, the precise duration of which cannot be predicted. Accordingly, the adverse market and price pressures
resulting from an offering pursuant to the Registration Statement may continue for an extended period of time and continued negative
pressure on the market price of our Common Stock could have a material adverse effect on our ability to raise additional equity
capital.
Issuance
of stock to fund our operations may dilute your investment and reduce your equity interest.
We
may need to raise capital in the future to fund the development of our seafood business. Any equity financing may have significant
dilutive effect to stockholders and a material decrease in our stockholders’ equity interest in us. Equity financing, if
obtained, could result in substantial dilution to our existing stockholders. At its sole discretion, our board of directors may
issue additional securities without seeking stockholder approval, and we do not know when we will need additional capital or,
if we do, whether it will be available to us.
Provisions
of our charter documents or Delaware law could delay or prevent an acquisition of the Company, even if such an acquisition would
be beneficial to our stockholders, which could make it more difficult for you to change management.
Provisions
in our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control
that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their
shares. In addition, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempt by our stockholders to replace or remove our current
management by making it more difficult to replace or remove our board of directors.
In
addition, Delaware law prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested
stockholder, generally a person who, together with its affiliates, owns, or within the last three years has owned, 15% or more
of our voting stock, for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder,
unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. Accordingly, Delaware law may discourage, delay or prevent
a change in control of the company. Furthermore, our certificate of incorporation will specify that the Court of Chancery of the
State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for most legal actions involving actions brought against us by stockholders.
We believe this provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law by chancellors particularly
experienced in resolving corporate disputes, efficient administration of cases on a more expedited schedule relative to other
forums and protection against the burdens of multi-forum litigation. However, the provision may have the effect of discouraging
lawsuits against our directors and officers. The enforceability of similar choice of forum provisions in other companies’
certificates of incorporation has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that, in connection with any applicable
action brought against us, a court could find the choice of forum provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation to
be inapplicable or unenforceable in such action.
28
We
do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future therefore capital appreciation, if any,
of our Common Stock will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.
We
have never declared or paid cash dividends on our Common Stock. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our Common Stock
in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and
growth of our business. In addition, our current loan and security agreement with Lighthouse contains, and our future loan arrangements,
if any, may contain, terms prohibiting or limiting the amount of dividends that may be declared or paid on our Common Stock. As
a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our Common Stock will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.
Risks
Related to the COVID-19 pandemic
We
may experience disruptions of or restrictions on our operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The
current COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected our business operations, including disruptions or restrictions on our ability
to travel or to distribute our seafood products, as well as temporary closures of our facilities. Any such disruption or delay
may impact our sales and operating results. In addition, COVID-19 has resulted in a widespread health crisis that could adversely
affect the economies and financial markets of many other countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could continue to affect
demand for our products and significantly impact our operating results.
As
the result of current restrictions put in place to address COVID-19, we have had limited access to our corporate offices and our
corporate staff has been required to work remotely, disrupting interactions among our staff, with our customers and suppliers,
and with our accountants, consultants and advisors. The extent to which our results may continue to be affected by COVID-19 will
largely depend on future developments which cannot be accurately predicted, including the duration and scope of the pandemic,
governmental and business responses to the pandemic and the impact on the global economy, our customers’ demand for our
products, and our ability to provide our products and access our offices and facilities. While these factors are uncertain, the
COVID-19 pandemic or the perception of its effects could continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
We
may not be entitled to forgiveness of our recently received PPP Loan, and our application for the PPP Loans could in the future
be determined to have been impermissible or could result in damage to our reputation.
On
March 2, 2021, we received proceeds of $371,944 from a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act, a portion
or all of which may be forgiven, which we used to retain current employees, maintain payroll and make lease and utility payments.
The PPP Loan matures on March 1, 2026 and bears annual interest at a rate of 1.0%. Commencing on the date that is the latter of
(i) the date that is the 10th month after the end of the Company’s PPP Loan covered period (as described below) and (ii)
assuming the Company has applied for PPP Loan forgiveness within the period described in clause (i), the date on which SBA remits
the loan forgiveness amount on the Company’s PPP Loan to the PPP lender (or notifies such lender that no loan forgiveness
is allowed), we are required to pay the lender equal monthly payments of principal and interest as required to fully amortize
by March 1, 2026, any principal amount outstanding on the PPP Loan as of June 2, 2022. A portion or all of the PPP Loan may be
forgiven by the SBA upon our application and upon documentation of expenditures in accordance with the SBA requirements. Under
the CARES Act, loan forgiveness is available for the sum of documented payroll costs, covered rent payments, covered mortgage
interest and covered utilities during the twenty-four-week period or, if elected by the Company, the eight-week period beginning
on the date the loan is advanced. Not more than 40% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs. The amount of the PPP
Loan eligible to be forgiven may be limited due to declines in headcount, whether voluntary or involuntary, or if salaries and
wages for employees with salaries of $100,000 or less annually are reduced by more than 25% as compared to the period of January
1, 2020 through March 31, 2020. We will be required to repay any portion of the outstanding principal that is not forgiven, along
with accrued interest, in accordance with the amortization schedule described above. There can be no assurances that we will be
eligible for loan forgiveness, that we will ultimately apply for forgiveness, or that any amount of the PPP Loan will ultimately
be forgiven by the SBA.
29
In
order to apply for the PPP Loan, we were required to certify, among other things, that the current economic uncertainty made the
PPP Loan request necessary to support our ongoing operations. We made this certification in good faith after analyzing, among
other things, our financial situation and access to alternative forms of capital and believe that we satisfied all eligibility
criteria for the PPP Loan, and that our receipt of the PPP Loan is consistent with the broad objectives of the Paycheck Protection
Program of the CARES Act. The certification described above does not contain any objective criteria and is subject to interpretation.
On April 23, 2020, the SBA issued guidance stating that it is unlikely that a public company with substantial market value and
access to capital markets will be able to make the required certification in good faith. The lack of clarity regarding loan eligibility
under the Paycheck Protection Program has resulted in significant media coverage and controversy with respect to public companies
applying for and receiving loans. If, despite our good-faith belief that given our Company’s circumstances we satisfied
all eligible requirements for the PPP Loan, we are later determined to have violated any of the laws or governmental regulations
that apply to us in connection with the PPP Loan, such as the False Claims Act, or it is otherwise determined that we were ineligible
to receive the PPP Loan, we may be subject to penalties, including significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties and
could be required to repay the PPP Loan in its entirety. In addition, receipt of a PPP Loan may result in adverse publicity and
damage to reputation, and a review or audit by the SBA or other government entity or claims under the False Claims Act could consume
significant financial and management resources. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and financial condition.
ITEM
1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
We
are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide
the information under this Item.
ITEM
2. PROPERTIES
We
leased approximately 16,800 square feet of office/warehouse space for our executive offices and distribution facility for $16,916
per month from John Keeler Real Estate Holding, Inc. (“Keeler Real Estate”), a corporation owned by each trust for
each of John Keeler III, Andrea Keeler and Sarah Keeler, each of whom is a child of our Executive Chairman, John Keeler. On December
31, 2020, this facility was sold to an unrelated third-party purchaser and the lease was terminated. In connection with the sale,
the Company will retain approximately 4,756 square feet of such space, rent-free for the next 12 months. We believe this space
will be adequate for our immediate and near-term needs. Coastal Pride leases 1,106 square feet of office space in Beaufort, South
Carolina under a lease that expires in 2024.
ITEM
3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There
are no pending legal proceedings to which we are a party or in which any director, officer or affiliate of ours, any owner of
record or beneficially of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, or security holder is a party adverse to us or has
a material interest adverse to us.
ITEM
4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not
applicable.
PART
II
ITEM
5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market
Information
Our
Common Stock has been quoted on the OTC pink sheets under the symbol “BSFC” since February 18, 2020. There has been
limited trading in our Common Stock and there can be no assurances that an active trading market will ever develop.
30
On
December 26, 2019, the Company entered into lock-up and resale restriction agreements with fifteen shareholders with respect to
an aggregate of 16,074,939 shares of Common Stock, which provide, among other things, that the shareholder may not until June
26, 2020 (the “Lock-Up Period”), sell or transfer in any way, the shares of Common Stock held by such shareholder,
except that each shareholder may sell 1,000 shares of Common Stock per month during the Lock-Up Period.
Holders
As
of April 15, 2021, there were 19,633,161 shares of Common Stock outstanding held by 51 stockholders of record.
Dividends
We
have never paid any cash dividends on our capital stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our Common Stock in
the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings to fund ongoing operations and future capital requirements. Our Loan
and Security Agreement with Lighthouse contains terms prohibiting or limiting the amount of dividends that may be declared or
paid on our Common Stock. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and
will be dependent upon financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and such other factors as the board of
directors deems relevant.
Securities
Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The
following table provides information regarding our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2020:
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
Plan
category
Number
of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
Weighted-
average exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
Number
of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders
3,810,000 (1)
2.00
3,660,000
Equity compensation plans not approved
by security holders
0
0
0
(1)
Represents
(i) a 10-year option to purchase 3,120,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share granted to Christopher
Constable, our former chief financial officer and director (ii) 10-year options to purchase an aggregate of 665,000 shares
of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share to certain employees, and (iii) 10-year options to purchase an aggregate
of 25,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share to certain contractors under the 2018 Plan.
Recent
Sales of Unregistered Securities
Except
as set forth below, there were no sales of equity securities during the period covered by this Report that were not registered
under the Securities Act and were not previously reported in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or a Current Report on Form 8-K filed
by the Company.
On
December 24, 2020, the Company issued 55,814 shares of common stock to the designee of a law firm in lieu of legal fees owed to
such firm for services provided to the Company.
On
December 24, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 60,000 shares of common stock to Newbridge Securities Corporation
and its affiliates as compensation under an investment banking and corporate advisory agreement.
31
On
December 30, 2020, the Company issued 796,650 shares of common stock to a third party designated by John Keeler pursuant to a
debt repayment agreement with Mr. Keeler as repayment for an aggregate principal amount of $1,593,300 due under four demand promissory
notes.
On
December 31, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 52,286 shares of common stock to Series A preferred stockholders as a common
stock dividend for the quarters ended March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020, September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
On
February 8, 2021, the Company issued 25,000 shares to an investor relations firm for services provided to the Company under an
investor relations consulting agreement.
On
March 30, 2021, the Company issued 10,465 shares of common stock to the designee of a law firm for services provided to the Company.
On
March 31, 2021, the Company issued 11,975 shares of common stock to Series A preferred stockholders as a common stock dividend
for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.
On
March 31, 2021, the Company issued 5,000 shares to an investor relations firm for services provided to the Company under an investor
relations consulting agreement.
The
above issuances did not involve any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering and we believe
is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof.
Purchases
of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
None.
ITEM
6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
We
are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide
the information under this Item.
ITEM
7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking
Statements
The
following management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our historical financial statements and
the related notes thereto. The management’s discussion and analysis contain forward-looking statements, such as statements
of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking
statements. When used, the words “believe,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “target,”
“estimate,” “expect” and the like, and/or future tense or conditional constructions (“will,”
“may,” “could,” “should,” etc.), or similar expressions, identify certain of these forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those under “Risk Factors,”
above, that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Our actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements
as a result of several factors. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances
occurring after the date of this Annual Report.
Recent
Developments
On
March 29, 2021, the board of directors increased the size of the Company’s Board from two to five members and appointed
Jeffrey J. Guzy, Timothy McLellan and Trond Ringstad as directors, effective April 12, 2021, to fill the vacancies created by
such increase.
32
COVID-19
The
current COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected our business operations, including disruptions and restrictions on our ability
to travel or to distribute our seafood products, as well as temporary closures of our facilities. Any such disruption or delay
may impact our sales and operating results. In addition, COVID-19 has resulted in a widespread health crisis that adversely affected
the economies and financial markets of many other countries. As a result of COVID-19, the Company has experienced a significant
decrease in revenue in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019.
As
a result of the business interruption experienced to date, management has taken steps to reduce expenses across all areas of its
operations, including payroll, marketing, sales and warehousing expenses. The extent to which we are affected by COVID-19 will
largely depend on future developments and restrictions which may disrupt interactions with customers, suppliers, staff and advisors
which cannot be accurately predicted, including the duration and scope of the pandemic, governmental and business responses to
the pandemic and the impact on the global economy, our customers’ demand for our products, and our ability to provide our
products. We continue to monitor the effects of the pandemic on our business.
The
audited financial statements for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 include a summary of our significant accounting policies
and should be read in conjunction with the discussion below. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments necessary
to present fairly the results of operations for such periods have been included in these audited financial statements. All such
adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.
Results
of Operations
The
following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of the Company is based upon, and should be
read in conjunction with, the audited financial statements and related notes elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Year
Ended December 31, 2020 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Net
Sales. Revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 decreased 40.8% to $14,111,368 as compared to $23,829,463 for
the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 as a result of a decrease in poundage sold due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, primarily affecting the first half of 2020.
Cost
of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 decreased to $12,623,576 as compared to $20,610,000
for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. The decrease is primarily attributable to the revenue decline.
Gross
Profit . Gross profit for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 decreased to $1,487,792 as compared to gross profit of
$3,219,463 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. This decrease is attributable to a reduction in poundage sold due to
the COVID-19 pandemic, the reduction in the average selling price of the Company’s product, while the Company’s inventory
cost of product sold during the period did not fully reflect the drop in value of the commodity.
Gross
Profit Margin. Gross profit margin for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 decreased to 10.5% as compared to 13.5% for
the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. This reduction is attributable to revenue and the gross profit decline.
Commissions
Expenses. Commissions expenses decreased from $106,671 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 to $96,594 for the twelve
months ended December 31, 2020. The decrease is attributable to lower commissionable revenues.
Salaries
and Wages Expense . Salaries and wages decreased to $1,286,879 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 as compared to
$3,897,541 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. This decrease is primarily attributable to the strategic reduction in
salaries and stock-based compensation for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.
33
Depreciation
and Amortization . Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $268,341 for the twelve months ended December
31, 2020 as compared to $215,089 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. The increase is attributable to purchases of fixed
assets and corresponding depreciation recognized during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.
Other
Operating Expense. Other operating expenses decreased 44.5% to $1,639,484 for the twelve months ended December
31, 2020 as compared to $2,953,069 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. The decrease is attributable the Company’s
overhead reduction efforts in all fixed expenses related to its operations.
Other
Income . Other income increased to $891,667 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 from $0 for the twelve months ended
December 31, 2019. This increase is primarily attributable to the payroll protection program loan forgiveness obtained from US
Century Bank, sale of equipment and tariff and prepaid tax reimbursements.
Forbearance
Fee Expense (Non-Cash) . Forbearance fee expense increased to $2,655,292 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 from
$0 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, which represents a one-time, non-cash expense related to the issuance of common
stock as a forbearance fee.
Interest
Expense. Interest expense decreased to $870,303 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 as compared to $1,068,796 for
the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. This decrease is attributable to a decrease in the aggregate principal amount of loans
outstanding to $8,158,106 as of December 31, 2020 from $11,510,968 as of December 31, 2019.
Net
Loss. The Company had a net loss of $4,437,434 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the net loss of
$5,021,703 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in net loss is primarily attributable to reduction in salaries
and wages, interest and other operating expenses. Net loss as of December 31, 2020 includes a non-cash expense related to a forbearance
fee of $2,655,292 and not considering this expense, net loss would have decreased to $1,782,142 for the twelve months ended December
31, 2020.
Cash
Provided by Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 was
$4,575,575 as compared to cash provided of $1,577,164 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, representing an increase
of $2,998,411. The increase is primarily attributable to a decrease in the net loss of $584,269 for the twelve months ended
December 31, 2020. Cash generated from Accounts Receivable for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 decreased $1,574,929
as compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, while cash generated from Inventory increased $4,219,232 for
the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. Cash used in Accounts Payable
activities increased $1,415,648 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the twelve months ended December
31, 2019. The Company used $14,049 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 in advances from Bacolod as compared to usage
of $146,316 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.
Cash
Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities. Cash provided by investing activities for the twelve months ended December 31,
2020 was $343,237 as compared to $269,705 cash used in investing activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.
The Company received $407,198 in cash proceeds from the sale of equipment for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.
Cash
Used in Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 was $4,800,635
as compared to cash used in financing activities of $1,509,014 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. The primary
use of cash was a reduction in the outstanding line of credit with ACF of $5,112,061 for the twelve months ended December
31, 2020, as compared to a decrease of $1,347,648 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.
34
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
The
Company had cash of $337,687 as of December 31, 2020, of which $282,043 was restricted cash. At December 31, 2020, the Company
had a working capital deficit of $2,527,059 including $1,299,712 in stockholder loans that were subordinated to ACF as compared
to a working capital deficit of $2,786,086 at December 31, 2019, including $2,910,136 in stockholder loans. The Company’s
primary sources of liquidity consisted of inventory of $1,832,661 and accounts receivable of $1,082,468 at December 31, 2020.
The decrease in working capital was due primarily to a decrease of inventory of $6,151,831 and accounts receivable of $988,895,
and the decrease of accounts payable of $1,920,976 and related party notes payable of $1,610,424 as compared to a decrease in
the working capital line of credit of $5,112,061.
The
Company has historically financed its operations through the cash flow generated from operations, loans from stockholders and
other related parties as well as a working capital line of credit and the sale of equity in private offerings.
The
COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to the global financial markets. The full impact of the COVID-19 outbreak
continues to evolve, is highly uncertain and subject to change. The Company is not able to estimate the effects of the COVID-19
outbreak on its operations or financial condition in the next 12 months. However, while significant uncertainty remains, the Company
believes that the COVID-19 outbreak will have a negative impact the ability to raise financing and access capital.
Working
Capital Line of Credit
The
Company entered into a $14,000,000 revolving line of credit with ACF on August 31, 2016, the proceeds of which were used to pay
off the prior line of credit, pay new loan costs of approximately $309,000 and provide additional working capital to the Company.
This facility was amended on November 18, 2016, June 19, 2017, October 16, 2017, September 19, 2018, November 8, 2018, July 29,
2019, November 26, 2019 and May 7, 2020 and was secured by all of the assets of Keeler & Co. The interest rate under
the line of credit was equal to the greater of (i) the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 9.25%, (ii) the prime rate plus 6.0%, and (iii)
a fixed rate of 6.5%. As of December 31, 2020, the interest rate was 12.48%.
On
March 31, 2021, Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride entered into a loan and security agreement (“Loan Agreement”) with
Lighthouse pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement, Lighthouse made available to Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride (together,
the “Borrowers”) a $5,000,000 revolving line of credit for a term of thirty-six months, renewable annually for one-year
periods thereafter. Amounts due under the line of credit are represented by a revolving credit note issued to Lighthouse by the
Borrowers.
The
advance rate of the revolving line of credit is 85% with respect to eligible accounts receivable and the lower of 60% of the Borrowers’
eligible inventory, or 80% of the net orderly liquidation value, subject to an inventory sublimit of $2,500,000. The inventory
portion of the loan will never exceed 50% of the outstanding balance. Interest on the line of credit is the prime rate (with a
floor of 3.25%), plus 3.75%. The Borrowers paid Lighthouse a facility fee of $50,000 and will pay an additional facility fee of
$25,000 on each anniversary of March 31, 2021.
The
line of credit is secured by a first priority security interest on all the assets of each Borrower. Pursuant to the terms of a
guaranty agreement, the Company guaranteed the obligations of the Borrowers under the note and John Keeler, Executive Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, provided a personal guaranty of up to $1,000,000 to Lighthouse.
The
Borrowers utilized $784,450 borrowed from Lighthouse to repay all the outstanding indebtedness owed to the ACF as of March 31,
2021. As a result, all obligations owed to ACF were satisfied and the loan agreement with ACF was terminated.
John
Keeler Promissory Notes
From
January 2006 through May 2017, Keeler & Co issued 6% demand promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $2,910,000
to John Keeler, our Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman. As of December 31, 2020, approximately $1,299,000 of principal
remains outstanding and approximately $174,000 of interest was paid under the notes. These notes are subordinated to the Lighthouse
note. After satisfaction of the terms of the subordination, the Company may prepay the notes at any time first against interest
due thereunder. If an event of default occurs under the notes, interest will accrue at 18% per annum and if not paid within 10
days of payment becoming due, the holder of the note is entitled to a late fee of 5% of the amount of payment not timely made.
35
Kenar
Note
On
March 26, 2019, the Company issued a four-month promissory note in the principal amount of $1,000,000 (the “Kenar Note”)
to Kenar Overseas Corp., a company registered in Panama (“Kenar”). The note bears interest at the rate of 18% per
annum during the initial four months which rate will increase to 24% during any extension thereof. The note may be prepaid in
whole or in part without penalty. John Keeler, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman pledged 5,000,000
shares of common stock to secure the Company’s obligations under the note. The Kenar Note matured on July 26, 2019 and was
extended on a month-to-month basis and on November 19, 2019, the Kenar Note was extended to March 31, 2020 on the same terms and
conditions.
On
May 21, 2020, the Kenar Note was amended to (i) extend the maturity date to March 31, 2021, (ii) provide that the Company use
one-third of any capital raise from the sale of its equity to reduce the outstanding principal under the Kenar Note, (iii) set
the interest rate at 18% per annum, payable monthly commencing October 1, 2020, and (iv) reduce the number of pledged shares by
Mr. Keeler to 4,000,000. As consideration therefor, the Company issued 1,021,266 shares of Common Stock to Kenar on May 27, 2020.
The outstanding principal amount of the note at December 31, 2020 was $872,500.
Lobo
Note
On
April 2, 2019, the Company issued a four-month unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000 (the “Lobo
Note”) to Lobo Holdings, LLLP, a stockholder of the Company (“Lobo”). The Lobo Note bears interest at the rate
of 18% per annum. The Lobo Note may be prepaid in whole or in part without penalty. John Keeler, the Company’s Executive
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, pledged 1,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company to secure the Company’s obligations
under the Lobo Note. The Lobo Note matured on August 2, 2019 and was extended through December 2, 2019 on the same terms and conditions.
On November 15, 2019, the Company paid off the Lobo Note with the issuance to Lobo of an unsecured promissory note in the principal
amount of $100,000 which accrued interest at the rate of 15% per annum and matured on March 31, 2020. On April 1, 2020, the Company
paid off the November 15, 2019 Lobo Note with the issuance to Lobo of a six-month unsecured promissory note in the principal amount
of $100,000, which accrued interest at the rate of 10% per annum and matured on October 1, 2020. On October 1, 2020, the Company
paid off the April 1, 2020 note with the issuance of a three-month unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000,
which bears interest at the rate of 10% per annum and matured on December 31, 2020. On January 1, 2021, the Company paid off the
October 1, 2020 note with the issuance of a six-month unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000, which bears
interest at the rate of 10% per annum and matures on June 30, 2021.
Paycheck
Protection Program Loan
On
April 17, 2020, the Company received proceeds of $344,762 and issued an unsecured promissory note to US Century Bank in the principal
amount of $344,762 in connection with the Payroll Protection Program of the CARES Act (“PPP Loan”). The note accrues
interest at 1% per annum, matures two years from the date of issuance and is fully guaranteed by the Small Business Administration
(“SBA”) and may be forgiven provided certain criteria are met. The Company is required to make monthly payments of
approximately $19,401 beginning November 17, 2020. In September 2020, the Company applied for the loan forgiveness by SBA through
US Century Bank for the full amount which was granted on November 16, 2020.
On
March 2, 2021, the Company received proceeds of $371,944 and issued an unsecured promissory note to US Century in the principal
amount of $371,944 in connection with a PPP Loan. The note accrues interest at 1.0% per annum, matures five years from the date
of issuance and is fully guaranteed by the SBA and may be forgiven provided certain criteria are met. The Company may apply for
forgiveness after August 17, 2021 and may be required to make monthly payments of approximately $8,500 beginning June 2, 2022.
36
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
Valuation
of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
and other intangible assets include the cost of the acquired business in excess of the fair value of the tangible net assets recorded
in connection with an acquisition. Other intangible assets include customer relationships, non-compete agreements, and trademarks.
For goodwill, our policy is to assess for impairment at year-end. For other intangible assets with definite lives, we assess for
impairment only if events occur that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Annually,
we assess the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles by determining whether the fair values exceed the carrying
values of these assets. Our testing may be performed utilizing either a qualitative or quantitative assessment; however, if a
qualitative assessment is performed and we determine that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not (i.e., a
likelihood of more than 50 percent) to be less than its carrying amount, a quantitative test is performed.
When
using a quantitative test, we arrive at our estimates of fair value using a discounted cash flow analysis. Our assessment for
impairment of goodwill and definitive-lived intangible assets compared the fair value of the reporting unit to the corresponding
carrying value. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal
to the excess. Based on our year-end 2020 annual impairment analysis for goodwill and intangibles assets, we concluded that it
is more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill and intangible assets exceeded its carrying value. No impairment was recorded
for goodwill and intangible assets.
The
fair value conclusions as of December 31, 2020 are highly sensitive to changes in the assumptions used in the income approach,
which include forecasted revenues, perpetual growth rates, among others, all of which require significant judgments by management.
Fair
value of the reporting unit is therefore determined using significant unobservable inputs, or level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The Company has used recent historical performance, current forecasted financial information, and broad-based industry and economic
statistics as a basis to estimate the key assumptions utilized in the forecasted cash flow model. These key assumptions are inherently
uncertain and require a high degree of estimation and judgment and are subject to change based on future changes, industry and
global economic and geo-political conditions, and the timing and success of the implementation of current strategic initiatives.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on estimated future cash flows is uncertain and will largely depend on the outcome of future
events, which could result in goodwill impairments going forward.
Variable
Interest Entity
Under
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation ,
when a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of an entity that is a variable interest entity (“VIE”), as defined
in ASC 810, the VIE must be consolidated into the financial statements of the reporting entity. The determination of which owner
is the primary beneficiary of a VIE requires management to make significant estimates and judgments about the rights, obligations,
and economic interests of each interest holder in the VIE.
The
Company evaluates its interests in VIE’s on an ongoing basis and consolidates any VIE in which it has a controlling financial
interest and is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest has both of the following characteristics:
(i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance; and (ii) the obligation
to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to it or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could
be significant to the VIE.
Effective
April 1, 2014, the Company’s stockholder was transferred the controlling interest of Strike the Gold Foods, Ltd. (“Strike”),
a related party entity which holds the Company’s inventory on consignment in United Kingdom (see Note 3). The Company evaluated
its interest in Strike and determined that Strike is a VIE due to the Company’s implicit interest in Strike and the fact
that Strike and the Company were under common control after the transfer of the controlling interest. Moreover, the Company determined
that it is the primary beneficiary of Strike due to the fact that the Company had both the power to direct the activities that
most significantly impact Strike and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from Strike. Therefore,
the Company consolidated Strike in its financial statements as of April 1, 2014, the effective date of the controlling interest
transfer.
37
During
the third quarter of 2020, the Company determined that Strike was no longer a VIE because there was a verbal agreement with Strike
that terminated the original agreement to hold the inventory on consignment and Strike has not engaged in transactions with the
Company or its subsidiaries in 2020.
The
Company also evaluated its interest in three related party entities that are under common control with the Company, Bacolod, Bicol
Blue Star Export Co. (“Bicol”) and John Keeler Real Estate Holding (“JK Real Estate”), in light of ASC
810. The Company purchased inventory from Bacolod, an exporter of pasteurized crab meat out of the Philippines. The Company purchased
inventory, via Bacolod, from Bicol. The Company leased its office and warehouse facility from JK Real Estate, a landlord that
is a related party through common family beneficial ownership until December 31, 2020.
The
Company determined that Bacolod and Bicol are not VIE’s as they do not meet the criteria to be considered a VIE per ASC
810. The Company does not directly or indirectly absorb any variability of Bacolod or Bicol. The relationship between the Company
and Bacolod and Bicol is strictly a supplier/customer relationship. Moreover, Bacolod and Bicol have other customers besides the
Company which will allow them to sustain their operations from selling their inventory to their other customers. As the Company
concluded that Bacolod and Bicol are not VIE’s and the Company is not deemed their primary beneficiary, Bacolod or Bicol
is not consolidated with the Company’s financial statements.
The
Company no longer leases its office and warehouse facility from JK Real Estate and no longer guarantees the mortgage on the facility.
On December 31, 2020, this facility was sold to an unrelated third-party purchaser and the lease was terminated.
Inventories
Substantially
all of the Company’s inventory consists of packaged crab meat located at the Company’s warehouse facility as well
as public cold storage facilities and merchandise in transit from suppliers. The cost of inventory is primarily determined using
the specific identification method. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, cost being determined
using the first-in, first-out method.
Merchandise
is purchased cost and freight shipping point and becomes the Company’s asset and liability upon leaving the suppliers’
warehouse. The Company had in-transit inventory of approximately $522,000 and $1,958,000 as of December 31, 2020 and December
31, 2019, respectively.
The
Company periodically reviews the value of items in inventory and records an allowance to reduce the carrying value of inventory
to the lower of cost or market based on its assessment of market conditions, inventory turnover and current stock levels. Inventory
write-downs are charged to cost of goods sold. The Company recorded an inventory allowance of approximately $71,400 for the year
ended December 31, 2020 as compared to $40,784 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Advances
to Suppliers and Related Party
In
the normal course of business, the Company may advance payments to its suppliers, including Bacolod, a related party. These advances
are in the form of prepayments for products that will ship within a short window of time. In the event that it becomes necessary
for the Company to return products or adjust for quality issues, the Company is issued a credit by the vendor in the normal course
of business and these credits are also reflected against future shipments.
As
of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the balance due from Bacolod for future shipments was approximately $1,300,000
and $1,286,000, respectively. No new purchases have been made from Bacolod since November 2020. Cost of revenue related to
inventories purchased from Bacolod represented approximately $1,280,000 and $9,531,000 of total cost of revenue for the twelve
months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
38
Revenue
Recognition
Effective
with the January 1, 2018 adoption of ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” and the associated
ASUs (collectively, “Topic 606”), the Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods
or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services.
The Company’s source of revenue is from importing blue and red swimming crab meat primarily from Indonesia, the Philippines
and China and distributing it in the United States and Canada under several brand names such as Blue Star, Oceanica, Pacifika,
Crab & Go, First Choice, Good Stuff and Coastal Pride Fresh. We sell primarily to food service distributors. We also sell
our products to wholesalers, retail establishments and seafood distributors.
To
determine revenue recognition for the arrangements that the Company determines are within the scope of Topic 606, the Company
performs the following five steps: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer by receipt of purchase orders and confirmations
sent by the Company which includes a required line of credit approval process, (2) identify the performance obligations in the
contract which includes shipment of goods to the customer FOB shipping point or destination, (3) determine the transaction price
which initiates with the purchase order received from the customer and confirmation sent by the Company and will include discounts
and allowances by customer if any, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract which is
the shipment of the goods to the customer and transaction price determined in step 3 above and (5) recognize revenue when (or
as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation which is when the Company transfers control of the goods to the customers by
shipment or delivery of the products.
The
Company elected an accounting policy to treat shipping and handling activities as fulfillment activities. Consideration payable
to a customer is recorded as a reduction of the arrangement’s transaction price, thereby reducing the amount of revenue
recognized, unless the payment is for distinct goods or services received from the customer.
Leases
On
January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification 842 and all the related amendments using the modified retrospective
method. We recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new lease standard as an adjustment to the opening balance
of retained earnings. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the lease accounting
standard in effect for those periods.
The
new lease standard requires all leases to be reported on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and lease obligations. We elected
the practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance of the new standard that retained the lease classification and
initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption of the standard. We did not reassess whether any contracts
entered into prior to adoption are leases or contain leases.
We
categorize leases with contractual terms longer than twelve months as either operating or finance. Finance leases are generally
those leases that would allow us to substantially utilize or pay for the entire asset over its estimated life. Assets acquired
under finance leases are recorded in property and equipment, net. All other leases are categorized as operating leases. We did
not have any finance leases as of December 31, 2020. Our leases generally have terms that range from three years for equipment
and six to seven years for property. We elected the accounting policy to include both the lease and non-lease components of our
agreements as a single component and account for them as a lease.
Lease
liabilities are recognized at the present value of the fixed lease payments using a discount rate based on similarly secured borrowings
available to us. Lease assets are recognized based on the initial present value of the fixed lease payments, reduced by landlord
incentives, plus any direct costs from executing the leases. Lease assets are tested for impairment in the same manner as long-lived
assets used in operations. Leasehold improvements are capitalized at cost and amortized over the lesser of their expected useful
life or the lease term.
When
we have the option to extend the lease term, terminate the lease before the contractual expiration date, or purchase the leased
asset, and it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option, we consider these options in determining the classification
and measurement of the lease. Costs associated with operating lease assets are recognized on a straight-line basis within operating
expenses over the term of the lease.
39
The
table below presents the lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheets.
December
31,
2020
Assets
Operating lease assets
$ 99,472
Liabilities
Current
$ 29,337
Operating lease
liabilities
Noncurrent
Operating lease
liabilities
$ 69,844
Supplemental
cash flow information related to leases were as follows:
Twelve
Months Ended
December 31, 2020
Cash used in operating activities:
Operating
leases
$ 156,582
ROU assets recognized in exchange for
lease obligations:
Operating leases
$ 28,137
The
table below presents the remaining lease term and discount rates for operating leases.
December
31, 2020
Weighted-average
remaining lease term
Operating leases
3.39
years
Weighted-average
discount rate
Operating
leases
4.3 %
Maturities
of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020, were as follows:
Operating
Leases
2021
33,552
2022
33,552
2023
26,474
2024
15,060
2025
-
Thereafter
-
Total lease payments
108,638
Less: amount
of lease payments representing interest
(9,457 )
Present value
of future minimum lease payments
$ 99,181
Less: current
obligations under leases
$ (29,337 )
Non-current obligations
$ 69,844
40
Recently
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
ASU
2019-12 Income Taxes (Topic 740)
In
December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU
2019-12”), which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain
exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application.
This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020,
with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements
and related disclosure.
ASU
2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)
In
June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial
Instruments, which requires entities to use a forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses. It also requires
entities to consider additional disclosures related to credit quality of trade and other receivables, including information related
to management’s estimate of credit allowances. ASU 2016-13 was further amended in November 2018 by ASU 2018-19, Codification
Improvements to Topic 236, Financial Instrument-Credit Losses. For public business entities that are U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) filers excluding smaller reporting companies, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other public business entities, the amendments are effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. On October 16, 2019,
FASB voted to delay implementation of ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” For all other entities, the amendments are now effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted
for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company continues to evaluate
the impact of these amendments to the Company’s financial position and results of operations and currently expect no material
impact of the adoption of the amendments on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Off
Balance Sheet Arrangements
We
currently have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
ITEM
7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We
are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information under
this Item.
41
ITEM
8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Blue
Star Foods Corp
Opinion
on the Financial Statements
We
have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Blue Star Foods Corp and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”)
as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’
deficit, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”).
In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of
December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going
Concern Matter
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed
in Note 3 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a net capital deficiency
that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters
are also described in Note 3. 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 control over financial
reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our
audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to
error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence
regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/
MaloneBailey, LLP
www.malonebailey.com
We
have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.
Houston,
Texas
April
15, 2021
42
Blue
Star Foods Corp.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER
31,
2020
2019
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash
and cash equivalents (including VIE $8,725 for 2019)
$ 55,644
$ 153,904
Restricted cash
282,043
41,906
Accounts receivable,
net (including VIE $20,321 for 2019)
1,082,468
2,071,363
Inventory, net
(including VIE $95,441 for 2019)
1,832,661
7,984,492
Advances to related
party
1,299,984
1,285,935
Other
current assets (including VIE $3,679 for 2019)
176,925
242,700
Total Current
Assets
4,729,725
11,780,300
RELATED PARTY LONG-TERM RECEIVABLE
455,545
-
FIXED ASSETS, net
20,064
61,908
RIGHT OF USE ASSET
99,472
1,206,931
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
Trademarks
788,614
845,278
Customer relationships
1,145,831
1,241,667
Non-compete
agreements
29,171
39,167
Total Intangible
Assets
1,963,616
2,126,112
GOODWILL
445,395
445,395
OTHER ASSETS
108,088
125,418
TOTAL
ASSETS
$ 7,821,905
$ 15,746,064
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’
DEFICIT
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
and accruals (including VIE $30,649 for 2019)
$ 1,607,490
$ 3,528,466
Working capital
line of credit
1,805,907
6,917,968
Current maturities
of lease liabilities
29,337
136,952
Current maturities
of related party long-term notes
195,000
100,364
Related party
notes payable
972,500
972,500
Related party
notes payable - Subordinated
1,299,712
2,910,136
Other
current liabilities
1,346,838
-
Total Current
Liabilities
7,256,784
14,566,386
LONG -TERM LIABILITY
Long-term lease
liability
69,844
1,089,390
Related
party long-term notes
515,000
610,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES
7,841,628
16,265,776
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Series A 8% cumulative convertible
preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000 shares authorized, 1,413 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020
and December 31, 2019
-
-
Common stock, $0.0001 par value,
100,000,000 shares authorized; 19,580,721 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020, and 17,589,705 shares issued
and outstanding as of December 31, 2019
1,958
1,761
Additional paid-in
capital
13,488,836
8,789,021
Accumulated
deficit
(13,510,517 )
(8,952,466 )
Total Blue Star
Foods Corp. Stockholders’ Deficit
(19,723 )
(161,684 )
Non-controlling
interest
-
(476,250 )
Accumulated
other comprehensive income (VIE)
-
118,222
Total VIE’s
Deficit
-
(358,028 )
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’
DEFICIT
(19,723 )
(519,712 )
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
$ 7,821,905
$ 15,746,064
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
43
Blue
Star Foods Corp.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2020
2019
REVENUE, NET
$ 14,111,368
$ 23,829,463
COST OF REVENUE
12,623,576
20,610,000
GROSS PROFIT
1,487,792
3,219,463
COMMISSIONS
96,594
106,671
SALARIES AND WAGES
1,286,879
3,897,541
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
268,341
215,089
OTHER OPERATING
EXPENSES
1,639,484
2,953,069
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
(1,803,506 )
(3,952,907 )
OTHER INCOME
891,667
-
FORBEARANCE FEE EXPENSE (NON-CASH)
(2,655,292 )
-
INTEREST EXPENSE
(870,303 )
(1,068,796 )
NET LOSS
(4,437,434 )
(5,021,703 )
LESS: NET
INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
7,577
(35,417 )
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE
TO BLUE STAR FOODS CORP.
$ (4,445,011 )
$ (4,986,286 )
DIVIDEND ON PREFERRED STOCK
113,040
113,041
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE
TO BLUE STAR FOODS CORP COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
$ (4,558,051 )
$ (5,099,327 )
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
TRANSLATION
ADJUSTMENT ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
23,700
50,141
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
$ 31,277
$ 14,724
COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO BLUE STAR FOODS CORP.
$ (4,445,011 )
$ (4,986,286 )
INCOME
TAX EXPENSE
(1,122 )
(4,413 )
NET
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO BLUE STAR FOODS CORP
$ (4,443,889 )
$ (4,990,699 )
COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO BLUE STAR FOODS CORP
$ (4,443,889 )
$ (4,990,699 )
Loss per basic and diluted common
share:
Basic net
loss per common share
$ (0.25 )
$ (0.31 )
Basic weighted average common
shares outstanding
18,257,491
16,201,766
Fully diluted
net loss per common share
$ (0.25 )
$ (0.31 )
Fully diluted weighted average
common shares outstanding
18,257,491
16,201,766
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
44
Blue
Star Foods Corp.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020
Series
A Pref Stock $.0001 par value
Common
Stock $.0001 par value
Additional
Paid-in
Accumulated
Total
Blue Star Foods Corp.
Stockholders’
Non-
Controlling
Total
Stockholders’
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Deficit
Interest
Deficit
December 31, 2018
1,413
-
16,023,164
1,603
3,404,774
(3,853,139 )
(446,762 )
(372,752 )
(819,514 )
Common stock issued for cash
-
-
16,000
2
31,998
-
32,000
-
32,000
Cancellation of issued shares for
cash
-
-
(5,000 )
(1 )
(9,999 )
-
(10,000 )
-
(10,000 )
Common stock issued for service
-
-
198,521
20
397,022
-
397,042
-
397,042
Common stock incentive issued to
employees
-
-
5,500
1
10,999
-
11,000
-
11,000
Common stock issued for Coastal Pride
Acquisition
-
-
1,295,000
130
2,589,870
-
2,590,000
-
2,590,000
Stock based compensation
-
-
-
-
2,251,322
-
2,251,322
-
2,251,322
Series A preferred 8% dividend issued
in common stock
-
-
56,520
6
113,035
(113,041 )
-
-
-
Net Loss
-
-
-
-
-
(4,986,286 )
(4,986,286 )
(35,417 )
(5,021,703 )
Comprehensive loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
50,141
50,141
December 31, 2019
1,413
-
17,589,705
1,761
8,789,021
(8,952,466 )
(161,684 )
(358,028 )
(519,712 )
Stock based compensation
-
-
-
-
139,380
-
139,380
-
139,380
Common stock issued for cash
-
-
5,000
-
10,000
-
10,000
-
10,000
Common stock issued for service
-
-
115,814
12
188,988
-
189,000
-
189,000
Common stock issued to related party
lender for forbearance
-
-
1,021,266
100
2,655,192
-
2,655,292
-
2,655,292
Common stock issued to settle related
party notes
-
-
796,650
80
1,593,220
-
1,593,300
-
1,593,300
Series A preferred 8% dividend issued
in common stock
-
-
52,286
5
113,035
(113,040 )
-
-
-
Net Loss
-
-
-
-
-
(4,445,011 )
(4,445,011 )
7,577
(4,437,434 )
Deconsolidation of Strike the Gold
Foods, Ltd.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
326,751
326,751
Comprehensive loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
23,700
23,700
December 31, 2020
1,413
-
19,580,721
1,958
13,488,836
(13,510,517 )
(19,723 )
-
(19,723 )
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
45
Blue
Star Foods Corp.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2020
2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net
Loss
$ (4,437,434 )
$ (5,021,703 )
Adjustments to
reconcile net loss to net cash provided in operating activities:
Stock based compensation
139,380
2,262,322
Common stock
issued for service
69,000
397,042
Common stock
issued for forbearance fee
2,655,292
-
Depreciation
of fixed assets
33,367
66,012
Amortization
of intangible assets
162,496
20,380
Amortization
of loan costs
72,478
128,696
Lease expense
175,699
149,861
Bad debt expense
13,293
-
Allowance for
inventory obsolescence
71,487
-
Gain on PPP loan
forgiveness
(344,762 )
-
Gain on termination
of lease
(38,819 )
-
Gain on sale
of equipment
(343,181 )
-
Changes in operating
assets and liabilities:
Receivables
942,656
2,517,585
Inventories
6,023,473
1,804,241
Advances to affiliated
supplier
(14,049 )
(146,316 )
Other current
assets
63,315
(12,930 )
Right of use
liability
(156,582 )
(130,450 )
Other assets
14,852
-
Accounts payable
and accruals
(1,873,224 )
(457,576 )
Other
current liabilities
1,346,838
-
Net Cash Provided
by Operating Activities
4,575,575
1,577,164
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Deconsolidation
of variable interest entity
(8,421 )
-
Net cash paid
for acquisition
-
(260,667 )
Proceeds from
sale of fixed assets
407,198
-
Purchases
of fixed assets
(55,540 )
(9,038 )
Net Cash Provided
by (Used in) Investing Activities
343,237
(269,705 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from
common stock offering
10,000
22,000
Proceeds from
working capital line of credit
6,775,660
21,545,968
Proceeds from
related party notes payable
-
1,100,000
Proceeds from
HSBC loan
43,788
-
Proceeds from
PPP loan
344,762
-
Repayments of
working capital line of credit
(11,887,721 )
(23,993,616 )
Repayments of
related party notes payable
(17,124 )
(127,500 )
Principal payments
of long-term debt
-
(30,866 )
Payments
of loan costs
(70,000 )
(25,000 )
Net Cash Used
in Financing Activities
(4,800,635 )
(1,509,014 )
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on
Cash
23,700
50,141
NET INCREASE
(DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
141,877
(151,414 )
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED
CASH - BEGINNING OF PERIOD
195,810
347,226
CASH, CASH
EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH - END OF PERIOD
$ 337,687
$ 195,810
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH
ACTIVITY
Series A preferred
8% dividend issued in common stock
113,040
113,041
Operating lease
assets recognized in exchange for operating lease liabilities
28,137
1,257,751
Shares issued
for partial payment of accounts payable
120,000
-
Shares issued
for partial payment of notes payable - related party
1,593,300
-
Shares issued
for acquisition
-
2,590,000
Related party
notes recognized from business acquisition
-
710,000
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow
Information
Cash
paid for interest
$ 725,693
$ 1,068,796
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
46
Blue
Star Foods Corp .
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December
31, 2020 and 2019
Note
1. Company Overview
Located
in Miami, Florida, Blue Star Foods Corp. (“we”, “our”, the “Company”) is a sustainable
seafood company. The Company’s main operating business, John Keeler & Co., Inc. has been in business for approximately
twenty-five years. The Company was formed under the laws of the State of Delaware. The current source of revenue is importing
blue and red swimming crab meat primarily from Indonesia, the Philippines and China and distributing it in the United States,
Canada and Europe under several brand names such as Blue Star, Oceanica, Pacifika, Crab & Go, First Choice, Good Stuff and
Coastal Pride Fresh.
On
November 8, 2018, the sole shareholder of John Keeler & Co., Inc., John Keeler, executed an Agreement and Plan of Merger and
Reorganization with Blue Star Foods Corp. (formerly A.G. Acquisition Group II, Inc.) and Blue Star Acquisition Corp. pursuant
to which he exchanged his 500 shares, par value $1.00 per share in John Keeler & Co., Inc. for 15,000,000 shares, par value
$0.0001 per share of the then outstanding 16,015,000 outstanding shares. As part of the merger, the net liabilities existing in
the company as of the date of the merger totaling approximately $2,400 were converted to equity. The prior owners of Blue Star
Foods Corp. received 750,000 shares of common stock as part of this transaction, and various service providers received 265,000
shares as compensation for their work on the transaction resulting in an expense and additional paid in capital of $530,001. Additionally,
there were 725 Series A Preferred shares and 181,250 warrants issued to private placement offering investors for a total capital
contribution of $725,000, 688 Series A Preferred shares and 172,000 warrants issued for settlement with prior investors which
had a fair value of $688,000 and $81,353 respectively. Upon the close of the merger, there were 3,120,000 options to purchase
common stock issued to Christopher Constable, the Company’s then Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, Carlos Faria, the
Company’s then Chief Executive Officer, held options to purchase 104 shares of John Keeler & Co., Inc. prior to the
merger. These options were immediately converted at closing to an option to purchase 3,120,000 shares of common stock in the Company.
The
Merger was accounted for as a “reverse merger” and recapitalization since, immediately following the completion of
the transaction, the holders of John Keeler & Co., Inc.’s stock had effective control of Blue Star Foods Corp. In addition,
John Keeler & Co., Inc. had control of the combined entity through control of the Board by designating all four of the board
seats. Additionally, all of John Keeler & Co., Inc.’s officers and senior executive positions continued as management
of the combined entity after consummation of the Merger. For accounting purposes, John Keeler & Co., Inc. was deemed to be
the accounting acquirer in the transaction and, consequently, the transaction has been treated as a recapitalization of Blue Star
Foods Corp. Accordingly, John Keeler & Co., Inc.’s assets, liabilities and results of operations are the historical
financial statements of the registrant, and the John Keeler & Co., Inc.’s assets, liabilities and results of operations
have been consolidated with Blue Star Foods Corp effective as of the date of the closing of the Merger. No step-up in basis or
intangible assets or goodwill was recorded in this transaction.
On
November 26, 2019, John Keeler & Co., Inc., a Florida corporation (the “Purchaser”), and wholly-owned direct subsidiary
of the Company, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization (the “Coastal Merger Agreement”) with
Coastal Pride Company, Inc., a South Carolina corporation, Coastal Pride Seafood, LLC, a Florida limited liability company and
newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Purchaser (the “Acquisition Subsidiary” and, upon the effective date
of the Merger, the “Surviving Company), and The Walter F. Lubkin, Jr. Irrevocable Trust dated 1/8/03 (the “Trust”),
Walter F. Lubkin III (“Lubkin III”), Tracy Lubkin Greco (“Greco”) and John C. Lubkin (“Lubkin”),
constituting all of the shareholders of Coastal Pride Company, Inc. immediately prior to the Coastal Merger (collectively,
the “Sellers”). Pursuant to the terms of the Coastal Merger Agreement, Coastal Pride Company, Inc. merged with
and into the Acquisition Subsidiary, with the Acquisition Subsidiary being the surviving company (the “Coastal Pride Merger”).
47
Coastal
Pride is a seafood company, based in Beaufort, South Carolina, that imports pasteurized and fresh crabmeat sourced primarily from
Mexico and Latin America and sells premium branded label crabmeat throughout North America.
Note
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis
of Presentation
The
accompanying financial statements of the Company were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
Principles
of Consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, John Keeler & Co, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary, and
Coastal Pride Seafood, LLC (“Coastal Pride”), a wholly owned subsidiary of John Keeler & Co., Inc. All
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Goodwill
and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill
and other intangible assets include the cost of the acquired business in excess of the fair value of the tangible net assets recorded
in connection with an acquisition. Other intangible assets include customer relationships, non-compete agreements, and trademarks.
The Company reviews its finite-lived intangibles and goodwill for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value and may not be recoverable.
Impairments
are recorded as impairment charges in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss, and a
reduction of the asset’s carrying value in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets when they occur. In accordance
with its policies, the Company performed an assessment of its finite-lived intangibles and goodwill and determined there was no
impairment for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Variable
Interest Entity
Under
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation ,
when a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of an entity that is a variable interest entity (“VIE”), as defined
in ASC 810, the VIE must be consolidated into the financial statements of the reporting entity. The determination of which owner
is the primary beneficiary of a VIE requires management to make significant estimates and judgments about the rights, obligations,
and economic interests of each interest holder in the VIE.
The
Company evaluates its interests in VIE’s on an ongoing basis and consolidates any VIE in which it has a controlling financial
interest and is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. A controlling financial interest has both of the following characteristics:
(i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance; and (ii) the obligation
to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to it or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could
be significant to the VIE.
Effective
April 1, 2014, the Company’s stockholder was transferred the controlling interest of Strike the Gold Foods, Ltd. (“Strike”),
a related party entity which holds the Company’s inventory on consignment in United Kingdom (see Note 3). The Company evaluated
its interest in Strike and determined that Strike is a VIE due to the Company’s implicit interest in Strike and the fact
that Strike and the Company were under common control after the transfer of the controlling interest. Moreover, the Company determined
that it is the primary beneficiary of Strike due to the fact that the Company had both the power to direct the activities that
most significantly impact Strike and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from Strike. Therefore,
the Company consolidated Strike in its financial statements starting as of April 1, 2014, the effective date of the controlling
interest transfer.
During
the third quarter of 2020, the Company determined that Strike was no longer a VIE because there was a verbal agreement with Strike
that terminated the original agreement to hold the inventory on consignment and Strike has not engaged in transactions with the
Company or its subsidiaries in 2020.
48
The
Company also evaluated its interest in three related party entities that are under common control with the Company, Bacolod Blue
Star Export Corp. (“Bacolod”), Bicol Blue Star Export Co. (“Bicol”) and John Keeler Real Estate Holding
(“JK Real Estate”), in light of ASC 810. The Company purchases inventory from Bacolod, an exporter of pasteurized
crab meat out of the Philippines. The Company purchased inventory, via Bacolod, from Bicol. The Company leased its office and
warehouse facility from JK Real Estate, a landlord that is a related party through common family beneficial ownership until December
31, 2020. (see Note 7)
The
Company determined that Bacolod and Bicol are not VIE’s as they do not meet the criteria to be considered a VIE per ASC
810. The Company does not directly or indirectly absorb any variability of Bacolod or Bicol. The relationship between the Company
and Bacolod and Bicol is strictly a supplier/customer relationship (see Advances to Suppliers and Related Party accounting
policy). Moreover, Bacolod and Bicol have other customers besides the Company which will allow them to sustain their operations
from selling their inventory to their other customers. As the Company concluded that Bacolod and Bicol are not VIE’s and
the Company is not deemed their primary beneficiary, Bacolod or Bicol is not consolidated with the Company’s financial statements.
The
Company no longer leases its office and warehouse facility from JK Real Estate and no longer guarantees the mortgage on the facility
and therefore is no longer considered a VIE. On December 31, 2020, this facility was sold to an unrelated third-party purchaser
and the lease was terminated.
Cash,
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
The
Company maintains cash balances with financial institutions in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Company (“FDIC”)
insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts and believes it does not have a significant exposure.
The
Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
The
Company considers any cash balance in the lender designated cash collateral account as restricted cash. All cash proceeds must
be deposited into cash collateral account, and will be cleared and applied to the line of credit. The Company has no access to
this account, and the purpose of the funds is restricted to repayment of the line of credit. The following table provides a reconciliation
of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same
such amounts in the consolidated statements of cash flows:
December
31,
2020
December
31,
2019
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 55,644
$ 153,904
Restricted
cash
282,043
41,906
Total cash, cash
equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the cash flow statement
$ 337,687
$ 195,810
Accounts
Receivable
Accounts
receivable consist of unsecured obligations due from customers under normal trade terms, usually net 30 days. The Company grants
credit to its customers based on the Company’s evaluation of a particular customer’s credit worthiness.
Allowances
for doubtful accounts are maintained for potential credit losses based on the age of the accounts receivable and the results of
the Company’s periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition. Receivables are written off as uncollectible
and deducted from the allowance for doubtful accounts after collection efforts have been deemed to be unsuccessful. Subsequent
recoveries are netted against the provision for doubtful accounts expense. The Company generally does not charge interest on receivables.
49
Receivables
are net of estimated allowances for doubtful accounts and sales return and allowances. They are stated at estimated net realizable
value. As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company recorded sales return and allowances and refund liability of approximately
$62,800 and $59,100, respectively. There was no allowance for bad debt recorded during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Inventories
Substantially
all of the Company’s inventory consists of packaged crab meat located at the Company’s warehouse facility as well
as public cold storage facilities and merchandise in transit from suppliers. The cost of inventory is primarily determined using
the specific identification method. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, cost being determined
using the first-in, first-out method.
Merchandise
is purchased cost and freight shipping point and becomes the Company’s asset and liability upon leaving the suppliers’
warehouse. The Company had in-transit inventory of approximately $522,000 and $1,958,000 as of December 31, 2020 and December
31, 2019, respectively.
The
Company periodically reviews the value of items in inventory and records an allowance to reduce the carrying value of inventory
to the lower of cost or market based on its assessment of market conditions, inventory turnover and current stock levels. Inventory
write-downs are charged to cost of goods sold. The Company recorded an inventory allowance of approximately $71,400 and $40,800
for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Advances
to Suppliers and Related Party
In
the normal course of business, the Company may advance payments to its suppliers, inclusive of Bacolod, a related party. These
advances are in the form of prepayments for products that will ship within a short window of time. In the event that it becomes
necessary for the Company to return products or adjust for quality issues, the Company is issued a credit by the vendor in the
normal course of business and these credits are also reflected against future shipments.
As
of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the balance due from the related party for future shipments was approximately $1,300,000
and $1,286,000, respectively. No new purchases have been made from Bacolod since November 2020. Cost of revenue related to inventories
purchased from Bacolod represented approximately $1,280,000 and $9,531,000 of total cost of revenue for the twelve months ended
December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Fixed
Assets
Fixed
assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and are being depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful life of the asset as follows:
Furniture and fixtures
7 to 10 years
Computer equipment
5 years
Warehouse and refrigeration equipment
10 years
Leasehold improvements
7 years
Automobile
5 years
Trade show booth
7 years
Leasehold
improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the expected life of the improvement or the remaining
lease term.
The
Company capitalizes expenditures for major improvements and additions and expenses those items which do not improve or extend
the useful life of the fixed assets.
50
The
Company reviews fixed assets for recoverability if events or changes in circumstances indicate the assets may be impaired. At
December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company believes the carrying values of its long-lived assets are recoverable and as such, the
Company did not record any impairment.
Other
Comprehensive (loss) Income
The
Company reports its comprehensive (loss) income in accordance with ASC 220, Comprehensive Income , which establishes standards
for reporting and presenting comprehensive (loss) income and its components in a full set of financial statements. Other comprehensive
(loss) income consists of net income (loss) and cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments.
Foreign
Currency Translation
The
Company’s functional and reporting currency is the U.S. Dollars. The assets and liabilities held by the Company’s
previous VIE had a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar. In the third quarter of 2020, the VIE was assessed as no longer
being a VIE. The VIE results were translated into U.S. Dollars at exchange rates in effect at the end of each reporting period.
The VIE’s revenue and expenses were translated into U.S. Dollars at the average rates that prevailed during the period.
The rates used in the financial statements as presented for December 31, 2020 and 2019 were 1.260 and 1.337 US dollar to UK pound
sterling, respectively. The resulting net translation gains and losses are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments
in stockholders’ equity as a component of comprehensive (loss) income. The Company recorded foreign currency translation
adjustment of approximately $23,700 and $50,100 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Revenue
Recognition
Effective
with the January 1, 2018 adoption of ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” and the associated
ASUs (collectively, “Topic 606”), the Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods
or services in an amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services.
The Company’s source of revenue is from importing blue and red swimming crab meat primarily from Indonesia, the Philippines
and China and distributing it in the United States and Canada under several brand names such as Blue Star, Oceanica, Pacifika,
Crab & Go, First Choice, Good Stuff and Coastal Pride Fresh. We sell primarily to food service distributors. We also sell
our products to wholesalers, retail establishments and seafood distributors.
To
determine revenue recognition for the arrangements that the Company determines are within the scope of Topic 606, the Company
performs the following five steps: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer by receipt of purchase orders and confirmations
sent by the Company which includes a required line of credit approval process, (2) identify the performance obligations in the
contract which includes shipment of goods to the customer FOB shipping point or destination, (3) determine the transaction price
which initiates with the purchase order received from the customer and confirmation sent by the Company and will include discounts
and allowances by customer if any, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract which is
the shipment of the goods to the customer and transaction price determined in step 3 above and (5) recognize revenue when (or
as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation which is when the Company transfers control of the goods to the customers by
shipment or delivery of the products.
The
Company elected an accounting policy to treat shipping and handling activities as fulfillment activities. Consideration payable
to a customer is recorded as a reduction of the arrangement’s transaction price, thereby reducing the amount of revenue
recognized, unless the payment is for distinct goods or services received from the customer.
51
Leases
On
January 1, 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification 842 and all the related amendments using the modified retrospective
method. We recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new lease standard as an adjustment to the opening balance
of retained earnings. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the lease accounting
standard in effect for those periods.
The
new lease standard requires all leases to be reported on the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and lease obligations. We elected
the practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance of the new standard that retained the lease classification and
initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption of the standard. We did not reassess whether any contracts
entered into prior to adoption are leases or contain leases.
We
categorize leases with contractual terms longer than twelve months as either operating or finance. Finance leases are generally
those leases that would allow us to substantially utilize or pay for the entire asset over its estimated life. Assets acquired
under finance leases are recorded in property and equipment, net. All other leases are categorized as operating leases. We did
not have any finance leases as of December 31, 2020. Our leases generally have terms that range from three years for equipment
and six to seven years for property. We elected the accounting policy to include both the lease and non-lease components of our
agreements as a single component and account for them as a lease.
Lease
liabilities are recognized at the present value of the fixed lease payments using a discount rate based on similarly secured borrowings
available to us. Lease assets are recognized based on the initial present value of the fixed lease payments, reduced by landlord
incentives, plus any direct costs from executing the leases. Lease assets are tested for impairment in the same manner as long-lived
assets used in operations. Leasehold improvements are capitalized at cost and amortized over the lesser of their expected useful
life or the lease term.
When
we have the option to extend the lease term, terminate the lease before the contractual expiration date, or purchase the leased
asset, and it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option, we consider these options in determining the classification
and measurement of the lease. Costs associated with operating lease assets are recognized on a straight-line basis within operating
expenses over the term of the lease.
The
table below presents the lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheets.
December
31,
2020
Assets
Operating
lease assets
$ 99,472
Liabilities
Current
$ 29,337
Operating
lease liabilities
Noncurrent
Operating
lease liabilities
$ 69,844
Supplemental
cash flow information related to leases were as follows:
Twelve
Months Ended
December 31, 2020
Cash
used in operating activities:
Operating
leases
$ 156,582
ROU
assets recognized in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating
leases
$ 28,137
The
table below presents the remaining lease term and discount rates for operating leases.
December
31, 2020
Weighted-average
remaining lease term
Operating
leases
3.39
years
Weighted-average
discount rate
Operating
leases
4.3 %
Maturities
of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020, were as follows:
Operating
Leases
2021
33,552
2022
33,552
2023
26,474
2024
15,060
2025
-
Thereafter
-
Total
lease payments
108,638
Less:
amount of lease payments representing interest
(9,457 )
Present
value of future minimum lease payments
$ 99,181
Less:
current obligations under leases
$ (29,337 )
Non-current
obligations
$ 69,844
Advertising
The
Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expenses which are included in Other Operating Expenses were
approximately $7,200 and $81,700, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
52
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”)
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Customer
Concentration
The
Company had three customers which accounted for approximately 26% of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Company had three customers which accounted for 46% of revenue during the years ended December 31, 2019. Outstanding receivables
from these customers accounted for approximately 19% of the total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
The loss of any major customer could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and
financial position.
Supplier
Concentration
The
Company had five suppliers which accounted for approximately 65% of the Company’s total purchases during the year ended
December 31, 2020. These five suppliers are located in the United States, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Mexico and the Philippines, which
accounted for approximately 93% of the Company’s total purchases during the year. During 2020, the Company purchased inventory
from two non-affiliated Indonesian suppliers that made up the balance of 25% of the supply concentration.
The
Company had two suppliers which accounted for approximately 42% of the Company’s total purchases during the year ended December
31, 2019, and a one-time purchase from a United States based supplier that accounted for approximately 21% of purchases. The two
suppliers are located in two countries, Indonesia, and the Philippines, which accounted for approximately 65% of the Company’s
total purchases during the year ended December 31, 2019. These suppliers included Bacolod, a related party, which accounted for
approximately 27% of the Company’s total purchases during the year ended December 31, 2019.
The
loss of any major supplier could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial
position.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
Our
financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and debt obligations. We believe
the carrying values of our financial instruments approximate their fair values because they are short term in nature or payable
on demand.
Earnings
or Loss per Share
The
Company accounts for earnings per share pursuant to ASC 260, Earnings per Share, which requires disclosure on the financial statements
of “basic” and “diluted” earnings (loss) per share. Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing
net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per share
is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus common stock equivalents
(if dilutive) related to stock options and warrants for each year. As further described in Footnote 6 - Series A Convertible Preferred
Stock, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 1,413 shares of Preferred Stock could be converted into 706,500 shares of common stock.
As further described in Footnote 7 – Options & Warrants, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 3,120,000 and 3,280,000 options
may be exercised, respectively, and 353,250 warrants are exercisable.
As
there was a net loss for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, basic and diluted losses per share each year
are the same.
53
Stock-Based
Compensation
The
Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”. ASC 718
requires companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments, including
stock options, based on the grant-date fair value of the award and to recognize it as compensation expense over the period the
employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. The Company has elected to adopt
ASU 2016-09 and has a policy to account for forfeitures as they occur.
The
Company accounts for stock-based compensation awards to non-employees in accordance with ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation –
Stock Based Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”),
which aligns accounting for share-based payments issued to nonemployees to that of employees under the existing guidance of Topic
718, with certain exceptions.
Related
Parties
The
Company accounts for related party transactions in accordance with ASC 850 (“Related Party Disclosures”). A party
is considered to be related to the Company if the party directly or indirectly or through one or more intermediaries, controls,
is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company. Related parties also include principal owners of the Company, its
management, members of the immediate families of principal owners of the Company and its management and other parties with which
the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to
an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. A party which
can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties or if it has an ownership interest
in one of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties
might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests is also a related party.
As
of December 31, 2020, and 2019, there was approximately $392,000 and $350,900 in interest paid to related parties notes payable.
See Note 6 Debt and Note 4 Consolidation of Variable Interest Entity for further information.
Reclassifications
Certain
amounts in prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Income
Taxes
Prior
to November 8, 2018, the Company was taxed under the provisions of subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code. Under these provisions,
the Company did not pay corporate federal income taxes on its taxable income but was liable for Florida corporate income taxes
and Texas Franchise Tax. The shareholder was liable for individual income taxes on the Company’s taxable income. Post-merger,
the Company files consolidated federal and state income tax returns.
54
Income
tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases
of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to
the amount expected to be realized. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted
through the provision for income taxes.
A
tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained
in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit
that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not”
test, no tax benefit is recorded.
The
Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions in “Income tax expense” in
the Consolidated Statements of Operations. There were no amounts related to interest and penalties recognized for the years ended
December 31, 2020 or 2019.
Recently
Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
ASU
2019-12 Income Taxes (Topic 740)
In
December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU
2019-12”), which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain
exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application.
This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020,
with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements
and related disclosure.
55
ASU
2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)
In
June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial
Instruments, which requires entities to use a forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses. It also requires
entities to consider additional disclosures related to credit quality of trade and other receivables, including information related
to management’s estimate of credit allowances. ASU 2016-13 was further amended in November 2018 by ASU 2018-19, Codification
Improvements to Topic 236, Financial Instrument-Credit Losses. For public business entities that are U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) filers excluding smaller reporting companies, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other public business entities, the amendments are effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. On October 16, 2019,
FASB voted to delay implementation of ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” For all other entities, the amendments are now effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted
for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company continues to evaluate
the impact of these amendments to the Company’s financial position and results of operations and currently expect no material
impact of the adoption of the amendments on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Note
3. Going Concern
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.
Although the company has positive cash flow from operations for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company incurred a net loss
of $4,437,434, has an accumulated deficit of $13,510,517 and working capital deficit of $2,257,059, inclusive of $1,299,712 in
subordinated stockholder debt. These circumstances raise substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a
going concern. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to increase
revenues, execute on its business plan to acquire complimentary companies, raise capital, and to continue to sustain adequate
working capital to finance its operations. The failure to achieve the necessary levels of profitability and cash flows would be
detrimental to the Company. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the
Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
Note
4. Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
Effective
April 1, 2014, the Company’s stockholder was transferred the controlling interest of Strike the Gold Foods Ltd. (“Strike”),
a related party entity based in the United Kingdom. The Company concluded that Strike was a variable interest entity (“VIE”)
and the Company was the primary beneficiary of Strike, in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation. Therefore, the Company consolidated
Strike in its financial statements. Strike’s activities were reflected in the Company’s financial statements starting
on April 1, 2014, the effective date of the controlling interest transfer. The equity of Strike was classified as non-controlling
interest in the Company’s financial statements since the Company is not a shareholder of Strike.
In
the third quarter of 2020, the Company determined that Strike was no longer a VIE because there was a verbal agreement with Strike
that terminated the original agreement to hold Company inventory on consignment and Strike has not engaged in transactions with
the Company or its subsidiaries in 2020. In addition, as of July 1, 2020, the Company neither directly or indirectly absorbs any
variability of Strike nor holds the power to direct the activities of Strike that most significantly impact its economic performance
and Strike was also able to finance its activities without financial support from the Company. The Company deconsolidated Strike
on July 1, 2020 and the income and loss for the VIE is recognized in the Company’s income statement through the deconsolidation
date. As a result of such deconsolidation, the Company no longer recognizes the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest
as a component of total shareholder’s equity resulting in a reduction of $468,673 of noncontrolling interest and $141,922
from accumulated other comprehensive income on its consolidated balance sheet. Further, the Company derecognized approximately
$8,421 of effect of exchange rate changes on cash of Strike as of July 1, 2020 which is reflected in its consolidated statement
of cash flows for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. There is no other material impact on the Company’s consolidated
balance sheet, consolidated cash flows or consolidated statement of operations resulting from deconsolidation of Strike.
56
Pro-forma
financials have not been presented because the effects were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position
and results of operations for all periods presented. Strike remains a related party to the Company after deconsolidation and there
is a long-term receivable from Strike to the Company for $455,545 as of December 31, 2020. There were no transactions between
the Company and Strike since November 2020.
The
information below represents the assets, liabilities and non-controlling interest related to Strike as of July 1, 2020, the deconsolidation
date, and December 31, 2019.
July
1, 2020
Assets
$ 100,698
Liabilities
(427,449 )
Non-controlling interest
(468,673 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
141,922
December
31, 2019
Assets
$ 128,166
Liabilities
30,649
Non-controlling interest
(476,250 )
Note
5. Fixed Assets, Net
Fixed
assets comprised the following at December 31:
2020
2019
Computer equipment
$ 90,707
$ 82,240
Warehouse and refrigeration equipment
-
157,839
Leasehold improvements
4,919
4,919
Total
95,626
244,998
Less: Accumulated
depreciation
(75,562 )
(183,090 )
Fixed assets,
net
$ 20,064
$ 61,908
For
the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, depreciation expense totaled approximately $33,200 and $66,000, respectively. On
December 2020, our warehouse and refrigeration equipment was sold to an unrelated party for $407,198 and the Company recorded
gain on the sale of the equipment of $343,181.
Note
6. Debt
Working
Capital Line of Credit
On
August 31, 2016, the Company entered into a $14,000,000 revolving line of credit pursuant to a loan and security agreement with
ACF Finco I, LP (“ACF”), the proceeds of which were used to pay off the prior line of credit, pay new loan costs of
approximately $309,000, and provide additional working capital to the Company. This facility was secured by all assets of John
Keeler & Co., Inc. and was amended on November 18, 2016, June 19, 2017, October 16, 2017, September 19, 2018, November 8,
2018, July 29, 2019, November 26, 2019 and May 7, 2020.
Interest
on the line of credit was equal to the greater of 3 Month LIBOR rate plus 9.25%, the Prime rate plus 6.0% or a fixed rate of 6.5%.
The
ACF line of credit agreement was subject to the following terms:
●
Borrowing
is based on up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable plus the net orderly liquidation value of eligible inventory at the
same rate, subject to certain defined limitations.
●
The
line is collateralized by substantially all the assets and property of the Company and is personally guaranteed by the stockholder
of the Company.
●
The
Company is restricted to specified distribution payments, use of funds, and is required to comply with certain other covenants
including certain financial ratios.
●
All
cash received by the Company is applied against the outstanding loan balance.
●
A
subjective acceleration clause allows ACF to call the note upon a material adverse change.
57
On
November 26, 2019, Inc. the Company entered into the seventh amendment to the loan and security agreement with ACF. This amendment
memorialized the acquisition of Coastal Pride and made Coastal Pride a co-borrower to the facility. Additionally, the seventh
amendment waived and reset the covenant default that occurred during 2019 and extended the term of the facility to 5 years and
is subject to early termination by the lender upon defined events of default. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company
was in violation of its minimum EBITDA covenant as well as exceeding the covenant related to monies advanced to Bacolod by approximately
$105,000. The default interest rate increase of 3% was implemented in April 2020.
On
May 7, 2020, the Company entered into an eighth amendment to the loan and security agreement with ACF which acknowledged the execution
of a Payroll Protection Program loan and provided a reservation of rights related to a default of the minimum EBITDA covenant.
The
Company analyzed the Line of Credit modification under ASC 470-50-40-21 and determined that the modification did not trigger any
additional accounting due to the revolving line of credit remain unchanged.
As
of December 31, 2020, the line of credit bears interest rate of 12.48%.
As
of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the line of credit had an outstanding balance of approximately $1,805,000 and $6,918,000, respectively.
The
Company amortizes loan costs on a straight-line basis, which approximates the interest method, over the term of the credit facility.
The Company added loan costs associated with the working capital lines of credit of approximately $70,000 and $25,000 for the
twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, leaving balances in the asset of $2,992 and $5,470, respectively, net of
approximately $585,000 and $513,000 of accumulated amortization as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The Company recorded amortization expense of approximately $72,000 and $129,000 during the years ended December 31, 2020
and 2019, respectively.
On
March 31, 2021, Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride entered into a loan and security agreement (the “Loan Agreement”)
with Lighthouse Financial Corp., a North Carolina corporation (“Lighthouse”) and the loan with ACF was extinguished.
John
Keeler Promissory Notes - Subordinated
The
Company had unsecured promissory notes outstanding to its stockholder of approximately $1,299,700 and $2,910,000 as of December
31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These notes are payable on demand, bear an annual interest rate of 6% and are subordinated
to the working capital line of credit. Principal payments were not permitted under the subordination agreement with ACF,
that was effective August 31, 2016. During 2020, a principal payment of approximately $17,000 was made. An additional principal
settlement of $1,593,300 was made in December 2020 by the issuance of 796,650 shares of common stock to the noteholder.
No principal payments were made by the Company during 2019.
Kenar
Note
On
March 26, 2019, the Company issued a four-month promissory note in the principal amount of $1,000,000 (the “Kenar Note”)
to Kenar Overseas Corp., a company registered in Panama (“Kenar”), the term of which was previously extended to March
31, 2020 after which time, on May 21, 2020, the Kenar Note was amended to (i) set the maturity date at March 31, 2021 , (ii) provide
that the Company use one-third of any capital raise from the sale of its equity to reduce the outstanding principal under the
Kenar Note, (iii) set the interest rate at 18% per annum, payable monthly commencing October 1, 2020, and (iv) reduce the number
of pledged shares by Mr. Keeler to 4,000,000. As consideration for Kenar’s agreement to amend the note, on May 27, 2020,
the Company issued 1,021,266 shares of common stock to Kenar. The outstanding principal amount of the note at December
31, 2020 was $872,500.
58
The
amendment to the Kenar Note was analyzed under ASC 470-50 and was determined that it will be accounted for as an extinguishment
of the old debt and the new debt recorded at fair value with the new effective interest rate of 18%. Additionally, this treatment
resulted in the cost of the modification paid in common stock with a value of $2,655,292 charged to other expense as of the date
of the amendment as a non-cash forbearance fee.
Interest
expense for the Kenar Note totaled approximately $177,700 during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Lobo
Note
On
April 2, 2019, the Company issued a four-month unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000 (the “Lobo
Note”) to Lobo Holdings, LLLP, a stockholder in the Company (“Lobo”). The Lobo Note bears interest at the rate
of 18% per annum. The Lobo Note may be prepaid in whole or in part without penalty. John Keeler, the Company’s Executive
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, pledged 1,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company to secure the Company’s obligations
under the Lobo Note. The Lobo Note matured on August 2, 2019 and was extended through December 2, 2019 on the same terms and conditions.
On November 15, 2019, the Company paid off the Lobo Note with the issuance to Lobo of an unsecured promissory note in the principal
amount of $100,000 which bears interest at the rate of 15% and matured on March 31, 2020. On April 1, 2020 the Company paid off
the November 15, 2019 note with the issuance of a six-month unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000, which
bears interest at the rate of 10% and matured on October 1, 2020. On October 1, 2020, the Company paid off the April 1, 2020 note
with the issuance of a three-month unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000, which bears interest at the
rate of 10% and matured on December 31, 2020. On January 1, 2021, the Company paid off the October 1, 2020 note with the issuance
of a six-month unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000, which bears interest at the rate of 10% per annum
and matures on June 30, 2021.
Interest
expense for the Lobo Note totaled approximately $11,200 during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Walter
Lubkin Jr. Note – Subordinated
On
November 26, 2019, the Company issued a five-year unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $500,000 to Walter Lubkin Jr.
as part of the purchase price for the acquisition of Coastal Pride Company, Inc. The note bears and interest rate of 4% per annum.
The note is payable quarterly based on an amount equal to the lesser of (i) $25,000 or (ii) 25% of the EBITDA of Coastal Pride, as determined
on the first day of each quarter. The first payment was scheduled for February 26, 2020, however, the EBITDA generated for Coastal during
the 3 months did not warrant a principal payment. This note is subordinated to the working capital line of credit. Principal payments
are permitted so long as the borrower is not in default of its working capital line of credit. No principal payments were made
by the Company during 2020.
Interest
expense for the Walter Lubkin Jr. note totaled approximately $20,100 during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Walter
Lubkin III Convertible Note – Subordinated
On November 26, 2019, the Company issued a thirty-nine-month
unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $87,842 to Walter Lubkin III as part the purchase price for the Coastal Pride acquisition.
The note bears interest at the rate of 4% per annum. The note is payable in equal quarterly payments over six quarters beginning August
26, 2021. At the election of the holder, at any time after the first anniversary of the issuance of the note, the then outstanding principal
and accrued interest may be converted into the Company’s common stock at a rate of $2.00 per share. This note is subordinated to
the working capital line of credit. Principal payments are permitted so long as the borrower is not in default of its working capital
line of credit. No principal payments were made by the Company during 2020.
Interest
expense for the Walter Lubkin III note totaled approximately $3,500 during the year ended December 31, 2020.
59
Tracy
Greco Convertible Note – Subordinated
On
November 26, 2019, the Company issued a thirty-nine-month unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $71,372 to Tracy
Greco as part of the purchase price for the Coastal Pride acquisition. The note bears interest at the rate of 4% per annum. The
note is payable in equal quarterly payments over six quarters beginning August 26, 2021. At the election of the holder, at any
time after the first anniversary of the issuance of the note, the then outstanding principal and accrued interest may be converted
into the Company’s common stock at a rate of $2.00 per share. This note is subordinated to the working capital line of credit.
Principal payments are permitted so long as the borrower is not in default of its working capital line of credit. No principal
payments were made by the Company during 2020.
Interest
expense for the Tracy Greco note totaled approximately $2,800 during the year ended December 31, 2020.
John
Lubkin Convertible Note – Subordinated
On November 26, 2019, the Company issued a
thirty-nine-month unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $50,786 to John Lubkin as part the Coastal Pride acquisition.
The note bears interest at the rate of 4% per annum. The note is payable in equal quarterly payments over six quarters beginning
August 26, 2021. At the election of the holder, at any time after the first anniversary of the issuance of the note, the then
outstanding principal and accrued interest may be converted into the Company’s common stock at a rate of $2.00 per share.
This note is subordinated to the working capital line of credit. Principal payments are permitted so long as the borrower is not
in default of its working capital line of credit. No principal payments were made by the Company during 2020.
Interest
expense for the John Lubkin note totaled approximately $2,000 during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Payroll
Protection Program Loan
On
April 17, 2020, the Company issued an unsecured promissory note to US Century Bank in the principal amount of $344,762 related
to the CARES Act Payroll Protection Program (“PPP Loan”). This note is fully guaranteed by the Small Business Administration
(“SBA”) and may be forgivable provided that certain criteria are met. The note has a two-year maturity and accrues
interest at 1% per annum. The Company is required to make payments on the remaining principal of the note net of any loan forgiveness
beginning November 17, 2020. In September 2020, the Company applied for the loan forgiveness by SBA through US Century Bank for
the full amount which was granted in November 2020 and was recognized as other income in the consolidated statement of operations
for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.
HSBC
Loan
On
May 13, 2020, the Company through Strike, its former variable interest entity, issued a six-year unsecured promissory note to
HSBC Bank plc in the principal amount of $43,788 related to the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, managed by the British Business Bank.
This note is fully guaranteed by the UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and accrues interest at
2.5% per annum. As a result of the deconsolidation of Strike as a VIE during the third quarter of 2020, the note is no longer
debt of the Company.
Note
7. Business Combination
Merger
with Coastal Pride Seafood, LLC
On
November 26, 2019, the Company completed its merger with Coastal Pride Company, Inc. Under the terms of the Agreement and
Plan of Merger and Reorganization, the Company paid $3.7 million in consideration including approximately $394,600 in cash, the
issuance of $2.59 million of its common stock, the issuance of a $500,000 4% unsecured promissory note and $210,000 4% unsecured
convertible promissory notes in exchange for all of the equity of Coastal Pride Company, Inc. The 1,295,000 shares of the
Company’s common stock issued are subject to leak out agreements whereby the shareholders are unable to sell or transfer
the stock for a period of one year and are permitted to transfer or sell up to 25% in each successive six-month period thereafter.
60
The
transaction costs associated with this merger were $175,400 in investment banking fees paid via 87,700 shares of the common stock,
$110,176 in legal fees paid in $49,535 in cash and 30,321 shares of common stock. The common stock for these transaction costs
were issued subsequent to December 31, 2019.
Fair
Value of Consideration Transferred and Recording of Assets Acquired
The
following table summarizes the acquisition date fair value of the consideration paid, identifiable assets acquired, and liabilities
assumed including an amount for goodwill:
Consideration
Paid:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 394,622
Common stock, 1,295,000 shares of BSFC
common stock
2,590,000
4% Unsecured promissory note
500,000
4% Unsecured, Convertible promissory
note payable to seller
210,000
Fair value of total consideration
$ 3,694,622
Recognized amount
of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 133,956
Accounts receivables
1,141,658
Inventory
1,562,973
Inventory Step Up
105,000
Prepaid and other assets
134,254
Right of Use Assets
100,640
Property and equipment
9,713
Identifiable intangible assets:
Trademarks
850,000
Customer Relationships
1,250,000
Non-Compete Agreements
40,000
Financial liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(816,435 )
Right of Use Liability
(100,640 )
Working Capital Line of Credit
(1,161,892 )
Total identifiable net assets
3,249,227
Goodwill
445,395
Total net value
of assets assumed
$ 3,694,622
In
determining the fair value of the common stock issued, the Company considered the value of the stock as estimated at the time
of closing. Given that the stock was not trading at the time of closing, the Company utilized its sale of common stock from November
2018 to November, 2019 of approximately $1,000,000 in the aggregate with a valuation of $2.00 shares of common stock.
Inventory
was assessed at the time of closing as to its fair value and it was determined that a step-up analysis was necessary in order
to evaluate the fair value of the inventory at the time of closing. The step up represents the net profit that would be attained
when the inventory is sold. The key assumptions used in this analysis is a gross margin of 11.6% and selling costs of 4.4%, The
analysis resulted in a necessary step up of $105,000 at the time of closing.
Goodwill
represents the future economic benefit arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately
recognized. The goodwill arising from the acquisition is attributable to the value of the potential expanded market opportunity
with new customers. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
61
Pro
Forma Information
The
following is the unaudited pro forma information assuming all business acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2019. For all of the
business acquisitions depreciation and amortization have been included in the calculation of the below pro forma information based
upon the actual acquisition costs.
For
the year ended
December
31,
2019
Revenue
$ 33,057,338
Net Loss
$ (5,048,290 )
Basic and Diluted
Loss per Share
$ (0.31 )
Basic and Diluted
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
16,201,766
The
information included in the pro forma amounts is derived from historical information obtained from the sellers of the businesses.
The pro forma amounts above for basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding have been adjusted to include the stock
issued in connection with the acquisition of Coastal Pride.
Note
8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
The
following table sets for the changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill for the years ended December
31, 2020 and 2019.
2020
2019
Balance, January 1
$ 445,395
$ -
Acquisitions
of Coastal Pride Company, Inc.
-
445,395
Balance, December 31
$ 445,395
$ 445,395
The
following table sets for the components of the Company’s intangible assets at December 31, 2020:
Amortization
Period (Years)
Cost
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Book Value
Intangible Assets Subject
to amortization
Trademarks
14
$ 850,000
$ (61,386 )
$ 788,614
Customer Relationships
12
1,250,000
(104,169 )
1,145,831
Non-Compete
Agreements
3
40,000
(10,829 )
29,171
Total
$ 2,140,000
$ (176,384 )
$ 1,963,616
The
aggregate amortization remaining on the intangible assets as of December 31, 2020 is as follows:
Intangible
Amortization
2021
$ 162,816
2022
$ 162,816
2023
$ 161,999
2024
$ 152,820
2025
$ 152,820
Thereafter
$ 1,170,345
62
Note
9. Stockholders Equity
Preferred
Stock
Our
Board of Directors has designated 10,000 shares of preferred stock as “8% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”.
The
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Stock”) has no maturity and is not subject to any sinking fund or
redemption and will remain outstanding indefinitely unless and until converted by the holder or the Company redeems or otherwise
repurchases the Series A Stock.
Dividends.
Cumulative dividends accrue on each share of Series A Stock at the rate of 8% (the “Dividend Rate”) of the purchase
price of $1,000.00 per share, commencing on the date of issuance. Dividends are payable quarterly, when and if declared by the
Board, beginning on September 30, 2018 (each a “Dividend Payment Date”) and are payable in shares of Common Stock
(a “PIK Dividend”) with such shares being valued at the daily volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of
the Common Stock for the thirty trading days immediately prior to each Dividend Payment Date or if not traded or quoted as determined
by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Company. Any fractional shares of a PIK Dividend will be rounded to
the nearest one-hundredth of a share. All shares of Common Stock issued in payment of a PIK Dividend will be duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. Dividends will accumulate whether or not the Company has earnings, there are funds
legally available for the payment of those dividends and whether or not those dividends are declared by the Board.
63
Dividends
of common stock were authorized for issuance to the stockholders in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Designation
for the Series A Stock on March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020, September 29, 2020, and December 31, 2020. The dividends resulted in
the issuance of an aggregate of 52,286 shares of common stock with a value of $113,040. On March 31, 2021, the Company issued
11,975 shares of common stock to Series A preferred stockholders as a common stock dividend for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.
Conversion.
Each share of Series A Stock is convertible at any time and in the sole discretion of the holder, into shares of common stock
at a conversion rate of 500 shares of common stock for each share of Series A Stock (the “Conversion Rate”) The Company
analyzed the embedded conversion option for derivative accounting consideration under ASC 815-15 “Derivatives and Hedging”
and determined that the conversion option should be classified as equity.
Common
Stock
The
Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock at a par value of $.0001 and had 19,580,721 and 17,589,705 shares
of common stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
On
January 29, 2019, the Company’s board of directors approved a private placement memorandum offering up to $300,000 or 150,000
shares of common stock at $2.00 per share.
On
May 16, 2019, the Company issued 5,500 shares valued at $2.00 per share for a total value of $11,000 to certain employees as an
incentive bonus.
On
November 26, 2019, the Company issued 1,295,000 shares, valued at $2.00 per share for a total value of $2,590,000 in connection
with the acquisition of Coastal Pride.
Dividends
of common stock were authorized for issuance to the Series A preferred stockholders in accordance with the terms of the Certificate
of Designation for the Series A Stock on March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019, September 20, 2019 and December 31, 2019. The dividends
resulted in the issuances of an aggregate of 56,520 shares of common stock with a value of $113,041 during 2019.
During
the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company issued 11,000 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share in a private placement offering.
During
the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company issued 22,500 shares of common stock valued at $45,000 for legal and consulting
fees. Additionally, the Company authorized an aggregate of 176,021 shares with a value of $352,042 for legal and consulting fees
that were issued subsequent to December 31, 2019.
On
May 27, 2020, the Company issued 5,000 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share in a private placement offering.
On
May 27, 2020, the Company issued 1,021,266 shares of common stock to Kenar at $2.60 per share as a forbearance fee.in connection
with Kenar’s agreement to amend its outstanding promissory note.
On
December 30, 2020, the Company issued 796,650 shares of common stock to John Keeler’s designee as partial payment of
outstanding notes payable totaling to $1,593,300.
Dividends
of common stock were issued to the Series A preferred stockholders in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Designation
for the Series A Stock on March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020, September 29, 2020 and December 31, 2020. The dividends resulted in the
issuances of an aggregate of 52,286 shares of common stock with a value of $113,040 during 2020.
During
the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued 115,814 shares of common stock valued at $189,000 for legal and consulting
fees.
64
Note
10. Options
During
the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, approximately $139,380 and $2,251,300, respectively, in compensation
expense was recognized on the following:
1.
Ten-year
options to purchase 3,120,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00, which vest one year from the date of grant,
were issued to Christopher Constable, the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer, under the 2018 Plan during the twelve
months ended December 31, 2018 and have vested during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.
2.
Ten-year
options to purchase 430,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00, which vest as to 25% of the shares subject
to the option each year from the date of grant, were issued to various long-term employees under the 2018 Plan during the
twelve months ended December 31, 2019.
3.
Ten-year
options to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00, which vest as to 20% of the shares subject
to the option each year from the date of grant, were issued to Zoty Ponce under the 2018 Plan during the twelve months ended
December 31, 2019.
4.
Ten-year
options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00, which vest as to 25% of the shares subject
to the option each year from the date of grant, were issued to various contractors during the twelve months ended December
31, 2019.
The
following table summarizes the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the stock options granted for the twelve months
ended December 31, 2019 since no options were granted for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020:
2019
Expected Volatility
39%
– 48 %
Risk Free Interest Rate
2.62%
–2.71 %
Expected life of options
6.25
– 10.0
Under
the Black-Scholes option pricing model, the fair value of the 705,000 options granted during the twelve months ended December
31, 2019 was estimated at $613,586 on the date of grant. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the unrecognized
portion of the expense remaining outstanding was $327,852 and $467,232, respectively. The weighted average period of unrecognized
stock options compensation that is expected to be recognized as expense is approximately 7 years. During the twelve months
ended December 31, 2019, an aggregate of 15,000 shares subject to options were forfeited, none of which shares were vested, which
resulted in a reversal of the expense of $2,263.
65
The
following table represents option activity for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Number
of Options
Weighted
Average Exercise Price
Weighted
Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
Outstanding - December
31, 2018
6,240,000
$ 1.17
9.86
Exercisable - December 31, 2018
3,120,000
$ 0.33
9.86
$ 5,210,400
Granted
705,000
$ 2.00
Forfeited
(3,135,000 )
$ 0.00
Vested
3,120,000
Outstanding - December 31, 2019
3,810,000
$ 2.00
8.86
Exercisable - December 31, 2019
3,120,000
$ 2.00
8.86
$ 984,000
Granted
-
$ -
Forfeited
-
$ -
Vested
3,280,000
-
Outstanding - December 31, 2020
3,810,000
$ 2.00
7.87
Exercisable - December 31, 2020
3,280,000
$ 2.00
7.87
$ 721,600
The
non-vested options outstanding are 530,000 and 690,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Note
11. Warrants
During
the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not have any warrant activity.
66
Note
12. Income taxes
Allocation
of federal and state income taxes between current and deferred portions is as follows:
Components
of Tax Expense
December
31, 2020
December
31, 2019
Current - Federal
$ -
-
Current - State
1,122
4,413
Deferred - Federal
-
-
Deferred - State
-
-
Income Tax Provision/(Benefit)
$ 1,122
$ 4,413
Federal
income tax expense differs from the statutory federal rates of 21% for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 due to the following:
Rate
Reconciliation
December
31, 2020
December
31, 2019
Provision/(Benefit) at Statutory
Rate
$ (931,861 )
21.00 %
$ (1,054,558 )
21.00 %
State Tax Provision/(Benefit) net of
federal benefit
(169,277 )
3.85 %
(179,449 )
4.03 %
Permanent Book/Tax Differences
1,283
(0.03 )%
14,603
(0.29 )%
Change in valuation allowance
992,311
(22.36 )%
1,222,042
(24.34 )%
Other
108,667
(2.45 )%
1,775
(0.04 )%
Income Tax Provision/(Benefit)
$ 1,122
0.01 %
$ 4,413
0.37 %
The
components of the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2020 and 2019, are as follows:
December
31, 2020
December
31, 2019
Deferred Tax Assets
263A Unicap
$ 26,923
$ 90,539
Fixed Assets
31,830
27,754
Charitable Contribution
Carryforward
269
121
Intangibles
70,173
18,287
Inventory Reserve
17,761
(362 )
Business Interest
Limitation
637,897
417,904
Stock based compensation
684,800
661,359
Federal Net Operating
loss
879,150
254,079
State
Net Operating Loss
156,004
42,814
Total Deferred Tax
Assets
2,504,807
1,512,495
Net
Deferred Tax Asset/(Liability)
2,504,807
1,512,495
Valuation Allowance
(2,504,807 )
(1,512,495 )
Net Deferred
Tax Asset/(Liability)
$ -
$ -
67
Tax
periods for all fiscal years after 2017 remain open to examination by the federal and state taxing jurisdictions to which
the Company is subject. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has federal net operating loss of $4,186,428 to carry forward indefinitely.
ASC
740, “Income Taxes” requires that a valuation allowance be established when it is “more likely than not”
that all, or a portion of, deferred tax assets will not be recognized. A review of all available positive and negative evidence
needs to be considered, including the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax
planning strategies. After consideration of all the information available, management believes that uncertainty exists with respect
to future realization of its deferred tax assets and has, therefore, established a full valuation allowance as of December 31,
2020.
As
of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company has evaluated and concluded that there were no material uncertain tax positions requiring
recognition in the Company’s financial statements. The Company’s policy is to classify assessments, if any, for tax
related interest as income tax expenses. No interest or penalties were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2020, and
2019.
Note
13. Commitment and Contingencies
Office
lease
The
Company leased its Miami office and warehouse facility from JK Real Estate, a related party through common family beneficial ownership
(see Note 2). The lease which had a 20-year term, expiring in July 2021 was terminated on December 31, 2020, upon the sale of
the facility. The Company was a guarantor of the mortgage on the facility which had a zero balance at December 31, 2020. Therefore,
the Company did not record any liability related to the mortgage in the consolidated financial statements as the Company will
not be called upon to perform under any guarantee, in accordance with ASC 460, Guarantees .
The
Company leases approximately 3,000 square feet in Beaufort South Carolina for the offices of Coastal Pride. This office space
consists of two leases with related parties with approximately four years remaining on the leases.
See
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements under ASC 842 Leases regarding the disclosure of the future period amortizations of
the Right of Use assets.
Rental
and equipment lease expenses were approximately $239,600 and $237,400 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Legal
The
Company has reached a settlement agreement with a former employee. Although the agreement is not finalized the Company has reserved
for the entire amount of the settlement.
Note
14. COVID-19 Pandemic
On
March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) had become a pandemic, and on March
13, 2020, the U.S. President declared a National Emergency concerning the disease. Additionally, in March 2020, state governments
in the Company’s geographic operating area began instituting preventative shut down measures in order to combat the novel
coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus and actions taken to mitigate the spread of it have had and are expected to continue to
have an adverse impact on the economies and financial markets of the geographical areas in which the Company operates. On March
27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was enacted to amongst other provisions, provide
emergency assistance for individuals, families and businesses affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic for 2020 and into
2021. The Company’s business not being deemed essential resulted in decreased financial performance that may not be
indicative of future financial results. Government-mandated closures of businesses and shipping delays have affected our sales
and inventory purchases. The Company continues to face uncertainty and increased risks concerning its employees, customers,
supply chain and government regulation. In April 2021, the U.S. government has made available the COVID-19 vaccine to most
of its population to aid with the pandemic but the long-term effects of this development are yet to be seen. The Company’s
sales and supply may continue to be adversely affected due to COVID-19 and plans continue to be developed to ensure a prompt
response is given to address the effects of the pandemic.
68
Note
15. Employee Benefit Plan
The
Company provides and sponsors a 401(k) plan for its employees. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, no contributions
were made to the plan by the Company.
Note
16. Subsequent Events
Common
Stock
The
Company authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 83,721 shares for quarterly legal and consulting fees to be issued subsequently
to December 31, 2020.
On
February 8, 2021, the Company issued 25,000 shares to an investment relations firm as compensation under an investor relations
consulting agreement.
On
March 30, 2021, the Company issued 10,465 shares of common stock to the designee of a law firm for services provided to the Company.
On
March 31, 2021, the Company issued 5,000 shares to an investor relations firm for services provided to the Company under an investor
relations consulting agreement.
Paycheck
Protection Program Loan
On
March 2, 2021, the Company received proceeds of $371,944 and issued an unsecured promissory note to US Century in the principal
amount of $371,944 in connection with a PPP Loan. The note accrues interest at 1.0% per annum, matures five years from the date
of issuance and is fully guaranteed by the SBA and may be forgiven provided certain criteria are met. The Company may apply for
forgiveness after August 17, 2021 and may be required to make monthly payments of approximately $8,500 beginning June 2, 2022.
Board
of Directors
On
March 29, 2021, the board of directors increased the size of the Company’s Board from two to five members and appointed
Jeffrey J. Guzy, Timothy McLellan and Trond Ringstad as directors, effective April 12, 2021, to fill the vacancies created by
such increase.
In
connection with such appointments, the Company entered into one-year director service agreements with each of Messrs. Guzy, McLellan
and Ringstad and with each of the two current Board members, Nubar Herian and John Keeler which automatically renew for successive
one-year terms.
In
consideration for their services, each director will be issued $25,000 of shares of the Company’s common stock for each
year’s service and on April 12, 2021, the Company granted each director an option to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock
at an exercise price of $2.00 per share, which option vests in equal monthly installments over the course of the applicable year
and will expire three years from the date they are fully vested.
Lighthouse
Credit Facility
On
March 31, 2021, Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride entered into a loan and security agreement (“Loan Agreement”) with
Lighthouse pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement, Lighthouse made available to Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride (together,
the “Borrowers”) a $5,000,000 revolving line of credit for a term of thirty-six months, renewable annually for one-year
periods thereafter. Amounts due under the line of credit are represented by a revolving credit note issued to Lighthouse by the
Borrowers.
The
advance rate of the revolving line of credit is 85% with respect to eligible accounts receivable and the lower of 60% of the Borrowers’
eligible inventory, or 80% of the net orderly liquidation value, subject to an inventory sublimit of $2,500,000. The inventory
portion of the loan will never exceed 50% of the outstanding balance. Interest on the line of credit is the prime rate (with a
floor of 3.25%), plus 3.75%. The Borrowers paid Lighthouse a facility fee of $50,000 and will pay an additional facility fee of
$25,000 on each anniversary of March 31, 2021.
The
line of credit is secured by a first priority security interest on all the assets of each Borrower. Pursuant to the terms of a
guaranty agreement, the Company guaranteed the obligations of the Borrowers under the note and John Keeler, Executive Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, provided a personal guaranty of up to $1,000,000 to Lighthouse.
The
Borrowers utilized $784,450 borrowed from Lighthouse to repay all the outstanding indebtedness owed to the ACF as of March 31,
2021. As a result, all obligations owed to ACF were satisfied and the loan agreement with ACF was terminated.
69
ITEM
9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM
9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under
the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial
officer, as of December 31, 2020, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined
under Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on this evaluation,
our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, based on the material weaknesses discussed
below, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of such date to ensure that information required to be disclosed
by us in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act were recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within
the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that our disclosure controls are not effectively designed to
ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act
is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons
performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s
Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our
management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control
over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act as a process designed by,
or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by our board of directors,
management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and that our receipts and expenditures are being
made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and board of 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 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. All internal control systems,
no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only
reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of the inherent limitations of
internal control, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control
over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore,
it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.
Our
management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, existing as of December 31, 2020, based
on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and SEC guidance on
conducting such assessments. Based on that evaluation, we believe that, during the period covered by this Report, such internal
controls and procedures were not effective to detect the inappropriate application of GAAP rules as more fully described below.
This was due to deficiencies that existed in the design or operation of our internal controls over financial reporting that adversely
affected our internal controls and that may be considered to be material weaknesses.
70
As
a result of the foregoing, the matters involving internal controls and procedures that our management considered to be material
weaknesses under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board were:
●
The
Company’s lack of an audit committee with a financial expert and thus the Company lacks the board oversight role within
the financial reporting process;
●
Inadequate
segregation of duties consistent with control objectives, including lack of personnel resources and technical accounting expertise
within the accounting function of the Company.
Management
believes that the material weaknesses that were identified did not have an effect on our financial results. However, management
believes that these weaknesses, if not properly remediated, could result in a material misstatement in our financial statements
in future periods.
Management’s
Remediation Initiatives
In
an effort to remediate the identified material weaknesses and other deficiencies and enhance our internal controls, we plan to
further initiate the following measures, subject to the availability of required resources:
●
We
plan to establish an audit committee, including an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by applicable
SEC rules, that has the requisite financial sophistication as defined under the applicable NASDAQ rules and regulations;
●
We
plan to create a position to segregate duties consistent with control objectives and hire personnel resources with technical
accounting expertise within the accounting function; and
●
We
plan to hire a chief financial officer as currently the Company’s chief executive officer fills the role of the Company’s
principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Until such time, our corporate controller with significant experience
in the preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP and technical accounting expertise assists in the preparation
of our financial statements.
Going
forward, we intend to evaluate our processes and procedures and, where practicable and resources permit, implement changes in
order to have more effective controls over financial reporting.
This
Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding our internal control over
financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant
to rules of the SEC that exempt smaller reporting companies from this requirement.
Changes
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There
have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fourth quarter that have materially
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM
9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None
71
PART
III
ITEM
10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors
and Executive Officers
Below
are the names of and certain information regarding the Company’s current executive officers and directors:
Name
Age
Position
Date
Appointed
John Keeler
50
Executive Chairman and Chairman
of the Board
November 8, 2018
Nubar Herian
51
Director
November 8, 2018
Jeffrey J. Guzy
69
Director
April 12, 2021
Timothy McLellan
64
Director
April 12, 2021
Trond Ringstad
53
Director
April 12, 2021
Our
directors hold office for three-year terms and until their successors have been elected and qualified. Our officers are elected
by the board of directors and serve at the discretion of the board of directors.
A
majority of the authorized number of directors constitutes a quorum of our board of directors for the transaction of business.
The directors must be present at the meeting to constitute a quorum. However, any action required or permitted to be taken by
the board of directors may be taken without a meeting if all members of the board of directors individually or collectively consent
in writing to the action.
Our
board of directors currently consists of five members. Executive officers are appointed by the board of directors and serve at
its pleasure.
The
principal occupation and business experience during the past five years for our executive officer and directors is as follows:
John
Keeler has been Executive Chairman of the Board since the effectiveness of the Merger. Mr. Keeler founded John Keeler &
Co., d/b/a Blue Star Foods in May 1995 and served as its Executive Chairman of the Board since inception during which time he
grew the company to become one of the leading marketers of imported blue swimming crab meat in the United States. Mr. Keeler built
sales over the past 20 years to $35+ million annually through 2017. Mr. Keeler oversees procurement as well as operating facilities
in the Philippines and Indonesia. Mr. Keeler is an executive committee member of the National Fisheries Institute-Crab Council
and a founding member of the Indonesia and Philippines crab meat processors associations. Mr. Keeler received his BS in Economics
from Rutgers University in 1995 and attended Harvard Business School executive programs in supply chain management, negotiations
and marketing in 2005. Mr. Keeler’s extensive experience in the industry led to the decision to appoint him to the board
of directors.
Nubar
Herian has been a director since the effectiveness of the Merger. Since 2014, Mr. Herian has been the chief executive
officer of Monaco Group Holdings, a privately-held company headquartered in Miami, Florida, which owns and operates Monaco Foods,
Inc., an importer, exporter and distributor of premium gourmet foods from around the world. Since 1995, Mr. Herian has been the
commercial director of Casa de Fruta Caracas, a privately-held company based in Caracas, Venezuela, that focuses on importing
foods. Mr. Herian is also the president of Lunar Enterprises, Corp. (“Lunar”), a holding company for his family’s
public and private equity investments and real estate holdings. Mr. Herian received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Florida
Atlantic University in 1994 and an Executive M.B.A. from the University of Miami in 2014. Mr. Herian’s experience in the
food import industry led to the decision to appoint him to the board of directors.
Jeffrey
J. Guzy has served as a director of Leatt Corp. (OTC: LEAT), since April 2007 and from October 2007 to August 2010, as
its President. Mr. Guzy has served as an independent director and chairman of the audit committee of Capstone Companies, Inc.
(OTC: CAPC), a public holding company, since April 2007, as an independent director and chairman of the audit committee of Purebase
Corporation (OTC: PUBC), a diversified resource company, since April 2020 and as Chairman of CoJax Oil and Gas Corporation, an
early stage oil and gas exploration and production company, since May 2018, and was appointed as its chief executive officer in
January 2020. Mr. Guzy has served as an executive manager or consultant for business development, sales, customer service, and
management in the telecommunications industry, specifically, with IBM Corp., Sprint International, Bell Atlantic Video Services,
Loral CyberStar, and FaciliCom International. Mr. Guzy has also started his own telecommunications company providing Internet
services in Western Africa. Mr. Guzy has an MBA in Strategic Planning and Management from The Wharton School of the University
of Pennsylvania, an M.S. in Systems Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Penn
State University, and a Certificate in Theology from Georgetown University. Mr. Guzy’s extensive public company board experience
led to the decision to appoint him to the board of directors.
72
Timothy
McLellan has more than 35 years of operating experience and has served as a seafood executive in both the U.S. and Asia. Mr.
McLellan is currently managing director of Maijialin Consulting Company Ltd. which provides international business development
consulting services specific to import/export cold chain supply logistics and foodservice distribution. Prior thereto from April
2009 until February 2019, Mr. McLellan was managing director, business development for Preferred Freezer Services (Shanghai)
Co. Ltd, which is owned by the GLP Group, a Singapore-based logistics and industrial infrastructure provider. Between 2019 and
2020, Mr. McLellan served as a private equity operating partner for CITIC Capital Partners (Shanghai) Ltd. Prior to that, from
2009 through 2019, Mr. McLellan served in various executive capacities, including Chairman for SinotransPFS Cold Chain Logistics
Company, Ltd., a logistics company. Between 2004 and 2009, Mr. McLellan served as President of Empress International, a division
of Thai Union Group). Between 2003 and 2004, he served in a senior manager position with the seafood division of ConAgra Foods.
Mr. McLellan’s knowledge and background with regard to seafood operations management led to the decision to appoint him
to the board of directors.
Trond
Ringstad has more than 20 years of operating experience as a seafood executive in both the U.S. and Europe. Since April
2017, Mr. Ringstad has been managing partner of American Sea, LLC, a seafood processing and sales company, and since October
2013, Mr. Ringstad has been an independent consultant for AGR Partners. Between 2003 and 2007, he served as president of Pacific
Supreme Seafoods, a global importing and wholesaling seafood company. Between 2001 and 2003, he served as vice president of sales
and marketing for Royal Supreme Seafoods, a Norwegian / Chinese seafood importer and sales company. Mr. Ringstad graduated from
the BI Norwegian Business School with a Degree in International Marketing and has a BA in Business Management from Washington
State University. Mr. Ringstad’s knowledge and background with regard to seafood operations management led to the decision
to appoint him to the board of directors.
Family
Relationship
There
are no family relationships between our directors or executive officer.
Involvement
in Certain Legal Proceedings
No
executive officer or director has been involved in the last ten years in any of the following:
●
Any
bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business or property of such person, or of which such person was a general partner
or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time;
●
Any
conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other
minor offenses);
●
Being
subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction,
permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities
or banking activities;
●
Being
found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have
violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated;
●
Being
the subject of or a party to any judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree or finding, not subsequently reversed,
suspended or vacated relating to an alleged violation of any federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation,
or any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, including, but not limited to, a temporary
or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist
order, or removal or prohibition order, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail, fraud, wire fraud or fraud in connection
with any business entity; or
●
Being
the subject of or a party to any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory
organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act, any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of
the Commodity Exchange Act), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority
over its members or persons associated with a member.
73
Delinquent
Section 16(a) Reports
Section
16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more
than 10% percent of our equity securities (“Reporting Persons”) to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership
with the SEC. Based solely on our review of copies of such reports and representations from the Reporting Persons, we believe
that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the Reporting Persons timely filed all such reports, except that Nubar Herian,
a director, failed to timely file Form 4s reporting an aggregate of 49,670 shares issued as common stock dividends on the
Series A Stock to a company controlled by Mr. Herian.
Code
of Ethics
We
intend to adopt a code of ethics that applies to our officers, directors and employees, including our Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer, but have not done so to date due to our relatively small size.
Board
Committees
The
Company has no nominating, audit or compensation committees at this time. The entire board of directors participates in the nomination
and audit oversight processes and considers executive and director compensation. The entire board of directors is involved in
such decision-making processes. Thus, there is a potential conflict of interest in that our directors and officers have the authority
to determine issues concerning management compensation, nominations, and audit issues that may affect management decisions. We
are not aware of any other conflicts of interest with any of our executive officers or directors.
Role
of Board in Risk Oversight Process
Risk
assessment and oversight are an integral part of our governance and management processes. Our board of directors encourages management
to promote a culture that incorporates risk management into our corporate strategy and day-to-day business operations. Management
discusses strategic and operational risks at regular management meetings and conducts strategic planning and review sessions during
the year that include a discussion and analysis of the risks facing us.
Board
Diversity
The
board of directors’ reviews, on an annual basis, the appropriate characteristics, skills and experience required for the
board of directors as a whole and its individual members. In evaluating the suitability of individual candidates (both new candidates
and current members), the board of directors, in approving (and, in the case of vacancies, appointing) such candidates, will take
into account many factors, including the following:
●
personal
and professional integrity;
●
ethics
and values;
●
experience
in the industries in which we compete;
●
experience
as a director or executive officer of another publicly held company;
●
diversity
of expertise and experience in substantive matters pertaining to our business relative to other board members;
●
conflicts
of interest; and
●
practical
business judgment.
74
Shareholder
Communications
We
have not yet established a process for shareholder communications.
ITEM
11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
The
table below sets forth certain information about the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our Chief Executive Officer.
No other executive officer received annual remuneration in excess of $100,000 during 2020 (each a “Named Executive Officer”).
Summary
Compensation Table
Name
and Principal Position
Fiscal
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($)
Other
Annual Compensation
($)
Total
($)
John Keeler
2020
82,805
-
22,169 (1)
104,974
Chief Executive Officer and Executive
Chairman of the Board
2019
104,595
-
48,266 (1)
152,861
(1)
Represents
health insurance premiums paid on behalf of the executive officer by the Company.
Our
executive officer has basic health benefits that are generally available to all of our employees.
We
offer a 401(k) plan to eligible employees, including our executive officer. In accordance with this plan, all eligible employees
may contribute a percentage of compensation up to a maximum of the statutory limits per year. We intend for the 401(k) plan to
qualify, depending on the employee’s election, under Section 401(a) of the Code, so that contributions by employees, and
income earned on those contributions, are not taxable to employees until withdrawn from the 401(k) plan.
Outstanding
Equity Awards
There
were no equity awards made to the Named Executive Officer outstanding as of December 31, 2020.
2018
Equity Incentive Plan
We
have adopted the 2018 Plan that provides for the grant of up to 7,500,000 shares of common stock. Under the 2018 Plan, we are
authorized to issue incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Code and non-qualified stock options.
The 2018 Plan is administered by our board of directors. In connection with the Merger, we issued options to purchase an aggregate
of 6,240,000 million shares of common stock to certain executive officers and directors (3,120,000 of which were subsequently
forfeited unexercised).
Share
Reserve . 7,500,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2018 Plan pursuant to a variety of stock-based
compensation awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock awards, restricted
stock unit awards, deferred stock awards, dividend equivalent awards, stock payment awards, performance awards and other stock-based
awards.
●
to the extent that an award terminates, expires or lapses for any reason or an award is settled in cash without the delivery of
shares, any shares subject to the award at such time will be available for future grants under the 2018 Plan;
75
●
to the extent shares are tendered or withheld to satisfy the grant, exercise price or tax withholding obligation with respect
to any award under the 2018 Plan, such tendered or withheld shares will be available for future grants under the 2018 Plan;
●
to the extent that shares of common stock are repurchased by us prior to vesting so that shares are returned to us, such shares
will be available for future grants under the 2018 Plan;
●
the payment of dividend equivalents in cash in conjunction with any outstanding awards will not be counted against the shares
available for issuance under the 2018 Plan; and
●
to the extent permitted by applicable law or any exchange rule, shares issued in assumption of, or in substitution for, any outstanding
awards of any entity acquired in any form of combination by us or any of our subsidiaries will not be counted against the shares
available for issuance under the 2018 Plan.
Administration.
The compensation committee is expected to administer the 2018 Plan unless our board of directors assumes authority for administration.
The compensation committee must consist of at least three members of our board of directors, each of whom is intended to qualify
as an “outside director,” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, a “non-employee director”
for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and an “independent director” within the meaning of the NASDAQ rules.
The 2018 Plan provides that the board of directors or compensation committee may delegate its authority to grant awards to employees
other than executive officers to a committee consisting of one or more members of our board of directors or one or more of our
officers, other than awards made to our non-employee directors, which must be approved by our full board of directors.
Subject
to the terms and conditions of the 2018 Plan, the administrator has the authority to select the persons to whom awards are to
be made, to determine the number of shares to be subject to awards and the terms and conditions of awards, and to make all other
determinations and to take all other actions necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2018 Plan. The administrator
is also authorized to adopt, amend or rescind rules relating to administration of the 2018 Plan. Our board of directors may at
any time remove the compensation committee as the administrator and revest in itself the authority to administer the 2018 Plan.
The full board of directors will administer the 2018 Plan with respect to awards to non-employee directors.
Eligibility.
Options, SARs, restricted stock and all other stock-based and cash-based awards under the 2018 Plan may be granted to individuals
who are then our officers, employees or consultants or are the officers, employees or consultants of subsidiaries. Such awards
also may be granted to our directors. Only employees of the Company or certain subsidiaries may be granted ISOs.
Awards.
The 2018 Plan provides that the administrator may grant or issue stock options, SARs, restricted stock awards, restricted
stock unit awards, deferred stock awards, deferred stock unit awards, dividend equivalent awards, performance awards, stock payment
awards and other stock-based and cash-based awards, or any combination thereof. Each award will be set forth in a separate agreement
with the person receiving the award and will indicate the type, terms and conditions of the award.
Nonstatutory
Stock Options (“NSOs”). NSOs will provide for the right to purchase shares of common stock at a specified price
that may not be less than the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant, and usually will become exercisable
(at the discretion of the administrator) in one or more installments after the grant date, subject to the participant’s
continued employment or service with us and/or subject to the satisfaction of corporate performance targets and individual performance
targets established by the administrator. NSOs may be granted for any term specified by the administrator that does not exceed
10 years.
Incentive
Stock Options (“ISOs”). ISOs will be designed in a manner intended to comply with the provisions of Section 422
of the Code and will be subject to specified restrictions contained in the Code. Among such restrictions, ISOs must have an exercise
price of not less than the fair market value of a share of our Common Stock on the date of grant, may only be granted to employees,
and must not be exercisable after a period of 10 years measured from the date of grant. In the case of an ISO granted to an individual
who owns (or is deemed to own) at least 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our capital stock, the 2018 Plan
provides that the exercise price must be at least 110% of the fair market value of a share of our Common Stock on the date of
grant and the ISO must not be exercisable after a period of five years measured from the date of grant.
76
Restricted
Stock Awards. Restricted stock awards may be granted to any eligible individual and made subject to such restrictions as may
be determined by the administrator. Restricted stock, typically, may be forfeited for no consideration or repurchased by us at
the original purchase price if the conditions or restrictions on vesting are not met. In general, restricted stock may not be
sold or otherwise transferred until restrictions are removed or expire. Purchasers of restricted stock, unlike recipients of options,
will have voting rights and will have the right to receive dividends, if any, prior to the time when the restrictions lapse; however,
extraordinary dividends will generally be placed in escrow, and will not be released until restrictions are removed or expire.
Restricted
Stock Unit Awards (“RSU”). Restricted stock units may be awarded to any eligible individual, typically without
payment of consideration, but subject to vesting conditions based on continued employment or service or on performance criteria
established by the administrator. Like restricted stock, restricted stock units may not be sold, or otherwise transferred or hypothecated,
until vesting conditions are removed or expire. Unlike restricted stock, stock underlying restricted stock units will not be issued
until the restricted stock units have vested, and recipients of restricted stock units generally will have no voting or dividend
rights prior to the time when vesting conditions are satisfied.
Deferred
Stock Awards. Deferred stock awards represent the right to receive shares of common stock on a future date. Deferred stock
may not be sold or otherwise hypothecated or transferred until issued. Deferred stock will not be issued until the deferred stock
award has vested, and recipients of deferred stock generally will have no voting or dividend rights prior to the time when the
vesting conditions are satisfied and the shares are issued. Deferred stock awards generally will be forfeited, and the underlying
shares of deferred stock will not be issued, if the applicable vesting conditions and other restrictions are not met.
Deferred
Stock Units. Deferred stock units are denominated in unit equivalent of shares of common stock and vest pursuant to a vesting
schedule or performance criteria set by the administrator. The common stock underlying deferred stock units will not be issued
until the deferred stock units have vested, and recipients of deferred stock units generally will have no voting rights prior
to the time when vesting conditions are satisfied.
Stock
Appreciation Rights (“SARs”). SARs may be granted in connection with stock options or other awards, or separately.
SARs granted in connection with stock options or other awards typically will provide for payments to the holder based upon increases
in the price of our Common Stock over a set exercise price. The exercise price of any SAR granted under the 2018 Plan must be
at least 100% of the fair market value of a share of our Common Stock on the date of grant. Except as required by Section 162(m)
of the Code with respect to a SAR intended to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m) of the
Code, there are no restrictions specified in the 2018 Plan on the exercise of SARs or the amount of gain realizable therefrom,
although restrictions may be imposed by the administrator in the SAR agreements. SARs under the 2018 Plan will be settled in cash
or shares of common stock, or in a combination of both, at the election of the administrator.
Dividend
Equivalent Awards. Dividend equivalent awards represent the value of the dividends, if any, per share paid by us, calculated
with reference to the number of shares covered by the award. Dividend equivalents may be settled in cash or shares and at such
times as determined by our compensation committee or board of directors, as applicable.
Performance
Awards. Performance awards may be granted by the administrator on an individual or group basis. Generally, these awards will
be based upon specific performance targets and may be paid in cash or in common stock or in a combination of both. Performance
awards may include “phantom” stock awards that provide for payments based upon the value of our Common Stock. Performance
awards may also include bonuses that may be granted by the administrator on an individual or group basis and that may be payable
in cash or in common stock or in a combination of both.
Stock
Payment Awards. Stock payment awards may be authorized by the administrator in the form of common stock or an option or other
right to purchase common stock as part of a deferred compensation or other arrangement in lieu of all or any part of compensation,
including bonuses, that would otherwise be payable in cash to the employee, consultant or non-employee director.
77
Change
in Control . In the event of a change in control where the acquirer does not assume or replace awards granted prior to the
consummation of such transaction, awards issued under the 2018 Plan will be subject to accelerated vesting such that 100% of such
awards will become vested and exercisable or payable, as applicable. Performance awards will vest in accordance with the terms
and conditions of the applicable award agreement. In the event that, within the 12 month period immediately following a change
in control, a participant’s services with us are terminated by us other than for cause (as defined in the 2018 Plan) or
by such participant for good reason (as defined in the 2018 Plan), then the vesting and, if applicable, exercisability of 100%
of the then-unvested shares subject to the outstanding equity awards held by such participant under the 2018 Plan will accelerate
effective as of the date of such termination. The administrator may also make appropriate adjustments to awards under the 2018
Plan and is authorized to provide for the acceleration, cash-out, termination, assumption, substitution or conversion of such
awards in the event of a change in control or certain other unusual or nonrecurring events or transactions. Under the 2018 Plan,
a change in control is generally defined as:
●
the transfer or exchange in a single transaction or series of related transactions by our stockholders of more than 50% of our
voting stock to a person or group;
●
a change in the composition of our board of directors over a two-year period such that the members of the board of directors who
were approved by at least two-thirds of the directors who were directors at the beginning of the two-year period or whose election
or nomination was so approved cease to constitute a majority of the board of directors;
●
a merger, consolidation, reorganization or business combination in which we are involved, directly or indirectly, other than a
merger, consolidation, reorganization or business combination that results in our outstanding voting securities immediately before
the transaction continuing to represent a majority of the voting power of the acquiring company’s outstanding voting securities
and after which no person or group beneficially owns 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving entity
immediately after the transaction; or
●
stockholder approval of our liquidation or dissolution.
Adjustments
of Awards . In the event of any stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, recapitalization, distribution of our assets to stockholders
(other than normal cash dividends) or any other corporate event affecting the number of outstanding shares of our Common Stock
or the share price of our Common Stock other than an “equity restructuring” (as defined below), the administrator
may make appropriate, proportionate adjustments to reflect the event giving rise to the need for such adjustments, with respect
to:
●
the aggregate number and type of shares subject to the 2018 Plan;
●
the number and kind of shares subject to outstanding awards and terms and conditions of outstanding awards (including, without
limitation, any applicable performance targets or criteria with respect to such awards); and
●
the grant or exercise price per share of any outstanding awards under the 2018 Plan.
In
the event of one of the adjustments described above or other corporate transactions, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement
of the potential benefits intended to be made available under the 2018 Plan, the administrator has the discretion to make such
equitable adjustments and may also:
●
provide for the termination or replacement of an award in exchange for cash or other property;
●
provide that any outstanding award cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after such event;
●
provide that awards may be exercisable, payable or fully vested as to shares of common stock covered thereby; or
●
provide that an award under the 2018 Plan cannot vest, be exercised or become payable after such event.
78
In
the event of an equity restructuring, the administrator will make appropriate, proportionate adjustments to the number and type
of securities subject to each outstanding award and the exercise price or grant price thereof, if applicable. In addition, the
administrator will make equitable adjustments, as the administrator in its discretion may deem appropriate to reflect such equity
restructuring, with respect to the aggregate number and type of shares subject to the 2018 Plan. The adjustments upon an equity
restructuring are nondiscretionary and will be final and binding on the affected holders and the Company.
For
purposes of the 2018 Plan, “equity restructuring” means a nonreciprocal transaction between us and our stockholders,
such as a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, rights offering or recapitalization through a large, nonrecurring cash dividend,
that affects the number or kind of shares (or other securities) or the share price of our Common Stock (or other securities) and
causes a change in the per share value of the common stock underlying outstanding stock-based awards granted under the 2018 Plan.
In the event of a stock split in connection with an offering, the administrator will proportionately adjust (i) the number of
shares subject to any outstanding award under the 2018 Plan, (ii) the exercise or grant price of any such awards, if applicable,
and (iii) the aggregate number of shares subject to the 2018 Plan.
Amendment
and Termination . Our board of directors or the compensation committee (with board approval) may terminate, amend or modify
the 2018 Plan at any time and from time to time. However, we must generally obtain stockholder approval:
●
to increase the number of shares available under the 2018 Plan (other than in connection with certain corporate events, as described
above);
●
reduce the price per share of any outstanding option or SAR granted under the 2018 Plan;
●
cancel any option or SAR in exchange for cash or another award when the option or SAR price per share exceeds the fair market
value of the underlying shares; or
●
to the extent required by applicable law, rule or regulation (including any NASDAQ rule).
Termination.
Our board of directors may terminate the 2018 Plan at any time. No ISOs may be granted pursuant to the 2018 Plan after the
10th anniversary of the effective date of the 2018 Plan, and no additional annual share increases to the 2018 Plan’s aggregate
share limit will occur from and after such anniversary. Any award that is outstanding on the termination date of the 2018 Plan
will remain in force according to the terms of the 2018 Plan and the applicable award agreement.
Employment
Agreements
We
do not currently have employment agreements with our officers.
Compensation
of Directors
As
of December 31, 2020, none of the Company’s directors have been compensated for their services as directors of the Company.
On
March 29, 2021, in connection with the appointment of Jeffrey J. Guzy, Timothy McLellan and Trond Ringstad as directors, effective
April 12, 2021, the Company entered into one-year director service agreements (each, a “Director Service Agreement”)
with each of Messrs. Guzy, McLellan and Ringstad and with each of its two current Board members, Nubar Herian and John
Keeler which automatically renew for successive one-year terms.
79
In
consideration for their services, each director will be issued $25,000 of shares of the Company’s common stock for each
year’s service. The number of shares to be issued will be based on the closing sale price of the Company’s common
stock, on the principal market on which it is then traded, on the final trading day of the applicable year. On April 12, 2021,
the Company granted each director an option to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share,
which option vests in equal monthly installments over the course of the applicable year and will expire three years from the date
they are fully vested. Each Director may also receive additional issuances of common stock, on an annual basis, for his services
on any committees of the Board. In addition, each Director will be reimbursed for all pre-approved out-of-pocket expenses. In
the event the Director ceases to be a member of the Board prior to the end of any year of service, all unvested stock options
will be forfeited. The stock options granted to the Directors shall be exercisable only on a cash basis and will expire three
years from the date they are fully vested.
ITEM
12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The
following table sets forth information relating to the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of April 15, 2021, by:
●
each
person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock;
●
each
of our directors;
●
our
Named Executive Officer; and
●
all
current directors and executive officers as a group.
The
number of shares beneficially owned by each entity, person, director or executive officer is determined in accordance with the
rules of the SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such
rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares over which the individual has sole or shared voting power or investment power
as well as any shares that the individual has the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of any stock option, warrants
or other rights. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table
have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock held by such person.
The
percentage of shares beneficially owned is computed on the basis of 19,633,161 shares of common stock outstanding as of April
15, 2021. Shares of common stock that a person has the right to acquire within 60 days are deemed outstanding for purposes
of computing the percentage ownership of the person holding such rights but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing
the percentage ownership of any other person, except with respect to the percentage ownership of all directors and executive officers
as a group. Unless otherwise indicated below, the address for each beneficial owner listed in the table is c/o Blue Star Foods
Corp., 3000 NW 109th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33172.
Name
and Address of Beneficial Owner
Number
of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
Percentage
of Beneficial
Ownership
5% or Greater Stockholders
Kenar Overseas Corp. (1)
1,021,266
5.2 %
Named Executive Officers
and Directors
John Keeler
15,016,666 (2)
76.4 %
Nubar Herian
521,421 (3)
2.6 %
Jeffrey J. Guzy
16,666 (4)
*
Timothy McLellan
16,666 (4)
*
Trond Ringstad
16,666 (4)
*
All current directors and executive
officers as a group (5 persons)
15,588,085
79.0 %
*
Less than 1%
(1)
Marcos
Herian, President of Kenar Overseas Corp., has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares held by Kenar.
80
(2)
15,000,000
of such shares are subject to the terms of a Lock-Up Agreement, pursuant to which Mr. Keeler may not sell more than one-third
of the common stock held by him in any two-month period. 4,000,000 of such shares are pledged to secure the Company’s
obligations under the Kenar Note. Includes 16,666 shares underlying a stock option which are exercisable within 60 days.
(3)
Represents
(i) 300,000 Conversion Shares, (ii) 150,000 Warrant Shares, (iii) 54,755 shares held by Lunar, of which Mr. Herian
has sole voting and dispositive power, and (iv) 16,666 shares underlying a stock option which are exercisable within 60 days.
(4)
Represents
shares underlying a stock option which are exercisable within 60 days.
Change-in-Control
Agreements
The
Company does not have any change-in-control agreements with any of its executive officers.
ITEM
13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The
following is a description of transactions since January 1, 2019 to which we have been a party, in which the amount involved exceeded
or will exceed $120,000, and in which any of our directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of our capital stock,
or an affiliate or immediate family member thereof, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
From
January 2006 through May 2017, Keeler & Co issued an aggregate of $2,910,000, 6% demand promissory notes to John Keeler, our
Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman and a director. We may prepay the notes at any time first against interest due thereunder.
If an event of default occurs under the notes, interest will accrue at 18% per annum and if not paid within 10 days of payment
becoming due, the holder of the note is entitled to a late fee of 5% of the amount of payment not timely received. On December
30, 2020, we entered into a debt repayment agreement with Mr. Keeler pursuant to which we issued 796,650 shares of common stock
to a third party designated by Mr. Keeler as repayment for an aggregate principal amount of $1,593,300 due under four such notes.
All interest due on the notes had previously been paid on a monthly basis. The Company remains indebted to Mr. Keeler under the
remaining promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1,299,712.
John
Keeler, our Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman and director owns 95% of Bacolod, an exporter of pasteurized crab meat
from the Philippines.
John
Keeler, our Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman and director, owns 95% of Bicol, a Philippine company, and an indirect
supplier of crab meat via Bacolod to the Company.
The
Company’s transactions with Bacolod were $1,280,589 and $5,600,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
There were no transactions between the Company and Bicol for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
John
Keeler, our Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman and director, and Christopher Constable, our former Chief Financial Officer
and director, own 80% and 20%, respectively, of Strike the Gold Foods, Ltd., a UK company, which sold the Company’s packaged
crab meat in the United Kingdom in 2019.
Keeler &
Co leased approximately 16,800 square feet of office/warehouse space for our executive offices and distribution facility for $16,916
per month from John Keeler Real Estate Inc., a Florida corporation, 33% owned by a trust for each of John Keeler III, Andrea Keeler
and Sarah Keeler, each of whom is a child of John Keeler, our Chief Executive Officer. On December 31, 2020, this facility was
sold to an unrelated third-party purchaser and the lease was terminated. In connection with the sale, the Company will retain
approximately 4,756 square feet of such space, rent-free, for the next 12 months.
81
From
time to time, we may prepay Bacolod for future shipments of product which may represent five to six months of purchases. There
was $1,299,984 due as of December 31, 2020 for future shipments from Bacolod.
A
Company owned by the stepmother of John Keeler, our Executive Chairman, is a party to the Settlement Agreement and was issued
40 Units on November 8, 2018 in connection with the Company Settlement.
John
Keeler, our Executive Chairman, was a party to an Unconditional and Continuing Guaranty, dated August 31, 2016, with ACF, pursuant
to which Mr. Keeler guaranteed the Company’s obligations under its Loan and Security Agreement with ACF.
On
March 31, 2021, John Keeler, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, provided a personal guaranty of up to $1,000,000
to Lighthouse in connection with its revolving credit facility.
John
Keeler, our Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman and director pledged 5,000,000 shares of common stock to secure the Company’s
obligations under the $1,000,000 Kenar Note issued on March 26, 2019. On May 21, 2020, the Kenar Note was amended to, among other
things, reduce the number of pledged shares by Mr. Keeler to 4,000,000.
Marcos
Herian, President of Kenar, a 5% shareholder, is the brother of Nubar Herian, a director of our Company.
On
March 29, 2019, March 31, 2019, September 24, 2019, January 23, 2020, May 27, 2020, September 29, 2020 and December 31, 2020,
we issued 92 shares, 160 shares, 160 shares, 160 shares, 160 shares, 448 shares and 144 shares, respectively, of common stock
to a company owned by the stepmother of John Keeler, our Executive Chairman, as a quarterly dividend which accrues on the Series
A Stock acquired by such company in connection with the Company Settlement.
On March 29, 2019, March
31, 2019, September 24, 2019, January 23, 2020, May 27, 2020, September 29, 2020, December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021,
we issued 3,467 shares, 6,000 shares, 6,000 shares, 6,000 shares, 6,000 shares, 16,798 shares, 5,405 shares and 5,085
shares of common stock, respectively to Lunar, as a quarterly dividend which accrues on the Series A Stock acquired in the
Offering. Nubar Herian, a director, is the President of and controls Lunar.
On
February 25, 2020, Christopher Constable, the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer entered into a Separation and Mutual
Release Agreement pursuant to which Mr. Constable resigned as Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and a director of
the Company. The Agreement contained mutual general releases, a two-year confidentiality provision and provides for Mr. Constable’s
outstanding stock options to remain in effect until November 8, 2028.
On
March 25, 2021, the Company entered into a Director Service Agreement with each of its directors.
Director
Independence
We
are not currently subject to listing requirements of any national securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system that has
requirements that a majority of the board of directors be “independent.” Our board of directors currently has five
members, Jeffrey J. Guzy, Timothy McLellan, Trond Ringstad, John Keeler and Nubar Herian. We believe that all of our directors
except Mr. Keeler who serves as our Executive Chairman, are “independent” within the definition
of independence provided in the Marketplace Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market and the independence requirements contemplated by
Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
82
ITEM
14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Audit
Fees
The
aggregate fees billed to us by our principal accountants, MaloneBailey, LLP, for professional services rendered for the year ended
December 31, 2020 and 2019 are set forth below:
Fee
Category
Year
ended
December
31,
2020
Year
Ended December 31,
2019
Audit fees (1)
$ 76,000
$ 91,000
Audit-related fees (2)
-
-
Tax fees (3)
-
-
All other
fees (4)
-
3,175
Total fees
$ 76,000
$ 94,175
(1)
Audit
fees consist of fees incurred for professional services rendered for the audit of financial statements, for reviews of our
interim consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and for services that are normally
provided in connection with statutory or regulatory filings or engagements.
(2)
Audit-related
fees consist of fees billed for professional services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review
of our financial statements but are not reported under “Audit fees.”
(3)
Tax
fees consist of fees billed for professional services relating to tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice.
(4)
All
other fees consist of fees billed for services not associated with audit or tax.
Audit
Committee’s Pre-Approval Practice
Prior
to our engagement of our independent auditor, such engagement was approved by our board of directors. The services provided under
this engagement may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval is generally
provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally
subject to a specific budget. Pursuant our requirements, the independent auditors and management are required to report to our
board of directors at least quarterly regarding the extent of services provided by the independent auditors in accordance with
this pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. Our board of directors may also pre-approve particular services
on a case-by-case basis. All audit-related fees, tax fees and other fees incurred by us were approved by our board of directors.
Pre-Approval
of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services
We
have not yet established an audit committee. Until then, there are no formal pre-approval policies and procedures. Nonetheless,
the auditors engaged for these services are required to provide and uphold estimates for the cost of services to be rendered.
The percentage of hours expended on Malone Bailey’s engagement to audit our financial statements for the most recent fiscal
year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees
was 0%.
83
PART
IV
ITEM
15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Exhibit
No.
Description
2.1
Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 8, 2018, by and among the Company, Blue Star, Acquisition Sub and John Keeler (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 14, 2018)
2.2
Articles
of Merger between Blue Star and Acquisition Sub (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 14, 2018)
3.1
Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Form 10/A filed
with the SEC on May 17, 2018)
3.2
Amended
and Restated By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Form 10/A filed with the SEC on May
17, 2018)
3.3
Certificate
of Amendment, dated November 5, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the SEC on November 9, 2018)
3.4
Certificate
of Designation of 8% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 9, 2018)
4.2*
Description
of Securities
10.1
Form
of Subscription Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.2
Form
of Amendment to Subscription Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.3
Form
of Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC
on November 8, 2018)
10.4
Form
of Registration Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.5
Form
of Settlement Agreement and Mutual General Release (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.6
Forms
of Lockup Agreement for Pre-Merger Stockholders and Officers and Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.7
Form
of Redemption Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.8
2018
Incentive Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.9
Form
of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated
November 8, 2018)
10.10
Loan
and Security Agreement filed with the SEC on August 31, 2016 between the Company and ACF (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.10 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 8, 2018)
10.11
First
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement and Reservation of Rights, dated November 18, 2016, between the Company and ACF (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.12
Second
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated June 19, 2017, between the Company and ACF (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.12 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
84
10.13
Third
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated October 16, 2017, between the Company and ACF (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.14
Fourth
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated September 19, 2018, between the Company and ACF (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.15
Fifth
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 8, 2018, between the Company and ACF (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.16
$14,000,000
Revolving Credit Note, dated August 31, 2016 between the Company and ACF (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.17
Patent
Security Agreement, dated August 31, 2016, between Blue Star and ACF FINCO LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.18
Lease
Agreement, dated May 1, 2001, between Keeler & Co. and John Keeler Real Estate Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.19
Master
Software Development Agreement, dated February 6, 2017 between the Company and Claritus Management Pvt. Ltd. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.20
$500,000
Demand Note, dated January 4, 2006 from Keeler & Co. in favor of John Keeler and Maria Keeler (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.21
$200,000
Demand Note, dated March 31, 2006 from Keeler & Co. in favor of John Keeler and Maria Keeler (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.22
$100,000
Demand Note, dated November 21, 2007, from Keeler & Co. in favor of John Keeler (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.23 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.23
$516,833.83
Demand Note, dated July 31, 2013 from Keeler & Co. in favor of John Keeler (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018)
10.46
Form
of Subscription Agreement for February 1, 2019 offering (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2019)
10.25
$1,000,000
Promissory Note, dated March 26, 2019, issued to Kenar Overseas Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2019)
10.26*
$100,000
Promissory Note, dated January 1, 2021, issued to Lobo Holdings, LLLP
85
10.27
Agreement
and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of November 26, 2019, by and among John Keeler & Co., Inc., Coastal Pride
Seafood, LLC, Coastal Pride Company, Inc., The Walter F. Lubkin, Jr. Irrevocable Trust dated 1/8/03, Walter F. Lubkin III,
Tracy Lubkin Greco and John C. Lubkin (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 2, 2019)
10.28
4%
Promissory Note in the principal amount of $500,000, dated November 26, 2019, issued by John Keeler & Co., Inc. to Walter
Lubkin, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC
on December 2, 2019)
10.29
Form
of 4% Convertible Promissory Note, dated November 26, 2019, issued by John Keeler & Co., Inc. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 2, 2019)
10.30
Form
of Leak-Out Agreement, dated November 26, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 2, 2019)
10.31
Joinder
and Seventh Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 26, 2019, by and among ACF Finco I LP, John Keeler &
Co., Inc. and Coastal Pride Seafood, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 2, 2019)
10.32
Form
of Lock-Up and Resale Restriction Agreement, dated December 26, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 29, 2020)
10.33
Loan
Amendment, dated May 21, 2020 to Promissory Note issued to Kenar Overseas Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36
to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 29, 2020)
10.34
Eight
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated May 7, 2020, between the Company and ACF Separation and Mutual Release Agreement,
dated February 25, 2020, between the Company and Christopher Constable(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 29, 2020)
10.35
Separation
and Mutual Release Agreement, dated February 25, 2020, between the Company and Christopher Constable (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 29, 2020)
10.36*
Mutual
Lease Termination Agreement, dated December 31, 2020, between Keeler & Co. and John Keeler Real Estate Holdings, Inc.
10.37
Debt
Repayment Agreement, dated December 30, 2020, between the Company and John Keeler (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 9, 2021)
10.38*
Investment
Banking Agreement, dated July 1, 2020, between the Company and Newbridge Securities Corporation
10.39*
Amendment
No. 1 to Investment Banking Agreement, dated October 30, 2020, between the Company and Newbridge Securities Corporation
86
10.40
Loan
and Security Agreement dated March 31, 2021, by and among John Keeler & Co. Inc. and Coastal Pride Seafood, LLC and Lighthouse
Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 10-K filed with
the SEC on April 6, 2021)
10.41
Revolving
Credit Note dated March 31, 2021 in the amount of up to $5,000,000 issued by John Keeler & Co. Inc. and Coastal Pride
Seafood, LLC to Lighthouse Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 6, 2021)
10.42
Guarantee
Agreement dated March 31, 2021 executed by Blue Star Foods Corp. in favor of Lighthouse Financial Corp. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.42 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 6, 2021)
10.43
Form
of Director Services Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 10-K
filed with the SEC on March 31, 2021
21.1
List
of Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the
SEC on May 29, 2020)
31.1*
Certification
of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*
Certification
of Principal Financial and accounting Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant
to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*
Certification
of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002
32.2*
Certification
of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002
101.INS*
XBRL
Instance Document
101.SCH*
XBRL
Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
XBRL
Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
XBRL
Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
XBRL
Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
XBRL
Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
*
Filed
herewith
ITEM
16. FORM 10–K SUMMARY
None.
87
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused
this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BLUE
STAR FOODS CORP.
Dated:
April 15, 2021
By:
/s/
John Keeler
Name:
John
Keeler
Title:
Chief
Executive Officer and Executive Chairman
(Principal
Executive Officer)
Dated:
April 15, 2021
By:
/s/
John Keeler
Name:
John
Keeler
Title:
Chief
Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer
(Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Annual Report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/
John Keeler
Chief
Executive Officer, Executive Chairman and Director
April
15, 2021
John
Keeler
/s/
Nubar Herian
Director
April
15, 2021
Nubar
Herian
/s/
Jeffrey J. Guzy
Director
April
15, 2021
Jeffrey
J. Guzy
/s/
Timothy McLellan
Director
April
15, 2021
Timothy
McLellan
/s/
Trond Ringstad
Director
April
15, 2021
Trond
Ringstad
88
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