UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-K
(Mark
One)
☒
ANNUAL
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the fiscal year ended: December 31 , 2021
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)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name
of each exchange on which registered
Common
Stock, $0.0001 par value
BSFC
The
NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(NASDAQ
Capital Market)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No
☒
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No
☒
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934
during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject
to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ 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 ☒ 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
☒
Emerging
growth company
☒
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant 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
☒
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 $ 26,358,695 .
As
of March 31, 2022, there were 24,963,411 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Not
Applicable.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
3
PART I
ITEM
1.
BUSINESS
4
ITEM
1A.
RISK FACTORS
14
ITEM
1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
30
ITEM
2.
PROPERTIES
31
ITEM
3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
31
ITEM
4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
31
PART II
ITEM
5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
31
ITEM
6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
33
ITEM
7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
33
ITEM
7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
42
ITEM
8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
43
ITEM
9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
44
ITEM
9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
44
ITEM
9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
45
ITEM 9C
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
45
PART III
ITEM
10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
46
ITEM
11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
49
ITEM
12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
55
ITEM
13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
56
ITEM
14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
58
PART IV
ITEM
15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
59
ITEM
16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
63
SIGNATURES
64
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”) and Taste of BC Aquafarms, Inc., a corporation formed
under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (“TOBC”).
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. Following the Merger (as described below), we changed our name from “AG Acquisition Group
II, Inc.” to “Blue Star Foods Corp.” and succeeded to the business of Keeler & Co.
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 were 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. All of the Series A Stock have been converted to shares of the Company’s common stock.
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”).
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 a ten-year immediately
exercisable options to purchase an aggregate of 3,120,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.333 (which option was subsequently
terminated unexercised), and (ii) a ten-year option to purchase 3,120,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00, which
vested one-year from the date of grant.
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.
4
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 were restricted for a period of 18 months
and the Pre-Merger Holders were 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 was quoted on
the OTC pink sheets under the symbol “BSFC” since February 18, 2020. Our common stock was approved for listing on NASDAQ
under the symbol “BSFC” and began trading on November 3, 2021.
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.
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.
On
April 15, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 16,460 shares of common stock to the Seller’s in lieu of payment in cash of
accrued interest in the aggregate amount of $39,504 under the Sellers’ Notes.
5
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.
Taste
of BC Aquafarms Acquisition
On
April 27, 2021, we entered into a stock purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with TOBC, and Steve Atkinson and Janet Atkinson (the
“Sellers”), the owners of all of the capital stock of TOBC (the “TOBC Shares”) pursuant to which we acquired
all of the TOBC Shares from the Sellers for an aggregate purchase price of CAD$4,000,000, subject to adjustment based upon the amount
of TOBC’s working capital on the closing date (the “Purchase Price”) as follows: (i) CAD$1,000,000 in cash, pro rata
with each Seller’s ownership of TOBC (ii) by the issuance to each Seller of a non-interest bearing promissory note in the aggregate
principal amount of CAD$200,000, with a maturity date of November 30, 2021, with the principal amount of each note to be pro rata with
each Seller’s ownership of TOBC, and secured by a Company guarantee and a general security agreement creating a security interest
over certain assets of the Company, and (iii) 987,741 shares of common stock, (representing CAD$2,800,000 of shares based on USD$2.30
per share) with each Seller receiving a pro rata portion of such shares based upon the total number of TOBC shares held by such Seller.
On
June 24, 2021, the SPA was amended to increase the purchase price to an aggregate of CAD$5,000,000 and the TOBC acquisition closed. Pursuant
to the amendment, on August 3, 2021, an aggregate of 344,957 shares of common stock (representing CAD$1,000,000 of additional shares
calculated at USD$2.30 per share) was put in escrow until the 24-month anniversary of the closing. If, within 24 months of the closing,
TOBC has cumulative revenue of at least CAD$1,300,000, the Sellers will receive all of the escrowed shares. If, as of the 24-month anniversary
of the closing, TOBC has cumulative revenue of less than CAD$1,300,000, the Sellers will receive a prorated number of the escrowed shares
based on the actual cumulative revenue of TOBC as of such date.
In
addition to the foregoing consideration, at the time of the closing, the Company provided CAD$488,334 to TOBC for the extinguishment
of certain of TOBC’s existing debt.
The
shares of common stock received by the Sellers are subject to a leak-out restriction commencing on the date of issuance, as follows:
(i) up to 25% may be sold after 12 months; (ii) up to 50% may be sold after 18 months; (iii) up to 75% may be sold after 24 months; and
(iv) up to 100% may be sold after 30 months.
The
Seller’s non-interest bearing promissory notes were paid in full at maturity.
In
connection with the TOBC acquisition, the Sellers entered into four-year confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements
with the Company.
Gault
Seafood Asset Acquisition
On
February 3, 2022, Coastal Pride entered into an asset purchase agreement with Gault Seafood, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability
company (the “Seller”), and Robert J. Gault II, President of the Seller (“Gault”) pursuant to which Coastal Pride
acquired all of the Seller’s right, title and interest in and to assets relating to the Seller’s soft shell crab operations,
including intellectual property, equipment, vehicles and other assets used in connection with the Business. Coastal Pride did not assume
any liabilities in connection with the acquisition. The purchase price for the assets consisted of a cash payment in the amount of $359,250
and the issuance of 167,093 shares of common stock of the Company with a fair value of $359,250. Such shares are subject to a leak-out
agreement pursuant to which the Seller may not sell or otherwise transfer the shares until February 3, 2023.
6
Coastal
Pride also entered into a consulting agreement with Gault under the terms of which Gault will provide consulting services to Coastal
Pride at the rate of $100 per hour, however, the first 45 days of services will be provided at no cost. Gault also agreed not to compete
with Coastal Pride and its affiliates for a period of five years in any market in which Coastal Pride is operating or is considering
operating or solicit employees, consultants, customers or suppliers or in any way interfere with Coastal Pride’s business relationships
for a five-year period, Gault is also bound by customary confidentiality provisions. The Consulting Agreement may be terminated by either
party upon five days written notice and by Costal Pride immediately for cause.
In
connection with the asset acquisition, Coastal Pride will lease 9,050 square feet from Gault for $1,000 per month under a one-year
lease agreement and will continue to operate the acquired soft shell crab operations at such location in Beaufort, South Carolina unless
a new facility is earlier completed.
Business
Overview
We
are an international sustainable marine protein company that owns and operates several portfolio companies with an emphasis on environmental,
social and governance values. We seek 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 resource sustainability. Our companies include:
Keeler
& Co., doing business as Blue Star Foods, which imports, packages and sells refrigerated pasteurized crab meat sourced primarily
from Southeast Asia and other premium seafood products;
Coastal
Pride , which imports pasteurized and fresh crab meat sourced primarily from Mexico and Latin America and sells premium branded label
crab meat throughout North America; and
TOBC ,
a land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (“RAS”) salmon farming operation, which sells its steelhead salmon to distributors
in Canada.
Strategy
Our
long-term 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 resource sustainability.
We
plan to grow the Company organically by continuing to grow our customer base and introducing new high-value product lines and categories,
as well as strategically acquiring companies that focus on additional species and proprietary technologies that we believe we can integrate
into a larger, diversified company.
Operating
Companies
Keeler
& Co., doing business as Blue Star Foods, is an international seafood company that imports, packages and sells refrigerated pasteurized
crab meat and other premium seafood products.
We
purchase the majority of our crab product (Portunus Pelagicus and Portunus Haanii) 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.
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.
7
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.
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.
Our
premium proprietary brands, Blue Star, Pacifika and Oceanica are differentiated in terms of quality and price point.
We
believe that we utilize best-in-class technology, in both resource sustainability management and ecological packaging.
Our
warehouse facility in Miami, Florida is the only crab meat facility audited by the BRC (graded A++) in the U.S.
Coastal
Pride is a seafood company, based in Beaufort, South Carolina, that imports pasteurized and fresh crab meat (Portunus Pelagicus, Portunus
Haanii and Callinectes) sourced primarily from Mexico and Latin America and sells premium branded label crab meat throughout North America.
It
has three premium branded label products, First Choice, Good Stuff and Coastal Pride Fresh.
TOBC
is a land-based salmon recirculating aquaculture farm located in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada with an annual production capacity
of approximately 100 tons. It produces steelhead salmon under the brand name Little Cedar Farms for distribution in Canada.
TOBC’s
initial facility has been operated as a model farm for the development of salmon RAS technology. We currently intend to refine this model
farm into a 150-ton standardized module that will be replicated in the development of future farms. The next facility we hope to build,
subject to sufficient resources, will have 10 such modules, for a total production capacity of 1,500 tons.
The
current RAS facility is in an insulated, bio-secure structure where all culture conditions are controlled. The primary RAS system is
composed of 13 culture tanks, a drum filter, fluidized sand bed biofilter and low head oxygenator and employs an efficient gravity fed
low head arrangement which reduces energy use as compared to other RAS designs. Additionally, there are two independent partial reuse
finishing tank systems.
Weekly
harvests of approximately two tons of salmon are stunned and bled at the farm and then processed as fresh iced head on gutted (“HOG”)
fish at a Canadian Food Inspection Agency approved processing facility. Currently, TOBC sells its salmon to two wholesale seafood distributors
in Canada.
Eggs
are purchased from two primary suppliers and are hatched approximately every eight weeks. TOBC’s hatchery is composed of a recirculating
system that utilizes an upwelling “heath stack” incubator and five tanks with moving bed biofiltration. The fish are then
transferred to the main RAS system approximately 12 weeks post hatch. TOBC’s feed is largely terrestrial based from grains and
other non-marine ingredients.
The
faster life cycle from birth to harvesting of our salmon, as compared to conventional salmon, allows it to be produced more economically
in contained, land-based RAS farms. Although RAS farms require greater capital investment than the sea cage approach, we believe that
the higher costs are offset by more efficient growth and a shorter transportation distance to market.
Branded
Products
Between
the three companies, we currently have the following branded products: Blue Star, Pacifika, Oceanica, Crab & Go Premium Seafood,
Lubkin, First Choice, Good Stuff, Coastal Pride Fresh and Little Cedar Falls.
Blue
Star is packed with only high quality Portunus Pelagicus species crab and is produced under exacting specifications and quality control
requirements.
8
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 species 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 species 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.
Steelhead
salmon is produced by TOBC under the Little Cedar Falls brand. The fish are sashimi grade and only sold as a fresh item, usually reaching
end users within days of harvest.
Competitive
Strengths
Sustainable
and Traceable Product Sourcing. We believe that our greatest point of differentiation from other seafood companies is 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.
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.
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. We believe since their introduction in 2003, these pouches have saved in excess of 800 metric
tons of carbon dioxide emissions versus metal can packaging material.
Growth
Strategy
We
intend to grow our business in several ways, including:
Growing
our existing businesses. The three current existing businesses each have different pathways to organic growth, including by increasing
their reliable access to sustainably sourced marine product and supplying to a larger and more diversified customer base. Our key objective
is to optimize the management of the companies across all companies, specifically in the marketing, sourcing and financing departments.
Strategic
Acquisitions. We will continue to seek opportunities to acquire companies that allow us to expand into new territories, diversify
our species product categories, and where operational synergies with our existing companies may exist. We believe that we may have the
ability to layer on a sustainability model to certain companies that operate in a more traditional way, with an opportunity to increase
margins by selling a more premium product.
Scaling
the RAS Business. We have an internal goal to reach production of 21,000 metric tons of steelhead salmon by 2028. If we can successfully
access the necessary funding through the equity capital markets and through certain debt facilities, we hope to build a series of 1,500
metric ton and 3,000 metric ton facilities throughout strategic locations in British Columbia, Canada, where TOBC is currently based.
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 in the developed world (where there is an increased awareness and focus on sustainable
sourcing and protecting marine ecosystems).
9
Changes
in 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) .
As
the population has grown, so has per capita fish 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) .
Aquaculture
Has Developed as a Major Source to Meet Global Seafood Demand:
The
wild fish catch reached a peak at 94 metric tons (3) (in the mid-1990s) and has since stagnated. Nearly all of the increase
in world marine protein supply has since come from aquaculture.
In
2016, aquaculture provided more than half (80 metric tons) (4) of all marine protein consumed.
It
is estimated that aquaculture production may need to double between 2010 through 2050, from 60 metric tons in 2010 to roughly 140 metric
tons in 2050 (5) , to meet estimated demand.
We
believe that Recirculatory Aquatic Systems are likely to be a highly disruptive technology.
Rear
fish at high densities, in indoor tanks in a “controller” environment. The culture water is purified and reused continuously,
in an almost completed closed circuit. Recirculating systems are capable of reusing approximately 90% of culture water. Solid waste,
ammonium and CO2 are either removed or converted into non-toxic bio products (fertilizers). The purified water is subsequently saturated
with oxygen and returned to the fish tanks.
(1)
United Nations – Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2019)
(2)(3)(4)(5)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations “The State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture – 2020.
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 four suppliers which accounted for approximately 70% of the Company’s total purchases during the year ended December
31, 2021. These four suppliers are located in the United States, Indonesia, Mexico and China, which accounted for approximately 80% of
the Company’s total purchases during the year. During 2021, the Company purchased inventory from one non-affiliated Mexican supplier
that made up the balance of 42% 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, China, the Philippines and Vietnam and distributing it in the United States and Canada under
several brand names such as Blue Star, Oceanica, Pacifika, Crab & Go, Lubkin’s Coastal Pride, First Choice, Good Stuff, Coastal
Pride Fresh and TOBC steelhead salmon produced under the brand name Little Cedar Falls primarily to two distributor/brokers.
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.
10
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, 2021, sales to food distributors and retail
and wholesale clubs accounted for 52% of our revenue. The balance of our revenue is derived from smaller seafood distributors
and value-added processors.
The
Company had ten customers which accounted for approximately 52% of revenue during the year ended December 31, 2021. One customer
accounted for 24% of revenue during the year ended December 31, 2021. Outstanding receivables from these customers accounted for
approximately 59% of the total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2021. The loss of any major customer could have a material
adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
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 in its traditional sustainable seafood businesses 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.
The
Company’s primary competitors in its RAS business are Aquabounty, Atlantic Sapphire, Aquaco, Nordic Aquafarms, Whole Oceans, West
Coast Salmon and Pure Salmon.
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.
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
11
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
Canadian
Intellectual Property Office registered trademarks:
Little Cedar Falls – Registration #1766337- Expiration: June 20, 2032
Taste
of BC – Registration #1561871 - Expiration: January 31, 2034
Government
Regulation
Our
third-party distribution facilities 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.
12
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.
TOBC
TOBC’s
aquafarms facility in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada with an annual production capacity of approximately 100 tons are licensed under
the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Harvests of steelhead salmon are processed as iced HOG fish at locally at a Canadian
Food Inspection Agency approved processing facility.
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.
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.
13
Employees
As
of March 31, 2022, we had twenty-one 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.
Our
obligations to Lind Global Fund II LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Lind”) pursuant to a $5,750,000 convertible note
are secured by a first priority security interest in all of our assets, so if we default on those obligations, Lind could foreclose on,
liquidate and/or take possession of our assets. If that were to happen, we could be forced to curtail, or even to cease, our operations.
On
January 24, 2022, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with Lind pursuant to which we issued to Lind a senior secured, two-year,
interest free convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $5,750,000.
Simultaneously,
we entered into a security agreement with Lind pursuant to which Lind was granted a first priority security interest and lien on all
of the assets of the Company including a pledge on its shares in Keeler & Co. Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, pursuant to stock
pledge agreement with Lind, dated January 24, 2022. Each subsidiary of the Company also granted a second priority security interest in
all of its respective assets. As a result, if we default on our obligations under the note, Lind could foreclose on their security interest
and liquidate or take possession of some or all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, which would harm our business, financial
condition and results of operations and could require us to curtail, or even to cease our operations.
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.
14
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 and TOBC’s RAS Operations
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. in our traditional sustainable seafood business and our primary competitors
in our RAS business are Aquabounty, Atlantic Sapphire, Aquacon, Nordic Aquafarms, Whole Oceans, West Coast Salmon and Pure Salmon. 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.
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.
15
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.
Our
business is affected by the quality and quantity of the salmon that is harvested by TOBC.
We
sell our products in a highly competitive market. The ability of TOBC to successfully sell its salmon and the price therefor, is highly
dependent on the quality of the salmon. A number of factors can negatively affect the quality of the salmon sold, including the quality
of the broodstock, water conditions in the farm, the food and additives consumed by the fish, population levels in the tanks, and the
amount of time that it takes to bring a fish to harvest, including transportation and processing. Optimal growing conditions cannot always
be assured. Although fish grown in RAS production systems are not subject to the disease and parasite issues that can affect salmon grown
in ocean pens, there is the potential for organisms that are ubiquitous to freshwater environments to become pathogenic if the fish are
subjected to stressful conditions or there is an issue with biomass management.
High
standards for the quality of the product are maintained and if we determine that a harvest has not met such standards, we may be required
to reduce inventory and write down the value of the harvest to reflect net realizable value. Sub-optimal conditions could lead to smaller
harvests and or lower quality fish. Conversely, if we experience better than expected growth rates, we may not be able to process and
bring our fish to market in a timely manner, which may result in overcrowding that can cause negative health impacts and/or require culling
our fish population.
Furthermore,
if our salmon is perceived by the market to be of lower quality than other available sources of salmon or other fish, we may experience
reduced demand for our product and may not be able to sell our products at the prices that we expect or at all.
As
we continue to expand our operations and build new farms, we potentially may face additional challenges with maintaining the quality
of our products. We cannot guarantee that we will not face quality issues in the future, any of which could cause damage to our reputation,
and a loss of consumer confidence in our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business results and the value of
our brands.
16
A
shutdown, damage to any of our farms, or lack of availability of power, fuel, oxygen, eggs, water, or other key components needed for
our operations, could result in our prematurely harvesting fish, a loss of a material percentage of our fish in production, a delay in
our commercialization plans, and a material adverse effect on our operations, business results, reputation, and the value of our brands.
An
interruption in the power, fuel, oxygen supply, water quality systems, or other critical infrastructure of an aquaculture facility for
more than a short period of time could lead to the loss of a large number of fish. A shutdown of or damage to our farm due to natural
disaster, shortages of key components to our operations due to a pandemic, reduction in water supply, contamination of our aquifers,
interruption in services, or human interference could require us to prematurely harvest some or all of the fish or could result in a
loss of our fish in production.
We
also are dependent on egg availability If we had a disruption in our ability to purchase eggs, we would not be able to continue to stock
our farm. We cannot guarantee that any disruptions might not occur in the future, any of which could cause loss of salmon to sell, damage
to our reputation, loss of consumer confidence in our products and company, and lost revenues, all of which could have a material adverse
effect on our business results.
The
successful development of our TOBC business depends on TOBC’s ability to efficiently and cost-effectively produce and sell salmon
at large commercial scale.
Our
business plans depend on our ability to increase our production capacity through the development of larger farms. We have limited experience
constructing, ramping up, and managing such large, commercial-scale facilities, and we may not have anticipated all of the factors or
costs that could affect our production, harvest, sale, and delivery of salmon at such a scale. Our salmon may not perform as expected
when raised at very large commercial scale, we may encounter operational challenges, control deficiencies may surface, our vendors may
experience capacity constraints, or our production cost and timeline projections may prove to be inaccurate. Any of these could decrease
process efficiency, create delays, and increase our costs. We are also subject to volatility in market demand and prices, such as the
disruption to the salmon market and the resulting reduction in market prices for salmon caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In
addition, competitive pressures, customer volatility and the possible inability to secure established and ongoing customer partnerships
and contracts, may result in a lack of buyers for our fish. Customers of our fish may not wish to follow our terms and conditions of
sale, potentially resulting in a violation of labeling or disclosure laws, improper food handling, nonpayment for product, and similar
issues. The competitive landscape for salmon may create challenges in securing competitive pricing for our salmon to reach our competitive
goals. In addition, it is possible that we may not be able to service our customers to meet their expectations regarding fish quality,
ongoing harvest supply availability, order processing fill rate, on time or correct deliveries, potential issues with third party processors,
and other factors, which could impact our relationships with customers, our reputation, and our business results.
Risks
Related to Our Reliance on Third Parties
We
are dependent on third parties for our operations and our business may be affected by supply chain interruptions and delays.
Our
business is dependent upon our relationships with vendors in Southeast Asia and Latin America 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.
Moreover, if supply chain delays occur, our product will arrive late which will adversely impact our revenue. Failure to find a suitable
replacement, even on a temporary basis, would have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
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.
17
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, 2021 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.
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.
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.
18
We
may need to raise additional capital to fund our existing commercial operations and develop and commercialize new products and expand
our operations.
Based
on our current business plan, we believe the net proceeds from our underwritten offering, together with our current cash and cash equivalents
and cash receipts from sales will enable us to conduct our planned operations for at least the next 12 months. If our available cash
balances, net proceeds from the offering and anticipated cash flow from operations are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements
including because of lower demand for our products or due to other risks described herein, we may seek to sell common stock or preferred
stock or convertible debt securities, enter into an additional credit facility or another form of third-party funding or seek other debt
financing.
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; and
■
costs
related to international expansion.
The
various ways we could raise additional capital carry potential risks. 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 significant costs as a result of operating as a public company and our management devotes substantial time to public company compliance.
As
a public company, we incur significant 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 to monitoring of and compliance with, public company reporting obligations. These rules and regulations
cause us to incur significant legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time consuming and costly.
19
To
comply with the requirements of being a public company, we may need to undertake various actions, including implementing internal controls
and procedures. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over
financial reporting. We are continuing 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 Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers. Any failure to develop or maintain
effective controls could harm our operating results, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or result in a restatement of
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 continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the NASDAQ
Stock Market.
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 later of our second annual report or 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.
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 and mitigate any supply chain delays 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, and mitigate any supply chain delays
we could have with our vendors, 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.
20
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.
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.
21
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.
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 and Latin America 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.
22
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.
23
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.
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.
24
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;
●
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.
25
Risks
Relating to Our Common Stock
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;
●
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.
26
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 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.
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.
Although
our shares have been approved for listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, we can provide no assurance that our shares will continue to
meet the listing requirements of the NASDAQ Capital Market. If we fail to comply with these listing requirements, we will be subject
to potential delisting from the NASDAQ Capital Market.
Our
common stock has been approved for listing on NASDAQ under the symbol “BSFC.” However, if we fail to comply with NASDAQ’s
rules for continued listing, including, without limitation, minimum market capitalization and other requirements, NASDAQ may take steps
to delist our shares. Failure to maintain our listing, or de-listing from NASDAQ, would make it more difficult for shareholders to sell
our common stock and more difficult to obtain accurate price quotations on our common stock. This could have an adverse effect on the
price of our common stock. Our ability to issue additional securities for financing or other purposes, or otherwise to arrange for any
financing we may need in the future, may also be materially and adversely affected if our common stock is not traded on a national securities
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.
27
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.
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 68% 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.
28
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.
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.
Historically,
the SEC has taken the position that Rule 144 under the Securities Act is not available for the resale of securities initially issued
by companies that are, or previously were, blank check companies, to their promoters or affiliates despite technical compliance with
the requirements of Rule 144. The SEC has codified and expanded this position in its amendments effective on February 15, 2008, which
applies to securities acquired both before and after that date by prohibiting the use of Rule 144 for resale of securities issued by
shell companies (other than business transaction related shell companies) or issuers that have been at any time previously a shell company.
The SEC has provided an important exception to this prohibition, however, if the following conditions are met:
-
the
issuer of the securities that was formerly a shell company has ceased to be a shell company;
-
the
issuer of the securities is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;
-
the
issuer of the securities has filed all Exchange Act reports and material required to be filed, as applicable, during the preceding
12 months (or such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports and materials), other than Form 8-K reports;
and
-
at
least one year has elapsed from the time that the issuer filed current Form 10 type information with the SEC reflecting its status
as an entity that is not a shell company.
In
addition, for proposed sales under Rule 144, there must be adequate current information about the issuing company publicly available
before the sale can be made. For reporting companies, this generally means that the companies have complied with the periodic reporting
requirements of the Exchange Act. As such, due to the fact that we were a shell company until the effective time of the reverse merger,
holders of “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 will be subject to the above conditions.
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.
29
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.
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
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 experience delays 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 delays 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 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.
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.
30
ITEM
2. PROPERTIES
The
Company’s executive offices and warehouse facility are based in Miami, Florida. 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 retained approximately 4,756 square feet of such space, rent-free
for the next 12 months. On January 1, 2022, the Company entered into a verbal month-to-month lease agreement for its executive offices
with an unrelated third party. The Company has paid $11,600 to date under this lease. We currently believe these spaces 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 and 9,050 square
feet from Gault where Coastal operates the acquired RAS soft shell crab operation in Beaufort, South Carolina for $1,000
per month until a new facility is completed.
The
offices and facility of TOBC are located in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada and are on land leased to TOBC for approximately $2,500
per month plus taxes from Steve and Janet Atkinson, the former TOBC owners that expired December 2021. As of March 31, 2022, renewal
of this lease has not been finalized and no rent payments have been made.
ITEM
3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There
are no material 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 was quoted on the OTC pink sheets under the symbol “BSFC” from February 18, 2020 until November 2, 2021. Our
common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market on November 3, 2021.
The last reported sales price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital
Market on March 30, 2022 was $2.09.
Holders
As
of March 31, 2022, the Company had 92 stockholders of record.
Lock-up
Agreements
In
connection with the Merger, holders of 15,750,000 shares of common stock were prohibited, subject to certain exceptions, from disposing
of or hedging any shares of common stock or securities convertible or exercisable for shares of common stock during an 18-month period
for Restricted Holders and 12-month period for Pre-Merger Holders, after the Merger 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. Thereafter, such Holders may not sell, dispose or otherwise transfer more
than one-third of the common stock held by such Holder in any two-month period.
In
connection with our underwritten common stock public offering in November 2021, 3,120,000 shares of common stock subject to a 10-year
option at an exercise price of $2.00 per share granted to Christopher Constable, our former chief financial officer and director, are
subject to a lock-up and may not be sold, disposed of or otherwise transferred until May 3, 2022.
31
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, 2021:
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
4,408,430 (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, which shares are subject to a lock-up until May 3, 2022 (ii) 10-year
options to purchase an aggregate of 580,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share to certain employees,
(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; (iv) 3-year options to purchase an aggregate of 500,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price
of $2.00 per share to the Company’s directors; (v) 4-year options to purchase an aggregate of 176,417 shares of common stock
at an exercise price of $2.30 per share an employee; and (vi) 3-year options to purchase an aggregate of 7,013 shares of common stock
at an exercise price of $6.00 per share to Silvia Alana, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.
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
October 7, 2021, we issued 10,000 shares of common stock to an investor upon exercise of a warrant purchased in the Merger in 2018.
On
October 17, 2021, we issued 5,000 shares of common stock to an investor upon exercise of a warrant purchased in a private offering.
On
October 27, 2021, we issued an aggregate of 44,000 shares of common stock to two investors upon exercise of warrants purchased in the
Merger in 2018.
On
October 28, 2021, we issued 10,000 shares of common stock to an investor upon exercise of a warrant purchased in the Merger in 2018.
On
October 29, 2021, we issued an aggregate 50,000 shares of common stock to two investors upon exercise of warrants purchased in the Merger
in 2018.
32
On
November 2, 2021, we issued an aggregate of 52,000 shares of common stock to six investors upon exercise of warrants purchased in Merger
in 2018.
On
November 3, 2021, we issued 2,000 shares of common stock to an investor upon exercise of a warrant purchased in the merger in 2018.
On
November 4, 2021, we issued an aggregate 35,250 shares of common stock to two investors upon exercise of warrants purchased in the Merger
in 2018.
On
November 5, 2021, we issued 150,000 shares of common stock to an investor upon exercise of a warrant purchased in the Merger in 2018.
On
November 5, 2021, we issued 800,000 shares of common stock to Newbridge Securities Corporation (“Newbridge”), as underwriters’
representative, in connection with our underwritten public offering.
On
November 5, 2021, we issued a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 56,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.00
per share to Newbridge. Such warrant is exercisable on a date which is 180 days from the closing of the underwritten offering and expires
on November 11, 2024.
On
November 8, 2021, we issued 12,500 shares of common stock to an investor upon exercise of a warrant purchased in a private offering.
On
November 10, 2021 and December 31, 2021, the Company issued 52,326 and 18,405 shares of common stock, respectively, to Intelligent Investments
I LLC for legal services provided to the Company.
On
December 31, 2021, the Company issued 5,000 shares of common stock to TraDigital Marketing Group for consulting services provided to
the Company.
On
December 31, 2021, we issued 10,992 shares of common stock to each of Nubar Herian and John Keeler, 15,107 shares of common stock
to each of Timothy McLellan and Trond Ringstad and 19,909 shares of common stock to Jeffrey Guzy for serving as directors of the Company.
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 discussion of the financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements
and the notes to those statements appearing in this Annual Report Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or
set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should read the “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report for a discussion
of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking
statements contained in the following discussion and analysis . The various sections of this discussion contain forward-looking
statements, all of which are based on our current expectations and could be affected by the uncertainties and risk factors described
throughout this prospectus as well as other matters over which we have no control. See “Forward-Looking Statements.” Our
actual results may differ materially. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances occurring after the date of this prospectus.
33
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, and steelhead salmon produced under the brand name Little Cedar Farms for distribution in
Canada. 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.
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 decreases in revenue for the year ended December
31, 2021.
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.
Recent
Developments
NASDAQ
Listing
The
Company’s common stock was approved to list on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “BSFC” and began trading
on November 3, 2021.
Public
Offering
In
connection with the NASDAQ uplisting, on November 2, 2021, the Company consummated an underwritten public offering of 800,000 shares
of common stock at a public offering price of $5.00 per share for total gross proceeds of $4 million, before deducting underwriting discounts,
commissions and other expenses. The over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 120,000 shares of common stock at the public
offering price was not exercised by the underwriters.
Fingerlings
Supply Agreement
On December 3, 2021, TOBC enter into a 30-month agreement supply agreement
with West Coast Fishculture (Lois Lake) Ltd. (“West Coast”) pursuant to which TOBC will supply rainbow trout fingerlings to
West Coast on an exclusive basis to meet all of West Coast’s stocking requirements with the initial shipments currently scheduled
to begin in June 2022. West Coast paid $140,000 upon execution of the agreement and TOBC currently estimates supplying a total $1 million
of fingerlings under the agreement.
34
Gault
Asset Acquisition
On
February 3, 2022, Coastal Pride acquired certain assets relating to Gault’s soft shell crab operations, including intellectual
property, equipment and vehicles used in connection with its soft shell crab operations. Coastal Pride did not assume any liabilities
in connection with the acquisition. The purchase price for the assets consisted of $359,250 in cash and the issuance of 167,093 shares
of common stock of the Company with a fair value of $359,250. Such shares are subject to a leak-out agreement pursuant to which the Seller
may not sell or otherwise transfer the shares until February 3, 2023.
The
audited financial statements included in this annual report for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 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, 2021 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Net
Sales. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased 29.3% to $9,973,264 as compared to $14,111,368 for the year
ended December 31, 2020 as a result of a decrease in poundage sold due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during the year ended December
31, 2021.
Cost
of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased to $7,979,830 as compared to $12,623,576
for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease is primarily attributable to the revenue decline.
Gross
Profit . Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased to $1,993,434 as compared to gross profit of $1,487,792
for the year ended December 31, 2020. This increase is attributable to higher market prices and lower cost of goods sold in comparison
to the year ended December 31, 2020.
Gross
Profit Margin. Gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased to 20.0% as compared to 10.5% for the year ended
December 31, 2020. This increase is attributable to the price increases of our products.
Commissions
Expenses. Commissions expenses decreased to $42,332 for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $96,594 for the year ended December
31, 2020. The decrease is attributable to lower commissionable revenues.
Salaries
and Wages Expense . Salaries and wages increased to $1,827,607 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $1,286,879
for the year ended December 31, 2020. This increase is primarily attributable to the acquisition of TOBC.
Depreciation
and Amortization . Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $384,963 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared
to $268,341 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase is attributable to an increase in depreciation and amortization as a result
of the TOBC acquisition.
Impairment Loss. Impairment
loss increased to $374,300 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $0 for the year ended December 31, 2020. This
increase is attributable to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business.
Other
Operating Expense. Other operating expenses increased 31.0% to $2,147,873 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared
to $1,639,484 for the year ended December 31, 2020. This increase is primarily attributable to legal and professional fees and stock
compensation expense associated with the TOBC acquisition and NASDAQ uplisting application.
Other
Income . Other income decreased to $498,791 for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $891,667 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
This decrease is primarily attributable to fixed assets sold in 2020 and lower collections received by Coastal Pride from previously
written off receivables.
35
Forbearance
Fee Expense (Non-Cash) . Forbearance fee expense decreased to $0 for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $2,655,292 for the year
ended December 31, 2020. This decrease is the result of a one-time, non-cash expense related to the issuance of common stock for a forbearance
fee in connection with the Kenar Note in 2020.
Interest
Expense. Interest expense decreased to $320,524 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $870,303 for the year
ended December 31, 2020. This decrease is attributable to a decrease in the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding to $4,009,463
as of December 31, 2021 from $4,788,118 as of December 31, 2020.
Net
Loss. The Company had a net loss of $2,605,374 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the net loss of $4,437,434
for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in net loss is primarily attributable to reduction in interest and other operating
expenses.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
The
Company had cash of $1,155,513 as of December 31, 2021, of which $0 was restricted cash. At December 31, 2021, the Company had a working
capital surplus of $2,831,718 including $960,000 in stockholder loans that were subordinated to its working capital line of credit
as compared to a working capital deficit of $2,527,059 at December 31, 2020, including $1,299,712 in stockholder loans. The Company’s
primary sources of liquidity consisted of inventory of $2,119,441 and accounts receivable of $1,231,181 at December 31, 2021. The increase
in working capital was due primarily to an increase of inventory of $286,780, accounts receivable of $148,713 and other current
assets of $3,525,736 and the decrease of related party notes payable of $1,534,612.
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 continues to estimate the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on its operations
or financial condition in the next year. 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.
Cash
(Used in) Provided by Operating Activities. Cash used in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 was $4,833,029
as compared to cash provided of $4,575,575 for the year ended December 31, 2020, representing a decrease of $9,408,604. The decrease
is primarily attributable to a decrease in the net loss of $1,832,060 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as well as a decrease in the
changes in inventory of $6,236,801, receivables of $1,075,699, other current assets of $3,576,243 and other assets of $76,057 netted
against the increase in changes in lease liability of $128,093 and payables of $2,326,839 for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared
with the year ended December 31, 2020.
Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities.
Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $775,445 as compared to $343,237 cash provided by investing
activities for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was attributable to the acquisition of TOBC in the year ended December 31,
2021.
Cash
Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $6,480,540
as compared to cash used in financing activities of $4,800,635 for the year ended December 31, 2020. Repayments in the Company’s
related party notes of $1,534,612 and principal payments of long-term debt of $398,385 were partially offset by the proceeds
from the PPP loan of $371,944 for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to loan payment and loan costs paid on the working capital
line of credit of $5,112,061 for the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had $6,596,500 of net
proceeds from common stock private offerings and $882,800 proceeds from common stock warrants exercised.
36
Working
Capital Line of Credit
Keeler
& Co. 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. and Coastal Pride. 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, 2021, the interest rate was 0%.
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. As of December 31, 2021, the
Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Loan Agreement, except for the requirement to maintain a greater than
$50,000 cash flow for the fourth quarter of 2021 which was accepted by Lighthouse.
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 in three instalments of $16,667 in March, April and May 2021 and
will pay an additional facility fee of $25,000 on each anniversary of March 31, 2021. On January 14, 2022, the maximum inventory advance
under the line of credit was adjusted from 50% to 70% until June 30, 2022, 65% to July 31, 2022, 60% to August 31, 2022 and 55% to September
30, 2022 at a monthly fee of 0.25% on the portion of the loan in excess of the 50% advance, in order to increase imports to meet customer
demand. As of December 31, 2021, the interest rate was 7.0%.
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 of the Lighthouse revolving line of credit to repay the outstanding indebtedness owed to ACF as of March
31, 2021. As a result, all obligations owed to ACF were satisfied and the loan agreement with ACF was terminated. The outstanding balance
owed to Lighthouse as of December 31, 2021 was $2,368,200.
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, 2021, $960,000 of principal remains outstanding and approximately
$75,900 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. The Company made principal payments during the year ended December
31, 2021 of $339,712.
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.
37
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. On April 28, 2021, the Kenar Note was further amended to extend the maturity date to May
31, 2021. On July 6, 2021, the Company entered into a note payoff indemnity agreement with Kenar pursuant to which the Company paid Kenar
$918,539 of principal and accrued interest in full satisfaction of the amounts due to Kenar under the Second Loan Amendment, dated April
26, 2021, between the Company and Kenar, and the Kenar Note was extinguished, and the shares pledged by Mr. Keeler were released.
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.
On July 1, 2021, the Company paid off the January 1, 2021 Lobo note with the issuance of a three-month
unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000 which accrued interest at the rate of 10% per annum and matured on September
30, 2021. On October 1, 2021, the Company paid off the July 1, 2021 Lobo Note with the issuance of a one-month unsecured promissory note
in the principal amount of $100,000, which accrued interest at the rate of 10% per annum and matured on November 1, 2021. On November
1, 2021, the Company paid Lobo $100,877 of principal and accrued interest in full satisfaction of the amounts due to Lobo under the one-month
unsecured promissory note dated October 1, 2021, between the Company and Lobo, and the Lobo Note was extinguished.
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. In September 2021, the Company applied for
loan forgiveness by the SBA through US Century Bank for the full amount which was granted in October 2021.
Offering
On
November 2, 2021, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Newbridge Securities
Corporation (“Newbridge”), as representative of the underwriters listed therein (the “Underwriters”), pursuant
to which the Company agreed to sell to the Underwriters in a firm commitment underwritten public offering (the “Offering”)
an aggregate of 800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at a public offering price of $5.00 per share. In addition, the Underwriters
were granted an over-allotment option (the “Over-allotment Option”) for a period of 45 days to purchase up to an additional
120,000 shares of common stock. The Offering closed on November 5, 2021 and the common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market
under the symbol “BSFC” on November 3, 2021. The Over-allotment Option was not exercised by the Underwriters.
38
The
net proceeds to the Company from the Offering, after deducting the underwriting discount, the underwriters’ fees and expenses and
the Company’s estimated Offering expenses, were approximately $3,600,000. The Company is using the net proceeds from the
Offering for general corporate purposes, including working capital, operating expenses, and capital expenditures. The Company may also
use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or make investments in businesses, products, and offerings, although the Company does not
have agreements or commitments for any material acquisitions or investments at this time.
In
addition, pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement and related “lock-up” agreements, each director, executive
officer, and beneficial owners of over 10% of the Company’s common stock (for a period of 180 days after the date of the final
prospectus relating to the Offering), have agreed, subject to customary exceptions, not to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of securities
of the Company, without the prior written consent of Newbridge.
On
November 5, 2021, in connection with the Offering, the Company issued a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 56,000 shares of common stock
at an exercise price of $5.00 per share to Newbridge. Such warrant is exercisable on a date which is 180 days from the closing of the
Offering and expires on November 11, 2024.
Lind
Global Fund II LP investment
On
January 24, 2022, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with Lind Global Fund II LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Lind”),
pursuant to which the Company issued to Lind a secured, two-year, interest free convertible promissory note in the principal amount of
$5,750,000 and a five-year warrant to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $4.50 per share,
subject to customary adjustments. The warrant provides for cashless exercise and for full ratchet anti-dilution if the Company issues
securities at less than $4.50 per share. In connection with the issuance of the note and the warrant, the Company paid a $150,000 commitment
fee to Lind.
The
outstanding principal under the note is payable commencing July 24, 2022, in 18 consecutive monthly installments of $333,333, at the
Company’s option, in cash or shares of common stock at a price (the “Repayment Share Price”) based on 90% of the five
lowest volume weighted average prices (“VWAP”) during the 20-days prior to the payment date with a floor price of $1.50 per
share (the “Floor Price”), or a combination of cash and stock provided that if at any time the Repayment Share Price is deemed
to be the Floor Price, then in addition to
shares,
the Company will pay Lind an additional amount in cash as determined pursuant to a formula contained in the note.
In
connection with the issuance of the note, the Company granted Lind a first priority security interest and lien on all of its assets,
including a pledge on its shares in John Keeler & Co. Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, pursuant to a security agreement and a stock
pledge agreement with Lind, dated January 24, 2022. Each subsidiary of the Company also granted a second priority security interest in
all of its respective assets.
The
note is mandatorily payable prior to maturity if the Company issues any preferred stock (with certain exceptions described in the note)
or, if the Company or its subsidiaries issues any indebtedness other than certain amounts under the current line of credit facility with
Lighthouse Financial Corp. The Company also agreed not to issue or sell any securities with a conversion, exercise or other price based
on a discount to the trading prices of the Company’s stock or to grant an investor the right to receive additional securities based
on future transactions of the Company on terms more favorable than those granted to Lind, with certain exceptions.
Commencing
on the earlier of July 24, 2022 or the effectiveness of the registration statement covering Lind’s shares, if the Company fails
to maintain the listing and trading of its common stock, the note will become due and payable and Lind may convert all or a portion of
the outstanding principal at the lower of the then current conversion price and 80% of the average of the 3-day VWAP during the 20 days
prior to delivery of the conversion notice.
If
a resale registration statement is not effective covering the shares of common stock issuable to Lind in 180 days following January 24,
2022, the note will be in default. Lind was also granted piggyback registration rights.
If
the Company engages in capital raising transactions, Lind has the right to purchase up to 10% of the new securities.
The
note is convertible into common stock at $5.00 per share, subject to certain adjustments, at any time after the earlier of six months
from issuance or the date the registration statement is effective; provided that no such conversion may be made that would result in
beneficial ownership by Lind and its affiliates of more than 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. If shares
are issued by the Company at less than the conversion price, the conversion price will be reduced to such price.
39
Upon
a change of control of the Company, as defined in the note, Lind has the right to require the Company to prepay 10% of the outstanding
principal amount of the note.
The
Company may prepay the outstanding principal amount of the note, provided Lind may convert up to 25% of the principal amount of the note
at a price per share equal to the lesser of the Repayment Share Price or the conversion price.
The
Note contains certain negative covenants, including restricting the Company from certain distributions, stock repurchases, borrowing,
sale of assets, loans and exchange offers.
Upon
an event of default as described in the note, the note will become immediately due and payable at a default interest rate of 125% of
the then outstanding principal amount. Upon a default, all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount may be converted into shares
of common stock by Lind at the lower of the conversion price and 80% of the average of the three lowest daily VWAPs.
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 indefinite-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 2021 annual impairment analysis for goodwill, trademarks and non-compete agreements, we concluded that it is more
likely than not that the fair value of goodwill, trademarks and non-compete agreements exceeded its carrying value. No impairment was
recorded for goodwill, trademarks and non-compete agreements. For customer relationships, the analysis concluded an impairment of $374,300
as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic during year-end December 31, 2021.
The
fair value conclusions as of December 31, 2021 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.
40
Inventories
Substantially
all of the Company’s inventory consists of packaged crab meat located at a public cold storage facility and merchandise in transit
from suppliers. The Company also has eggs and fish in process inventory from TOBC. The cost of inventory is primarily determined using
the specific identification method for crab meat. Fish in process inventory is measured based on the estimated biomass of fish on hand.
The Company has established a standard procedure to estimate the biomass of fish on hand using counting and sampling techniques. Inventory
is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, cost being determined using the first-in, first-out method for crab meat and
using various estimates and assumptions in regard to the calculation of the biomass, including expected yield, market value of the biomass,
and estimated costs of completion.
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 $1,468,000 and $522,000 as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 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 $0 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared
to approximately $71,400 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Revenue
Recognition
The
Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as
such, we record revenue when our customer obtains control of the 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 Mexico, 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 and steelhead salmon produced by TOBC under the brand name Little Cedar Farms for distribution in Canada. 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.
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 determined that the standard has no impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
41
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. On November 15, 2019, FASB issued an Accounting Standard Update No. 2019-10 to amend the implementation
date to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. 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.
42
ITEM
8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Blue Star Foods Corp.
Index to Audited
Financial Statements
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 206 )
F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020
F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
F-3
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-6
43
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, 2021 and 2020,
and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ equity (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, 2021 and
2020, 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
March 31, 2022
F- 1
Blue
Star Foods Corp.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2021
DECEMBER 31, 2020
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 1,155,513
$ 55,644
Restricted cash
-
282,043
Accounts receivable, net
1,231,181
1,082,468
Inventory, net
2,119,441
1,832,661
Advances to related party
1,422,750
1,299,984
Other current assets
3,702,661
176,925
Total Current Assets
9,631,546
4,729,725
RELATED PARTY LONG-TERM RECEIVABLE
455,545
455,545
FIXED ASSETS, net
1,904,403
20,064
RIGHT OF USE ASSET
71,128
99,472
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
Trademarks
1,125,074
788,614
Customer relationships
2,082,757
1,145,831
Non-compete agreements
104,927
29,171
Total Intangible Assets
3,312,758
1,963,616
GOODWILL
445,395
445,395
OTHER ASSETS
124,634
108,088
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 15,945,409
$ 7,821,905
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accruals
$ 1,794,223
$ 1,607,490
Working capital line of credit
2,368,200
1,805,907
Deferred income
109,414
-
Current maturities of lease liabilities
30,583
29,337
Current maturities of related party long-term notes
475,000
195,000
Related party notes payable
-
972,500
Related party notes payable - subordinated
960,000
1,299,712
Other current liabilities
1,054,649
1,346,838
Total Current Liabilities
6,792,069
7,256,784
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Long-term lease liability
40,109
69,844
Long-term debt
31,263
-
Related party long-term notes
175,000
515,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES
7,038,441
7,841,628
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Series A 8 % cumulative convertible preferred stock, $ 0.0001 par value; 10,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021, and 1,413 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020
-
-
Common stock, $ 0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 24,671,318 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021, and 19,580,721 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020
2,480
1,958
Additional paid-in capital
25,102,879
13,488,836
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
( 54,240 )
-
Accumulated deficit
( 16,144,151 )
( 13,510,517 )
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
8,906,968
( 19,723 )
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$ 15,945,409
$ 7,821,905
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F- 2
Blue
Star Foods Corp.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
2020
REVENUE, NET
$ 9,973,264
$ 14,111,368
COST OF REVENUE
7,979,830
12,623,576
GROSS PROFIT
1,993,434
1,487,792
COMMISSIONS
42,332
96,594
SALARIES AND WAGES
1,827,607
1,286,879
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
384,963
268,341
IMPAIRMENT LOSS
374,300
-
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
2,147,873
1,639,484
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
( 2,783,641 )
( 1,803,506 )
OTHER INCOME
498,791
891,667
FORBEARANCE FEE EXPENSE (NON-CASH)
-
( 2,655,292 )
INTEREST EXPENSE
( 320,524 )
( 870,303 )
NET LOSS
( 2,605,374 )
( 4,437,434 )
LESS: NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
-
7,577
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO BLUE STAR FOODS CORP.
$ ( 2,605,374 )
$ ( 4,445,011 )
DIVIDEND ON PREFERRED STOCK
28,260
113,040
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO BLUE STAR FOODS CORP. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
$ ( 2,633,634 )
$ ( 4,558,051 )
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
CHANGE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT
( 54,240 )
-
TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
-
23,700
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
( 54,240 )
31,277
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO BLUE STAR FOODS CORP.
$ ( 2,659,614 )
$ ( 4,445,011 )
Loss per common share:
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted
$ ( 0.12 )
$ ( 0.25 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted
21,708,576
18,257,491
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F- 3
Blue
Star Foods Corp.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
in
Capital
Deficit
Income
(Deficit)
Interest
(Deficit)
Series
A Preferred Stock $.0001 par value
Common
Stock $.0001 par value
Additional
Paid-
Accumulated
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Total
Blue Star Foods Corp. Stockholder’s
Equity
Non-Controlling
Total
Stockholder’s
Equity
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
in
Capital
Deficit
Income
(Deficit)
Interest
(Deficit)
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 to settle related party interest
Common stock issued to settle related party interest, shares
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
Common
stock issued for Taste of BC acquisition held in escrow
Common
stock issued for Taste of BC acquisition held in escrow, shares
Common
stock issued for Taste of BC Acquisition
Common
stock issued for Taste of BC Acquisition, shares
Series
A preferred 8% dividend issued in common stock
-
-
52,286
5
113,035
( 113,040
)
-
-
-
Preferred
Stock conversion to Common Stock
Preferred
Stock conversion to Common Stock, shares
Common
stock issued from exercise of warrants
Common
stock issued from exercise of warrants, shares
3,280,000
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
)
Beginning
balance, value
1,413
-
19,580,721
1,958
13,488,836
( 13,510,517
)
-
( 19,723
)
-
( 19,723
)
Stock
based compensation
-
-
-
-
530,506
-
-
530,506
-
530,506
Common
stock issued to settle related party interest
-
-
122,217
13
266,869
-
-
266,882
-
266,882
Common
stock issued for cash
-
-
2,300,000
230
6,596,270
-
-
6,596,500
-
6,596,500
Common
stock issued for service
-
-
246,457
37
644,183
-
-
644,220
-
644,220
Common
stock issued for TOBC acquisition held in escrow
-
-
344,957
34
689,880
-
-
689,914
-
689,914
Common
stock issued for TOBC Acquisition
-
-
987,741
99
1,975,384
-
-
1,975,483
-
1,975,483
Series
A preferred 8% dividend issued in common stock
-
-
11,975
1
28,259
( 28,260
)
-
-
-
-
Preferred
Stock conversion to Common Stock
( 1,413
)
-
706,500
71
( 71
)
-
-
-
-
-
Common
stock issued from exercise of warrants
-
-
370,750
37
882,763
-
-
882,800
-
882,800
Net
Loss
-
-
-
-
-
( 2,605,374
)
-
( 2,605,374
)
-
( 2,605,374
)
Comprehensive
loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
( 54,240
)
( 54,240
)
-
( 54,240
)
December
31, 2021
-
-
24,671,318
2,480
25,102,879
( 16,144,151
)
( 54,240
)
8,906,968
-
8,906,968
Ending
balance, value
-
-
24,671,318
2,480
25,102,879
( 16,144,151
)
( 54,240
)
8,906,968
-
8,906,968
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F- 4
Blue
Star Foods Corp.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
2020
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Loss
$ ( 2,605,374 )
$ ( 4,437,434 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Stock based compensation
530,506
139,380
Common stock issued for service
644,220
69,000
Common stock issued for forbearance fee
-
2,655,292
Depreciation of fixed assets
104,619
33,367
Amortization of intangible assets
244,879
162,496
Amortization of loan costs
37,500
72,478
Gain on PPP loan forgiveness
( 371,944 )
( 344,762 )
Gain on termination of lease
-
( 38,819 )
Gain on sale of equipment
-
( 343,181 )
Impairment of intangible asset
374,300
-
Lease expense
28,344
175,699
Bad debt expense
4,689
13,293
Allowance for inventory obsolescence
-
71,487
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivables
( 133,043 )
942,656
Inventories
( 213,328 )
6,023,473
Advances to related parties
( 122,766 )
( 14,049 )
Other current assets
( 3,512,928 )
63,315
Lease liability
( 28,489 )
( 156,582 )
Other assets
( 61,205 )
14,852
Accounts payable and accruals
453,615
( 1,873,224 )
Deferred income
109,414
-
Other current liabilities
( 316,038 )
1,346,838
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities
( 4,833,029 )
4,575,575
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Deconsolidation of variable interest entity
-
( 8,421 )
Net cash paid for acquisition of TOBC
( 790,593 )
-
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
17,183
407,198
Purchases of fixed assets
-
( 55,540 )
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities
( 773,410 )
343,237
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from common stock offering
6,596,500
10,000
Proceeds from common stock warrants exercised
882,800
-
Proceeds from working capital line of credit
10,993,584
6,775,660
Proceeds from HSBC loan
-
43,788
Proceeds from PPP loan
371,944
344,762
Repayments of working capital line of credit
( 10,431,291 )
( 11,887,721 )
Repayments of related party notes payable
( 1,534,612 )
( 17,124 )
Principal payments of long-term debt
( 398,385 )
-
Payments of loan costs
-
( 70,000 )
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
6,480,540
( 4,800,635 )
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash
( 54,240 )
23,700
NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
817,826
141,877
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH - BEGINNING OF PERIOD
337,687
195,810
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH - END OF PERIOD
$ 1,155,513
$ 337,687
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for interest
$ 537,533
$ 725,693
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITY
Series A preferred 8 % dividend issued in common stock
28,260
113,040
Operating lease assets recognized in exchange for operating lease liabilities
-
28,137
Shares issued for partial payment of accounts payable
-
120,000
Shares issued for partial payment of notes payable - related party
-
1,593,300
Preferred shares conversion to common stock
71
-
Common stock issued for interest payment
266,882
-
Shares issued for acquisition
2,665,397
-
Related party notes recognized from business acquisition
162,400
-
The
accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F- 5
Blue
Star Foods Corp .
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December
31, 2021 and 2020
Note
1. Company Overview
Blue
Star Foods Corp., a Delaware corporation (“we”, “our”, the “Company”), is an international sustainable
marine protein company based in Miami, Florida that imports, packages and sells refrigerated pasteurized crab meat, and other premium
seafood products. The Company’s main operating business, John Keeler & Co., Inc. (“Keeler & Co.”) was incorporated
in the State of Florida in May 1995. The Company’s current source of revenue is importing blue and red swimming crab meat primarily
from Indonesia, 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, and steelhead salmon produced under the brand name
Little Cedar Farms for distribution in Canada.
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”).
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.
On
April 27, 2021, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with TOBC, and Steve Atkinson
and Janet Atkinson (the “Sellers”), the owners of all of the capital stock of TOBC (the “TOBC Shares”), pursuant
to which the Company acquired all of the TOBC Shares from the Sellers for an aggregate purchase price of CAD$ 4,000,000 consisting of:
(i) an aggregate of CAD$ 1,000,000 in cash (with each Seller receiving a pro rata amount based upon the total number of TOBC Shares held
by such Seller); (ii) promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of CAD$ 200,000 (the “Notes”) with the principal
amount of each Seller’s Note based on such Seller’s pro rata portion of the TOBC Shares); and (iii) 987,741 shares of the
Company’s common stock (representing CAD$ 2,800,000 of shares based on USD$ 2.30 per share) with each Seller receiving a pro rata
portion of such shares based upon the total number of TOBC Shares held by such Seller.
F- 6
On
June 24, 2021, the Purchase Agreement was amended (the “Amendment”), to increase the Purchase Price to an aggregate of CAD$ 5,000,000
and the acquisition closed. As a result of the acquisition, TOBC became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Pursuant to the Amendment,
on August 3, 2021, an aggregate of 344,957 shares of the Company’s common stock (representing CAD$ 1,000,000 of additional shares
calculated at USD$ 2.30 per share) was put in escrow until the 24-month anniversary of the closing. If within 24 months of the closing
TOBC has cumulative revenue of at least CAD$ 1,300,000 , the Sellers will receive all of the escrowed shares. If as of the 24-month anniversary
of the closing, TOBC has cumulative revenue of less than CAD$ 1,300,000 , the Sellers will receive a prorated number of the escrowed shares
based on the actual cumulative revenue of TOBC as of such date.
TOBC
is a land-based recirculating aquaculture systems salmon farming operation, based in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, which sells its
steelhead salmon to distributors in Canada.
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, Coastal
Pride Seafood, LLC (“Coastal Pride”), a wholly owned subsidiary of John Keeler & Co., Inc. and Taste of BC Aquafarms,
Inc. (“TOBC”), a wholly owned subsidiary. 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 indefinite-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 indefinite-lived intangibles and goodwill and determined there was no impairment for the
years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
F- 7
Long-lived
Assets
Management
reviews long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets, for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Cash flows expected to be generated by the related assets are estimated over
the asset’s useful life on an undiscounted basis. If the evaluation indicates that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable,
the potential impairment is measured using fair value. Impairment losses for assets to be disposed of, if any, are based on the estimated
proceeds to be received, less costs of disposal.
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 recognized an impairment loss on customer relationships
intangible asset of $ 374,300 for the year ended December 31, 2021.
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. As of December
31, 2021, the Company had no 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 the 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:
Schedule Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 1,155,513
$ 55,644
Restricted cash
-
282,043
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the cash flow statement
$ 1,155,513
$ 337,687
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.
Receivables
are net of estimated allowances for doubtful accounts and sales return, allowances and discounts. They are stated at estimated
net realizable value. As of December 31, 2021, and 2020, the Company recorded sales return, allowances, discounts and refund liability
of approximately $ 66,000 and
$ 62,800 ,
respectively. There was no
allowance for bad debt recorded during the years ended December
31, 2021 and 2020.
F- 8
Inventories
Substantially
all of the Company’s inventory consists of packaged crab meat located at a public cold storage facility and merchandise in transit
from suppliers. The Company also has eggs and fish in process inventory from TOBC. The cost of inventory is primarily determined using
the specific identification method for crab meat. Fish in process inventory is measured based on the estimated biomass of fish on hand.
The Company has established a standard procedure to estimate the biomass of fish on hand using counting and sampling techniques. Inventory
is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, cost being determined using the first-in, first-out method for crab meat and
using various estimates and assumptions in regard to the calculation of the biomass, including expected yield, market value of the biomass,
and estimated costs of completion.
Merchandise
is purchased cost and freight shipping point and becomes the Company’s asset and liability upon leaving the suppliers’ warehouse.
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 net realizable value 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’s inventory as of December 31 2021 and 2020 consists of:
Schedule
of Inventory
December 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Inventory purchased for resale
$ 863,967
$ 1,382,068
Feeds and eggs processed
72,733
-
In-transit inventory
1,182,741
522,080
Inventory allowance
-
( 71,487 )
Inventory, net
$ 2,119,441
$ 1,832,661
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, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the balance due from Bacolod for future shipments was approximately $ 1,300,000 . No new purchases
have been made from Bacolod since November 2020. Cost of revenue related to inventories purchased from Bacolod represented approximately
$ 0 and $ 1,280,000 of total cost of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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:
Schedule of Estimated Usefule Life of Assets
RAS System
10 years
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
The
RAS system is comprised of tanks, plumbing, pumps, controls, hatchery, tools and other equipment all working together for the TOBC facility.
Leasehold
improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the expected life of the improvement or the remaining lease
term.
F- 9
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.
The
Company reviews fixed assets for recoverability if events or changes in circumstances indicate the assets may be impaired. At December
31, 2021 and 2020, 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 TOBC and the previous VIE from
2020 have a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar. The TOBC results and the 2020 VIE results were translated into U.S. Dollars
at exchange rates in effect at the end of each reporting period. TOBC and the 2020 VIE’s revenue and expenses were translated into
U.S. Dollars at the average rates that prevailed during the period. The
rate used in the financial statements as presented for December 31, 2021 for TOBC was 0.79 Canadian Dollars to U.S. Dollars and
for December 31, 2020 for the previous VIE was 1.260 U.S. Dollar to UK pound sterling .
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 $ 54,200
and $ 23,700
for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December
31, 2020, respectively.
Revenue
Recognition
The
Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as
such, we record revenue when our customer obtains control of the 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 Mexico, 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 and steelhead salmon produced by TOBC under the brand name Little Cedar Farms for distribution in Canada. 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 at 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.
F- 10
Deferred
Income
The
Company recognizes deferred income for advance payments received from customers for which sales have not yet occurred.
Leases
We
account for our leases under ASC 842, Leases , which 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 that retained the lease classification
and initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to adoption of the standard.
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, 2021. Our leases generally have terms that range from three years for equipment and six to seven years for
real 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.
Schedule of Lease-related Assets and Liabilities
December 31,
2021
Assets
Operating lease assets
$ 71,128
Liabilities
Current
$ 30,583
Operating lease liabilities
Noncurrent
Operating lease liabilities
$ 40,109
Supplemental
cash flow information related to leases were as follows:
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases
Year Ended
December 31, 2021
Cash used in operating activities:
Operating leases
$ 28,344
ROU assets recognized in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases
$ -
F- 11
The
table below presents the remaining lease term and discount rates for operating leases.
Schedule of Remaining Lease Term and Discount Rates for Operating Leases
December 31, 2021
Weighted-average remaining lease term
Operating leases
2.47 years
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases
4.3 %
Maturities
of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2021, were as follows:
Schedule of Maturities of Lease Liabilities
Operating Leases
2022
$
33,552
2023
26,474
2024
15,060
2025
-
2026
-
Thereafter
-
Total lease payments
$
75,086
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest
( 4,394
)
Present value of future minimum lease payments
$
70,692
Less: current obligations under leases
$
( 30,583
)
Non-current obligations
$
40,109
Advertising
The
Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expenses which are included in Other Operating Expenses were approximately
$ 5,700 and 7,200 , for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
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 ten customers which accounted for approximately 52 %
of revenue during the year ended December 31, 2021.
One customer accounted for 24 % of revenue during the year ended December 31, 2021. Outstanding receivables from these customers
accounted for approximately 59 %
of the total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2021.
The
Company had three customers which accounted for approximately 26 % of revenue in 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.
Supplier
Concentration
The
Company had four suppliers which accounted for approximately 70 % of the Company’s total purchases during the year ended December
31, 2021. These four suppliers are located in the United States, Indonesia, Mexico and China, which accounted for approximately 80 % of
the Company’s total purchases during the year. During 2021, the Company purchased inventory from one non-affiliated Mexican supplier
that made up the balance of 42 % of the supply concentration.
F- 12
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
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 Measurements and Financial Instruments
Fair
value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date and is measured using inputs in one of the following three categories:
Level
1 measurements are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we judgment. have the
ability to access. Valuation of these items does not entail a significant amount of judgment.
Level
2 measurements are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar
assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or market data other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities.
Level
3 measurements are based on unobservable data that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value
of the assets or liabilities.
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. The Company
does not have any assets or liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021 and
2020.
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 Note 9 - Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, as of December
31, 2021, 1,413 shares of preferred stock were converted into 706,500 shares of common stock. As further described in Notes 10 and 11
– Options and Warrants, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, 3,431,250 and 3,280,000 options may be exercised, respectively, and 1,538,500
warrants are exercisable.
As
there was a net loss for the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, basic and diluted losses per share each year are the
same.
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 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 individual 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.
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.
F- 13
As
of December 31, 2021, and 2020, there was approximately $ 143,300
and $ 392,000
in interest paid to related parties notes payable.
See Note 7 Debt for further information.
Income
Taxes
The
Company accounts for income taxes utilizing the liability method, where deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and income
tax reporting purposes, using enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The
effects of future changes in tax laws or rates are not included in the measurement. 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, 2021 or
2020.
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 determined that the standard has no impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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. On November 15, 2019, FASB issued an Accounting Standard Update No. 2019-10 to amend the implementation
date to fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. 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.
F- 14
Note
3. Going Concern
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The
Company incurred a net loss of $ 2,605,374 ,
has an accumulated deficit of $ 16,144,151
and working capital surplus of $ 2,831,718 ,
inclusive of $ 960,000
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. Other Current Assets
Other
current assets totaled $ 3,702,661 and $ 176,925 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of December 31, 2021,
approximately $ 3.2 million of the balance was related to prepaid inventory to our suppliers. The remainder of the balance is related
to prepaid insurance and other prepaid expenses.
Note
5. Fixed Assets, Net
Fixed
assets comprised the following at December 31:
Schedule
of Fixed Assets
2021
2020
Computer equipment
$ 90,707
$ 90,707
RAS system
1,963,734
-
Automobiles
23,188
-
Leasehold improvements
4,919
4,919
Total
2,082,548
95,626
Less: Accumulated depreciation
( 178,145 )
( 75,562 )
Fixed assets, net
$ 1,904,403
$ 20,064
For
the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, depreciation expense totaled approximately $ 104,000
and $ 33,000 ,
respectively. On December 2020, our warehouse and refrigeration equipment was sold to an unrelated party for $ 407,198
and the Company recorded a gain on the sale of
the equipment of $ 343,181 .
Note
6. 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, 2021 and
2020.
Schedule
of Goodwill
2021
2020
Balance, January 1
$ 445,395
$ 445,395
Acquisition of TOBC
-
-
Balance, December 31
$ 445,395
$ 445,395
The
following table sets for the components of the Company’s intangible assets at December 31, 2021:
Schedule
of Intangible Assets
Amortization Period (Years)
Cost
Accumulated Amortization
Net Book Value
Intangible Assets Subject to amortization
Trademarks – Coastal Pride
14
$ 850,000
$ ( 118,050 )
$ 731,950
Trademarks – TOBC
15
406,150
( 13,027 )
393,123
Customer Relationships – Coastal Pride
12
1,250,000
( 574,625 )
675,375
Customer Relationships – TOBC
15
1,454,017
( 46,634 )
1,407,383
Non-Compete Agreements – Coastal Pride
3
40,000
( 20,825 )
19,175
Non-Compete Agreements – TOBC
4
97,476
( 11,724 )
85,752
Total
$ 4,097,643
$ ( 784,885 )
$ 3,312,758
F- 15
The
aggregate amortization remaining on the intangible assets as of December 31, 2021 is as follows:
Schedule
of Amortization of Intangible Assets
Intangible Amortization
2022
$ 234,201
2023
$ 234,201
2024
$ 234,201
2025
$ 234,201
2026
$ 230,528
Thereafter
$ 2,145,426
Note
7. Debt
Working
Capital Line of Credit
Keeler
& Co entered into a $ 14,000,000 revolving line of credit pursuant to a loan and security agreement with ACF Finco I, LP (“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 secured by all assets of Keeler & Co. 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.
The
line of credit accrued interest at a rate 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.
On
November 26, 2019, Keeler & Co. 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, Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride 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, 2021, and 2020, the interest rate was 0 % and 12.48 %, respectively.
As
of December 31, 2021, and 2020, the line of credit had an outstanding balance of $ 0 and approximately $ 1,805,000 , respectively.
F- 16
The
Company amortized 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 for the year ended December
31, 2020, leaving balances in the asset of $ 2,992 , net of approximately $ 585,000 of accumulated amortization as of December 31, 2020.
The Company recorded amortization expense of approximately $ 72,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
On
March 31, 2021, Keeler & Co. and Coastal Pride entered into a loan and security agreement (“Loan Agreement”) with Lighthouse
Financial Corp., a North Carolina corporation (“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 in three instalments of $16,667 in March, April and May 2021 and
will pay an additional facility fee of $25,000 on each anniversary of March 31, 2021. On January 14, 2022, the maximum inventory advance
under the line of credit was adjusted from 50% to 70% until June 30, 2022, 65% to July 31, 2022, 60% to August 31, 2022 and 55% to September
30, 2022 at a monthly fee of 0.25% on the portion of the loan in excess of the 50% advance, in order to increase imports to meet customer
demand .
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. As of December 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance
with all financial covenants under the Loan Agreement, except for the requirement to maintain a greater than $ 50,000 cash flow for the
fourth quarter of 2021 which was accepted by Lighthouse.
The
Borrowers utilized $ 784,450 of the Lighthouse revolving line of credit to repay the outstanding indebtedness owed to ACF as of March
31, 2021. As a result, all obligations owed to ACF were satisfied and the loan agreement with ACF was terminated. The outstanding balance
owed to Lighthouse as of December 31, 2021 was $ 2,368,200 .
John
Keeler Promissory Notes – Subordinated
The
Company had unsecured promissory notes outstanding to its stockholder of approximately $ 960,000 and $ 1,299,700 as of December 31, 2021
and 2020, respectively. These notes are payable on demand, bear an annual interest rate of 6 % and were subordinated to the ACF working
capital line of credit until March 31, 2021. Since March 31, 2021, these notes are subordinated to the Lighthouse note. The Company made
principal payments during the year ended December 31, 2021, and 2020 of $ 339,712 and approximately $ 17,000 , respectively. 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.
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 .
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.
F- 17
Interest
expense for the Kenar Note totaled approximately $ 177,700 during the year ended December 31, 2020.
On
April 28, 2021, the Kenar Note was further amended to extend the maturity date to May 31, 2021.
On
July 6, 2021, the Company entered into a note payoff indemnity agreement with Kenar pursuant to which the Company paid Kenar $ 918,539
of principal and accrued interest in full satisfaction of the amounts due to Kenar under the Second Loan Amendment, dated April 26, 2021,
between the Company and Kenar, and the Kenar Note was extinguished, and the shares pledged by Mr. Keeler were released.
Interest
expense for the Kenar Note totaled approximately $ 79,100 during the year ended December 31, 2021.
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.
Interest
expense for the Lobo Note totaled approximately $ 11,200 during the year ended 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. On
July 1, 2021, the Company paid off the January 1, 2021 Lobo note with the issuance of a three-month unsecured promissory note in the
principal amount of $ 100,000 which accrued interest at the rate of 10 % per annum and matured on September 30, 2021. On October 1, 2021,
the Company paid off the July 1, 2021 Lobo Note with the issuance of a one-month unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of
$ 100,000 , which accrued interest at the rate of 10 % per annum and matured on November 1, 2021.
On
November 1, 2021, the Company paid Lobo $ 100,877 of principal and accrued interest in full satisfaction of the amounts due to Lobo under
the one-month unsecured promissory note dated October 1, 2021, between the Company and Lobo, and the Lobo Note was extinguished.
Interest
expense for the Lobo Note totaled approximately $ 8,300 during the year ended December 31, 2021.
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 Coastal Pride acquisition. 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 $ 19,700 and $ 20,100 during the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020,
respectively.
On
October 8, 2021, a portion of the outstanding principal and accrued interest to date totaling $ 34,205 were paid on the note by the Company.
F- 18
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 $ 3,300 and $ 3,500 during the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
On
October 8, 2021, a portion of the outstanding principal and accrued interest to date totaling $ 16,257 were paid on the note by the Company.
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 $ 2,700 and $ 2,800 during the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
On
October 8, 2021, a portion of the outstanding principal and accrued interest to date totaling $ 13,209 were paid on the note by the Company.
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 $ 1,900 and $ 2,000 during the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
On
October 8, 2021, a portion of the outstanding principal and accrued interest to date totaling $ 9,399 were paid on the note by the Company.
Payroll
Protection Program Loans
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.
F- 19
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 CARES Act Payroll Protection Program (“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. In September 2021, the Company applied for the loan forgiveness by the SBA through US Century Bank for the full amount which
was granted in October 2021 and was recognized as other income in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December
31, 2021.
Note
8. Business Combination
Acquisition
of Taste of BC Aquafarms
On
June 24, 2021, the Company consummated the acquisition of TOBC and TOBC became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The acquisition
was accounted for as a business combination under the provisions of ASC 805. The aggregate purchase price of CAD$ 5,000,000 was paid as
follows: (i) an aggregate of CAD$ 1,000,000 in cash to the Sellers; (ii) promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of CAD$ 200,000
to the Sellers; (iii) 987,741 shares of the Company’s common stock and an aggregate of 344,957 shares of the Company’s common
stock were issued on August 3, 2021 and put in escrow until June 24, 2023. If, within 24 months of the closing, TOBC has cumulative revenue
of at least CAD$ 1,300,000 , the Sellers will receive all of the escrowed shares. If, as of the 24-month anniversary of the closing, TOBC
has cumulative revenue of less than CAD$ 1,300,000 , the Sellers will receive a prorated number of the escrowed shares based on the actual
cumulative revenue of TOBC as of such date.
The
transaction costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of TOBC amounted to $ 31,000 which were expensed as incurred.
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. The business combination accounting is not yet complete and the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed
are provisional. Therefore, this may result in future adjustments to the provisional amounts as information is obtained about facts
and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date.
Schedule
of Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
Consideration Paid:
Cash
$ 814,000
Common stock, 987,741 shares of common stock of the Company
1,975,483
Promissory notes to Sellers
162,400
Contingent consideration - Common stock, 344,957 shares of common stock of the Company in escrow
689,914
Fair value of total consideration
$ 3,641,797
Purchase Price Allocation:
Tangible assets acquired
$ 2,137,650
Trademarks
406,150
Customer relationships
1,454,017
Non-compete agreements
97,476
Liabilities assumed
( 453,496 )
Fair market value of net assets acquired
$ 3,641,797
In
determining the fair value of the common stock issued, the Company considered the value of the stock as estimated by the Company at the
time of closing which was determined to be $ 2.00 , based on the Company’s private placement offering price.
Liabilities
assumed included three mortgage loans of approximately CAD$ 490,000 which were paid off by the Company on July 9, 2021. The Company has
one commercial loan outstanding for CAD$ 60,000 which is due on December 31, 2025.
F- 20
Pro
Forma Information
The
following pro forma information assumes the business acquisition occurred on January 1, 2020. 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.
Schedule
of Proforma Information
For the year ended
December 31, 2021
For the year ended
December 31, 2020
Revenue
$ 12,029,325
$ 14,490,379
Net loss attributable to common shareholders
$ ( 3,102,683 )
$ ( 4,721,865 )
Basic and diluted loss per share
$ ( 0.14 )
$ ( 0.27 )
The
information included in the pro forma amounts is derived from historical information obtained from the Sellers of the business.
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.
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. On June 30 2021, all preferred shares were converted to common shares and
the Company issued an aggregate of 706,500 shares of common stock to Series A preferred shareholders upon conversion of an aggregate
1,413 shares of Series A Stock.
Common
Stock
The
Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock at a par value of $ .0001 and had 24,671,318 and 19,580,721 shares of
common stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
F- 21
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
July 1, 2020, the Company entered into an investment banking engagement agreement, as amended on October 30, 2020, with Newbridge Securities
Corporation. In consideration for advisory services, the Company agreed to issue Newbridge a total of 60,000 shares of common stock with
a fair value of $ 138,000 which is amortized to expense over the term of the agreement. The Company recognized stock compensation expense
of $ 69,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021 in connection with these shares.
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.
On
February 8, 2021, the Company issued 25,000 shares of common stock with a fair value of $ 25,250 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 with a fair value of $ 24,697 to the designee of a law firm for services
provided to the Company.
On
March 31, 2021, the Company issued 5,000 shares of common stock with a fair value of $ 11,800 to an investor relations firm for services
provided to the Company under an investor relations consulting agreement.
On
March 31, 2021, the Company issued 11,975 shares of common stock to Series A preferred stockholders as a common stock dividend with an
aggregate fair value of $ 28,260 for the three months e nd ed March 31, 2021.
On
April 15, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 16,460 shares of common stock to Walter Lubkin Jr., Walter Lubkin III, Tracy Greco
and John Lubkin (collectively, the “Coastal Sellers”) in lieu of $ 39,504 of outstanding interest under promissory notes issued
by the Company to the Coastal Sellers in connection with the Coastal Pride acquisition.
On
April 19, 2021, the Company issued 12,500 shares of common stock with a fair value of $ 25,000 to the designee of a law firm for services
provided to the Company.
On
April 29, 2021, the Company issued 105,757 shares of common stock to Kenar in lieu of $ 227,378 of outstanding interest under the Kenar
Note.
On
April 30, 2021, the Company issued 5,000 shares of common stock with a fair value of $ 28,500 to an investor relations firm for services
provided to the Company under an investor relations consulting agreement.
On
May 31, 2021, the Company issued 5,000 shares of common stock with a fair value of $ 31,500 to an investor relations firm for services
provided to the Company under an investor relations consulting agreement.
On
June 24, 2021, the Company issued 987,741 shares to the sellers of TOBC as partial consideration for the sale of TOBC to the Company.
On
June 30, 2021, the Company issued 5,000 shares of common stock with a fair value of $ 36,250 to an investor relations firm for services
provided to the Company under an investor relations consulting agreement.
On
June 30, 2021, the Company issued 10,465 shares of common stock with a fair value of $ 75,871 to the designee of a law firm for services
provided to the Company.
F- 22
On
June 30, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 706,500 shares of common stock to Series A preferred stockholders upon conversion of
an aggregate 1,413 shares of Series A preferred stock.
On
August 3, 2021, the Company issued 5,000 shares of common stock with a fair value of $ 30,000 to an investor relations firm for services
provided to the Company under an investor relations consulting agreement.
On
November 5, 2021, we issued 800,000 shares of common stock to Newbridge Securities Corporation (“Newbridge”), as underwriters’
representative, in connection with our underwritten public offering for gross proceeds of $ 4 million.
On
November 5, 2021 we issued a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 56,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $ 5.00 per share
to Newbridge. Such warrant is exercisable on a date which is 180 days from the closing of the underwritten offering and expires on November
11, 2024.
On
November 10, 2021 and December 31, 2021, the Company issued 52,326 and 18,405 shares of common stock, respectively, to Intelligent Investments
I LLC for legal services provided to the Company.
On
December 31, 2021, the Company issued 5,000 shares of common stock to TraDigital Marketing Group for consulting services provided to
the Company.
On
December 31, 2021, we issued 10,992 shares of common stock to each of Nubar Herian and John Keeler, 15,107 shares of common stock to
each of Timothy McLellan and Trond Ringstad and 19,909 shares of common stock to Jeffrey Guzy for serving as directors of the Company.
During
the year ended December 31, 2021, we issued an aggregate of 370,750
shares of common stock to investors upon the
exercise of warrants for total proceeds of $ 882,800 .
During
the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company sold pursuant to subscription agreements an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares of common stock
at $ 2.00 per share and issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares at an exercise price of $ 2.00 to various accredited
investors in private offerings for gross proceeds of $ 3 million.
Note
10. Options
During
the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, $ 549,231 and $ 139,380 , 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 year ended December
31, 2018 and have vested during the year ended December 31, 2019. In connection with our underwritten public offering, such shares
underlying the option are subject to a lock-up and may not be sold or otherwise transferred until May 3, 2022.
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 year 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 an employee under the 2018 Plan during the year 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 year ended December 31, 2019.
5.
Four -year
options to purchase an aggregate of 500,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $ 2.00 , which vest in equal monthly installments
during the first year from the date of grant, were issued to the Company’s directors during the year ended December 31, 2021.
6.
Five -year
options to purchase an aggregate of 176,417 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $ 2.30 , which vest in equal quarterly installments starting on the 48th month through the 60th month
upon meeting certain performance conditions, were issued to an employee of TOBC during the year ended December 31, 2021.
7.
Three -year
options to purchase an aggregate of 7,013 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $ 6.00 , which vest in equal monthly installments
during the term of the option, were issued to an officer of the Company during the year ended December 31, 2021.
F- 23
The
following table summarizes the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the stock options granted for the year ended December 31,
2021 since no options were granted for the year ended December 31, 2020:
Schedule
of Fair Value of Stock Options
2021
Expected Volatility
39 % – 48
%
Risk Free Interest Rate
0.90 %
– 1.69
%
Expected life of options
1.99
–
5.0
Under
the Black-Scholes option pricing model, the fair value of the 683,430 options granted during the year ended December 31, 2021 was estimated
at $ 1,251,598 on the date of grant. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the unrecognized portion of the expense remaining
outstanding was $ 823,670 and $ 327,852 , respectively. The weighted average period of unrecognized stock options compensation that is expected
to be recognized as expense is approximately 7 years. During the year ended December 31, 2021, an aggregate of 85,000 shares subject
to options were forfeited, 12,500 shares were vested, which resulted in a reversal of the expense of $ 13,580 .
The
following table represents option activity for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Schedule
of Option Activity
Number of Options
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
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
Granted
683,430
$ 2.12
Forfeited
( 63,750 )
$ 2.00
Vested
3,807,127
-
Outstanding - December 31, 2021
4,429,680
$ 2.00
6.23
Exercisable - December 31, 2021
3,807,127
$ 2.00
6.83
$ -
The
non-vested options outstanding are 998,431 and 530,000 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Note
11. Warrants
Schedule
of Warrant Activity
Number of Warrants
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual
Life in
Years
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding – December 31, 2020
353,250
$ 2.40
0.85
Exercisable – December 31, 2020
353,250
$ 2.40
0.85
$ -
Granted
1,556,000
$ -
Exercised
( 370,750 )
$ 2.20
Forfeited or Expired
-
$ -
Outstanding – December 31, 2021
1,538,500
$ 2.11
2.50
Exercisable – December 31, 2021
1,538,500
$ 2.11
2.50
$ -
F- 24
As
of December 31, 2021, the Company issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,500,000
shares at an exercise price of $ 2.00
per share in a private offering to seventy-seven
accredited investors that expire in June 2024.
The Company also issued a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 56,000
shares of common stock at an exercise price of
$ 5.00
per share to Newbridge. Such warrant is exercisable
on a date which is 180 days from the closing of the offering November 5, 2021 and expires on November 5, 2024. The Company issued
353,250 shares at an exercise price of $ 2.40 and 17,500 shares at an exercise price of $ 2.00 to investors upon the exercise of warrants.
During
the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company did not have any warrant activity.
Note
12. Income taxes
Federal
income tax expense differs from the statutory federal rates of 21% for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 due to the following:
Schedule
of Rate Reconciliation
Rate Reconciliation
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Provision/(Benefit) at Statutory Rate
$ ( 557,193 )
21.00 %
$ ( 931,861 )
21.00 %
State Tax Provision/(Benefit) net of federal benefit
( 94,610 )
3.72 %
( 169,277 )
3.85 %
Permanent Book/Tax Differences
10,791
( 0.04 )%
1,283
( 0.03 )%
Change in valuation allowance
969,497
( 36.54 )%
992,311
( 22.36 )%
Other
( 326,385 )
12.30 %
108,667
( 2.45 )%
The
components of the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2021 and 2020, are as follows:
Schedule
of Deferred Income Tax Assets
December 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Deferred Tax Assets
263A Unicap
$ 21,105
$ 26,923
Fixed Assets
( 437,993 )
31,830
Charitable Contribution Carryforward
806
269
Intangibles
( 338,853 )
70,173
Inventory Reserve
17,669
17,761
Business Interest Limitation
713,822
637,897
Stock based compensation
817,012
684,800
Federal Net Operating loss
641,394
879,150
State Net Operating Loss
100,348
156,004
Net Deferred Tax Asset/(Liability)
1,535,310
2,504,807
Valuation Allowance
( 1,535,310 )
( 2,504,807 )
Net Deferred Tax Asset/(Liability)
$ -
$ -
F- 25
Tax
periods for all fiscal years after 2018 remain open to examination by the federal and state taxing jurisdictions to which the Company
is subject. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has federal net operating loss of $ 3,054,257 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, 2021.
As
of December 31, 2021, and 2020, 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, 2021, and 2020.
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.
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 . In connection with the sale, the Company retained
approximately 4,756 square
feet of such space, rent-free for 12 months. On January 1, 2022, the Company entered into a verbal month-to-month lease agreement for
its executive offices with an unrelated third party. The Company has paid $ 11,600
to date under this lease.
The
Company leases approximately 1,100
square feet in Beaufort South Carolina for
the offices of Coastal Pride. This office space consists of two leases with related parties that expire 2024. On February 3, 2022, in
connection with the acquisition of certain assets of Gault, the Company entered into a one -year lease agreement for 9,050 square
feet from Gault in Beaufort, South Carolina for $ 1,000
per month until a new facility is completed.
TOBC’s
facilities are on land leased to TOBC for approximately $ 2,500
per month plus taxes from Steve and Janet Atkinson,
the former TOBC owners that expired in December 2021. As of March 31, 2022, renewal of this lease has not been finalized and no rent
payments have been made.
Rental
and equipment lease expenses were approximately $ 63,500 and $ 239,600 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Legal
The Company
has reached a settlement agreement with a former employee. Although the agreement is not finalized the Company has reserved $ 70,000 ,
representing 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.
By the end of 2021, the U.S. government has made available a booster of the COVID-19 vaccine to continue the fight against the pandemic.
The Company’s sales and supply 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.
F- 26
Note
15. Employee Benefit Plan
The
Company provides and sponsors a 401(k) plan for its employees. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, no contributions were
made to the plan by the Company.
Note
16. Subsequent Events
Common
Stock
On
January 24, 2022, the Company issued a total of 125,000 shares of common stock to investors upon the exercise of warrants for total proceeds
of $ 250,000 .
Gault
Seafood Asset Acquisition
On
February 3, 2022, Coastal Pride entered into an asset purchase agreement with Gault Seafood, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability
company (the “Seller”), and Robert J. Gault II, President of the Seller (“Gault”) pursuant to which Coastal Pride
acquired all of the Seller’s right, title and interest in and to assets relating to the Seller’s soft shell crab operations,
including intellectual property, equipment, vehicles and other assets used in connection with the Business. Coastal Pride did not assume
any liabilities in connection with the acquisition. The purchase price for the assets consisted of cash in the amount of $ 359,250 and
the issuance of 167,093 shares of common stock of the Company with a fair value of $ 359,250 . Such shares are subject to a leak-out agreement
pursuant to which the Seller may not sell or otherwise transfer the shares until February 3, 2023.
Coastal
Pride also entered into a consulting agreement with Gault under the terms of which Gault will provide consulting services to Coastal
Pride at the rate of $ 100 per hour, however, the first 45 days of services will be provided at no cost. Gault also agreed not to compete
with Coastal Pride and its affiliates for a period of five years in any market in which Coastal Pride is operating or is considering
operating or solicit employees, consultants, customers or suppliers or in any way interfere with Coastal Pride’s business relationships
for a five-year period, Gault is also bound by customary confidentiality provisions. The consulting agreement may be terminated by either
party upon five days written notice and by Costal Pride immediately for cause.
In
connection with the asset acquisition, Coastal Pride will lease 9,050 square feet from Gault for $ 1,000
per month under a one-year lease agreement and
will continue to operate the acquired soft shell crab operations at such location in Beaufort, South Carolina unless a new facility is
earlier completed.
Leases
On
January 1, 2022, the Company entered into a verbal month-to-month lease agreement for its executive offices with an unrelated third party.
The Company has paid $ 11,600
to date on this lease.
Lubkin
and Greco Notes – Subordinated
On
February 1, 2022, principal outstanding amounts and accrued interest of up to $ 66,553 under the subordinated note with Walter Lubkin
Jr., and the subordinated convertible notes with Walter Lubkin III, Tracy Greco and John Lubkin were paid off by the Company.
Lind
Global Fund II LP investment
On
January 24, 2022, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with Lind Global Fund II LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Lind”),
pursuant to which the Company issued to Lind a secured, two-year, interest free convertible promissory note in the principal amount of
$ 5,750,000 and a five-year warrant to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $ 4.50 per share,
subject to customary adjustments. The warrant provides for cashless exercise and for full ratchet anti-dilution if the Company issues
securities at less than $ 4.50 per share. In connection with the issuance of the note and the warrant, the Company paid a $ 150,000 commitment
fee to Lind.
F- 27
The
outstanding principal under the note is payable commencing July 24, 2022, in 18 consecutive monthly installments of $ 333,333 , at the
Company’s option, in cash or shares of common stock at a price (the “Repayment Share Price”) based on 90% of the five
lowest volume weighted average prices (“VWAP”) during the 20-days prior to the payment date with a floor price of $ 1.50 per
share (the “Floor Price”), or a combination of cash and stock provided that if at any time the Repayment Share Price is deemed
to be the Floor Price, then in addition to
shares,
the Company will pay Lind an additional amount in cash as determined pursuant to a formula contained in the note.
In
connection with the issuance of the note, the Company granted Lind a first priority security interest and lien on all of its assets,
including a pledge on its shares in John Keeler & Co. Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, pursuant to a security agreement and a stock
pledge agreement with Lind, dated January 24, 2022. Each subsidiary of the Company also granted a second priority security interest in
all of its respective assets.
The
note is mandatorily payable prior to maturity if the Company issues any preferred stock (with certain exceptions described in the note)
or, if the Company or its subsidiaries issues any indebtedness other than certain amounts under the current line of credit facility with
Lighthouse Financial Corp. The Company also agreed not to issue or sell any securities with a conversion, exercise or other price based
on a discount to the trading prices of the Company’s stock or to grant an investor the right to receive additional securities based
on future transactions of the Company on terms more favorable than those granted to Lind, with certain exceptions.
Commencing
on the earlier of July 24, 2022 or the effectiveness of the registration statement covering Lind’s shares, if the Company fails
to maintain the listing and trading of its common stock, the note will become due and payable and Lind may convert all or a portion of
the outstanding principal at the lower of the then current conversion price and 80 % of the average of the 3-day VWAP during the 20 days
prior to delivery of the conversion notice.
If
a resale registration statement is not effective covering the shares of common stock issuable to Lind in 180 days following January 24,
2022, the note will be in default. Lind was also granted piggyback registration rights.
If
the Company engages in capital raising transactions, Lind has the right to purchase up to 10 % of the new securities.
The
note is convertible into common stock at $ 5.00 per share, subject to certain adjustments, at any time after the earlier of six months
from issuance or the date the registration statement is effective; provided that no such conversion may be made that would result in
beneficial ownership by Lind and its affiliates of more than 4.99 % of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. If shares
are issued by the Company at less than the conversion price, the conversion price will be reduced to such price.
Upon
a change of control of the Company, as defined in the note, Lind has the right to require the Company to prepay 10 % of the outstanding
principal amount of the note.
The
Company may prepay the outstanding principal amount of the note, provided Lind may convert up to 25 % of the principal amount of the note
at a price per share equal to the lesser of the Repayment Share Price or the conversion price.
The
Note contains certain negative covenants, including restricting the Company from certain distributions, stock repurchases, borrowing,
sale of assets, loans and exchange offers.
Upon
an event of default as described in the note, the note will become immediately due and payable at a default interest rate of 125 % of
the then outstanding principal amount. Upon a default, all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount may be converted into shares
of common stock by Lind at the lower of the conversion price and 80 % of the average of the three lowest daily VWAPs.
F- 28
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, 2021, 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 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.
Our management assessed the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, existing as of December 31, 2021, 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 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 the following
may be considered to be material weaknesses under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board:
●
Ineffective
controls over the Company’s financial close and reporting process; and
●
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.
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.
44
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 create an internal control framework that will address financial close and reporting process, among other procedures;
and
●
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.
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
ITEM
9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not
applicable.
45
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
51
Executive
Chairman and Chairman of the Board
November
8, 2018
Nubar
Herian
52
Director
November
8, 2018
Jeffrey
J. Guzy
70
Director
April
12, 2021
Timothy
McLellan
65
Director
April
12, 2021
Trond
Ringstad
54
Director
April
12, 2021
Silvia
Alana
38
Chief
Financial Officer
May
5, 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.
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.
46
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.
Silvia
Alana has been chief financial officer of the Company since May 2021. Ms. Alana was the corporate controller of the Company from
August 2020 to May 2021. Prior thereto, Ms. Alana was Global Technical Accounting Manager at Brightstar Corporation from April 2018 to
July 2020 and Audit Manager at Crowe Horwath, LLP from July 2016 to April 2018. Ms. Alana was a Senior Accountant in Global Accounting
and Reporting Services at Carnival Corporation & Plc., from May 2013 to February 2015, and an Auditor in Assurance at Pricewaterhouse
Coopers, LLP, from January 2010 to May 2013. Ms. Alana graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor degree in Accounting
in 2008 and a Master of Accounting in 2009. Ms. Alana is a Certified Public Accountant.
Committees
We
have established three committees under the board of directors: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate
governance committee. We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees. Each committee’s members and functions are described
below.
Audit
Committee. Our audit committee consists of Jeffrey Guzy, Trond Ringstad and Timothy McLellan. Mr. Guzy is the chairman of the
audit committee. We have determined that Messrs. Guzy, Ringstad and McLellan each satisfy the “independence” requirements
of NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) and meets the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We have determined that
Mr. Guzy qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert.” The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting
processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things: (a)
representing and assisting the Board in its oversight responsibilities regarding the Company’s accounting and financial reporting
processes, the audits of the Company’s financial statements, including the integrity of the financial statements, and the independent
auditors’ qualifications and independence; (b) overseeing the preparation of the report required by SEC rules for inclusion in
the Company’s annual proxy statement; (c) retaining and terminating the Company’s independent auditors; (d) approving in
advance all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditors; and (e) approving related person transactions.
Compensation
Committee. Our compensation committee consists of Jeffrey Guzy, Trond Ringstad and Timothy McLellan. Mr. Guzy is the chairman
of our compensation committee. We have determined that Messrs. Guzy, Ringstad and McLellan each are “independent,” as such
term is defined for directors and compensation committee members in the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. Additionally,
each qualify as “non-employee directors” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and as “outside
directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Committee has been established to: (a) assist the Board
in seeing that a proper system of long-term and short-term compensation is in place to provide performance oriented incentives to attract
and retain management, and that compensation plans are appropriate and competitive and properly reflect the objectives and performance
of management and the Company; (b) assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities relating to compensation of the Company’s
executive officers; (c) evaluate the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and set his or her remuneration package; and (d) make recommendations
to the Board with respect to incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans.
47
Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee. Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Jeffrey Guzy, Trond Ringstad
and Timothy McLellan. Mr. Guzy is the chairman of our nominating and corporate governance. We have determined that each of Messrs. Guzy,
Ringstad and McLellan qualify as “independent” as that term is defined by NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2). The Committee is
responsible for: (a) assisting the Board in determining the desired experience, mix of skills and other qualities to provide for appropriate
Board composition, taking into account the current Board members and the specific needs of the Company and the Board; (b) identifying
qualified individuals meeting those criteria to serve on the Board; (c) proposing to the Board the Company’s slate of director
nominees for election by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and nominees to fill vacancies and newly created directorships;
(d) reviewing candidates recommended by shareholders for election to the Board and shareholder proposals submitted for inclusion in the
Company’s proxy materials; (e) advising the Board regarding the size and composition of the Board and its committees; (f) proposing
to the Board directors to serve as chairpersons and members on committees of the Board; (g) coordinating matters among committees of
the Board; (h) proposing to the Board the slate of corporate officers of the Company and reviewing the succession plans for the executive
officers; (i) recommending to the Board and monitoring matters with respect to governance of the Company; and (j) overseeing the Company’s
compliance program.
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.
Director
Independence
Our
board of directors currently consists of five members. As an OTC Pink Sheets company, we were not subject to listing requirements of
any national securities exchange that has requirements that a majority of the board of directors be “independent.” However,
as a NASDAQ listed company, we are required to comply with NASDAQ’s corporate governance standards applicable to director independence
upon listing. Rule 5605 therein requires companies listed on NASDAQ to maintain a majority independent board. In addition, the rules
of the NASDAQ Capital Market require that each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation, and corporate governance and nominating
committees be independent. Our board of directors has determined that all of our directors except Mr. Keeler, who serves as our Executive
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, are “independent” within the definition of independence provided in the rules of NASDAQ
Capital Market and the independence requirements contemplated by Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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.
48
Family
Relationship
There
are no family relationships between our directors or executive officers.
Involvement
in Certain Legal Proceedings
There
are no legal proceedings that have occurred within the past ten years concerning our directors, or control persons which involved a criminal
conviction, a criminal proceeding, an administrative or civil proceeding limiting one’s participation in the securities or banking
industries, or a finding of securities or commodities law violations.
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, 2021, the Reporting Persons timely filed all such reports, except that (i) Nubar Herian, a director, failed
to timely file a Form 4 to report 5,085 shares issued as a common stock dividend on the Series A Stock and 300,000 shares of common stock
acquired upon the conversion of Series A Stock, to a company controlled by Mr. Herian, (ii) Jeffrey Guzy, a director, failed to timely
file a Form 4 to report the purchase of 12,500 in a private offering and (iii) Silvia Alana, our Chief Financial Officer, failed to timely
report the grant of a stock option to purchase 7,013 shares of common stock at $6.00 per share.
Code
of Ethics
We
have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our executive officers, directors and employees. We have filed a copy of our Code of Ethics
as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 19, 2021. Our Code of
Ethics and the charters of the committees of our board of directors may be reviewed by accessing our public filings at the SEC’s
web site at www.sec.gov . In addition, a copy of the Code of Ethics will be provided without charge upon request from us.
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 and our
other executive officer receiving annual remuneration in excess of $100,000 during 2021 (each, a “Named Executive Officer”).
Summary
Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position
Fiscal Year
Salary
($)
Option awards
($)
Other Annual Compensation ($)
Total
($)
John Keeler
2021
79,409
-
23,704 (1)
103,113
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
2020
82,805
-
22,169 (1)
104,974
Silvia Alana
Chief Financial Officer
2021
143,250
42,075 (2)
- (1)
185,325
2020
53,125
-
- (1)
53,125
(1)
Represents
health insurance premiums paid on behalf of the executive officer by the Company.
(2)
Represents
an option to purchase 7,013 shares of common stock at $6.00 per share granted on August 3, 2021 and represents the grant date fair
value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
49
Our
executive officers have 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.
Employment
Agreement
Ms.
Alana is party to a three-year employment agreement, dated August 3, 2020, with the Company for an annual base salary of $127,500, which
increased to $150,000 in August 2021. The agreement also provides for the grant on the first anniversary of the agreement of a three-year
option to purchase that number of shares equal to 30% of Ms. Alana’s then current salary at the market price of the Company’s
common stock. The agreement also includes an employment agreement with our other executive officer.
OUTSTANDING
EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2021
Outstanding
Equity Awards
The
table below reflects all equity awards made to each Named Executive Officer that were outstanding on December 31, 2021.
Name
Grant
Date
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
Option
Expiration
Date
Silvia Alana
8/1/21
7,013
0
$ 6.00
8/1/24
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.
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;
50
●
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.
51
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.
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:
52
●
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.
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.
53
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, other than with Silvia Alana, our Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Alana is
party to a three-year employment agreement, dated August 3, 2020, with the Company for an annual base salary of $127,500, which increased
to $150,000 in August 2021. The agreement provides for the grant on the first anniversary of the agreement of a three-year option to
purchase that number of shares equal to 30% of Ms. Alana’s then current salary at the market price of the Company’s common
stock. The agreement also includes a non-competition provision for 12 months following employment with the Company.
Compensation
of Directors
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.
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.
54
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 March 31, 2022, by:
●
each
of our directors;
●
our
Named Executive Officers; and
●
all
current directors and executive officers as a group.
There
are no persons or group of affiliated persons known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock as of March
31, 2022.
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 24,963,411 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2022.
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
Named Executive Officers and Directors
John Keeler
15,035,992 (1)
60.2 %
Nubar Herian
540,747 (2)
2.1 %
Jeffrey J. Guzy
57,409 (3)
*
Timothy McLellan
40,107 (4)
*
Trond Ringstad
40,107 (4)
*
Silvia Alana
877 (5)
*
All current directors and executive officers as a group (5 persons)
15,715,239
62.9 %
*
Less than 1%
(1)
15,010,992 of such shares are held with Mr. Keeler’s wife as tenants
in the entirety, 15,000,000 of which 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. Includes 25,000 shares underlying a stock option which are
exercisable within 60 days.
(2)
Includes
(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) 25,000 shares underlying a stock option which are exercisable within 60 days.
(3)
Includes
25,000 shares underlying a stock option which are exercisable within 60 days.
(4)
Includes
25,000 shares underlying a stock option which are exercisable within 60 days.
(5)
Includes
871 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.
55
ITEM
13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The
following is a description of transactions since January 1, 2020 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. As of December 31, 2021, the Company remains indebted to Mr. Keeler under the remaining promissory
notes in the aggregate principal amount of $960,000.
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 $0 and $1,280,589 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There
were no transactions between the Company and Bicol for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
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 retained approximately 4,756 square
feet of such space, rent-free, for 12 months.
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, 2021 for future shipments from Bacolod.
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, 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. The Kenar Note was paid off and the pledged shares released as of July 6, 2021.
Marcos
Herian, President of Kenar, a 5% shareholder, is the brother of Nubar Herian, a director of our Company.
On
January 23, 2020, May 27, 2020, September 29, 2020, December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, we issued160 shares, 160 shares, 448 shares,144
shares and 136 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
June 30, 2021, all 16 shares of such Series A Stock were converted into 8,000 shares of common stock. On November 2, 2021 and November
3, 2021, we issued an aggregate of 4,000 shares of common stock to a company owned by the stepmother of John Keeler, our Executive
Chairman, upon the exercise of warrants for total proceeds of $9,600.
56
On
January 23, 2020, May 27, 2020, September 29, 2020, December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, we issued 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
June 30, 2021, all 600 shares of such Series A Stock were converted into 300,000 shares of common stock. On November 5, 2021, a total
of 150,000 shares were issued upon the exercise of warrants for total proceeds of $360,000.
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.
On
April 15, 2021, the Company issued stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share to
each of the Company’s five directors.
On
June 30, 2021, MO7 Boats LLC, invested $275,000 in a private offering and was issued 137,500 shares of common stock and a warrant to
purchase 137,500 shares of common stock. Marcos Herian, managing member of President of MO7 Boats LLC, is the brother of Nubar Herian,
a director of our Company.
On
June 30, 2021, Promarine Boats LLC, invested $250,000 in a private offering and was issued 125,000 shares of common stock and a warrant
to purchase 137,500 shares of common stock. Marcos Herian, managing member of Promarine Boats LLC, is the brother of Nubar Herian, a
director of our Company.
On
June 30, 2021, R&N Ocean Inc., invested $250,000 in a private offering and was issued 125,000 shares of common stock and a warrant
to purchase 137,500 shares of common stock. Marcos Herian, President of Kenar, is the brother of Nubar Herian, a director of our Company.
On
August 3, 2021, the Company issued a stock option to purchase an aggregate of 7,013 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.00
per share to Silvia Alana, its chief financial officer.
On
December 31, 2021, the Company issued 10,992 shares of common stock to Nubar Herian for serving as a director of the Company.
On
December 31, 2021, the Company issued 15,107 shares of common stock to Timothy McLellan for serving as a director of the Company.
On
December 31, 2021, the Company issued 10,992 shares of common stock to John Keeler for serving as a director of the Company.
On
December 31, 2021, the Company issued 15,107 shares of common stock to Trond Ringstad for serving as a director of the Company.
On
December 31, 2021, the Company issued 19,909 shares of common stock to Jeffrey Guzy for serving as a director of the Company.
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.
57
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, 2021 and 2020 are set forth below:
Fee Category
Year ended
December 31,
2021
Year ended December 31,
2020
Audit fees (1)
$ 148,000
$ 76,000
Audit-related fees (2)
41,000
-
Tax fees (3)
-
-
All other fees (4)
-
-
Total fees
$ 189,000
$ 76,000
(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
The
Company’s Audit Committee approves our audit and non-audit services. 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%.
58
PART
IV
ITEM
15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Exhibit
No.
Description
1.1
Underwriting
Agreement, dated November 2, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
with the SEC on November 8, 2021)
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)
4.1
Form
of Promissory Note with TOBC (incorporated by reference to 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC
on June 30, 2021)
4.2
Description
of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April
15, 2021)
4.3
Form
of Underwriters Warrant, issued November 5, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2021)
4.4
$5,750,000
Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note, dated January 24, 2022, issued to Lind Global Fund II LP (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 28, 2022)
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)
59
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)
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)
60
10.24
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 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2021)
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. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2021)
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)
61
10.38
Investment
Banking Agreement, dated July 1, 2020, between the Company and Newbridge Securities Corporation(incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.38 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2021)
10.39
Amendment
No. 1 to Investment Banking Agreement, dated October 30, 2020, between the Company and Newbridge Securities Corporation(incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2021)
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 8-K filed
with the SEC on March 31, 2021
10.44
Stock
Purchase Agreement, dated April 27, 2021, by and among the Company, Taste of BC Aquafarms Inc., and Steve Atkinson and Janet Atkinson
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2021)
10.45
Second
Loan Amendment, dated April 28, 2021 between the Company and Kenar Overseas Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2021)
10.46
Form
of Subscription Agreement for common stock offering (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 23, 2021)
10.47
Form
of common stock Purchase Warrant at $2.00 per share (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 23, 2021)
10.48
Form
of Promissory Note with Taste of BC Aquafarms, Inc. Sellers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2021)
10.49
First
Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated June 24, 2021, by and among, the Company, Taste of BC Aquafarms, Inc, Steven Atkinson
and Janet Atkinson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC
on June 30, 2021)
10.50
Form
of Confidentiality, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement, dated June 24, 2021(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2021)
10.51
$100,000
Promissory Note, dated July 1, 2021, issued to Lobo Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 7, 2021)
10.52
Note
Payoff Indemnity Agreement, dated July 6, 2021 between the Company and Kenar Overseas Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 7, 2021)
62
10.53
Employment
At Will Agreement, dated August 3, 2020, between the Company and Silvia Alana (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to the
Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on August 2, 2021)
10.54
Investment
Banking Engagement Agreement, dated July 8, 2021, between the Company and Newbridge Securities Corporation (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.54 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on August 2, 2021)
10.55
Consulting
Agreement, dated July 8, 2021, between the Company and MEC Consulting, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to the Company’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on August 2, 2021)
10.56
Form
of Warrant issuable to Newbridge Securities Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to the Company’s Registration
Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on October 25, 2021)
10.57
Securities
Purchase Agreement, dated January 24, 2022, between the Company and Lind Global Fund II LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.57 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 28, 2022)
10.58
Warrant,
dated January 24, 2022, issued by the Company to Lind Global Fund II LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.58 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 28, 2022)
10.59
Security
Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2022, between the Company and Lind Global Fund II LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.59
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 28, 2022)
10.60
Stock
Pledge Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2022, between the Company and Lind Global Fund II LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.60 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 28, 2022)
10.61
Form
of Warrant, dated November 5, 2021 issued to Newbridge Securities Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 8, 2021)
10.62
Asset
Purchase Agreement, dated February 3, 2022, between Coastal Pride Seafood, LLC, Gault Seafood, LLC and Robert J. Gault II (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.61 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 9, 2022)
10.63
Consulting
Agreement, dated February 3, 2022 between Coastal Pride Seafood, LLC and Robert J. Gault (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.62
to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 9, 2022)
10.64
Leak-Out
Agreement, dated February 3, 2022 for Robert J. Gault (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.63 to the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 9, 2022)
10.65
Fingerling Supply Agreement, dated December 3, 2021, between Taste of BC Aquafarms Inc. and West Coast Fishculture (Lois Lake) Ltd.
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*
Inline
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
Inline
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover
Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
*
Filed
herewith
ITEM
16. FORM 10–K SUMMARY
None.
63
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:
March 31, 2022
By:
/s/
John Keeler
Name:
John
Keeler
Title:
Chief
Executive Officer and Executive Chairman
(Principal
Executive Officer)
Dated:
March 31, 2022
By:
/s/
Silvia Alana
Name:
Silvia
Alana
Title:
Chief
Financial Officer
(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
March
31, 2022
John
Keeler
/s/
Nubar Herian
Director
March
31, 2022
Nubar
Herian
/s/
Jeffrey J. Guzy
Director
March
31, 2022
Jeffrey
J. Guzy
/s/
Timothy McLellan
Director
March
31, 2022
Timothy
McLellan
/s/
Trond Ringstad
Director
March
31, 2022
Trond
Ringstad
64
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.