UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-K
☒
ANNUAL
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the fiscal year ended February 29 , 2024
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: 001-38015
NEXTTRIP,
INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
27-1865814
(State
or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S.
Employer
incorporation
or organization)
Identification
Number)
3900
Paseo del Sol
Santa
Fe , New Mexico 87507
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(954)
526-9688
(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, par value $0.001 per share
NTRP
The
NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No
☒.
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No
☒.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☐. No ☒
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 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 “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
“smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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. ☐
If
securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant
included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation
received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐. No ☒ .
Based on the closing price of the registrant’s
common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Capital Market, the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates
on June 30, 2023 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $ 3,725,594 .
Shares of common stock held by directors and executive officers and any ten percent or greater stockholders and their respective affiliates
have been excluded from this calculation, because such stockholders may be deemed to be “affiliates” of the registrant. This
is not necessarily determinative of affiliate status for other purposes.
The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s
common stock as of August 31, 2024 was 1,388,641 .
Documents
incorporated by reference: None
NEXTTRIP,
INC.
FORM
10-K — FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2024
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
PART I
ITEM
1.
BUSINESS
3
ITEM
1A.
RISK FACTORS
11
ITEM
1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
25
ITEM
1C.
CYBERSECURITY
25
ITEM
2.
PROPERTIES
25
ITEM
3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
25
ITEM
4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
25
PART II
ITEM
5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
26
ITEM
6.
[RESERVED]
26
ITEM
7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
26
ITEM
7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
33
ITEM
8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
33
ITEM
9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
33
ITEM
9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
33
ITEM
9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
33
ITEM
9C.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
33
PART III
ITEM
10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
34
ITEM
11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
41
ITEM
12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
58
ITEM
13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
60
ITEM
14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
61
PART IV
ITEM
15.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
62
ITEM
16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
64
SIGNATURES
65
2
DISCLOSURE
REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
Report, including any documents which may be incorporated by reference into this Report, contains “forward-looking statements”
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements for purposes of these provisions,
including, but not limited to, statements regarding our expectations about development and commercialization of our technology, any projections
of revenues or statements regarding our anticipated revenues or other financial items, any statements of the plans and objectives of
management for future operations, any statements concerning proposed new products or services, any statements regarding future economic
conditions or performance, and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. All forward-looking statements included
in this document are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available to us as of such date. We assume no obligation
to update any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as
“may,” “will,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “intends,”
“believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” or “continue,” or the negative thereof or other
comparable terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable,
there can be no assurance that such expectations or any of the forward-looking statements will prove to be correct, and actual results
could differ materially from those projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Future financial condition and results of
operations, as well as any forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, including any other factors referred
to in our press releases and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All subsequent forward-looking
statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary
statements. Certain factors that may have a direct bearing on our operating results are described under “Risk Factors” and
elsewhere in this Report.
PART
I
ITEM
1. BUSINESS.
The
Company:
NextTrip,
Inc. (the “Company,” “NextTrip,” “we,” “us” and “our”) is an innovative technology
company that is building next generation solutions to power the travel industry. NextTrip, through its subsidiaries, provides travel
technology solutions with sales originating in the United States, leisure travel, business travel, groups travel, media and tech. We
connect people to new places and discoveries by utilizing digital media engagement, seasoned planning expertise, and unique inventory
to curate custom vacations and business travel across the globe. Our proprietary booking engine, branded as NXT2.0, provides travel distributors
and consumers access to a sizeable inventory.
Our
vision is to drive the evolution of the travel industry by merging advanced digital solutions with personalized travel services. Our
core technology – a fully integrated travel booking platform – focuses on untapped and underserved sectors of the travel
industry, intending to capture new markets. We expect that our future growth will be accelerated by interactive technology, immersive
media and unparalleled travel industry expertise.
We
believe NextTrip will revolutionize the travel industry by combining advanced digital technologies with personalized travel services.
Our mission is to become the premier travel, media, and lifestyle brand, inspiring and empowering individuals to explore the world. Through
our brands, including NextTrip Vacations, Travel Magazine, and Compass.TV, we aim to create a unique ecosystem that reduces dependency
on traditional marketing methods, where major travel companies spend billions to attract customers.
Our
strategy focuses on both the Media and Travel divisions working together to draw users into our ecosystem by offering the following benefits:
●
Access
to a wealth of highly relevant travel videos and articles for research.
●
The
ability to plan and save future travel destinations and activities on personalized profiles.
●
Options
to share travel ideas and communicate with others.
●
Assistance
from our concierge help desk and AI-powered solutions.
●
The
convenience of booking travel online or through a call center.
●
Access
to customer support before, during, and after travel.
●
The
opportunity to earn rewards that encourage repeat bookings.
Our
ecosystem is built on four key pillars:
1.
NextTrip :
A comprehensive travel booking platform that offers curated, personalized, and seamless travel experiences for every budget and interest.
Powered by the NXT2.0 booking platform, NextTrip serves as our direct-to-consumer hub, providing users with detailed scheduling,
pricing, and availability information for airlines, hotels, rental cars, and other travel products. We also offer dynamically assembled
travel packages and provide valuable content, including destination information, maps, and travel details, all supported by our customer
call center .
2.
Travel
Magazine : A trusted source of captivating travel inspiration, offering authentic stories, practical advice, and diverse perspectives
to fuel wanderlust and create lasting vacation memories. Travel Magazine will soon launch MyBucketList, a platform designed for travelers
to build and share their travel bucket lists with personalized suggestions, booking support, and local insights.
3.
Compass.TV :
Our Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST) channel, slated for launch in fall 2024. Compass.TV will offer over 1,000 hours of travel
shows and long-form travel content at launch. To draw users into the NextTrip ecosystem, the launch will be supported by travel influencers,
promoted to our 6 million-strong email list, and marketed to major streaming platforms like Roku and YouTube. Compass.TV plans to
use artificial intelligence to personalize content, convert blogs and articles to video, and enable users to create custom videos.
This platform will allow users to create fully customized FAST channels featuring vacation opportunities that can be explored and
booked directly through the NextTrip booking engine.
4.
PrometheanTV :
A unique influencer-led platform that drives advertising revenue and content-to-commerce. We recently secured a perpetual license
with Promethean TV, Inc., the developer of the Ignite TV interactive video platform. This technology will power Compass.TV and video
content on Travel Magazine/MyBucketList, allowing for targeted advertising via video overlays, enabling viewers to purchase travel
directly from their screens. This integration is designed to enhance customer engagement, drive ad-supported revenue, and increase
travel transactions.
By
integrating the NextTrip booking platform across all our media platforms, we will enable users to research and book travel seamlessly
from any of our offerings. Our ecosystem will encompass leisure travel, wellness travel, business travel, alternative lodging, and innovative
technology and media solutions. We will engage with consumers throughout the entire travel planning journey, from initial research to
post-travel, offering robust product options and preferred rates in top global destinations. We believe that NextTrip stands apart from
other travel companies, providing users with the tools to create personalized vacation packages and travel solutions, resulting in a
more rewarding experience than traditional pre-packaged offerings. This ensures a thriving and growing ecosystem that drives both travel
transactions and targeted advertising revenue while supporting consumers on their travel journeys—truly a next-generation travel
company.
3
Organizational
History
Historical
Monaker Group Business
NextTrip’s
travel business was the principal business of NextPlay NextPlay Technologies, Inc. (“NextPlay”) (then, Monaker Group, Inc.
(“Monaker”)) until June 30, 2020, when Monaker entered into a share exchange transaction with HotPlay Enterprise Limited
(“HotPlay”), resulting in HotPlay becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Monaker and HotPlay’s business becoming the
principal business of Monaker. Prior to this share exchange, the primary focus of Monaker had been its travel business, which included
the sale of vacation rentals, and in particular, ALRs, to consumers through its proprietary booking engine. To support its travel offerings,
Monaker introduced travelmagazine.com, featuring travel and lifestyle content to appeal to travelers researching destinations and planning
future vacations. In January 2023, NextPlay spun the NextTrip business out to its founders to separate it from NextPlay’s primary
business.
COVID-era
Transition and Technology Development
The
spread of the COVID-19 virus globally beginning in January 2020 severely impacted our business. Beginning in March 2020, many U.S. states
and foreign countries began issuing “stay-at-home” orders and closed their borders to interstate and international travel.
Such restrictions on travel, together with other measures implemented by governments around the world, severely restricted the level
of economic activity around the world and had an unprecedented effect on the global travel industry. The public’s ability to travel
was severely curtailed through border closures, mandated travel restrictions and limited operations of hotels, airlines, and additional
voluntary or mandated closures of travel-related businesses from December 2019 through the beginning of 2022 (and beyond in some jurisdictions).
Measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented levels of temporary and permanent business closures, cancellations
and limited new travel bookings, having a severe negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Due
to the significant decrease in demand for the travel related services provided by us during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we shifted
our focus to developing and enhancing our program offerings. For example, we began to develop our online media platform -TravelMagazine.com
allowing consumers to research future travel options as well as enhancing the functionality of our booking engines, including developing
a booking engine platform that allows customers to book packaged vacations and wellness programs along with the development of a platform
to arrange and manage business travel.
Acquisition
of Bookit.com Asset
Following
NextTrip’s separation from NextPlay, our team focused on the continued technological development of its booking platform. As part
of this development, we acquired a travel platform in June 2022 to help power our proprietary NXT2.0 booking technology. Previously,
this technology powered the Bookit.com business, a well-established online leisure tour operator generating over $400 million in annual
sales as recently as 2019 (pre-pandemic). As part of the acquisition of the assets of Bookit.com, we were not only able to acquire a
proven technology platform that could be integrated with our core travel sectors, but we were also able to secure the database with millions
of past travelers and opt-in consumers.
Since
2022, and the acquisition of the Bookit.com business, we have been focused on the holistic development and integration of the NXT2.0
technology platform, which serves as a base for current and future technology projects as well as proprietary system enhancements. This
integration includes re-engaging with and re-negotiating more than 250 contracts with hotel, airline, and cruise suppliers, and securing
unique product inventory of more than 3 million lodging, air and tour product suppliers at exceptional rates to over 2,100 destinations
in 200+ countries worldwide.
Through
this strategic offering, we will focus on key areas of opportunity in the travel sector and drive enhanced booking conversion rates.
Our proprietary technology, when combined with media, product offerings and customer service, provides a unique lane to serve mid-to
luxury travelers.
Recent
Developments
Acquisition
by Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc.; Name Change
In
December 2023, Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. (“Sigma”) acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests in NextTrip,
which resulted in NextTrip becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of a public company and the principal business of the Company moving
forward. To align the new business with NextTrip’s travel-focused business model, the Company recently changed its name to
“NextTrip, Inc.”
Acquisition
of Promethean FAST TV Exclusive License
We
recently entered into a perpetual license agreement with Promethean TV, Inc. (“Promethean”), the owner and developer of the
Ignite TV interactive video platform used for driving engagement and commerce. This license will form the basis for our Free Ad-supported
streaming TV (FAST) channel – Compasss.TV allowing for targeted advertising via video overlays, allowing the viewer to purchase
travel from their screen. This integrated technology is intended to boost engagement with customers driving ad-supported revenue and
travel transactions.
4
Our
Fully Integrated Travel Booking Platform
We
have established a direct-to-consumer presence though a number of websites, powered by the NXT2.0 booking platform. Today, the primary
leisure platform is hosted on nexttrip.com and the media platform is hosted on travelmagazine.com.
NextTrip
sells travel services to leisure and corporate customers across these websites. Our primary focus is our current offerings of scheduling,
pricing and availability information for booking reservations for airlines, hotels, rental cars, as well as other travel products such
as transfers, sightseeing tours, shows and event tickets. NextTrip sells these travel services both individually and as components of
dynamically assembled packaged travel vacations and trips. In addition, we provide content that presents travelers with information about
travel destinations, maps and other travel details.
Our
online travel publication, travelmagazine.com, provides travelers around the world with inspiration for future vacation destinations
and trips. The publication offers written articles, videos, and podcasts. The website is expected to be supported by advertising and
allow for research and booking of vacation products.
5
Travel
Products and Services
We
are building an ecosystem with technology and product offerings that will include leisure travel, wellness travel, business travel, alternative
lodging, technology and media solutions. We engage with consumers and distributors throughout the travel planning journey from initial
research through post-travel. Through direct relationships, we have established robust product offerings and preferred rates across the
top destinations world-wide. Our primary product offerings are as follows:
●
NextTrip
Travel brings travel solutions and a proprietary booking engine that allows customers to book customized travel, including vacation
packages, airline tickets, hotel reservations, tours and activities, curated journeys, wellness, business and group travel. Additionally,
we are developing a travel agent portal to drive bookings and travel agent brand loyalty across the leisure space.
●
NextTrip
Solutions offers technology solutions for product and inventory management as well as white label offerings including NextTrip products
under their brand, and technology solutions.
●
NextTrip
Media includes Travel Magazine and the Compass.TV experience, which is currently in development. These digital solutions engage consumers
at the initial phases of travel planning, offering relevant content, destination information and immersive online experiences as
well as solutions for travel suppliers. This ecosystem, once fully developed, is expected to allow users to create their own fully
customized FAST channel featuring vacation journey opportunities that customers can explore prior to booking the actual vacation.
Products
and Services for Travelers
Search
Tools and Ability to Compare . Our online marketplace nexttrip.com provides travelers with the tools to search for and filter several
travel products including air, accommodations, activities, and transportation based on various criteria, such as destination, travel
dates, type of property, number of travelers, amenities, price, or keywords.
Traveler
Login. Travelers are able to create accounts on our website(s) that give them access to their booking activity through the website.
Members will also have access to special rates and discounts on the NextTrip product.
Travel
Blog. Travel guides, videos and pictures as well as travel articles can be accessed through travelmagazine.com.
Security.
We use a combination of technology and human review to evaluate the content of listings and to screen for inaccuracies or fraud with
the goal of providing only accurate and trustworthy information to travelers. NextTrip is Payment Card Industry compliant to ensure the
safety and security of its customer credit card data.
Communication.
Travelers who create an account on our websites will receive regular communications, including notices about places of interest,
special offers, new listings, and an email newsletter. The newsletter will be available to any traveler who agrees to receive it and
offers introductions to new destinations and properties, as well as tips and useful information when traveling.
Since
the COVID-19 pandemic arose, we have primarily focused on developing our booking engine and establishing relationships with suppliers
to increase the size of our instantly bookable inventory. The booking engine has produced little revenue to date because of, among other
reasons, the efforts that have been taken to integrate the NextTrip travel platforms with the Bookit.com technology since its acquisition
in the summer of 2022. The new platform was launched in beta in May 2023 with a limited number of hotel properties in Mexico and the
Caribbean. We have expanded our distribution since launch to include over one million hotel properties worldwide and have completed a
full launch of the leisure travel website in May 2024.
6
Key
Revenue Drivers
NextTrip’s
fully integrated travel booking platform serves as the foundation of our revenue-generating business. The platform contains a robust
booking engine with merchandising capabilities that drive increased conversions and higher per revenue transactions. We plan to leverage
the bookit.com foundational travel database consisting of 6 million customers to further drive revenues. Those revenues consist primarily
of commissions and bookings but are expanding to include affiliate commerce, advertising and sponsored content (via Compass.TV and Travel
Magazine).
In
addition, as the booking platform expands, it establishes an opportunity for product expansion and revenue from technology licensing,
including white-labeling key technology. A monthly software-as-a-service (SaaS) model is being established around key technology developments
and innovative platforms, including turn-key booking solutions, product management and targeted audience offerings.
Advancing
Travel: Future Research & Development Driving Growth
As
we expand the reach of our booking platforms, including to different underserved areas of the travel industry, we plan to focus on future
technologies to drive growth by investing in research and development.
7
Compass.TV
As
Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) gains momentum globally, we are in the process of developing Compass.TV, with a targeted launch
in the fall of 2024. Our innovative travel channel is being developed in conjunction with our perpetual license with Promethean discussed
above. With over 200 hours of relevant travel content secured, Compass.TV intends to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to personalize
content, convert blogs and articles to video, and empower users to create custom travel channels. Integration with the NextTrip Concierge
desk will enable seamless booking and assistance.
NextTrip
recognizes the pivotal role of video in promoting travel sales and engagement, hence our focus on incorporating video across platforms.
To maximize effectiveness, NextTrip has entered into the license with Promethean enabling targeted advertising and transactional capabilities
without interrupting content. The Company has also established strategic partnerships for content, distribution and technology with key
players in the FAST space. This will enhance and accelerate the growth of our user base and enhance the opportunity for revenue generation
from the platform.
Travel
Magazine
We
are transforming our Travel Magazine website into a social media platform catering to all things travel. The site was re-launched mid-2024,
and features enhanced media capabilities and targeted advertising using the Promethean solution. A private consumer section called “MyBucketList,”
is targeted for release in the fall of 2024 and will feature connectivity to booking engines, AI travel planner assist and AI-driven
content creation.
My
Bucket List
With
My Bucket List, NextTrip is building a technology solution catered to travelers to build and share their own travel bucket list with
personalized suggestions, booking support and local insights.
Technology
and Infrastructure
Our
websites are hosted using cloud services distributed globally across multiple regions. Our systems architecture has been designed to
manage increases in traffic through additional computing power without making software changes. Our cloud services provide our online
marketplace with scalable and redundant Internet connectivity and redundant power and cooling to our hosting environments. We use security
methods to ensure the integrity of our networks and protection of confidential data collected and stored on our servers, and we have
developed and use internal policies and procedures to protect the personal information of travel suppliers and customers
using our websites that we collect and use as part of our normal operations. Access to our networks, and the servers and databases, on
which confidential data is stored, is protected by industry standard firewall and encryption technology. Physical access to our servers
and related equipment is secured by limiting access to the data center to operations personnel only.
8
Competition
The
U.S. travel market is highly competitive and rapidly evolving. The markets are dominated by a few key distributors, which has caused
suppliers to look for viable alternatives that would diversify their business mix.
Our
competition, which is strong and increasing, includes online and offline travel companies that target leisure and corporate travelers,
including travel agencies, tour operators, travel supplier direct websites and their call centers, consolidators and wholesalers of travel
products and services, large online portals and search websites, certain travel metasearch websites, mobile travel applications, social
media websites, as well as traditional consumer eCommerce and group buying websites. These companies include Expedia, Booking.com, TripAdvisor,
Sabre Corp., and TravelZoo. In some cases, competitors are offering more favorable terms and improved interfaces to suppliers and travelers,
which make competition increasingly difficult. We also face competition for customer traffic on internet search engines and metasearch
websites, which impacts our customer acquisition and marketing costs.
Seasonality
We
experience seasonal fluctuations in the demand for our travel products and services. For example, traditional leisure travel bookings
are generally the highest in the first three quarters as travelers plan and book their spring, summer and winter holiday travel. The
number of bookings typically decreases in the fourth quarter. Because revenue for most of our travel products is recognized when the
travel takes place rather than when it is booked, revenue typically lags bookings by several weeks to several months. As a result, although
travel bookings through NextTrip’s platforms tend to be highest from the period from January to June, moderate from July through
September and low from October through December, the majority of revenue is recognized in the summer months (June, July, and August),
and during the winter holidays (November and December).
Intellectual
Property
Our
intellectual property includes the content of our websites, registered domain names, registered and unregistered trademarks, business
plan, business strategies and trade secrets, proprietary and acquired software platforms and related assets, licensed software platforms,
and customer and third-party supplier lists. We believe that our intellectual property is an essential asset of our business and that
our registered domain names and our technology infrastructure will give us a competitive advantage in the online market and arrangements
with attractions and tour operators. We rely on a combination of trademark, copyright and trade secret laws in the United States, as
well as contractual provisions, to protect our proprietary technology and our brands. We also rely on copyright laws to protect the appearance
and design of our sites and applications. We have registered numerous Internet domain names related to our business in order to protect
our proprietary interests.
Regulation
Our
ability to provide our services and any future services is affected by legal regulations of governments and regulatory authorities around
the world, many of which are evolving and subject to revised interpretations. Violations of any laws or regulations could result in fines,
penalties, and criminal sanctions against us, our officers or employees, and prohibitions on how or where we conduct our business, which
could damage our reputation, brands, global expansion efforts, ability to attract and retain employees and business partners, business,
and operating results. Even if we comply with these laws and regulations, doing business in certain jurisdictions or violations of these
laws and regulations by the parties with which we conduct business runs the risk of harming our reputation and our brands. Regulations
that impact our business or our industry include:
●
Data Protection and Privacy : We have policies and a global governance framework to comply with privacy laws that apply to our
business, meet evolving stakeholder expectations, and support business innovation and growth. In the European Union, the General Data
Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”) imposes significant compliance obligations and costs. In the United States, the California
Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”) and the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) impose privacy requirements
and rights for consumers in California that will result in additional compliance complexity, risks, and costs. Other U.S. states and
jurisdictions globally have adopted or may adopt similar data protection regulations. Some data protection and privacy laws afford consumers
a private right of action against companies like ours for certain statutory violations.
9
●
Regulation of the Travel Industry : Our business is impacted by travel-related regulations such as local regulation of the use
of alternative accommodations. Local jurisdictions around the world have instituted a variety of measures to address the issues of “overtourism”
and the impact of tourism on the climate. As our business evolves, we expect to become subject to existing and new regulations. For example,
some parts of our business are already subject to certain requirements of the US Department of Transportation (DOT),
and as our offerings continue to diversify and expand, we may become subject to additional requirements of regulatory agencies across the world.
●
Payments : As we expand our payments services to consumers and business partners, we are subject to additional regulations, such
as financial services regulations and license requirements, which has resulted in increased compliance costs and complexities, including
those associated with the implementation of new or advanced internal controls. We are also subject to payment card association rules
and obligations under our contracts with payment card processors, including the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, compliance
with which is complex and costly.
Facilities
Our
principal executive offices are located at 3900 Paseo del Sol, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507. The lease has a 6-month term which ends
on December 31, 2024. The landlord can terminate the lease upon 30 days written notice and NextTrip can terminate the lease upon 45
days written notice.
Human
Capital Resources
As
of August 31, 2024, we had 14 full-time employees and 13 independent contractors, We use independent contractors and temporary personnel
to supplement our workforce, particularly in the software development and technology tasks. Our employees are not represented by a labor
union, and we consider our employee relations to be very good. Competition for qualified personnel in its industry has historically been
intense, particularly for software engineers, developers, and other technical staff. Our human capital resources objectives include,
as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and additional employees. We strive to
provide competitive compensation and benefits to our employees. Our benefit programs include bonuses, stock-based compensation awards,
a 401(k) plan with employer matching, healthcare and insurance benefits, flexible paid time off and other employee assistance programs.
The
principal purposes of our equity incentive plans are to attract, retain and motivate selected employees, consultants and directors through
the granting of stock-based compensation awards and cash-based performance bonus awards.
All
employees are responsible for upholding the NextTrip Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, which is important in delivering on our strategy.
We maintain a compliance hotline for the confidential reporting of any suspected policy violations or unethical business conduct on the
part of our businesses, employees, officers, directors, suppliers, or customers.
Global Conflicts
Current conflicts throughout the world, including
the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war, could further impact the global economy, financial markets, and inflation. Due to the
uncertainty around the duration or outcome of the conflicts, we cannot predict the effect on our business.
We have no sales to Russia, Ukraine, or Israel, nor
do we have any assets, employees or third-party contractors in those countries.
Corporate
Information
Sigma was initially incorporated as Messidor Limited in Nevada on December 23, 1985, and changed its name to Framewaves Inc. in 2001. On September 27,
2010, the name was changed to Sigma Labs, Inc. On May 17, 2022, Sigma Labs, Inc. began doing business as Sigma Additive Solutions, and on August 9,
2022, changed its name to Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. On March 13, 2024, we changed our name to NextTrip, Inc.
Our
principal executive offices are located at 3900 Paseo del Sol, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507, and our current telephone number at that address
is (954) 526-9688. Our website address is www.nexttrip.com. The Company’s annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports on
Form 8-K and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and other information related to the Company, are available, free of charge, on that website
as soon as we electronically file those documents with, or otherwise furnish them to, the SEC. The Company’s website and the information
contained therein, or connected thereto, are not and are not intended to be incorporated into this Report.
10
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS.
Our
business is subject to numerous risks. We caution you that the following important factors, among others, could cause our actual results
to differ materially from those expressed in statements made by us or on our behalf in filings with the SEC, press releases or communications
with investors and others. Any or all of our statements in this Report and in any other public statements we make may turn out to be
wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. The factors mentioned in the discussion
below will be important in determining future results. Consequently, actual future results may vary materially from those anticipated
in this Report or our other public statements. The occurrence of any of the events or developments described below could harm our financial
condition, results of operations, business and prospects. In such an event, the market price of our securities could decline. Additional
risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may have similar adverse effects on us.
Risks
Related to Our Business
Our
revenue is derived from the global travel industry, and a prolonged or substantial decrease in global travel, particularly air travel,
could adversely affect our operating results.
Our
revenue is derived from the global travel industry and would be significantly impacted by declines in, or disruptions to, travel activity,
particularly air travel. Global factors over which we have no control, but which could impact our clients’ willingness to travel
and, depending on the scope and duration, cause a significant decline in travel volumes include, among other things:
●
widespread health concerns, epidemics or pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Zika virus, H1N1 influenza, the Ebola virus, avian
flu, SARS or any other serious contagious diseases;
●
global security concerns caused by terrorist attacks, the threat of terrorist attacks, or the precautions taken in anticipation of such
attacks, including elevated threat warnings or selective cancellation or redirection of travel;
●
cyber-terrorism, political unrest, the outbreak of hostilities or escalation or worsening of existing hostilities or war, such as Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine and the military conflict in Israel, resulting sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other countries and retaliatory
actions taken by sanctioned countries in response to such sanctions;
●
natural disasters or severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes;
●
climate change-related impact to travel destinations, such as extreme weather, natural disasters and disruptions, and actions taken by
governments, businesses and supplier partners to combat climate change;
●
the occurrence of travel-related accidents or the grounding of aircraft due to safety concerns;
●
the impact of macroeconomic conditions (including inflation) and labor shortages on the cost and availability of airline travel; and
●
adverse changes in visa and immigration policies or the imposition of travel restrictions or more restrictive security procedures.
Any
decrease in demand for consumer or business travel could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
11
We
need additional capital, which may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all, which raises questions about our ability
to continue as a going concern.
As
of February 29, 2024, we had $5,088,842 in total assets, $1,960,813 in total liabilities, negative working capital of $245,005 and a
total accumulated deficit of $24,151,139. We had a net loss of $7,339,276 for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024 and $5,033,496
for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023.
We
are subject to all the substantial risks inherent in the development of a new business enterprise within an extremely competitive industry.
Due to the absence of a long-standing operating history and the emerging nature of the markets in which it competes, we anticipate operating
losses until we can successfully implement our business strategy, which includes all associated revenue streams. Our revenue model is
new and evolving, and we cannot be certain that it will be successful. The potential profitability of this business model is unproven.
We may never achieve profitable operations or generate significant revenues. Our future operating results depend on many factors, including
demand for our products, the level of competition, and the ability of our officers to manage our business and growth. Additional development
expenses may delay or negatively impact our ability to generate profits. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that our business model will
be successful or that we can sustain revenue growth, achieve or sustain profitability, or continue as a going concern.
The
Company believes that, in the aggregate, it could require several millions of dollars to support and expand the marketing and development
of its products, repay debt obligations, provide capital expenditures for additional equipment and development costs, payment obligations,
office space and systems for managing the business, and cover other operating costs until its planned revenue streams from all products
are fully implemented and begin to offset its operating costs. We estimate that we will need to raise a minimum of $5.5 million in net proceeds to continue operations for the next
twelve months.
In
the event the Company is unable to raise adequate funding in the future for its operations and to pay its outstanding debt obligations,
the Company may be forced to scale back its business plan and/or liquidate some or all of its assets or may be forced to seek bankruptcy
protection
In
light of the foregoing, there is substantial doubt our ability to continue as a going concern, and the report of our registered independent
public accounting firm on our financial statements as of and for the year ended February 29, 2024 contains a going concern qualification.
We
are not profitable and may never become profitable.
We
have incurred losses in every reporting period since we commenced business operations in 2010 and expect to continue to incur significant
losses for the foreseeable future. Our net loss applicable to common stockholders for the years ended February 29, 2024 and February
28, 2023 was $7,339,276 and $5,033,496, respectively. As of February 29, 2024, our accumulated deficit was $24,151,139. There is no assurance
that any revenues we generate will be sufficient for us to become profitable or to maintain profitability. Our revenues for the years
ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023 were $458,752 and $382,832, respectively, and our operating expenses for those periods
were $5,740,577 and $4,979,766, respectively. Our current revenues are not sufficient to fund our operations. We cannot predict when,
if ever, we might achieve profitability and we are not certain that we will be able to sustain profitability, if achieved. If we fail
to achieve or maintain profitability, the market price of our securities is likely to be adversely affected.
We
have outstanding indebtedness, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Risks
relating to its indebtedness include:
●
increasing
our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
●
requiring
us to dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing
the availability of cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and investments and other general corporate
purposes;
●
making
it more difficult for us to optimally capitalize and manage the cash flow for our businesses;
●
limiting
our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our businesses and the markets in which we operate;
●
possibly
placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and
●
limiting
our ability to borrow additional funds or to borrow funds at rates or on other terms that we find acceptable.
12
If
distributors are unable to drive customers to our websites and/or we are unable to drive visitors to our websites, from search engines
or otherwise, this could negatively impact transactions on the websites of our distributors as well as our own websites and consequently
cause our travel revenue to decrease.
Many
visitors find the distributors and NextTrip’s websites by searching for vacation information through Internet search engines. A
critical factor in attracting visitors to NextTrip’s websites, and those of our distributors, is how prominently our distributors
and NextTrip are displayed in response to search queries. Accordingly, we utilize search engine marketing, or SEM, as a means to provide
a significant portion of our visitor acquisition. SEM includes both paid visitor acquisition (on a cost-per-click basis) and unpaid visitor
acquisition, which is often referred to as organic search.
We
plan to employ search engine optimization, or SEO, to acquire visitors. SEO involves developing NextTrip’s websites in order to
rank highly in relevant search queries. In addition to SEM and SEO, we may also utilize other forms of marketing to drive visitors to
our websites, including branded search, display advertising and email marketing.
The
various search engine providers, such as Google and Bing, employ proprietary algorithms and other methods for determining which websites
are displayed for a given search query and how highly websites rank. Search engine providers may change these methods in a way that may
negatively affect the number of visitors to our distributors’ websites as well as our own websites and may do so without public
announcement or detailed explanation. Therefore, the success of our SEO and SEM strategy depends, in part, on our ability to anticipate
and respond to such changes in a timely and effective manner.
In
addition, websites must comply with search engine guidelines and policies. These guidelines and policies are complex and may change at
any time. If we or our distributors fail to follow such guidelines and policies properly, the search engine may cause our content to
rank lower in search results or could remove the content altogether. If we or our distributors fail to understand and comply with these
guidelines and policies and ensure their websites’ compliance, our SEO and SEM strategy may not be successful.
Unfavorable
changes in, or interpretations of, government regulations or taxation of the evolving product offerings, Internet and e-commerce industries
could harm our travel division operating results.
We
have contracted for products in markets throughout the world, in jurisdictions which have various regulatory and taxation requirements
that can affect our travel division operations or regulate the activity of travel suppliers.
Compliance
with laws and regulations of different jurisdictions imposing different standards and requirements is very burdensome because each region
has different regulations with respect to licensing and other requirements. Our online marketplaces are accessible by travelers in many
states and foreign jurisdictions. Compliance requirements that vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction impose added costs
and increased liabilities for compliance deficiencies. In addition, laws or regulations that may harm our business could be adopted,
or interpreted in a manner that affects our activities, including but not limited to the regulation of personal and consumer information
and real estate licensing requirements. Violations or new interpretations of these laws or regulations may result in penalties, negatively
impact our operations and damage our reputation and business.
In
addition, many of the fundamental statutes and regulations that impose taxes or other obligations on travel and lodging companies were
established before the growth of the Internet and e-commerce, which creates a risk of these laws being used, in ways not originally intended,
that could burden travel suppliers or otherwise harm our business. These and other similar new and newly interpreted regulations
could increase costs for, or otherwise discourage, suppliers from partnering with NextTrip, which could harm its
business and operating results.
Furthermore,
as we expand or change the products and services that we offer or the methods by which we offer them, we may become subject to additional
legal regulations, tax requirements or other risks. Regulators may seek to impose regulations and requirements on us even if we utilize
third parties to offer the products or services. These regulations and requirements may apply to payment processing, insurance products
or the various other products and services we may now or in the future offer or facilitate through our marketplace. Whether we comply
with or challenge these additional regulations, our costs may increase, and our business may otherwise be harmed.
13
If
we are not able to maintain and enhance our NextTrip brand and the brands associated with each of our websites, our reputation and business
may suffer .
It
is important for NextTrip to maintain and enhance its brand identity in order to attract and retain travel suppliers and customers. The successful promotion of our brands will depend largely on our marketing and public relations efforts. We expect that
the promotion of our brands will require us to make substantial investments, and, as its market becomes more competitive, these branding
initiatives may become increasingly difficult and expensive. In addition, we may not be able to successfully build our NextTrip brand
identity without losing value associated with, or decreasing the effectiveness of, our other brand identities. If we do not successfully
maintain and enhance our brands, we could lose traveler traffic, which could, in turn, cause suppliers to discontinue their distribution with us. In addition, our brand promotion activities may not be successful or may not yield revenue
sufficient to offset their cost, which could adversely affect our reputation and business.
Our
long-term success depends, in part, on our ability to expand traveler bases outside of the United States and, as a result, our business
is susceptible to risks associated with international operations.
We
have limited operating and e-commerce experience in many foreign jurisdictions and are making significant investments to build our international
operations. We plan to continue our efforts to expand globally, including potentially acquiring international businesses and conducting
business in jurisdictions where we do not currently operate. Managing a global organization is difficult, time-consuming and expensive
and any international expansion efforts that we undertake may not be profitable in the near or long term or otherwise be successful.
In addition, conducting international operations subjects the Company to risks that include:
●
the
cost and resources required to localize its services, which requires the translation of our websites and their adaptation for local
practices and legal and regulatory requirements;
●
adjusting
the products and services we provide in foreign jurisdictions, as needed, to better address the needs of local owners, managers,
distributors and travelers, and the threats of local competitors;
●
being
subject to foreign laws and regulations, including those laws governing Internet activities,
email messaging, collection and use of personal information, ownership of intellectual property,
taxation and other activities important to our online business practices, which may be less
developed, less predictable, more restrictive, and less familiar, and which may adversely
affect financial results in certain regions;
●
competition
with companies that understand the local market better than we do or who have pre-existing relationships with suppliers,
distributors and travelers in those markets;
●
legal
uncertainty regarding our liability for the transactions and content on our websites, including online bookings, property listings
and other content provided by suppliers, including uncertainty resulting from unique local laws or a lack of clear
precedent of applicable law;
●
lack
of familiarity with and the burden of complying with a wide variety of other foreign laws, legal standards and foreign regulatory
requirements, including invoicing, data collection and storage, financial reporting and tax compliance requirements, which are subject
to unexpected changes;
●
laws
and business practices that favor local competitors or prohibit or limit foreign ownership of certain businesses;
●
challenges
associated with joint venture relationships and minority investments;
●
adapting
to variations in foreign payment forms;
●
difficulties
in managing and staffing international operations and establishing or maintaining operational efficiencies;
●
difficulties
in establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls and security over our data and systems;
●
currency
exchange restrictions and fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
●
potentially
adverse tax consequences, which may be difficult to predict, including the complexities of foreign value added tax systems and restrictions
on the repatriation of earnings;
●
political,
social and economic instability abroad, war, terrorist attacks and security concerns in general;
●
the
potential failure of financial institutions internationally;
●
reduced
or varied protection for intellectual property rights in some countries; and
●
higher
telecommunications and Internet service provider costs.
Operating
in international markets also requires significant management attention and financial resources. We cannot guarantee that our international
expansion efforts in any or multiple territories will be successful. The investment and additional resources required to establish operations
and manage growth in other countries may not produce desired levels of revenue or profitability and could instead result in increased
costs.
14
The
market in which we participate is highly competitive, and we may be unable to compete successfully with our current or future competitors.
The
market to provide listing, search and marketing services for the travel industry is very competitive and dominated by key players, such
as Expedia and Booking.com. In addition, the barriers to entry are low and new competitors may enter. All of the services that we plan
to provide to travelers are provided separately or in combination by current or potential competitors. Our competitors may adopt aspects
of our business model, which could reduce our ability to differentiate our services. Additionally, current or new competitors may introduce
new business models or services that we may need to adopt or otherwise adapt to in order to compete, which could reduce our ability to
differentiate our business or services from those of our competitors.
In
addition, most of our current or potential competitors are larger and have more resources than we do. Many of our current and potential
competitors enjoy substantial competitive advantages, such as greater name recognition in their markets, longer operating histories and
larger marketing budgets, as well as substantially greater financial, technical and other resources. In addition, our current or potential
competitors may have access to larger traveler bases. As a result, our competitors may be able to respond more quickly and effectively
than we can to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards or distribution or traveler requirements. For all of these reasons,
the Company may not be able to compete successfully against its current and future competitors.
If
we are unable to introduce new or upgraded products, services or features that distributors, travelers or agents recognize as valuable,
we may fail to: (i) drive additional travelers to our websites, (ii) retain existing distributors, and/or (iii) attract new distributors.
Our efforts to develop new and upgraded services and products could require us to incur significant costs.
In
order to attract travelers to our distributors, as well as our own online marketplace while retaining, and attracting new suppliers, we will need to continue to invest in the development of new products, services and features that both
add value for travelers and suppliers and differentiate us from our competitors. The success of new products, services and features depends
on several factors, including the timely completion, introduction and market acceptance of the product, service or feature. If travelers,
or suppliers do not recognize the value of our new services or features, they may choose not to utilize our products or make their inventory
available through our channels.
Attempting
to develop and deliver these new or upgraded products, services or features involves inherent hazards and difficulties, and is costly.
Efforts to enhance and improve the ease of use, responsiveness, functionality and features of our existing websites have inherent risks,
and we may not be able to manage these product developments and enhancements successfully. We may not succeed in developing new or upgraded
products, services or features or new or upgraded products, services or features may not work as intended or provide value. In addition,
some new or upgraded products, services or features may be difficult for us to market and may also involve unfavorable pricing. Even
if we succeed, we cannot guarantee that our suppliers will respond favorably.
In
addition to developing our own improvements, we may choose to license or otherwise integrate applications, content and data from third
parties. The introduction of these improvements imposes costs on the Company and creates a risk that it may be unable to continue to
access these technologies and content on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. In the event we fail to develop new or upgraded products,
services or features, the demand for our services and ultimately our results of operations may be adversely affected.
15
We
are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
Because
we plan to conduct a significant portion of our business outside the United States, but report our results in U.S. dollars, we face exposure
to adverse movements in currency exchange rates, which may cause our revenue and operating results to differ materially from expectations.
In addition, fluctuation in our mix of U.S. and foreign currency denominated transactions may contribute to this effect as exchange rates
vary. Moreover, as a result of these exchange rate fluctuations, revenue, cost of revenue, operating expenses and other operating results
may differ materially from expectations when translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars upon consolidation. For example, if
the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to foreign currencies our non-U.S. revenue would be adversely affected when translated into U.S.
dollars. Conversely, a decline in the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies would increase our non-U.S. revenue when translated
into U.S. dollars. We may enter into hedging arrangements in order to manage foreign currency exposure, but such activity may not completely
eliminate fluctuations in our operating results, and there are costs associated with such hedging activities.
If
we fail to protect confidential information against security breaches, or if distributors or travelers are reluctant to use our online
marketplace because of privacy or security concerns, we might face additional costs, and activity on our websites could decline .
We
collect and use personally identifiable information of distributors and travelers in the operation of our business. Our systems may be
vulnerable to computer viruses or physical or electronic break-ins that our security measures may not detect. Anyone that is able to
circumvent our security measures could misappropriate confidential or proprietary information, cause an interruption in our operations,
damage our computers or those of our users, or otherwise damage our reputation and business. We may need to expend significant resources
to protect against security breaches or to address problems caused by breaches. Security breaches of our systems, or the systems of third
parties we rely upon, such as credit card processors, could damage our reputation and expose us to litigation and possible liability
under various laws and regulations. Concern among distributors and travelers regarding our use of personal information collected on our
websites could keep them from using, or continuing to use, our online marketplace.
There
are risks of security breaches both on our systems and on third party systems which store our information as we increase the types of
technology that we use to operate our marketplace, such as mobile applications. New and evolving technology systems and platforms may
involve security risks that are difficult to predict and adequately guard against. In addition, third parties that process credit card
transactions between NextTrip and travelers maintain personal information collected from them. Such information could be stolen or misappropriated,
and we could be subject to liability as a result. Our distributors and travelers may be harmed by such breaches, and we may in turn be
subject to costly litigation or regulatory compliance costs, and harm to our reputation and brand. Moreover, some distributors and travelers
may cease using our marketplace altogether.
The
laws of some states and countries require businesses that maintain personal information about their residents in electronic databases
to implement reasonable measures to keep that information secure. Our practice is to encrypt all sensitive information, but we do not
know whether our current practice will be challenged under these laws. In addition, under certain of these laws, if there is a breach
of our computer systems and we know or suspect that unencrypted personal data has been stolen, we are required to inform any user whose
data was stolen, which could harm our reputation and business. Complying with the applicable notice requirements in the event of a security
breach could result in significant costs. We may also be subject to contractual claims, investigation and penalties by regulatory authorities,
and claims by persons whose information was disclosed.
Compounding
these legal risks, many states and countries have enacted different and often contradictory requirements for protecting personal information
collected and maintained electronically. Compliance with these numerous and contradictory requirements is particularly difficult for
us because we collect personal information from users in multiple jurisdictions. While we intend to comply fully with these laws, failure
to comply could result in legal liability, cause the Company to suffer adverse publicity and lose business, traffic and revenue. If we
were required to pay any significant amount of money in satisfaction of claims under these or similar laws, or if we were forced to cease
our business operations for any length of time as a result of our inability to comply fully, our business, operating results and financial
condition could be adversely affected.
16
Cyber-attacks
and system vulnerabilities could lead to sustained service outages, data loss, reduced revenue, increased costs, liability claims, or
harm to our competitive position.
We
may experience targeted and organized malware, phishing, and account takeover attacks and other forms of attack such as ransomware, SQL
injection (where a third-party attempts to insert malicious code into its software through data entry fields in its websites in order
to gain control of the system) and attempts to use our websites as a platform to launch a denial-of-service attack on another party.
Our existing security measures may not be successful in preventing attacks on our systems. Our existing IT business continuity and disaster
recovery practices are less effective against certain types of attacks such as ransomware, which could result in our services being unavailable
for an extended period of time, nullify our data, expose our payment card and personal data, or expose the Company to an extortion attempt.
Reductions
in the availability and response time of our online services could cause loss of substantial business volumes during the occurrence of
a cyber-attack on our systems and measures we may take to divert suspect traffic in the event of such an attack could result in the diversion
of bona fide customers. These issues are more difficult to manage during any expansion of the number of places where we operate and the
variety of services we offer, and as the tools and techniques used in such attacks become more advanced. We use sophisticated technology
to identify cybersecurity threats; however, a cyberattack may go undetected for a period of time resulting in harm to our computer systems
and the loss of data. This could result in financial penalties being imposed by the regulators and reputational harm. Our insurance policies
have coverage limits and may not be adequate to reimburse us for all losses caused by security breaches. Successful attacks could result
in significant interruptions in our operations, severe damage to our information technology infrastructure, negative publicity, damage
our reputation, and prevent consumers from using our services during the attack, any of which could cause consumers to use the services
of our competitors, which would have a negative effect on the value of our brands, market share, business, and results of operations.
If
our systems cannot cope with the level of demand required to service our consumers and accommodations, we could experience unanticipated
disruptions in service, slower response times, decreased customer service and customer satisfaction, and delays in the introduction of
new services.
As
an online business, we are dependent on the Internet and maintaining connectivity between itself and consumers, sources of Internet traffic,
such as Google, and our travel service providers and restaurants. As consumers increasingly turn to mobile and other smart devices, we
also depend on consumers’ access to the Internet through mobile carriers and their systems. Disruptions in internet access, especially
if widespread or prolonged, could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations. While we maintain redundant systems
and hosting services, it is possible that we could experience an interruption in our business, and we do not carry business interruption
insurance sufficient to compensate us for all losses that may occur. We have computer hardware for operating our services located in
hosting facilities around the world. We do not have a comprehensive disaster recovery plan in every geographic region in which we conduct
business, and these systems and operations are vulnerable to damage or interruption from human error, misconduct, or catastrophic events.
In the event of any disruption of service at such facilities or the failure by such facilities to provide our required data communications
capacity, we may not be able to switch to back-up systems immediately and it could result in lengthy interruptions or delays in our services.
We have taken and continue to take steps to increase the reliability and redundancy of our systems. These steps are expensive, may reduce
our margins, and may not be successful in reducing the frequency or duration of unscheduled downtime.
Loss
or material modification of our credit card acceptance privileges could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating
results.
The
loss of our credit card acceptance privileges could significantly limit the availability and desirability of our products and services.
Moreover, if we fail to fully perform our contractual obligations, we could be obligated to reimburse credit card companies for refunded
payments that have been contested by the cardholders. In addition, even when we are in compliance with these obligations, we bear other
expenses including those related to the acceptance of fraudulent credit cards. As a result of all of these risks, credit card companies
may require us to set aside additional cash reserves, may increase the transaction fees they charge us, or may even refuse to renew our
acceptance privileges.
In
addition, credit card networks, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express, have adopted rules and regulations that apply to all merchants
who process and accept credit cards and include the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, or the PCI DSS. Under these rules,
we are required to adopt and implement internal controls over the use, storage and security of card data. We assess our compliance with
the PCI DSS rules on a periodic basis and makes necessary improvements to our internal controls. Failure to comply may subject us to
fines, penalties, damages and civil liability and could prevent us from processing or accepting credit cards. However, we cannot guarantee
that compliance with these rules will prevent illegal or improper use of our payment systems or the theft, loss or misuse of the credit
card data.
The
loss of, or the significant modification of, the terms under which we obtain credit card acceptance privileges could have a material
adverse effect on our business, revenue and operating results.
17
We
currently rely on a small number of third-party service providers to host and deliver a significant portion of our services, and any
interruptions or delays in services from these third parties could impair the delivery of our services and harm our business.
We
rely on third-party service providers for numerous products and services, including payment processing services, data center services,
web hosting services, insurance products for customers and travelers and some customer service functions. We rely on these companies
to provide uninterrupted services and to provide their services in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
We
use a combination of third-party data centers to host our websites and core services. We do not control the operation of any of the third-party
data center facilities we use. These facilities may be subject to break-ins, computer viruses, denial-of-service attacks, sabotage, acts
of vandalism and other misconduct. They are also vulnerable to damage or interruption from power loss, telecommunications failures, fires,
floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and similar events. We currently do not have a comprehensive disaster recovery plan in place
nor do our systems provide complete redundancy of data storage or processing. As a result, the occurrence of any of these events, a decision
by our third-party service providers to close their data center facilities without adequate notice or other unanticipated problems could
result in loss of data as well as a significant interruption in our services and harm to our reputation and brand.
If
our third-party service providers experience difficulties and are not able to provide services in a reliable and secure manner, if they
do not operate in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations and, with respect to payment and card processing companies,
if they are unable to effectively combat the use of fraudulent payments on our websites, our results of operations and financial positions
could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if such third-party service providers were to cease operations or face other
business disruption either temporarily or permanently, or otherwise face serious performance problems, we could suffer increased costs
and delays until we find or develop an equivalent replacement, any of which could have an adverse impact on our business and financial
performance.
If
we do not adequately protect our intellectual property, our ability to compete could be impaired.
Our
intellectual property includes the content of our websites, registered domain names, as well as registered and unregistered trademarks.
we believe that our intellectual property is an essential asset of our business and that our domain names and our technology infrastructure
currently give us a competitive advantage in the online market for travel. If we do not adequately protect our intellectual property,
our brand, reputation and perceived content value could be harmed, resulting in an impaired ability to compete effectively.
To
protect our intellectual property, we rely on a combination of copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret laws, contractual provisions
and our user policy and restrictions on disclosure. Upon discovery of potential infringement of our intellectual property, we promptly
take action we deem appropriate to protect our rights. We also enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and consultants
and seek to control access to and distribution of our proprietary information in a commercially prudent manner. The efforts we have taken
to protect our intellectual property may not be sufficient or effective, and, despite these precautions, it may be possible for other
parties to copy or otherwise obtain and use the content of our websites without authorization. We may be unable to prevent competitors
from acquiring domain names or trademarks that are similar to, infringe upon or diminish the value of our domain names, service marks
and our other proprietary rights. Even if we do detect violations and decide to enforce our intellectual property rights, litigation
may be necessary to enforce our rights, and any enforcement efforts we undertake could be time-consuming, expensive, distracting and
result in unfavorable outcomes. A failure to protect our intellectual property in a cost-effective and meaningful manner could have a
material adverse effect on our ability to compete.
Effective
trademark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which our offerings are available over the
Internet. In addition, the legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property
rights are uncertain and still evolving.
18
We
may be subject to claims that we violated intellectual property rights of others, which are extremely costly to defend and could require
us to pay significant damages and limit our ability to operate.
Companies
in the Internet and technology industries, and other patent and trademark holders seeking to profit from royalties in connection with
grants of licenses, own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and frequently enter into litigation based
on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. There may be intellectual property rights held by
others, including issued or pending patents and trademarks, that cover significant aspects of our technologies, content, branding or
business methods. Any intellectual property claims against us, regardless of merit, could be time-consuming and expensive to settle or
litigate and could divert management’s attention and other resources. These claims also could subject us to significant liability
for damages and could result in the Company having to stop using technology, content, branding or business methods found to be in violation
of another party’s rights. We might be required or may opt to seek a license for rights to intellectual property held by others,
which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If we cannot license or develop technology, content, branding
or business methods for any allegedly infringing aspect of our business, we may be unable to compete effectively. Even if a license is
available, we could be required to pay significant royalties, which could increase our operating expenses. We may also be required to
develop alternative non-infringing technology, content, branding or business methods, which could require significant effort and expense
and be inferior. Any of these results could harm our operating results.
If
the businesses and/or assets that we have acquired or invested in do not perform as expected or we are unable to effectively integrate
acquired businesses, our operating results and prospects could be harmed .
Our
future mergers and acquisitions, if any, will involve numerous risks, including the following:
●
difficulties
in integrating and managing the combined operations, technologies, technology platforms and products of the acquired companies and
realizing the anticipated economic, operational and other benefits in a timely manner, which could result in substantial costs and
delays or other operational, technical or financial problems;
●
legal
or regulatory challenges or post-acquisition litigation, which could result in significant costs or require changes to the businesses
or unwinding of the transaction;
●
failure
of the acquired company or assets to achieve anticipated revenue, earnings or cash flow;
●
diversion
of management’s attention or other resources from our existing business;
●
our
inability to maintain key distributors and business relationships, and the reputations of acquired businesses;
●
uncertainty
resulting from entering markets in which we have limited or no prior experience or in which competitors have stronger market positions;
●
our
dependence on unfamiliar affiliates and partners of acquired businesses;
●
unanticipated
costs associated with pursuing acquisitions;
●
liabilities
of acquired businesses, which may not be disclosed to us or which may exceed our estimates, including liabilities relating to non-compliance
with applicable laws and regulations, such as data protection and privacy controls;
●
difficulties
in assigning or transferring to us or our subsidiaries intellectual property licensed to companies we acquired;
●
potential
loss of key employees of the acquired companies;
●
difficulties
in complying with antitrust and other government regulations;
●
challenges
in integrating and auditing the financial statements of acquired companies that have not historically prepared financial statements
in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; and
●
potential
accounting charges to the extent intangibles recorded in connection with an acquisition, such as goodwill, trademarks, customer relationships
or intellectual property, are later determined to be impaired and written down in value.
Moreover,
we rely heavily on the representations and warranties provided to us by the sellers of acquired companies and assets, including as they
relate to creation, ownership and rights in intellectual property, existence of open-source software and compliance with laws and contractual
requirements. If any of these representations and warranties are inaccurate or breached, such inaccuracy or breach could result in costly
litigation and assessment of liability for which there may not be adequate recourse against such sellers, in part due to contractual
time limitations and limitations of liability.
19
Failure
to obtain adequate insurance coverage could put us at risk for uninsured losses.
Some
or all of our customers may require insurance as a requirement to conduct business with us. A lthough
we currently have product liability insurance, we may be unable to obtain or maintain adequate liability insurance on acceptable terms,
if at all, and there is a risk that our insurance will not provide adequate coverage against our potential losses. Additionally, there
are certain types of losses that may not be insurable at a cost that we can afford, and insurance may not be available at any cost with
respect to certain losses. Claims or losses in excess of any insurance coverage we may obtain, or the lack of insurance coverage, could
put us at risk of uninsured loss, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
We
are dependent on key personnel, and the loss of any of these individuals could harm our business.
We
depend on key industry and other personnel. The loss of any of these individuals could harm our business and significantly delay or prevent
the achievement of our business objectives. In addition, our delivery of services will be labor-intensive: when we are awarded a contract,
we may need to quickly hire project leaders and project management personnel. The additional staff may also create a concurrent demand
for increased administrative personnel. The success of our business will require that we attract, develop, motivate and retain:
●
experienced
and innovative executive officers;
●
senior
managers who have successfully managed or designed programs in the public sector; and
●
information
technology professionals who have designed or implemented complex information technology projects.
Innovative,
experienced and technically proficient individuals are in great demand and are likely to remain a limited resource. We may be unable
to continue to attract and retain desirable executive officers, senior managers, and technology professionals. Our inability to hire
sufficient personnel on a timely basis or the loss of significant numbers of executive officers and senior managers could adversely affect
our business.
Our
bylaws contain provisions for indemnifying our officers and directors.
Our
bylaws contain provisions with respect to the indemnification of our officers and directors against all costs, charges and expenses actually
and reasonably incurred by an officer or director paid to settle an action or satisfy a judgment in a civil, criminal or administrative
action or proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of being or having been one of our directors or officers. To the extent
that our directors’ and officers’ insurance policy does not provide reimbursement for such costs, charges, expenses and other
amounts, we may incur substantial expenses in satisfying our indemnification obligations.
Our
operating costs could be significantly higher than we expect, and this could reduce our future profitability.
In
addition to general economic conditions, market fluctuations and international risks, significant increases in operating, development
and implementation costs could adversely affect us due to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control.
20
Risks
Related to Our Securities
The
price of our securities is subject to volatility related or unrelated to our operations, which could result in substantial losses for
our stockholders.
Between
March 1, 2023 and February 29, 2024, the trading price of our common stock has ranged from a low of $2.42 to a high of $12.40 and could
be subject to wide fluctuations in the future in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include
those discussed previously in this “Risk Factors” section and others, such as:
●
delays
or failures in the commercialization of our current or future products and services;
●
quarterly
variations in our results of operations or those of our competitors;
●
changes
in our earnings estimates or recommendations by securities analysts or adverse publicity about us or our products or services;
●
announcements
by us or our competitors of new products and services, significant contracts, commercial relationships, acquisitions or capital commitments;
●
adverse
developments with respect to our intellectual property rights;
●
commencement
of litigation involving us or our competitors;
●
any
major changes in our Board of Directors or management;
●
market
conditions in our industry; and
●
general
economic conditions in the United States and abroad.
In
addition, the stock market, in general, may experience broad market fluctuations, which may adversely affect the market price or liquidity
of our securities.
We
could be subject to securities class action litigation.
Any
sudden decline in the market price of our securities could trigger securities class action lawsuits against us. If any of our stockholders
were to bring such a lawsuit against us, we could incur substantial costs defending the lawsuit and the time and attention of our management
would be diverted from our business and operations. We also could be subject to damages claims if we are found to be at fault in connection
with a decline in our market price of our securities.
Historically,
there has been a limited trading market in our common stock, and you may therefore have difficulty selling your securities at a price
that you determine is satisfactory.
Our
common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market. Historically, there has been a limited trading market for our common stock. There
is no assurance that our common stock will actively trade in the public market at or above a price that you consider acceptable. If an
active market for our common stock is not maintained, it may be difficult for you to sell your shares of common stock when you wish to
sell them or at a price that you consider satisfactory. An inactive trading market may also impair our ability to raise capital to continue
to fund operations by selling securities and may impair our ability to acquire other companies or technologies by using our securities
as consideration.
There
is no assurance that we will satisfy the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market.
On
August 17, 2023, the Company received a letter from Nasdaq notifying the Company that it no longer complied with Nasdaq Listing Rule
5550(b)(1), which requires companies listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market to maintain minimum stockholders’ equity of $2,500,000
(the “Minimum Stockholder Equity Requirement”), and did not meet the alternatives of market value of listed securities or
net income from continuing operations. On October 2, 2023, the Company submitted its plan to regain compliance to Nasdaq and requested
an extension to February 13, 2024 to regain compliance with the Minimum Stockholder Equity Requirement. On October 23, 2023, Nasdaq granted
the requested extension and provided the Company until February 13, 2024 to demonstrate compliance.
Nasdaq further informed the Company
that if the Company fails to show compliance upon filing its next periodic report with the SEC and Nasdaq, the Company may be subject
to delisting.
21
Since
submitting its plan to Nasdaq, the Company has completed the following transactions, which the Company believes has resulted in the Company
regaining compliance with the Minimum Stockholder Equity Requirement:
●
On
December 29, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding equity interests of NextTrip pursuant to a share exchange agreement by and among the Company, NextTrip and certain other parties (the “Acquisition”).
As consideration for the Acquisition, at closing the Company issued 156,007 restricted shares of its common stock, constituting 19.99%
of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock immediately prior to execution of the share exchange agreement, and agreed to
issue up to an aggregate of 5,843,993 shares as further consideration upon NextTrip’s achievement of certain milestones set
forth in the exchange agreement.
●
On
January 16, 2024, the Company completed the sale of certain assets, consisting primarily of patents, software code and other intellectual
property, to Divergent Technologies, Inc. for a purchase price of $1,626,242, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $1,533,563.
●
In
October 2023, the Company sold an aggregate of 128,887 shares of its common stock under its existing at-the-market agreement, resulting
in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $772,468.
An
unaudited condensed combined pro-forma balance sheet of the Company as of September 30, 2023, which presents the combination of the financial
information of the Company and NextTrip adjusted to give effect to completion of the Acquisition and the Asset Sale, is filed as Exhibit
99.3 of a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the SEC on January 10, 2024, and reflects total stockholders’ equity
of approximately $5.4 million.
On
February 12, 2024, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC disclosing that the Company believes it had regained compliance
with the Minimum Stockholder Equity Requirement based upon the specific transactions and events referenced above. Nasdaq will continue
to monitor the Company’s ongoing compliance with Minimum Stockholder Equity Requirement and, if at the time of its next periodic
report the Company does not show compliance, the Company may be subject to delisting.
On June 17, 2024, the Company received a notification
letter (the “Initial Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”)
advising the Company that it was not in compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1)
(the “Rule”) as a result of its failure to timely file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29,
2024 (the “Form 10-K”).
On July 17, 2024, the Company received an additional
notification letter (the “Additional Notice,” and together with the Initial Notice, the “Notices”) from Nasdaq
stating that, because the Company has not filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2024 (the “Form
10-Q”), and because the Company remains delinquent in filing the Form 10-K, the Company remains noncompliant with the Rule.
Neither of the Notices have an immediate effect on
the listing of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and, therefore, the Company’s listing remains fully
effective.
The Notices require the Company to either file the
delinquent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q with the Commission or submit a plan to regain compliance with the Rule by August 16, 2024. If Nasdaq
accepts the Company’s plan, then Nasdaq may grant an exception of up to 180 calendar days from the Form 10-K’s due date, or
until December 10, 2024, to regain compliance. If Nasdaq does not accept the Company’s plan, then the Company will have the opportunity
to appeal that decision to a Nasdaq Hearings Panel under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5815.
On August 16, 2024, the Company submitted a plan to Nasdaq regain compliance with the Rule, including the steps the
Company will take to promptly file the Form 10-Q and regain compliance. The Company has requested an extension until September 30, 2024.
There can be no assurance that the Company will regain compliance with the Rule, secure an exception until September 30, 2024 to regain
compliance, or maintain compliance with other Nasdaq listing requirements.
If
we fail to satisfy a Nasdaq requirement for continued listing, Nasdaq could provide notice that our common stock will become subject
to delisting. In such event, Nasdaq rules would permit us to appeal the decision to reject our proposed compliance plan or any delisting
determination to a Nasdaq Hearings Panel. If our securities are de-listed from The Nasdaq Capital Market, our stockholders could incur
material adverse consequences such as reduced liquidity for their securities and reduced market prices for their securities. Following
such de-listing, we could encounter increased difficulty in issuing additional securities at an attractive price, or at all, in order
to fund our operations. See also “ Nasdaq Compliance ” on page 6.
You
may experience additional dilution as a result of future equity offerings.
In
order to raise additional capital, we may sell additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable
for our common stock. The price per share at which we sell additional shares of our common stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable
into common stock, in future transactions may be lower than the price per share that you paid for our common stock.
We
have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds of our securities offerings and may not use them effectively.
We
intend to use our cash for the development of our products and services, and to pursue a possible strategic investment or other transaction.
Our management has broad discretion in the use of cash and will have the right to use our cash in ways that differ substantially from
our current plans. Management may spend our cash in ways that do not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our securities.
The failure by management to apply funds effectively could result in financial losses that could have a material and adverse effect on
our business and cause the market price of our securities to decline.
22
Our
outstanding warrants may result in further dilution to our stockholders.
Certain
of our outstanding warrants to purchase a total of up to approximately 486,165 shares of our common stock contain so-called full-ratchet
anti-dilution adjustments in the event we sell or issue shares of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price less
than the exercise price of such warrants, subject to certain exceptions. Of these warrants, warrants with an aggregate exercise price
of $956,015 also provide for a ratable increase in the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of the warrants in the event the exercise
price per share of the warrants is reduced. The anti-dilution adjustments of our outstanding warrants would be triggered by future issuances
of shares of our common stock at a price per share below the then-exercise price of such warrants, which adjustments would have a further
dilutive effect on our stockholders.
We
do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock, and your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation
in the market price of our securities.
We
currently intend to invest our future earnings, if any, to fund our growth and not to pay any cash dividends on our common stock. Since
we do not intend to pay dividends, your ability to receive a return on your investment will depend on any future appreciation in the
market price of our securities. There is no assurance that our securities will appreciate in price.
If
securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about us, or if they issue adverse or misleading opinions regarding
us or our securities, the market price of our securities and their trading volume could decline.
If
we do not obtain and maintain research coverage by securities and industry analysts, the market price for our securities may be adversely
affected. The market price of our securities also may decline if any analyst who covers us issues an adverse or erroneous opinion regarding
us, our business model, our intellectual property or our performance. If one or more analysts cease coverage of us or fail to regularly
publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause the market price of our securities and their
trading volume to decline and possibly adversely affect our ability to engage in future financings.
Sales
of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could cause our stock price to fall.
As
of February 29, 2024, we had 936,430 outstanding shares of common stock. Future sales of a large number of our shares or shares issuable
upon exercise of our outstanding warrants and stock options, or the perception that a large number of shares may be sold, could have
a material adverse effect on the trading price of our common stock.
We
will incur significant costs to ensure compliance with U.S. and Nasdaq reporting and corporate governance requirements.
We
incur significant costs associated with compliance with our SEC public company reporting requirements and with applicable U.S. and Nasdaq
corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. These rules and regulations may also
make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept
reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be
difficult for us to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our Board of Directors or as executive officers.
23
If
we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, the market price of our securities may be adversely affected.
As
a public reporting company, we are required to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting. Failure to
establish such internal control, or any failure of such internal control once established, could adversely impact our public disclosures
regarding our business, financial condition or results of operations. Any failure of our internal control over financial reporting could
also prevent us from maintaining accurate accounting records and discovering accounting errors and financial frauds.
Rules
adopted by the SEC pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 require annual assessment of our internal control over financial
reporting. The standards that must be met for management to assess the internal control over financial reporting as effective are complex,
and require significant documentation, testing and possible remediation to meet the detailed standards. We may encounter problems or
delays in completing activities necessary to make an assessment of our internal control over financial reporting. If we cannot assess
our internal control over financial reporting as effective, investor confidence and share value may be negatively impacted. In addition,
management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting may identify weaknesses and conditions that need to be addressed
in our internal control over financial reporting or other matters that may raise concerns for investors. Any actual or perceived weaknesses
and conditions that need to be addressed in our internal control over financial reporting (including those weaknesses identified in our
periodic reports), or disclosure of management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting may have an adverse
impact on the price of our securities.
Provisions
in our articles of incorporation and bylaws could discourage a takeover that stockholders may consider favorable and may lead to entrenchment
of management.
Our
articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could delay or prevent changes in control or changes in our management without
the consent of our Board of Directors. These provisions include the following:
●
a
classified Board of Directors with three-year staggered terms, which may delay the ability of stockholders to change the membership
of a majority of our Board of Directors;
●
no
cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates;
●
the
exclusive right of our Board of Directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the Board of Directors
or the resignation, death or removal of a director, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our Board of
Directors;
●
the
ability of our Board of Directors to alter our bylaws without obtaining stockholder approval;
●
the
required approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote at an election of directors to adopt, amend
or repeal our bylaws or repeal the provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws regarding the election and removal of directors;
●
a
prohibition on stockholder action by written consent, which forces stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting
of our stockholders;
●
the
requirement that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by the chairman of the Board of Directors, the chief executive
officer, the president (in the absence of a chief executive officer) or the Board of Directors, which may delay the ability of our
stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors; and
●
advance
notice procedures that stockholders must comply with in order to nominate candidates to our Board of Directors or to propose matters
to be acted upon at a stockholders’ meeting, which may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation
of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.
These
provisions could inhibit or prevent possible transactions that some stockholders may consider attractive.
24
We
could issue one or more additional series of shares of preferred stock with the effect of diluting existing stockholders and impairing
their voting and other rights.
Our
Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock and may determine the terms of future preferred
stock offerings without further action by our stockholders. If we issue preferred stock, it could affect your rights or reduce the value
of our outstanding common stock. In particular, specific rights granted to future holders of preferred stock may include voting rights,
preferences as to dividends and liquidation, conversion, and redemption rights, sinking fund provisions, and restrictions on our ability
to merge with or sell our assets to a third party. As of August 31, 2024, 63,494 shares of our preferred stock are outstanding, consisting
of 316 shares of Series E Preferred Stock, 33,000 shares of Series H Preferred Stock and 30,178 shares of Series I Preferred Stock. As
a result, there is a possible negative effect on the market price of our common shares resulting from the public sale or perceived sale
of common shares issuable upon conversion or exercise of these securities.
ITEM
1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
Not
applicable.
ITEM
1C. CYBERSECURITY.
Risk
management and strategy
Due
to the size of our company, we have not yet developed robust policies and processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material
risk from cybersecurity threats. We have implemented access controls with respect to our systems, which we monitor regularly and audit
annually. We currently rely heavily on products and services provided by third-party suppliers to operate certain critical business systems,
including without limitation, cloud-based infrastructure, encryption and authentication technology, email, and other functions. We rely
on third party providers and outsourced IT services to monitor and address cybersecurity related risks, including installing software
for threat protection and malware. Such third party providers are tasked with notifying management of any material risks or cybersecurity
concerns that they identify, which management then assesses and may bring to our board of directors to discuss if deemed necessary or
appropriate. Based on the results of our risk assessments, if deemed necessary or appropriate, we take steps to re-design, implement,
and maintain reasonable safeguards to minimize identified risks; reasonably address any identified gaps in existing safeguards; and regularly
monitor the effectiveness of our safeguards.
We
intend to work with outside counsel and third party service providers in the near term to further develop our expertise, processes and
procedures with respect to cybersecurity protection and our response plan.
To
date, we have not (to our knowledge) encountered cybersecurity challenges that have materially impaired our operations or financial standing.
For additional information regarding risks from cybersecurity threats, please refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in this Report.
Governance
Our
management team is primarily responsible for assessing and managing our strategic risk exposures, including material risks from cybersecurity
threats, with assistance from third-party service providers. Management oversees our cybersecurity process on a day-to-day basis, including
those described in “Risk Management and Strategy” above. Our Board of Directors does not have a standing risk management
committee, but rather administers this oversight function directly through the Board of Directors as a whole, as well as through standing
committees of the Board of Directors that will address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight.
ITEM
2. PROPERTIES.
We
lease approximately 350 square feet of space at 3900 Paseo del Sol, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507, for a monthly rent expense of approximately
$550. The lease expires on December 31, 2024, and is cancelable at any time upon 45 days written notice. We believe that our facilities
are suitable for our current needs.
ITEM
3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We
are not currently a party to any legal proceedings. However, we may become subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the
ordinary course of our business.
ITEM
4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not
Applicable.
25
PART
II
ITEM
5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Market
Information
Our
common stock trades on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “NTRP.”
Shareholders
As
of August 31, 2024, there were approximately 599 holders of record of our common stock based on information provided by our transfer agent.
A substantially greater number of holders of our common stock are “street name” or beneficial holders, whose shares are held
by banks, brokers, and other financial institutions.
Dividends
We
have not paid any dividends on our common stock to date and do not anticipate that we will pay dividends in the foreseeable future. Any
payment of cash dividends on our common stock in the future will be dependent upon the amount of funds legally available, our earnings,
if any, our financial condition, restrictive covenants under outstanding preferred stock, our anticipated capital requirements, and other
factors that our Board of Directors deem relevant. We have paid dividends on our preferred stock pursuant to an agreement with investors
and may do so in the future pursuant to future financing agreements, if any.
ITEM
6. [RESERVED]
ITEM
7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Business
Overview
NextTrip
is an innovative technology company that is building next generation solutions to power the travel industry. NextTrip through its subsidiaries,
provides travel technology solutions with sales originating in the United States, with a primary emphasis on accommodations, hotels,
flights, wellness, and all-inclusive travel packages. Its proprietary booking engine, branded as NXT2.0, provides travel distributors
access to a sizeable inventory. NextTrip’s NXT2.0 booking technology was built upon a platform acquired in June 2022, which previously
powered the Bookit.com business, a well-established online leisure travel agent generating over $400 million in annual sales as recently
as 2019 (pre-pandemic).
Since
2022, NextTrip has been focused on the holistic integration of the NXT2.0 technology platform, which will serve as a base for current
and future technology projects as well as proprietary system enhancements. Through this strategic offering, NextTrip will focus on key
areas of opportunity in the travel sector and drive enhanced booking conversion rates. NextTrip’s proprietary technology, when
combined with media, product offerings and customer service, provides a unique lane to serve mid- to luxury travelers.
The
spread of the COVID-19 virus globally beginning in January 2020, severely impacted NextTrip’s business. Beginning in March 2020,
many U.S. states and foreign countries began issuing “stay-at-home” orders and closed their borders to interstate and international
travel. Such restrictions on travel, together with other measures implemented by governments around the world, severely restricted the
level of economic activity around the world and had an unprecedented effect on the global travel industry. The public’s ability
to travel was severely curtailed through border closures, mandated travel restrictions and limited operations of hotels, airlines, and
additional voluntary or mandated closures of travel-related businesses from December 2019 through the beginning of 2022 (and beyond in
some jurisdictions). Measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented levels of temporary and permanent business
closures, cancellations and limited new travel bookings, having a severe negatively impacted on NextTrip’s business, financial
condition and results of operations.
26
Due
to the significant decrease in demand for the travel related services provided by NextTrip during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic,
NextTrip shifted its focus to developing and enhancing its program offerings. For example, it enhanced the functionality of its booking
engines, including developing a booking engine platform that allows customers to book packaged vacations and cruises along with a platform
to arrange and manage business travel.
Prior
to the reverse acquisition of Sigma, NextTrip Holdings, Inc. (“NextTrip”) was a wholly owned subsidiary of NextTrip
Group, LLC (“Group”), which in turn, was a wholly owned subsidiary of NextPlay Technologies, Inc.
(“NextPlay”). All of the business operations of Group were conducted through its subsidiaries. On January 25, 2023,
NextPlay and Group entered into an Amended and Restated Separation Agreement (“Separation Agreement”), Amended and
Restated Operating Agreement (“Operating Agreement”), and Exchange Agreement (“Exchange Agreement”),
together the Agreements (“Agreements”), whereby NextPlay transferred their interest in the travel business to Group.
Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, NextPlay exchanged 1,000,000 Membership Units of Group for 400,000 Preferred Units of Group,
with a value of $10 per unit. Prior to the exchange for Preferred Units, Group had a payable due to NextPlay of $17,295,873,
representing cash advances and payment of expenses by NextPlay on behalf of Group, while NextPlay had obligations to provide ongoing
support to NextTrip. Such liability was settled by the issuance of the Preferred Units and the waiver of all of NextPlay’s
ongoing support obligations except for a $1.5 million advance remaining under a promissory note and as such NextTrip recorded the
payable as contributed capital.
NextTrip
completed the reverse acquisition of Sigma on December 29, 2023. Sigma traded on Nasdaq as SASI which has had a name change to NextTrip,
Inc. and now trades as NTRP on Nasdaq.
As
per the acquisition with Sigma as noted above, the 400,000 Preferred shares will be exchanged for common shares in NextTrip, Inc. 13,001
Closing Shares were issued to NextPlay on December 29, 2023, and 486,999 Contingent Shares will be issued when and if the business milestones
are achieved.
NextTrip
has accounted for the reverse merger as NextTrip being the accounting acquirer and will report the financial results as such on a going
forward basis. The capital section reflected in the financial statements are that of NextTrip, Inc. and the operating results are that
of the accounting acquirer’s financials. All assets, liabilities and results of operations assumed in the transaction are the basis
of the financial information discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations,
as well as the financial statements of NextTrip included elsewhere in this Report.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported assets, liabilities, sales and expenses in the accompanying financial statements.
Critical accounting policies are those that require the most subjective and complex judgments, often employing the use of estimates about
the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. By their nature, changes in these assumptions and estimates could significantly
affect our financial position or results of operations. Significant accounting estimates that may materially change in the near future
are revenue recognition, impairment of long-lived assets, values of stock compensation awards and stock equivalents granted as offering
costs, and allowance for bad debts. Such critical accounting policies, including the assumptions and judgments underlying them, are disclosed
in Note 1 to the Financial Statements included in this Annual Report. However, we do not believe that there are any alternative methods
of accounting for our operations that would have a material effect on our financial statements.
The
critical accounting policies and estimates addressed below reflect our most significant judgements and estimates used in the preparation
of our financial statements.
Basis
of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
NextTrip’s
financial statements and related disclosures are prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for annual financial statements,
as applicable. The Financial Statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP.
The
financial statements of NextTrip have been prepared on a consolidated basis with those of its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
27
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated
financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from
those estimates. These differences could have a material effect on NextTrip’s future results of operations and financial position.
Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include the carrying amounts of intangible assets, depreciation and amortization.
Information
about key assumptions and estimation uncertainty that has a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts
of NextTrip’s assets and liabilities within the next financial year are referenced in the notes to the financial statements as
follows:
●
The
assessment of NextTrip’s ability to continue as a going concern;
●
The
measurement and useful life of intangible assets and property and equipment; and
●
Recoverability
of long-lived assets
Receivables
Trade
accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s
best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in its existing accounts receivable.
The
Company considers trade accounts receivable to be fully collectible; accordingly, no allowance for doubtful accounts is required. If
amounts become uncollectible, they will be charged to operations when that determination is made.
Trade
accounts receivable balances as of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, were $34,082 and $0, respectively.
Receivables
from NextPlay under the promissory note as described in NOTE 1 – Business Description and Going Concern were $2,567,665
and $1,933,908 respectively. Management has determined that, since NextPlay is in default under the terms of the promissory note, collectability
of the entire related party receivable as of February 29, 2024 is uncertain, and has therefore established an allowance for doubtful
accounts of $1,567,665. As of February 28, 2023, no allowance for doubtful accounts was established.
Intangible
Assets
NextTrip
measures separately acquired intangible assets at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. NextTrip recognizes internally
developed intangible assets when it has determined that the completion of such is technically feasible, and it has sufficient resources
to complete the development. Subsequent expenditures are capitalized when they increase the future economic benefits of the associated
asset. All other expenditures are recorded in profit or loss as incurred.
NextTrip
assesses whether the life of intangible assets is finite or indefinite. NextTrip reviews the amortization method and period of use of
its intangible assets at least annually. Changes in the expected useful life or period of consumption of future economic benefits associated
with the asset are accounted for prospectively by changing the amortization method or period as a change in accounting estimates in profit
or loss. NextTrip has assessed the useful life of its trademarks as indefinite.
The
estimated useful lives for NextTrip’s finite life intangible assets are as follows:
Category
Method
Estimated
useful life
Software
Straight
line
3
years
Software
licenses
Straight
line
0.5
- 4 years
Software
Development Costs
NextTrip
capitalizes internal software development costs subsequent to establishing technological feasibility of a software application in accordance
with guidelines established by “ASC 985-20-25” Accounting for the Costs of Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed,
requiring certain software development costs to be capitalized upon the establishment of technological feasibility. The establishment
of technological feasibility and the ongoing assessment of the recoverability of these costs require considerable judgment by management
with respect to certain external factors such as anticipated future revenue, estimated economic life, and changes in software and hardware
technologies. Amortization of the capitalized software development costs begins when the product is available for general release to
customers. Capitalized costs are amortized based on the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of the product.
28
Impairment
of Intangible Assets
In
accordance with ASC 350-30-65 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, NextTrip assesses the impairment of identifiable intangible
assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors it considers important,
which could trigger an impairment review include the following:
1.
Significant underperformance compared to historical or projected future operating results;
2.
Significant changes in the manner or use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business; and
3.
Significant negative industry or economic trends.
When
NextTrip determines that the carrying value of an intangible asset may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of
the above indicators of impairment and the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from projected undiscounted cash flows, NextTrip
records an impairment charge. NextTrip measures any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount
rate determined by management to be commensurate with the risk inherent to the current business model. Significant management judgment
is required in determining whether an indicator of impairment exists and in projecting cash flows. Intangible assets that have finite
useful lives are amortized over their useful lives.
Leases
NextTrip
adopted ASU 2016-02 (Topic ASC 842) Leases, which requires a lessee to recognize a lease asset and a leases liability for operating leases
arrangements greater than twelve months.
We
determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”)
assets, operating lease liabilities - current, and operating lease liabilities - noncurrent on the balance sheets. Finance leases are
included in property and equipment, other current liabilities, and other long-term liabilities in our balance sheets.
ROU
assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease
payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present
value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we generally use our incremental
borrowing rate based on the estimated rate of interest for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease payments at commencement
date. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include
options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments
is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Revenue
Recognition
NextTrip
recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 606 which involves identifying the contracts with customers, identifying performance obligations
in the contracts, determining transactions price, allocating transaction price to the performance obligation, and recognizing revenue
when the performance obligation is satisfied.
NextTrip
recognizes revenue when the customer has purchased the product, the occurrence of the earlier of date of travel or the date of cancellation
has expired, as satisfaction of the performance obligation, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably
assured. Revenue for customer travel packages purchased directly from NextTrip are recorded gross (the amount paid to NextTrip by the customer is shown as revenue and the cost of providing the respective travel package is recorded to cost of revenues).
NextTrip
generates revenues from sales directly to customers as well as through other distribution channels of tours and activities at destinations
throughout the world.
NextTrip
controls the specified travel product before it is transferred to the customer and is therefore a principal, including but not limited
to, the following:
●
NextTrip
is primarily responsible for fulling the promise to provide such travel product.
●
NextTrip
has inventory risk before the specified travel product has been transferred to a customer or after transfer of control to a customer.
●
NextTrip
has discretion in establishing the price for the specified travel product.
Payments
for tours or activities received in advance of services being rendered are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue at
the earlier of the date of travel or the last date of cancellation (i.e., the customer’s refund privileges lapse).
From
time to time, payments are made to suppliers in advance of customer bookings as required by hotels. These payments are recognized as
costs of goods at the earlier of the date of travel or the last date of cancellation.
29
Stock-Based
Compensation
We
measure the compensation costs of stock-based compensation arrangements based on the grant-date fair value and recognize the costs in
the financial statements over the period during which employees are required to provide services. Stock-based compensation arrangements
may include stock options, grants of shares of common stock with and without restrictions, performance-based awards, share appreciation
rights and employee share purchase plans. Stock-based compensation is measured on the date of grant at its fair value.
Equity
instruments issued to non-employees are recorded on the basis of the grant date fair value of the instruments. In general, the measurement
date is either (a) when a performance commitment, as defined, is reached or (b) the earlier of the date that (i) the non-employee performance
requirement is complete or (ii) the instruments are vested. The measured value related to the instruments is recognized over a period
based on the facts and circumstances of each particular grant.
The
grant date fair value of stock-based compensation and other equity instruments is calculated using the Black Scholes valuation model,
and requires estimates of several inputs to the model, including risk-free interest rates, dividends, and expected volatility of our
stock price.
Results
of Operations
Year
Ended February 29, 2024 Compared to the Year Ended February 28, 2023
Revenue
During
the year ended February 29, 2024, NextTrip recognized revenue of $458,752 as compared to $382,832 in the same period in 2023, an increase
of $75,920, or 19.8%. The increase was a result of the continued implementation of the company’s booking engine.
Cost
of Revenue
Cost
of revenue for the year ended February 29, 2024, was $397,532 as compared to $354,921 for the same period in 2023, an increase of $42,611,
or 12%. The increase was attributable to the increase in revenue in the year ended February 29, 2024, as compared to the same period
in 2023.
Operating
Expenses
Operating expenses totaled $5,740,577 for the year ended February 29, 2024,
versus $4,979,766 for the year ended February 28, 2023. The increase of $760,811, or 15.3% was due to an increase in professional service
fees of $806,076, an increase in depreciation and amortization of $761,524, an increase in other operating expenses of $91,838, stock
based compensation of $116,512, and organization costs of $25,000. Partially offsetting these increases were a decrease in salaries and
benefits of $519,809, a decrease in general and administrative expenses of $57,455, a decrease in sales and marketing expenses of $222,887,
and a decrease in technology expenses of $239,988.
Salaries
and Benefits
Salaries
& Stock based compensation expenses were $1,604,487 for the year ended February 29, 2024, as compared to $2,124,296 for the same
period in 2023. The decrease of $519,809 or 24.5% was the result of a reduction in the number of employees which was offset by the increase
in professional contracted staff.
Stock
Based Compensation
Stock
based compensation totaled $116,512 for the year ended February 29, 2024, versus $0 for the year ended February 28, 2023. The increase
was attributable to expense associated with the assumption of Sigma’s outstanding stock options upon completion of the reverse
merger transaction.
Loss
on Promissory Note Receivable .
The
loss of $1,567,665 on the promissory note receivable for the year ended February 29, 2024 is attributable to the establishment of a reserve
taken on the total outstanding balance due from NextPlay of $2,567,665. Management has determined that, since NextPlay is in default
under the terms of its promissory note, collectability of the entire related party receivable as of February 29, 2024 is uncertain. As
of February 28, 2023, no allowance for doubtful accounts was established.
General
and Administrative Expense
General
and administrative expense for the year ended February 29, 2024 was $152,106, versus $209,561, a decrease of $57,455. The decrease was
primarily attributable to a reduction in rent expense of $28,000 and a decrease in medical insurance premiums due to fewer employees
in fiscal 2024 as compared to fiscal 2023.
Sales
and Marketing Expense
Sales
and marketing expenses were $484,250 for the year ended February 29, 2024, as compared to $707,137 for the same period in 2023. The decrease
of $222,887 or 31.5% was primarily related to reduced marketing costs during the booking engine enhancement upgrade.
Professional
Service Fees
Professional
Service Fees were $1,421,508 for the year ended February 29, 2024, as compared to $615,432 for the same period in 2023. The increase
of $806,076 or 131% was the result of an increase in the number of professional contracted staff and an increase in legal costs associated
with various public company filings.
Technology
Technology
expenses for the year ended February 29, 2024 were $311,430, as compared to $551,418 for the year ended February 28, 2023. The
decrease of $239,988, or 43.5% was primarily attributable to a decrease in website maintenance and bug fixes of $137,258, a decrease
in software licensing expenses of $41,215 due to renegotiation of licensing agreements and adoption of more cost-effective
solutions, a decrease of $13,420 in cloud database and networking expenses related to optimization of our cloud infrastructure, and
a decrease in software hosting expenses of $83,109 due to consolidation of services. Partially offsetting these decreases was an
increase in dues and subscriptions of $7,888 in new services to support the Company’s operations, and an increase of $29,341
in expenses associated with maintenance and support of the Company’s technology infrastructure.
Organization
Costs
Organization
costs were $25,000 for the year ended February 29, 2024, as compared to $0 for 2023. The increase is attributable to compensation expense
for our directors subsequent to the reverse acquisition of Sigma on December 29, 2023.
Depreciation
and Amortization
Depreciation
and amortization expense for the year ended February 29, 2024, was $1,468,762 as compared to $707,238 for the same period in 2023, an
increase of $761,524 or 107.6%. The increase was primarily the result of amortization of software additions during the year as well as
amortizing certain software purchases, in particular the BookIt.com asset, over a shorter period due to its estimated useful life.
Other
Expenses
Other
expenses totaled $156,522 for the year ended February 29, 2024, as compared to $64,684 for the year ended February 28, 2023. The increase
of $91,838, or 142.0% was primarily due to an increase in D&O insurance premiums.
30
Other
Income (Expense)
Other
expense was $977,480 for the year ended February 29, 2024, as compared to other expense of $81,641 for the same period in 2023. The
increase of $895,839 was primarily due to the loss on the promissory note receivable of $1,567,665, partially offset by other income
in the amount of $486,633 of which $479,460 was due to the reversal of accrued expenses. Such reversal was offset by the allocation
of expenses to the appropriate expense accounts. Additionally, the gain on the extinguishment of liability in the amount of $166,889
resulted from the exchange of a consulting expense for the issuance of common shares.
The
net loss of $14,718 on the disposal of assets was due to a reduction in goodwill of $52,310, partially offset by a gain of $37,592
on the sale of assets to Divergent, and the decrease in interest expense of $23,251 was due
to the conversion of convertible notes to common shares on December 29, 2023.
Net
Loss From Continuing Operations
In
the year ended February 29, 2024, the net loss from continuing operations totaled $6,656,837 as compared to a net loss from
continuing operations of $5,033,496 for the year ended February 28, 2023. The operating loss component increased by $727,502 in
2024, and the other loss component increased by $895,839.
Net
Loss From Discontinued Operations
The
net loss from discontinued operations of $675,314 for the year ended February 29, 2024 consisted primarily of expenses incurred attributable
to the legacy business operations of Sigma, and were comprised of $528,930 in retention bonuses paid to former Sigma employees, salaries
and benefits of $28,475, severance of $62,500 and organization and other expenses of $60,415. Partially offsetting these expenses was
$5,006 in revenue related to a maintenance contract.
Net
Loss Applicable to Common Shareholders
The
net loss applicable to common shareholders totaled $7,339.276 for the year ended February 29, 2024, as compared to $5,033,496 for the
year ended February 28, 2023. Preferred dividends were $7,125 in 2024 and $0 in 2023.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Due
to uncertainties regarding our ability to meet our current and future operating and capital expenses, there is substantial doubt about
our ability to continue as a going concern for 12 months from the date of the filing of this Annual Report, and the report of our registered
independent public accounting firm on our financial statements as of and for the year ended February 29, 2024 included in Item 15 of
this Annual Report contains a going concern qualification.
As
of February 29, 2024, NextTrip had $323,805 in cash, an accumulated deficit of $24,151,139 and a working capital deficit of $245,005
compared to $282,475 in cash, an accumulated deficit of $16,811,863 and a working capital deficit of $2,310,654 as of February 28, 2023.
To
date, NextTrip has financed its operations primarily through revenue generated from operations, the issuance of convertible debt, advances from related parties,
and private placements of its securities.
On
March 15, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Company to enter into an unsecured promissory note for a line of
credit with Messrs. Monaco and Kerby, the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, respectively,
for the aggregate principal amount of $500,000. Under the terms of the note, advances under the line of credit may be made at the Company’s
request until May 31, 2024. The note bears an annual interest rate of 7.5% and matures on February 28, 2025, and may be prepaid by the
Company at any time prior to maturity without penalty. As of April 19, 2024, the full principal amount of the note had been advanced
to the Company and remains outstanding.
On
April 25, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Company to enter into a series of unsecured promissory notes with
certain related parties, including investors, directors, officers and employees, who shall individually provide funds for the aggregate
principal amount of $1,000,000. The notes bear an annual interest rate of 7.5% and shall mature one year from the date of each note’s
execution and may be prepaid by the Company at any time prior to maturity without penalty. As of July 10, 2024, the full principal amount
of $1,000,000 had been advanced to the Company and remains outstanding.
NextTrip
will need to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings or other means to support its on-going operations, increase market
penetration of its products, expand the marketing and development of its travel and technology driven products, provide capital expenditures
for additional equipment and development costs, payment obligations, and systems for managing the business including covering other operating
costs and maintaining compliance with NASDAQ listing requirements until planned revenue streams are fully implemented and begin to offset
the Company’s operating costs. The Company estimates that it will require a minimum of $5.5 million to continue operations for the next twelve months.
There
is no assurance as to the amount and availability of any required future financing or the terms thereof. Such financing, if in the form
of equity, may be highly dilutive to our existing stockholders and may otherwise include onerous terms. If in the form of debt, such
financing may include covenants and repayment obligations which may be difficult to meet and that could adversely affect our business
and operations. To the extent that funds are not available to us, we may be required to delay, limit, or terminate our business and operations
and lose our NASDAQ listing.
31
Net
Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net
cash used in operating activities from continuing operations during the year ended February 29, 2024, was $5,056,095 as compared to $3,792,600
during the same period in 2023, an increase of $1,263,495 or 33.3%.
During
the year ended February 29, 2024, the net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations was the result of a net loss
of $6,656,837, partially offset by changes in working capital of $1,400,025 and non-cash expenses of $3,000,767. The non-cash
expenses were primarily comprised of depreciation and amortization of $1,468,762 and the loss of $1,567,665 on the related party
receivable. Changes in working capital were driven by an increase in accounts receivable of $662,939, an increase in prepaid expenses of $281,506, an increase in security
deposits of $27,167, and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $531,367, partially offset by an increase in deferred
revenue of $102,954.
Net
cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations during the year ended February 29, 2024, was $675,314 as compared to $0
during the same period in 2023, and was related to wind down expenses associated with the legacy Sigma business.
As
a result, total net cash used in operating activities increased by $1,938,809 during the year ended February 29, 2024, to $5,731,409
as compared to $3,792,600 during the same period in 2023, an increase of 51.1%.
During
the year ended February 28, 2023, the net cash used in operating activities was the result of a net loss of $5,033,496, partially offset
by changes in working capital of $521,490 and non-cash expenses of $719,406, primarily related to depreciation and amortization. Changes in working
capital were driven by a decrease in accounts receivable of $5,503, a decrease in prepaid expenses of $48,796, an increase in accounts
payable and accrued expenses of $533,193, a decrease in deferred revenue of $46,855 and an increase in right of use asset in the amount
of $18,697.
Net
Cash Provided (Used) in Investing Activities
Net
cash provided by investing activities during the year ended February 29, 2024, was $980,936, which compares to net cash used by
investing activities of $4,290,930 during the same period of 2023, an increase of $5,271,865. The primary causes for the increase
resulted from the reverse acquisition of Sigma, which provided cash of $417,122, and the subsequent sale of Sigma’s legacy
assets to a third party, which generated an additional $1,589,241 in cash. Further contributing to the increase were decreases in
capitalized software development costs of $1,337,919 and a decrease in the related party promissory note of $1,933,908. These increases were partially offset by an increase in the purchases of equipment of
$6,325.
Net
Cash Provided by Financing Activities
NextTrip
raised $4,791,804 in net proceeds during the year ended February 29, 2024, consisting of $735,037 from the issuance of convertible
notes, $1,905,970 from the issuance of common shares, $1,603,500 from the issuance of preferred shares, and $547,277 from related
party advances. For the year ended February 28, 2023, the Company raised $8,134,955 in net proceeds consisting of advances to the
company by related parties of $4,901,452 and proceeds from the issuance of convertible notes of $3,233,503.
Inflation,
changing prices and rising interest rates have had no material effect on NextTrip’s continuing operations over our two most recent
fiscal years.
We
have no off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a) of Regulation S-K.
32
ITEM
7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not
applicable.
ITEM
8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
The
financial statements included in Item 15 are incorporated herein by reference.
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
Our
Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls
and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Disclosure
controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange
Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and
forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management,
including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, where appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
During
the periods covered by this Form 10-K, management identified a material weakness in disclosure controls and procedures related to a lack
of personnel with sufficient expertise in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Specifically, the Company did
not have individuals with extensive GAAP experience to adequately assess and apply GAAP requirements in the preparation and review of
financial disclosures. As a result of this material weakness, management has concluded that, as of February 29, 2024 the Company’s
disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.
Management’s
Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management
is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f).
Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Our management, with the participation of
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our control over financial reporting
based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
As
a result of this evaluation, management identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to a lack
of sufficient personnel with appropriate GAAP expertise. Specifically, due to the complexity and evolving nature of certain accounting
standards under GAAP, management determined that, as of February 29,2024, the Company did not have sufficient individuals with extensive
GAAP experience to adequately assess and apply these standards in a timely manner. As a result of this material weakness, management
has concluded that, as of February 29, 2024, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective.
This
Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered independent public accounting firm regarding internal
control over financial reporting, which is not required for smaller reporting companies.
Inherent
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures
or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well-designed
and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design
of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative
to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance
that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.
The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be
no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation
of the effectiveness of controls to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes
in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.
Changes
in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
As
discussed elsewhere in this Report, during the quarter ended February 29, 2024, the Company completed the reverse acquisition of NextTrip
and sold certain of the Company’s legacy Sigma assets to Divergent. Upon closing of the NextTrip Acquisition, NextTrip was treated
as the accounting acquirer of the Company, and as a result, at closing NextTrip’s internal controls became our internal controls.
On December 29, 2023, pursuant to the terms of the Share Exchange Agreement between the parties, the Chief Financial Officer of Sigma
was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of the combined company. In addition, Sigma’s auditor, Haynie and Company, was appointed
as auditor of the combined company.
In
addition to appointing a Chief Financial Officer with extensive GAAP experience as Chief Financial Officer of the combined company, management
has taken further steps since February 29, 2024, to remediate the material weakness discussed above by hiring additional personnel with
GAAP expertise, in particular the Company’s Controller, and engaging external consultants with subject matter expertise as necessary.
Management has also implemented several enhancements to its control over financial reporting, including, but not limited to, establishing
a monthly financial closing process, implementing account reconciliations, ensuring proper segregation of duties, and implementing new
financial control software. These remediation efforts were completed by the filing date of this Report.
As
a result of these enhancements, management believes that the consolidated financial statements included in this Report fairly present,
in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the Company as of and for the periods presented.
ITEM
9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM
9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not
applicable.
33
PART
III
ITEM
10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Executive
Officers
The
following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our executive officers as of August 31, 2024:
Name
Age
Position
William
Kerby
66
Chief
Executive Officer
Lyndsey
North
41
President
Frank
Orzechowski
64
Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and Corporate Secretary
William Kerby has served as our Chief
Executive Officer since December 29, 2023. Mr. Kerby has over two decades of experience in the travel and media industries, and approximately
a decade of experience in the financial industry. He acted as the architect of the NextTrip model, overseeing the development and operations
of the Travel, Real Estate and Television Media divisions of the company. From January 25, 2023 to December 29, 2023, Mr. Kerby was the
Chief Executive Officer of NextTrip Group, LLC. Mr. Kerby served as the Co-Chief Executive Officer of NextPlay Technologies, Inc. (formerly
Monaker Group, Inc.) from September 16, 2021 to January 25, 2023. From July 2008 to September 16, 2021, Mr. Kerby was the Chief Executive
Officer of Monaker Group, Inc. During that time, Mr. Kerby also served as Chief Executive Officer of NextPlay Media from 2009 through
2020 as well as being the CEO of the Company’s real estate holding Verus International, Inc., formerly Realbiz Media Group, Inc.,
from October 2012 until August 2015 and on the board of directors until April of 2016. From April 2002 to July 2008, Mr. Kerby served
as the Chief Executive Officer of various media and travel entities that ultimately became part of Extraordinary Vacations Group. Operations
included Cruise & Vacation Shoppes, Maupintour Extraordinary Vacations, Attaché Travel and the Travel Magazine - a TV series
of 160 travel shows. From February 1999 to April 2002, Mr. Kerby founded and managed Travelbyus, a publicly- traded company on the TSX
and Nasdaq Small Cap Market. The launch included an intellectually patented travel model that utilized technology-based marketing to promote
its travel services and products. Mr. Kerby negotiated the acquisition and financing of 21 companies encompassing multiple tour operators,
2,100 travel agencies, media that included print, television, outdoor billboard and wireless applications and leading-edge technology
in order to build and complete the Travelbyus model. The company had over 500 employees, gross revenues exceeding $3 billion and a market
cap of over $900 million. From June 1989 to January 1999, Mr. Kerby founded and grew Leisure Canada – a company that included the
Master Franchise for Thrifty Car Rental British Columbia, TravelPlus (a nationwide Travel Agency), Bluebird Holidays (an international
tour company with operations in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, France, South Africa and the South Pacific) and Canadian Traveler (a
travel magazine). Leisure Canada was acquired in May 1998 by Wilton Properties, a Canadian company developing hotel and resort properties
in Cuba. From October 1980 through June 1989, Mr. Kerby worked in the financial industry as an investment advisor. Mr. Kerby graduated
from York University with a Specialized Honors Economics degree.
Lyndsey
North has served as our President since July 2023. With more than 15 years of experience in leisure tour and travel technology,
Ms. North is responsible for all aspects of the NextTrip leisure, business and technology products including development of the World1
Metaverse. Prior to joining NextTrip, Ms. North led the Supplier Strategy & Investment division at Apple Leisure Group (ALG). Here
she lead global partnership marketing and strategic relationships across the ALG Vacations and VAX VacationAccess brands including Apple
Vacations, Funjet Vacations, United Vacations, Southwest Vacations, CheapCaribbean.com, and Travel Impressions. Ms. North joined the
team at The Mark Travel Corporation (TMTC) in 2003, and served in a variety of marketing and engagement capacities. Prior to the merger
with ALG, Ms. North was appointed to lead the Supplier Strategy & Investment efforts for all TMTC and Trisept Solutions brands in
2014. During her tenure with the company Ms. North was involved in the development of many new business relationships and was part of
the leadership team for both TMTC and Trisept Solutions. Ms. North holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Marquette University.
Frank
Orzechowski has served as our Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, principal accounting officer, principal financial officer,
and Corporate Secretary since July 1, 2019. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Orzechowski served as the Chief Financial Officer of StormHarbour
Partners LP, an independent global markets and financial advisory firm since September 2013. From May 2013 to August 2013, Mr. Orzechowski
served as a contract CFO for Etouches Inc., a cloud-based event management software company, to assist with financial matters in connection
with that company’s planned equity financing. Prior to that, he served as President and Owner/Operator of Four-O Technologies Inc.
from August 2009 to December 2012, where he successfully launched and guided operations for two Cartridge World franchise units in Connecticut.
From February 2006 to July 2009, Mr. Orzechowski served as President and Chief Financial Officer of Nikko Americas Holding Company Inc.,
where he was responsible for managing all of the support and infrastructure for that company’s U.S. business, as well as investment
manager selection and due diligence functions for its World Series Platform. Mr. Orzechowski began his career at Coopers & Lybrand
in 1982, received his CPA certification in 1984 and received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting
from Georgetown University in 1982.
34
Board
of Directors and Corporate Governance
The
following table sets forth the names, ages as of August 31, 2024, and certain other information regarding our directors:
Directors
Class
Age
Position
Director
Since
Current
Term
Expires
Donald
P. Monaco
I
71
Chairman
of the Board and Director
2023
2024
Jacob
Brunsberg
II
37
Director
2022
2025
Salvatore
Battinelli(1)
II
82
Director
2017
2025
Dennis
Duitch(1)
III
79
Director
2017
2026
Kent
Summers(1)
III
65
Director
2018
2026
(1)
Member of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Directors
Donald
P. Monaco has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors since December 29, 2023. Mr. Monaco has approximately three decades
of experience as an international information technology and business management consultant. Mr. Monaco is the founder and owner of Monaco
Air Duluth, LLC, a full service, fixed-base operator aviation services business at Duluth International Airport in Duluth, Minnesota,
serving airline, military, and general aviation customers since November 2005. Since January 2009, he has been appointed and reappointed
by Minnesota Governors to serve as a Commissioner of the Metropolitan Airports Commission in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, and currently
serves as Chairman of the Operations, Finance and Administration Committee. Mr. Monaco is also the President and Chairman of the Monaco
Air Foundation, Treasurer of Honor Flight Northland, Treasurer of the Duluth Aviation Institute, and a member of the Duluth Chamber of
Commerce Military Affairs Committee. Mr. Monaco previously worked as an international information technology and business management
consultant with Accenture in Chicago, Illinois for 28 years, and as a partner and senior executive for 18 of such years. From August
2011 to January 2023, Mr. Monaco served as a member of the board of directors of NextPlay (known as Monaker prior to June 2020), where
he served as chairman of the board of directors from August 2018 to June 2021 and as co-chairman of the board from June 2021 to December
2021. He previously served as a director at Republic Bank in Duluth, Minnesota from May 2015 until October 2019. He also served on the
Verus International, Inc., formerly RealBiz Media Group, Inc., board of directors from October 2012 until April 2016, serving as chairman
of the board from August 2015 to April 2016. Mr. Monaco holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science Engineering
from Northwestern University.
Our
Board of Directors believes that Mr. Monaco is qualified to serve as a member of our Board on the basis of his deep understanding of
information technology, early-stage business growth strategies, and business acquisitions, as well as his background and extensive company
management and leadership experience.
Jacob
Brunsberg was appointed to our Board of Directors on April 1, 2022. He was appointed Senior Vice-President of Product Management
and Strategic Relationships on September 20, 2021, on February 16, 2022, he was named President and Chief Operating Officer, and on April
1, 2022, he was named President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Brunsberg was a P&L leader for General
Electric’s Binder Jet Technology unit, with management responsibility for strategy, development, commercialization, and overall
business performance. From 2017 to 2019 he served as Sr. Managing Director of the Central Region, tasked with helping establish the US
sales infrastructure for post-acquisition integration of several additive manufacturing technology companies including Concept Laser,
Arcam and GEonX into the newly formed GE Additive business entity. Prior to GE, Mr. Brunsberg worked for the American Roller Company
in sales leadership and product marketing positions, responsible for the development and oversight of growth strategies, focused on advanced
welding, cladding, thermal spray, and powder metallurgy technologies across a number of industrial markets. Mr. Brunsberg holds a Bachelor
of Science degree in Material Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Our
Board of Directors believes that Mr. Brunsberg is qualified to serve as a member of the board because of his experience in leading early-stage
growth companies.
35
Salvatore
Battinelli was appointed to our Board of Directors on August 16, 2017. Mr. Battinelli is currently the President and Chief Executive
Officer of Bello e Preciso Co., a manufacturer and wholesaler of Italian-made fashion watches and has served in those roles since early
2017. Prior to joining Bello e Preciso Co., from 2011 to 2013, Mr. Battinelli served as Vice-President of Development and Long-Term Strategy
of North American Management Corporation, a wealth management firm based in Boston, Massachusetts with over $2 billion in assets under
management. From 1987 to 2011, Mr. Battinelli served as Executive Vice-President and acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating
Officer of Faneuil Hall Associates, Inc., a concierge boutique family office devoted to five interrelated ultra-high net-worth families.
Mr. Battinelli’s primary responsibilities while at Faneuil Hall Associates included providing planning and investment advice, the
management of approximately 30 asset portfolios and more than 65 individual business entities; and assisting the families in their various
business ventures worldwide while working closely with law, accounting and banking functions. During his tenure at Faneuil Hall Associates,
Mr. Battinelli served as an executive officer or director for certain of the family-owned entities and successfully managed several portfolio
company IPOs, as well as serving as CEO and COO for Designhouse International, a Scandinavian furniture company operating out of Atlanta,
Georgia, which was previously listed on NASDAQ in 1983.
From
1970 to 1974, Mr. Battinelli served as Audit Manager for Deloitte & Touche (formally Touche Ross), where he specialized in management
information systems. From 2002 to 2011, Mr. Battinelli also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of HealthLink Europe, BV,
a logistics and services company that serves the healthcare industry. Mr. Battinelli is a Certified Public Accountant and received a
BS in accounting and an MBA with an emphasis in international economics and accounting, both from Babson College.
Our
Board of Directors believes that Mr. Battinelli is qualified to serve as a member of the board on the basis of his deep understanding
of business acquisitions and sales, as well as his background and extensive company management and integration experience.
Dennis
Duitch was appointed to our Board of Directors on August 8, 2017. Mr. Duitch has served as Managing Director of Duitch Consulting
Group, a private consulting company, since 2003. Prior to that time, he practiced public accounting, business management, mediation and
consultancy nationally, with expertise in strategic and operations management, finance, accounting, strategic planning and business operations
for a wide spectrum of companies, including technology, manufacturing and distribution, marketing, real estate, entertainment, and professional
practices. He has served in executive officer roles and as a director of public and private companies, not-for-profit organizations,
including as Vice-Chairman for Accountants Global Network, and as a top-level advisor for public companies, closely held businesses,
families and high-wealth individuals for over thirty years.
Mr.
Duitch began his career with the international CPA firm Grant Thornton in its Chicago, San Francisco and Beverly Hills offices before
founding Duitch & Franklin LLP, which evolved to become one of Southern California’s largest independent CPA/Business Management/Consultancy
practices, and which was acquired by a public company in 1998. He subsequently served as President for a consumer products company with
direct responsibility for marketing, retail, and fulfillment operations, until forming Duitch Consulting Group in 2003 to serve clients
in advisory, C-level, and board of director roles.
Mr.
Duitch is a Certified Family Business and Estate Advisor, and mediator for matters including partner/shareholder agreements and disputes,
business and marital property dissolution, and dysfunctional executive teams and boards of directors. He has lectured extensively in
management, financial and accounting areas for the California CPA Foundation, business and professional groups, has instructed at several
colleges and universities, and has authored technical articles in management and taxation for regional and national publications.
Mr.
Duitch earned a B.B.A degree in Accounting from the University of Iowa and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Northwestern
University.
Our
Board of Directors believes that Mr. Duitch is qualified to serve as a member of the board because of his extensive public accounting
experience, which will assist the Board and the Audit Committee in addressing the numerous accounting-related issues, regulations and
SEC reporting requirements to which we are subject, as well as his expertise in business management, finance and strategic planning.
36
Kent
Summers was appointed to our Board of Directors on January 18, 2018. Mr. Summers was also appointed to serve as a member of the
Company’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Mr.
Summers currently divides his time among a number of independent activities which focus on early-stage technology company formation and
development strategies, and sales planning and execution needs for emerging- and mid-market technology companies located primarily in
the Boston metropolitan area, including: management consultant to private and family-owned businesses; volunteer Mentor and Instructor
with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Venture Mentoring Services program; regular lectures on enterprise, business-to-business
sales to company founders and students enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management, the Harvard
MBA Program, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a number of domestic and international entrepreneurship support
organizations; and consultant to Fellows enrolled in the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative. Mr. Summers has served in those roles
at various times from 2003 to the present. From 2009 to the present, Mr. Summers has served as the non-executive Chairman of CADNexus,
Inc., and from 2017 to the present, as a director and Chairman of the Compensation Committee with iQ3 Connect, Inc. Mr. Summers also
currently serves as Chairman, Board of Managers, Massachusetts Materials Technologies LLC.
From
2005 to 2017, Mr. Summers served as Managing Partner at Practical Computer Applications, Inc., a Boston-based database consulting and
engineering services firm, where he was responsible for sales planning and execution activities. Prior to Practical Computer Applications,
from 2001 to 2005, Mr. Summers provided independent merger & acquisition advisory services to support the sale of privately-owned
companies. Over a prior 14-year period, Mr. Summers served in leadership roles at several software and internet start-ups, including:
Chairman and CEO of Collego Corporation (acquired by MRO Software), founder and CEO of MyHelpDesk, Inc. (acquired by Support.com), founder
of PCMovingVan.com (acquired by a PE firm), and Vice President of Marketing at Electronic Book Technologies, Inc. (acquired by INSO Corporation,
formerly listed on Nasdaq).
Prior
to the software industry, Mr. Summers served as Technology Analyst at Electronic Joint Venture Partners LLC and Associate Program Trader
on the Options Trading Desk at Bear Stearns & Co. In 1986, Mr. Summers received a BA in English from the University of Houston.
Our
Board of Directors believes that Mr. Summers is qualified to serve as a member of our Board on the basis of his deep understanding of
early-stage business growth strategies, enterprise sales, business acquisitions, as well as his background and extensive company management
and leadership experience.
Director
Independence
Our
Board of Directors currently consists of five members. As a result of his previous service as our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Brunsberg
is not considered an independent director. As a result of Mr. Monaco’s previous affiliation with NextTrip, Mr. Monaco is not considered
an independent director. Our Board of Directors has determined that our other directors, Salvatore Battinelli, Dennis Duitch and Kent
Summers, constituting a majority of our directors, are “independent” as that term is defined under Rule 5605(a)(2) of the
Nasdaq marketplace rules. Pursuant to Nasdaq rules, our board must consist of a majority of independent directors.
The
Nasdaq independence definition includes a series of objective tests, including that the director is not, and has not been for at least
three years, one of our employees and that neither the director nor any of his family members has engaged in various types of business
dealings with us. In addition, as required by Nasdaq rules, our Board of Directors has made a subjective determination as to Messrs.
Battinelli, Duitch and Summers, our independent directors, that no relationships exist, which, in the opinion of our Board of Directors,
would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In making these determinations,
our Board of Directors reviewed and discussed information provided by the directors and us with regard to each director’s business
and personal activities and relationships as they may relate to us and our management. There are no family relationships among any of
our directors or executive officers.
37
Classified
Board of Directors
In
accordance with our amended and restated bylaws, our Board of Directors is divided into three classes with staggered, three-year terms.
At each annual meeting of stockholders, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will be elected to serve from the time of
election and qualification until the third annual meeting following election. Our directors are classified as follows:
●
the
Class I director is Don Monaco, with a term expiring at our 2024 annual meeting of stockholders;
●
the
Class II directors are Salvatore Battinelli and Jacob Brunsberg, with terms expiring at our 2025 annual meeting of stockholders;
and
●
the
Class III directors are Dennis Duitch and Kent Summers, with terms expiring at our 2026 annual meeting of stockholders.
Our
amended and restated bylaws provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed by resolution of the Board of Directors. Any
additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as
nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. The division of our Board of Directors into three classes
with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change in control of our Company.
Leadership
Structure of the Board
Any
director or our Board of Directors as a whole may be removed with or without cause at any meeting of stockholders by the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of our outstanding voting stock entitled to vote in the election of directors. Our amended
and restated bylaws provide our Board of Directors with flexibility in its discretion to combine or separate the positions of Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Our Board of Directors believes it is important to select the Company’s Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer in the manner it considers in the best interests of the Company at any given time. Our Board of Directors believes
that the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions may be filled by one individual or by two different individuals, as determined
by our Board of Directors based on circumstances then in existence.
On
April 1, 2022, our Board of Directors appointed Mr. Ruport as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Ruport resigned as chairman on December 29,
2023, pursuant to the Share Exchange agreement between NextTrip and Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. and Donald P. Monaco was appointed
to replace Mr. Ruport as Chairman of the Board concurrently therewith.
The
Chairman of the Board presides at all meetings of our Board of Directors and exercises and performs such other powers and duties as may
be assigned to him from time to time by the Board or prescribed by our amended and restated bylaws. The Chairman of the Board is appointed
by our Board of Directors on an annual basis.
Our
Board of Directors has no established policy on whether it should be led by a Chairman who is also the Chief Executive Officer, and has
in the past combined the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Our Board currently is committed to the separated roles given
the circumstances of our Company. However, our Board of Directors continually evaluates our leadership structure and could, in the future,
decide to combine the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions if it believes that doing so would serve the best interests of our
Company and our stockholders.
Board
Meetings and Committees
During
our fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, the Board of Directors held 25 meetings, and each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate
of (i) the total number of meetings of our Board of Directors held during the period he was a director and (ii) the total number of meetings
held by all committees of our Board of Directors on which he served during the periods that he served.
Although
we do not have a formal policy regarding attendance by members of our Board of Directors at annual meetings of stockholders, we encourage,
but do not require, our directors to attend. Each of our then current directors attended our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Our
Board of Directors has established three standing committees-audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance, each of which
operates under a written charter that has been approved by our Board of Directors. Each committee charter has been posted on the Investors
section of our website at www.sigmaadditive.com. The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference
of the information contained at or available through our website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this Annual Report.
38
Audit
Committee
The
Audit Committee’s responsibilities include:
●
appointing,
approving the compensation of, and assessing the independence of our registered public accounting firm;
●
overseeing
the work of our registered public accounting firm, including through the receipt and consideration of reports from such firm;
●
reviewing
and discussing with management and the registered public accounting firm our annual and quarterly financial statements and related
disclosures;
●
monitoring
our internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures;
●
establishing
procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of accounting related complaints and concerns;
●
meeting
independently with our registered public accounting firm and management;
●
reviewing
and approving or ratifying any related person transactions; and
●
preparing
the Audit Committee report required by SEC rules.
The
members of our Audit Committee are Messrs. Duitch, Battinelli and Summers, and Mr. Duitch serves as the chairperson of the committee.
Our Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Duitch, Battinelli and Summers is an independent director under the applicable
Nasdaq rules and under SEC Rule 10A-3. All members of our Audit Committee meet the requirements for financial literacy under the applicable
rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. Our Board of Directors has determined that each member of our Audit Committee is an “audit
committee financial expert” as defined by applicable SEC rules and has the requisite financial sophistication as defined under
the applicable Nasdaq rules and regulations. The Audit Committee met four times during 2023.
Compensation
Committee
The
Compensation Committee’s responsibilities include:
●
annually
reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives applicable to CEO compensation;
●
determining
our CEO’s compensation;
●
reviewing
and approving, or making recommendations to our Board of Directors with respect to the compensation of our other executive officers;
●
overseeing
an evaluation of our senior executives;
●
overseeing
and administering our equity incentive plans;
●
reviewing
and making recommendations to our Board of Directors with respect to director compensation; and
●
reviewing
and discussing annually with management our “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” when it is required by SEC rules to
be included in our Proxy Statements.
The
members of our Compensation Committee are Messrs. Duitch, Battinelli and Summers, and Mr. Battinelli serves as the chairperson of the
committee. Our Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Duitch, Battinelli and Summers is independent under the applicable
Nasdaq rules and regulations and is a “non-employee director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
39
Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee
The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s responsibilities include:
●
identifying
individuals qualified to become board members;
●
recommending
to our board the persons to be nominated for election as directors and to each of the board’s committees; and
●
overseeing
an annual evaluation of the board.
The
members of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Messrs. Duitch, Battinelli and Summers, and Mr. Duitch serves as the
chairperson of the committee. Our Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Duitch, Battinelli and Summers is independent
under the applicable Nasdaq rules and regulations.
Code
of Ethics and Business Conduct
The
Company has a code of ethics that applies to all employees, including the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial
officer, and principal accounting officer, as well as to the members of the Board of Directors. The code is available on our website
at www.sigmaadditive.com. The Company intends to disclose any changes in, or waivers from, this code by posting such information on the
same website or by filing a Form 8-K, in each case to the extent such disclosure is required by rules of the SEC or Nasdaq. The reference
to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at or available through our website,
and you should not consider it to be a part of this Annual Report.
Considerations
in Evaluating Director Nominees
Our
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee uses a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating director nominees. In its evaluation
of director candidates, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider the current size and composition of our Board
of Directors and the needs of our Board of Directors and the respective committees of our Board of Directors. Some of the qualifications
that our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers include, without limitation, issues of character, integrity, judgment,
diversity of experience, independence, area of expertise, corporate experience, length of service, potential conflicts of interest and
other commitments. Nominees must also have the ability to offer advice and guidance to our Chief Executive Officer based on past experience
in positions with a high degree of responsibility and be leaders in the companies or institutions with which they are affiliated. Director
candidates must have sufficient time available in the judgment of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to perform all board
of director and committee responsibilities. Members of our Board of Directors are expected to prepare for, attend, and participate in
all board of director and applicable committee meetings. Other than the foregoing, there are no stated minimum criteria for director
nominees, although our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may also consider such other factors as it may deem, from time to
time, are in our and our stockholders’ best interests.
Although
our Board of Directors does not maintain a specific policy with respect to board diversity, our Board of Directors believes that our
Board of Directors should be a diverse body, and our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers a broad range of backgrounds
and experiences. In making determinations regarding nominations of directors, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may take
into account the benefits of diverse viewpoints. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also will consider these and other
factors as it oversees the annual Board of Director and committee evaluations. After completing its review and evaluation of director
candidates, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommends to our full Board of Directors the director nominees for selection.
Stockholder
Recommendations for Nominations to the Board of Directors
Our
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider candidates for director recommended by stockholders so long as such recommending
stockholder was a stockholder of record both at the time of giving notice and at the time of the annual meeting, and such recommendations
comply with our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and applicable laws, rules and regulations,
including those promulgated by the SEC. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate such recommendations in accordance
with its charter, our amended and restated bylaws, our policies and procedures for director candidates, as well as the regular director
nominee criteria described above. This process is designed to ensure that our Board of Directors includes members with diverse backgrounds,
skills and experience, including appropriate financial and other expertise relevant to our business. Eligible stockholders wishing to
recommend a candidate for nomination should contact the Secretary in writing. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has discretion
to decide which individuals to recommend for nomination as directors.
Any
nomination should be sent in writing to our Corporate Secretary at NextTrip, Inc., 3900 Paseo del Sol, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507.
40
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 specific strategic planning and review sessions during the
year that include a focused discussion and analysis of the risks we face. Throughout the year, senior management reviews these risks
with the Board of Directors at regular board meetings as part of management presentations that focus on particular business functions,
operations or strategies, and presents the steps taken by management to mitigate or eliminate such risks. Our Board of Directors does
not have a standing risk management committee, but rather administers this oversight function directly through the Board of Directors
as a whole, as well as through standing committees of the Board of Directors that will address risks inherent in their respective areas
of oversight. In particular, our Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing our major financial risk exposures and the steps our management
has taken to monitor and control these exposures. The Audit Committee also monitors compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
and considers and approves or disapproves any related-person transactions. Our Nominating and Governance Committee monitors the effectiveness
of our corporate governance guidelines that we may adopt or amend from time to time. Our Compensation Committee assesses and monitors
whether any of our compensation policies and programs has the potential to encourage excessive risk-taking by our management.
Delinquent
Section 16(a) Reports
Section
16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered
class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Executive officers,
directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms
they file.
The
Company believes that during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, its executive officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders
timely filed all reports under Section 16(a).
ITEM
11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Processes
and Procedures for Compensation Decisions
Our
Compensation Committee is responsible for the executive compensation programs for our executive officers and reports to our Board of
Directors on its discussions, decisions and other actions. Typically, our Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to our Compensation
Committee and is involved in the determination of compensation for the respective executive officers that report to him. Our Chief Executive
Officer does not determine his own compensation. Our Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to our Compensation Committee regarding
short- and long-term compensation for all executive officers based on our results, an individual executive officer’s contribution
toward these results and performance toward individual goal achievement. Our Compensation Committee then reviews the recommendations
and other data and makes decisions (or makes recommendations to the Board) as to total compensation for each executive officer as well
as each individual compensation component.
The
following table sets forth compensation for services rendered in all capacities to the Company: (i) for each person who served as the
Company’s Chief Executive Officer at any time during the past fiscal year, and (ii) for our two most highly compensated executive
officers, other than our Chief Executive Officer, who were employed with the Company on February 29, 2024 (the foregoing executives are
herein collectively referred to as the “named executive officers”).
41
Summary
Compensation Table
Name
and Principal Position
Fiscal
Year
Salary
($)
(1)
Bonus
($)
(1)
Stock
Awards
($)
Option
Awards
($)
(2)
All
Other Compensation
($)
(1)
Total
($)
Bill
Kerby – Chief Executive Officer
2024
400,000
-
-
-
42,000 (5)
441,995
2023
400,000
-
-
-
17,500 (6)
417,500
Jacob
Brunsberg – Former President and Chief Executive Officer and Current Director
2024
214,333
-
-
-
267,011 (7)
481,344
2023
250,000
-
-
477,861 (3)
-
727,861
Frank
Orzechowski - Chief Financial Officer
2024
200,000
-
-
-
109,073 (8)
309,073
2023
200,000
-
-
260,976 (4)
-
460,976
Lyndsey
North, President
2024
200,000
-
-
-
-
200,000
2023
151,995
-
-
-
-
151,995
(1)
Actual
amounts paid or accrued.
(2)
Includes
option awards and stock appreciation rights awards. Stock appreciation rights awards are only payable in cash. As such, no shares
of common stock were reserved in connection with the awards since no shares will be issued pursuant to exercise. The Fair Value of
option and SARs awards are calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The amount recognized for all awards is calculated using
the Black Scholes pricing model. No options or SARs were awarded during the twelve months ended February 29, 2024.
(3)
On
July 1, 2022, we granted Mr. Brunsberg: (i) an option to purchase up to 2,490 shares of common stock, with an exercise price of $50.00,
and a grant date fair value of $46,367; (ii) an option to purchase up to 760 shares of common stock, with an exercise price of $50.00,
and a grant date fair value of $14,152; (iii) 9,747 SARs, with an exercise price of $50.00 and a grant date fair value of $181,503;
and (iv) 9,098 SARs in connection with his employment retention agreement. The SARs have an exercise price of $26.00 and had a grant
date fair value of $187,530. On January 26, 2023, we granted Mr. Brunsberg an option to purchase up to 5,457 shares of common stock,
with an exercise price of $11.60 and a grant date fair value of $48,295. In connection with Mr. Brunsberg’s resignation from
the Company, on February 29, 2024, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved (i) the accelerated vesting of all
unvested options and SARs as of his resignation of December 29, 2023; and (ii) such options and SARs be and remain outstanding and
exercisable for the full duration of the options. Notwithstanding the forgoing, as of February 29, 2024, all of Mr. Brunsberg’s
vested options to purchase shares of our common stock were subject to an exercisability waiver until such time as we received shareholder
approval to increase our authorized common shares from 1,200,000 to 250,000,000 shares. Such approval was obtained at a special meeting
of stockholders on March 8, 2024.
(4)
On
July 1, 2022, we granted Mr. Orzechowski: (i) an option to purchase up to 797 shares of our common stock under our 2013 Equity Incentive
Plan in connection with his employment arrangement. The option has an exercise price of $50.00 and vests as follows: 25% on the date
of the grant, and the remaining 75% in equal monthly installments over the subsequent thirty-six months. As of February 29,2024,
521 shares were vested. The option had a grant date fair value of $14,841; (ii) an option to purchase up to 2,609 shares of our common
stock with an exercise price of $50.00 and vests as follows: 25% on the date of the grant, and the remaining 75% in equal monthly
installments over the subsequent thirty-six months. As of February 29, 2024, 1,691 shares were fully vested. The option had a grant
date fair value of $48,583; (iii) 3,474 SARs with an exercise price of $50.00 and vests as follows: 25% on the date of the grant,
and the remaining 75% in equal monthly installments over the subsequent thirty-six months. As of February 29, 2024, 2,249 SARs were
fully vested and exercisable. The SARs had a grant date fair value of $64,691; and (iv) 4,852 SARs in connection with his employment
retention agreement. The SARs have an exercise price of $26.00 and will vest and become exercisable on March 15, 2025 if Mr. Orzechowski
remains an employee of the Company on that date. The SARs had a grant date fair value of $100,017. On January 26, 2023, we granted
Mr. Orzechowski an option to purchase up to 3,711 shares of common stock. The option has an exercise price of $11.60 and vests as
follows: 50% on the date of the grant, and the remaining 50% in equal monthly installments over the subsequent 23 months. As of February
29, 2024, 2,909 shares were fully vested. The option had a grant date fair value of $32,843. As of February 29, 2024, all of Mr.
Orzechowski’s vested options to purchase shares of our common stock were subject to an exercisability waiver until such time
as we received shareholder approval to increase our authorized common shares from 1,200,000 to 250,000,000 shares. Such approval
was obtained at a special meeting of stockholders on March 8, 2024.
(5)
In
fiscal year 2024, we paid Mr. Kerby $24,000 in connection with various personal financial guarantees, and a personal car allowance
of $18,000 pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement.
(6)
In
fiscal year 2023, we paid Mr. Kerby $10,000 in connection with various personal financial guarantees, and a personal car allowance
of $7,500 pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement.
(7)
In
fiscal year 2024, we paid Mr. Brunsberg a retention bonus of $204,511 and severance of $62,500 in connection with his resignation
from the Company pursuant to the terms of his Retention and Separation Agreement. In addition, Mr. Brunsberg is entitled to receive
an award of 31,250 shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, or a stock option to Purchase up to 31,250 shares of the
Company’s common stock as determined by the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan Administrator. Such award has not been granted as of
February 29, 2024.
(8)
In
fiscal year 2024, we paid Mr. Orzechowski a retention bonus of $109,073 pursuant to the terms of his Retention Bonus and Separation
Agreement.
42
Named
Executive Officer Employment Agreements
William
Kerby
In
connection with this appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Company on December 29, 2023, the Company and Mr. Kerby entered into an
employment letter agreement, dated as of December 29, 2023. Under the employment agreement, Mr. Kerby will be entitled to receive an
annual base salary of $400,000, which is subject to increase (but not decrease) in the discretion of the Compensation Committee of our
Board of Directors based on an annual or special case assessments of his performance and other factors. At the discretion of our Board
of Directors, Mr. Kerby will also be eligible to earn a discretionary, annual fiscal end-of-year incentive bonus in an amount of up to
100% of his base annual salary. The exact amount of the incentive bonus will be dependent on the achievement of Company milestones and
profitability, and such other milestones as the Board deems appropriate. Mr. Kerby will have the option of receiving some or all of his
base annual salary and any incentive bonus in cash or in shares of our common stock valued for this purpose as set forth in his employment
agreement and will be eligible to receive equity compensation at the discretion and in an amount to be determined by our Board of Directors.
During
his employment, Mr. Kerby will be entitled to an automobile allowance of $1,500 per month and to receive all benefits under any and all
deferred compensation plans, retirement plans, life, disability, health, accident and other insurance programs, and similar employee
benefit plans and programs, sick leave and vacation time that the Company elects, in its sole discretion, to provide from time to time
to its executive officers, and to earn four weeks of paid time off in accordance with the Company’s PTO policy.
Mr.
Kerby has entered into various personal guarantees with the Airline Reporting Commission, sellers of travel, merchant providers, financial
institutions, associations and service providers for the benefit of NextTrip, in consideration of which the Company agrees in his employment
agreement to pay him a $2,000 per month guarantee fee for so long as the employment agreement and the guarantees remain in place. In
the event Mr. Kerby resigns for “Good Reason” (as defined in the employment agreement), or his employment is terminated by
the Company for any reason, the Company will immediately eliminate any and all guarantees failing which, for each month the guarantees
remain in place, the monthly guarantee fee will rise to $10,000 per month after 30 days in the event the Company is unable to assume
the guarantees during such 30-day period.
The
term of Mr. Kerby’s employment under his employment agreement will continue from month-to-month until terminated by either party
with 30 days’ prior written notice, unless sooner terminated in accordance with the terms thereof. Should the Company notice the
termination of Mr. Kerby’s employment agreement (other than as a result of death, “Disability” or “Cause,”
as defined therein), he will be entitled to payment of an amount equal to 12 months of his base annual salary in a lump sum payment upon
termination and the continuation of his health care coverage, at the Company’s expense, for up to 12 months following the termination
(collectively, the “Kerby Severance Payments”). In addition, in the event that Mr. Kerby’s agreement is terminated
by the Company for any reason within 12 months from the date of closing of the Acquisition, Mr. Kerby will be entitled to receive the
Kerby Severance Payments and the Contingent Shares will automatically accelerate and be issuable in full if not yet earned or issued.
Jacob
Brunsberg
On
September 7, 2021, we entered into an “at-will’ employment letter agreement with Jacob Brunsberg, effective as of September
20, 2021 (the “effective date”), pursuant to which Mr. Brunsberg agreed to serve as Senior Vice-President, Product Management
and Strategic Relationships on an “at-will” basis. As of February 16, 2022, Mr. Brunsberg was appointed President and Chief
Operating Officer, and as of April 1, 2022, Mr. Brunsberg was appointed President, Chief Executive Officer, and Principal Executive Officer
of the Company. Additionally, Mr. Brunsberg was appointed to serve as a member of our Board of Directors, effective as of April 1, 2022,
with a term expiring at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders.
Under
the employment letter agreement. Mr. Brunsberg is entitled to (i) an annual base salary of $200,000, which was increased to $250,000
effective February 16, 2022, and (ii) all benefits that we elect in our sole discretion to provide from time to time to our other executive
officers,, and received a grant of a five-year stock option to purchase up to 100,000 shares of common stock of the Company, which has
an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the effective date, and vested and became exercisable
in full on the effective date. The option is on such other terms and provisions as are contained in the Company’s standard form
nonqualified stock option agreement.
Additionally,
during the term of his employment, Mr. Brunsberg is eligible to receive one or more bonuses relating to each fiscal year in recognition
of his achievement of individual and Company goals established by the Board of Directors from time to time. However, the decision to
provide any such bonuses and the amount and terms of any such bonuses is in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. On January
24, 2022, Mr. Brunsberg was awarded a performance bonus of $19,876 for 2021. On December 29, 2023, Mr. Brunsberg resigned as President
and Chief Executive Officer but remains a member of our Board of Directors.
43
Lyndsey
North
On
June 17, 2022, we entered into an “at will” employment agreement, with Lyndsey North under which she was engaged to serve
as Vice President of Marketing of the Company. As of September 28, 2022, Ms. North was appointed President of the Company. Under the
terms of Ms. North’s employment agreement, she was entitled to receive an annual base salary of $155,000, which was increased to
$200,000 effective September 28, 2022. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Ms. North was granted 4,000 Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)
at an exercise price of $7.00, which will vest over a period of three years, with one-third of the award vesting each year on her employment
anniversary date. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, and subject to the achievement of certain performance goals, Ms. North
is also eligible for a performance bonus consisting of a cash award of up to 30% of base salary, which was increased to 50% of base salary,
and a SAR award of up to 25% of base salary. Ms. North is eligible to participate in the Company’s group benefit plans, including
medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as a 401K plan.
Frank
D. Orzechowski
On
July 1, 2019, we entered into an “at will” employment agreement, with Frank Orzechowski under which he was engaged to serve
as our Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Principal Accounting Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company. Under Mr. Orzechowski’s
employment agreement, he was entitled to receive an annual base salary of $135,000, which was increased to $155,000 effective March 1,
2020, which was increased to $180,000 on January 1, 2021, and which was increased to $200,000 on October 1, 2021. Pursuant to the employment
agreement, Mr. Orzechowski was granted (1) a stock option to purchase up to 250 shares of common stock of the Company, at an exercise
price equal to $14.00 per share, which was the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on July 1, 2019 (i.e., the Effective
Date), and (2) to purchase up to 6,000 shares of common stock of the Company, with an exercise price of $14.00, and will vest and become
exercisable as follows: 387 shares vested and became exercisable on the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date, 900 shares vested
and became exercisable on the second-year anniversary of the Effective Date, 1,413 shares will vest and become exercisable on the third-year
anniversary of the Effective Date, and 3,300 shares will vest and become exercisable on the fourth-year anniversary of the Effective
Date, provided, in each case, that Mr. Orzechowski remains an employee of the Company through such vesting dates. Further, Mr. Orzechowski
is eligible to participate in the Company’s 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, and is eligible to receive medical and dental benefits,
life insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, and to participate in the Company’s Section 125 cafeteria plan, vision
plan and 401K plan.
44
Outstanding
Equity Awards at 2024 Fiscal Year-End
The
following table sets forth outstanding stock options granted under or outside of our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan and SARs under our 2020
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan that are held by our named executive officers as of February 29, 2024:
Option
Awards (1)
Name
Number
of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
(#)
exercisable
Number
of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
(#)
unexercisable
Option
exercise
price ($)
Option
expiration
date
Jacob
Brunsberg (2)
-
5,000
$ 63.60
9/20/2026
-
3,500
$ 50.00
2/16/2027
1,500
-
$ 50.00
2/16/2027
-
760
$ 50.00
7/1/2027
-
2,490
$ 50.00
7/1/2027
9,747
-
$ 50.00
7/1/2027
9,098
-
$ 26.00
7/1/2027
-
5,457
$ 11.60
1/25/2028
Frank
Orzechowski (3)
-
13
$ 280.00
7/1/2024
-
300
$ 280.00
7/1/2024
-
1,750
$ 50.00
6/14/2025
902
-
$ 52.60
6/22/2025
-
2,429
$ 68.40
8/11/2026
1,620
809
$ 68.40
8/11/2026
-
797
$ 50.00
7/1/2027
-
2,609
$ 50.00
7/1/2027
2,249
1,225
$ 50.00
7/1/2027
-
4,852
$ 26.00
7/1/2027
-
3,711
$ 11.60
1/25/2028
(1)
On June 23, 2020, we adopted the 2020 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan. The Plan provides for incentive awards in the form of SARs payable
in cash. No shares of common stock were reserved in connection with the adoption of the Plan since no shares will be issued pursuant
to the Plan. Awards issued under the Plan are included in the table.
(2)
On September 20, 2021, in conjunction with the hiring of Jacob Brunsberg, the Company’s current President and Chief Executive Officer,
the Company granted to Mr. Brunsberg an option to purchase 5,000 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $63.60, which was
fully vested on the date of the grant. On February 16, 2022, the Company granted an option to Mr. Brunsberg to purchase up to 3,500 shares
of common stock with an exercise price of $50.00, which as of February 29, 2024, was fully vested. Also on February 16, 2022, the Company
granted 1,500 SARs to Mr. Brunsberg, with an exercise price of $50.00, which as of February 29, 2024, was fully vested and exercisable.
On July 1, 2022, we granted Mr. Brunsberg: (i) an option to purchase up to 760 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $50.00,
which as of February 29, 2024, was fully vested; (ii) an option to purchase up to 2,490 shares of our common stock with an exercise price
of $50.00, which as of February 29, 2024, was fully vested; (iii) 9,747 SARs with an exercise price of $50.00, which as of February 29,
2024, was fully vested and exercisable; and (iv) 9,098 SARs in connection with his employment retention agreement. The SARs have an exercise
price of $26.00 and as of February 29, 2024, were fully vested and exercisable. On January 26, 2023, we granted Mr. Brunsberg an option
to purchase up to 5,457 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $11.60, which as of February 29, 2024 was fully vested. As of
February 29, 2024, all of Mr. Brunsberg’s vested options to purchase shares of our common stock were subject to an exercisability
waiver until such time as we received shareholder approval to increase our authorized common shares from 1,200,000 to 250,000,000 shares.
Such approval was obtained at a special meeting of stockholders on March 8, 2024.
45
(4)
On July 1, 2019, in conjunction with the hiring of Frank Orzechowski, our Chief Financial Officer, the Company granted to Mr. Orzechowski
(i) an option to purchase 13 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $280.00, which fully vested on July 1, 2019; and (ii)
an option to purchase up to 300 shares of our common stock, with an exercise price of $280.00, which as of February 29, 2024 was fully
vested. On May 28, 2020, we granted Mr. Orzechowski an option to purchase 1,750 shares of our common stock under our 2013 Equity Incentive
Plan in connection with his employment arrangement. The option has an exercise price of $50.00, which as of February 29, 2024 was fully
vested. On June 23, 2020, pursuant to our 2020 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, we granted Mr. Orzechowski 902 SARs. The SARs have an
exercise price of $52.60 which as of February 29, 2024 were fully vested and exercisable. On August 11, 2021, we granted Mr. Orzechowski
an option to purchase 2,429 shares of our common stock under our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan in connection with his employment arrangement.
The option has an exercise price of $68.40 and as of February 29, 2024, 2,129 shares were fully vested, and the remaining 300 shares
will vest in equal monthly installments over the next eight months. On August 11, 2021, pursuant to our 2020 Stock Appreciation Rights
Plan, we granted Mr. Orzechowski 2,429 SARs. The SARs have an exercise price of $68.40 and will vest and become exercisable in three
equal installments on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date. As of February 29, 2024, 1,620 SARs were
fully vested and exercisable. On July 1, 2022, we granted Mr. Orzechowski: (i) an option to purchase up to 797 shares of our common stock
with an exercise price of $50.00. As of February 29, 2024, 521 were fully vested, and the remaining 276 shares will vest in equal monthly
installments over the next sixteen months; (ii) an option to purchase up to 2,609 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of
$50.00. As of February 29, 2024, 1,691 shares were fully vested and the remaining 918 shares will vest in equal monthly installments
over the next sixteen months; (iii) 3,474 SARs with an exercise price of $50.00. As of February 29, 2024, 2,249 SARs were fully vested
and exercisable, and the remaining 1,225 SARs will vest in equal monthly installments over the next sixteen months; and (iv) 4,852 SARs
in connection with his employment retention agreement. The SARs have an exercise price of $26.00 and will vest and become exercisable
on March 15, 2025 if Mr. Orzechowski remains an employee of the Company on that date. On January 26, 2023, we granted Mr. Orzechowski
an option to purchase up to 3,711 shares of our common stock, with an exercise price of $11.60. As of February 29, 2024, 2,909 shares
were fully vested, and the remaining 802 shares will vest in equal monthly installments over the next ten months. As of February 29,
2024, all of Mr. Orzechowski’s vested options to purchase shares of our common stock were subject to an exercisability waiver until
such time as we received shareholder approval to increase our authorized common shares from 1,200,000 to 250,000,000 shares. Such approval
was obtained at a special meeting of stockholders on March 8, 2024.
Equity
Awards
We
offer stock options, stock appreciation rights, and stock awards to certain of our employees, including our executive officers, as the
long-term incentive component of our compensation program. We generally grant equity awards to new hires upon their commencing employment
with us. Our stock options allow employees to purchase shares of our common stock at a price per share equal to the fair market value
of our common stock on the date of grant and may or may not be intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. Our stock appreciation rights allow employees to receive a cash payment for the difference between the market
price of our common stock on the date of exercise and the strike price. We sometimes also offer stock options, stock appreciation rights
and stock awards to our consultants in lieu of cash. Our stock options allow consultants to purchase shares of our common stock at a
price per share equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and are not intended to qualify as “incentive
stock options” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our stock appreciation rights allow consultants to receive a cash payment
for the difference between the market price of our common stock on the date of exercise and the strike price. Stock options, stock appreciation
rights, and stock awards granted to our executive officers may be subject to accelerated vesting in certain circumstances.
46
Retirement
Plans
We
maintain two qualified 401(k) plans, in which all eligible employees may participate. We make safe harbor contributions to both plans:
one plan matches 100% of each participant’s contribution up to 3% of salary, and 50% of the next 2% of salary contributed, and
the other plan makes a 3% non-elective contribution for all eligible participants. Safe harbor contributions are 100% vested. We may
also elect, on an annual basis, to make a discretionary contribution to the plan, but have not done so to date. Our elective matches
and elective contributions vest to participant accounts as follows: 20% after two years of service, and 20% per year thereafter until
the participant reaches 6 years of service, at which time, employer contributions vest 100%. As a tax-qualified retirement plan, contributions
to the 401(k) plans and earnings on those contributions are not taxable to the employees until distributed from the 401(k) plans.
No
Tax Gross-Ups
We
do not make gross-up payments to cover our executive officers’ personal income taxes that may pertain to any of the compensation
paid or provided by our Company.
2023
Equity Incentive Plan
On
November 19, 2023, our Board of Directors adopted the Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, which we refer to as
the “2023 Plan.”
Our
Board of Directors believes that the grant of options and other stock awards is an important incentive for the Company’s employees,
officers and directors. Previously, we issued options and stock awards pursuant to our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, which plan expired
according to the terms thereof in March 2023.
A
summary of the 2023 Plan is set forth below.
Purpose
Our
Board of Directors adopted the 2023 Plan to (1) encourage selected employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisers to improve
our operations and increase our profitability, (2) encourage selected employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisers to accept
or continue employment or association with us, and (3) increase the interest of selected employees, officers, directors, consultants
and advisers in our welfare through participation in the growth in value of our common stock. All of our current employees, directors
and consultants are eligible to participate in the 2023 Plan.
Administration
The
2023 Plan is to be administered by the Board of Directors or by a committee to which administration of the 2023 Plan, or of part of thereof,
is delegated by the Board of Directors. The 2023 Plan is currently administered by our Compensation Committee, which we refer to below
as the “Administrator.” The Administrator is responsible for selecting the officers, employees, directors, consultants and
advisers who will receive Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Awards. Subject to the requirements imposed by the 2023 Plan,
the Administrator is also responsible for determining the terms and conditions of each Option and Stock Appreciation Right award, including
the number of shares subject to the Option, the exercise price, expiration date and vesting period of the Option and whether the option
is an Incentive Option or a Non-Qualified Option. Subject to the requirements imposed by the 2023 Plan, the Administrator is also responsible
for determining the terms and conditions of each Stock Award, including the number of shares granted, the purchase price (if any), and
the vesting, transfer and other restrictions imposed on the stock. The Administrator has the power, authority and discretion to make
all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2023 Plan or of any award under the 2023 Plan.
The
2023 Plan is not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and is not a qualified pension, profit sharing or bonus
plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
47
Stock
Subject to the 2023 Plan
The
aggregate number of shares of common stock set aside and reserved for issuance under the 2023 Plan is 7,000,000 shares.
If
awards granted under the 2023 Plan expire or otherwise terminate or are cancelled without being exercised in full, the shares of common
stock not acquired pursuant to such awards will again become available for issuance under the 2023 Plan. If shares of common stock issued
pursuant to awards under the 2023 Plan are forfeited to or repurchased by us, the forfeited or repurchased stock will again become available
for issuance under the 2023 Plan.
If
shares of common stock subject to an award are not delivered to a participant because such shares are withheld for payment of taxes incurred
in connection with the exercise of an Option, or the issuance of shares under a Stock Award, or the award is exercised through a reduction
of shares subject to the award (“net exercised”), then the number of shares that are not delivered will not again be available
for issuance under the 2023 Plan. In addition, if the exercise price of any award is satisfied by the tender of shares of common stock
to us (whether by actual delivery or attestation), the shares tendered will not again be available for issuance under the 2023 Plan.
Eligibility
All
directors, employees, consultants and advisors of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive awards under the 2023 Plan.
Incentive Options may only be granted under the 2023 Plan to a person who is a full-time officer or employee of the Company or a subsidiary.
The Administrator will determine from time-to-time which directors, employees, consultants and advisers will be granted awards under
the 2023 Plan.
Terms
of Awards
Maximum
Grant
The
maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to a Stock Award granted during a single Fiscal Year to any Non-Employee Director (together
with any cash fees paid to such Non-Employee Director during the Fiscal Year) is not permitted to exceed a total value of $500,000. The
value of the Stock Award is based on the fair value for financial reporting purposes on the grant date.
Written
Agreement
Each
award under the 2023 Plan will be evidenced by an agreement in a form approved by the Administrator.
Exercise
Price; Base Value
The
exercise price for a Non-Qualified Option or an Incentive Option may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock
on the date of the grant of the Non-Qualified Option or Incentive Option. With respect to an Option holder who owns stock possessing
more than 10% of the total voting power of all classes of our stock, the exercise price for an Incentive Option may not be less than
110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the grant of the Incentive Option. The base value of a Stock Appreciation
Right shall also be no less than 100% of the Common Stock on the date of the grant of the Stock Appreciation Right. The 2023 Plan does
not specify a minimum exercise price for Stock Awards.
Vesting
Each
Option, Stock Appreciation Right or Stock Award will become exercisable or non-forfeitable (that is, “vest”) under conditions
specified by the Administrator at the time of grant. Vesting typically is based upon continued service as a director or employee but
may be based upon any performance criteria and other contingencies that are determined by the Administrator. Shares subject to Stock
Awards may be subject to specified restrictions concerning transferability, repurchase by the Company and forfeiture of the shares issued,
together with such other restrictions as may be determined by the Administrator.
48
Expiration
Date
Each
Option or Stock Appreciation Right must be exercised by a date specified in the award agreement, which may not be more than ten years
after the grant date. Except as otherwise provided in the relevant agreement, an Option or Stock Appreciation Right ceases to be exercisable
ninety days after the termination of the holder’s employment with us.
Transfers
of Options
Unless
otherwise determined by the Administrator, Options are not transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
Purchase
Price Payment
Unless
otherwise determined by the Administrator, the purchase price of Common Stock acquired under the 2023 Plan is payable by cash or check
at the time of an Option exercise or acquisition of a Stock Award. The Company does not charge participants any fees or commissions in
connection with their acquisition of Common Stock under the 2023 Plan. The Administrator also has the discretion to accept the following
types of payment from participants: shares of Common Stock, cash or a combination thereof.
Withholding
Taxes
At
the time of his or her exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, an employee is responsible for paying all applicable federal
and state withholding taxes. A holder of Stock Awards is responsible for paying all applicable federal and state withholding taxes once
the shares covered by the award cease to be forfeitable or at any other time required by applicable law.
Securities
Law Compliance
Shares
of Common Stock will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option or the receipt of a Stock Award unless the Administrator determines
that the exercise of the Option or receipt of the Stock Award and the issuance and delivery of such shares will comply with all relevant
provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act, applicable state and foreign securities laws and the requirements
of any stock exchange on which our Common Stock is traded.
Effects
of Change of Control
Except
as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control, all outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
shall become immediately exercisable with respect to 100% of the shares subject to such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, and/or
the Restricted Period shall expire immediately with respect to 100% of the outstanding shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock
Units.
With
respect to Performance Share Awards and Cash Awards, in the event of a Change in Control, all Performance Goals or other vesting criteria
will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels and all other terms and conditions will be deemed met.
In
general, a “Change of Control” means:
●
A
sale of all or substantially all of our assets;
●
Our
liquidation or dissolution;
●
A
purchase or other acquisition of 51% or more of our Common Stock
●
Our
merger or consolidation with or into another corporation.
49
Other
Adjustment Provisions
If
the stock of the Company is changed by reason of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, combination or
reclassification, appropriate adjustments shall be made by the Administrator, in its discretion, in (1) the number and class of shares
of stock subject to the 2023 Plan and each Option and grant of Stock Awards outstanding under the 2023 Plan, and (2) the purchase price
of each outstanding Option and (if applicable) Stock Award. For example, if an Option is for 1,000 shares for $20.00 per share and there
is a 2-for-1 stock split, the Option would be adjusted to be exercisable for 2,000 shares at $10.00 per share.
Amendment
or Termination of the Plan
The
Board of Directors may at any time amend, discontinue or terminate the 2023 Plan. With specified exceptions, no amendment, suspension
or termination of the Plan may adversely affect outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights or the terms that are applicable to
outstanding Stock Awards. No amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan requires stockholder approval unless such approval is required
under applicable law or under the rules of any stock exchange on which our Common Stock is traded. Unless terminated earlier by the Board
of Directors, the 2023 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the date of the 2023 Plan’s adoption by the Board.
Federal
Income Tax Consequences
The
following discussion is a summary of the federal income tax provisions relating to the grant and exercise of awards under the 2023 Plan
and the subsequent sale of Common Stock acquired under the 2023 Plan. The tax effect of awards may vary depending upon the circumstances,
and the income tax laws and regulations change frequently. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive and does not constitute legal
or tax advice.
General .
A recipient of an award of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights under the 2023 Plan will realize no taxable income at the time of grant
if the exercise price is not less than the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of the grant. The recipient generally will
realize no taxable income at the time of a grant of a Stock Award so long as the Stock Award is not vested (that is, remains subject
to forfeiture and is not transferable) and an election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code is not made.
Non-Qualified
Options. The holder of a Non-Qualified Option will recognize ordinary income at the time of the Non-Qualified Option exercise in
an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price. This taxable income
will be subject to payroll tax withholding if the holder is an employee.
When
a holder disposes of shares acquired upon the exercise of a Non-Qualified Option, any amount received in excess of the fair market value
of the shares on the date of exercise will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain, depending upon the holding period of the
shares, and if the amount received is less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise, the loss will be treated
as long-term or short-term capital loss, depending upon on the holding period of the shares.
Incentive
Options. The holder of an Incentive Option will not recognize taxable income upon exercise of the Incentive Option. In order to retain
this tax benefit, the holder must make no disposition of the shares so received for at least one year from the date of exercise and for
at least two years from the date of grant of the Incentive Option. The holder’s compliance with the holding period requirement
and other applicable tax provisions will result in the realization of long-term capital gain or loss when he or she disposes of the shares,
measured by the difference between the exercise price and the amount received for the shares at the time of disposition.
If
a holder disposes of shares acquired by exercise of an Incentive Option before the expiration of the required holding period, the gain,
if any, arising from such disqualifying disposition will be taxable as ordinary income in the year of disposition to the extent of the
lesser of (1) the excess of the fair market value of the shares over the exercise price on the date the Incentive Option was exercised
or (2) the excess of the amount realized over the exercise price upon such disposition. Any amount realized in excess of the fair market
value on the date of exercise is treated as long-term or short-term capital gain, depending upon the holding period of the shares. If
the amount realized upon such disposition is less than the exercise price, the loss will be treated as long-term or short-term capital
loss, depending upon the holding period of the shares.
50
For
purposes of the alternative minimum tax, the holder will recognize as an addition to his or her tax base, upon the exercise of an Incentive
Option, an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise over the exercise price. If the
holder makes a disqualifying disposition in the year of exercise, the holder will recognize taxable income for purposes of the regular
income tax and the holder’s alternative minimum tax base will not be additionally increased.
Stock
Appreciation Rights. The holder of a Stock Appreciation Right will recognize ordinary income at the time that it is exercised in
an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the number of shares of Common Stock as to which it is exercised on the date
of exercise over their value at the date of grant. This taxable income will be subject to payroll tax withholding if the holder is an
employee.
Stock
Awards. The recipient of a Stock Award will recognize ordinary income when the stock vests in an amount equal to the excess of the
fair market value of the shares at the time of vesting over the purchase price for the shares, if any, subject to payroll tax withholding
if the holder is an employee. When the recipient sells a Stock Award that has vested, any amount received in excess of the fair market
value of the shares on the date of vesting will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain, depending upon the holding period
of the shares (after vesting has occurred), and if the amount received is less than the fair market value on the date of vesting, the
loss will be treated as long-term or short-term capital loss, depending on the holding period of the shares. Dividends paid on Stock
Awards that have not vested and that have not been the subject of an election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code are treated
as compensation income, subject to payroll tax withholding with respect to an employee.
Section
83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code permits the recipient to elect, not more than thirty days after the date of receipt of a Stock Award,
to include as ordinary income the difference between the fair market value of the Stock Award on the date of grant and its purchase price
(rather than being taxed as the shares vest). If such an election is made, the holding period for long-term capital gain or loss treatment
will commence on the day following the receipt of the Stock Award, dividends on the Stock Award will be treated as such and not as compensation,
and the tax basis of the shares will be their fair market value at the date of grant.
Deduction
for the Company. The Company will be entitled to a deduction for federal income tax purposes at the same time and in the same amount
as the recipient of an award is considered to have realized ordinary income as a result of the award, assuming that the limitation under
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code is not applicable. Assuming that the holder of shares received on exercise of an Incentive
Option disposes of the shares after compliance with the holding period requirement described above, the Company will not be entitled
to a federal income tax deduction since the holder will not have realized any ordinary income in the transaction.
Prior
to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”), Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally disallowed a tax deduction
to publicly held companies for compensation paid to certain executive officers in excess of $1 million per officer in any year that did
not qualify as performance-based. Under the TCJA, the performance-based exception has been repealed and the $1 million deduction limit
now applies to anyone serving as the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer at any time during the taxable year and the
top three other highest compensated executive officers serving at any fiscal year-end.
New
Plan Benefits
Other
than with respect to certain future awards that may be made to our directors as described in “ Director Compensation ”
and the award to Mr. Brunsberg described in Note 7 to the Summary Compensation Table , the amount and timing of awards under the
2023 Plan to executive officers, other employees and directors are not determinable at this time.
51
2013
Equity Incentive Plan
Plan
Purpose
Our
Board of Directors adopted the 2013 Plan, which terminated on March 15, 2023, to (1) encourage selected employees, officers, directors,
consultants and advisers to improve our operations and increase our profitability, (2) encourage selected employees, officers, directors,
consultants and advisers to accept or continue employment or association with us, and (3) increase the interest of selected employees,
officers, directors, consultants and advisers in our welfare through participation in the growth in value of our common stock. All of
our current employees, officers, directors and consultants were eligible to participate in the 2013 Plan.
Administration
The
2013 Plan is administered by the Board or by a committee to which administration of the Plan, or of part of thereof, is delegated by
the Board. The 2013 Plan is currently administered by our Compensation Committee, which we refer to below as the “Administrator.”
The Administrator is responsible for selecting the officers, employees, directors, consultants and advisers who will receive Options,
Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Awards. Subject to the requirements imposed by the 2013 Plan, the Administrator is also responsible
for determining the terms and conditions of each Option and Stock Appreciation Right award, including the number of shares subject to
the Option, the exercise price, expiration date and vesting period of the Option and whether the option is an Incentive Option or a Non-Qualified
Option. Subject to the requirements imposed by the 2013 Plan, the Administrator is also responsible for determining the terms and conditions
of each Stock Award, including the number of shares granted, the purchase price (if any), and the vesting, transfer and other restrictions
imposed on the stock. The Administrator has the power, authority and discretion to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
advisable for the administration of the 2013 Plan or of any award under the 2013 Plan.
The
2013 Plan is not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and is not a qualified pension, profit sharing or bonus
plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Stock
Subject to the 2013 Plan
As
of August 31, 2024 there were 78,887 shares previously issued or subject to outstanding awards under the 2013 Plan. The plan expired
on March 15, 2023 and therefore there are no shares available for future issuance under the 2013 Plan.
Vesting
Each
Option, Stock Appreciation Right or Stock Award will become exercisable or non-forfeitable (that is, “vest”) under conditions
specified by the Administrator at the time of grant. Vesting typically is based upon continued service as a director or employee but
may be based upon any performance criteria and other contingencies that are determined by the Administrator. Shares subject to Stock
Awards may be subject to specified restrictions concerning transferability, repurchase by the Company and forfeiture of the shares issued,
together with such other restrictions as may be determined by the Administrator.
Expiration
Date
Each
Option or Stock Appreciation Right must be exercised by a date specified in the award agreement, which may not be more than ten years
after the grant date. Except as otherwise provided in the relevant agreement, an Option or Stock Appreciation Right ceases to be exercisable
ninety days after the termination of the holder’s service with us.
52
Transfers
of Options
Unless
otherwise determined by the Administrator, Options are not transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
Purchase
Price Payment
Unless
otherwise determined by the Administrator, the purchase price of common stock acquired under the 2013 Plan is payable by cash or check
at the time of an Option exercise or acquisition of a Stock Award. The Company does not charge participants any fees or commissions in
connection with their acquisition of common stock under the 2013 Plan. The Administrator also has discretion to accept the following
types of payment from participants:
●
A
secured or unsecured promissory note, provided that this method of payment is not available to a participant who is a director or
an executive officer;
●
Shares
of our Common Stock already owned by the Option or Stock Award holder as long as the surrendered shares have a fair market value
that is equal to the acquired stock and have been owned by the participant for at least six months;
●
The
surrender of shares of Common Stock then issuable upon exercise of an Option; and
●
A
“cashless” option exercise in accordance with applicable regulations of the SEC and the Federal Reserve Board.
Withholding
Taxes
At
the time of his or her exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, an employee is responsible for paying all applicable federal
and state withholding taxes. A holder of Stock Awards is responsible for paying all applicable federal and state withholding taxes once
the shares covered by the award cease to be forfeitable or at any other time required by applicable law.
Securities
Law Compliance
Shares
of common stock will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option or the receipt of a Stock Award unless the Administrator determines
that the exercise of the Option or receipt of the Stock Award and the issuance and delivery of such shares will comply with all relevant
provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), applicable state and
foreign securities laws and the requirements of any stock exchange on which our common stock is traded.
Effects
of Certain Corporate Transactions
Except
as otherwise determined by the Administrator, in the event of a “corporate transaction,” all previously unexercised Options
and Stock Appreciation Rights will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of the corporate transaction and all unvested Restricted
Stock awards will be forfeited immediately prior to the consummation of the corporate transaction. The Administrator, in its discretion,
may permit exercise of any Options or Stock Appreciation Rights prior to their termination, even if those awards would not otherwise
have been exercisable, or provide that outstanding awards will be assumed or an equivalent Option or Stock Appreciation Right substituted
by a successor corporation. The Administrator, in its discretion, may remove any restrictions as to any Restricted Stock awards or provide
that all outstanding Restricted Stock awards will participate in the corporate transaction with an equivalent stock substituted by the
successor corporation subject to the restrictions. In general, a “corporate transaction” means:
●
Our
liquidation or dissolution;
●
Our
merger or consolidation with or into another corporation as a result of which we are not the surviving corporation;
●
A
sale of all or substantially all of our assets; or
●
A
purchase or other acquisition of more than 50% of our outstanding stock by one person, or by more than one person acting in concert.
53
Other
Adjustment Provisions
If
the stock of the Company is changed by reason of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, combination or
reclassification, appropriate adjustments shall be made by the Administrator, in its discretion, in (1) the number and class of shares
of stock subject to the 2013 Plan and each Option and grant of Stock Awards outstanding under the 2013 Plan, and (2) the purchase price
of each outstanding Option and (if applicable) Stock Award.
Termination
of the Plan
The
2013 Plan terminated automatically on March 15, 2023, which was the tenth anniversary of the date of the 2013 Plan’s adoption by
our Board of Directors.
2020
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan
On
June 23, 2020, our Board of Directors adopted the Sigma Labs, Inc. 2020 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the “Plan”). The
purposes of the Plan are to: (i) enable the Company to attract and retain the types of employees, consultants, and directors (collectively,
“Service Providers”) who will contribute to the Company’s long-range success; (ii) provide incentives that align the
interests of Service Providers with those of the shareholders of the Company; and (iii) promote the success of the Company’s business.
The Plan only provides for incentive awards that are only made in the form of stock appreciation rights payable in cash (“SARs”).
No shares of common stock were reserved in connection with the adoption of the Plan since no shares will be issued pursuant to the Plan.
Governance
of the Plan
The
Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board or, in the Board’s sole discretion, by the Board. The Compensation
Committee will have the authority to, among other things, (i) construe and interpret the Plan and apply its provisions; (ii) promulgate,
amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of the Plan; (iii) delegate its authority to one or more persons
who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
Act”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to SARs that do not involve “insiders” within
the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act; (iv) determine when SARs are to be granted under the Plan and the applicable grant date;
(v) prescribe the terms and conditions of each SAR, including, without limitation, the exercise price and medium of payment and vesting
provisions, and to specify the provisions of the SAR Agreement relating to such grant; (vi) amend any outstanding SARs, subject, in certain
cases, to the participant’s consent; and (vii) make all other determinations which may be necessary or advisable for the administration
of the Plan.
Eligible
Participants
SARS
may be granted only to persons who are Service Providers, and those persons whom the Committee determines are reasonably expected to
become Service Providers following the grant date. The Committee may from time to time designate those Service Providers, if any, to
be granted SARs under the Plan, the number of SARs which will be granted to each such person, and any other terms or conditions relating
to SARs as it may deem appropriate to the extent consistent with the provisions of the Plan. A participant who has been granted a SAR
may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional incentive awards at any time.
Grant .
The Committee may grant SARs to any Service Provider. A SAR is the right to receive an amount equal to the Spread with respect to a share
of the Company’s common stock upon the exercise of the SAR. The “Spread” is the difference between the exercise price
per share specified in a SAR agreement on the date of grant and the fair market value per share on the date of exercise of the SAR.
General
Provisions . The terms and conditions of each SAR will be evidenced by a SAR agreement. The exercise price per share will not be less
than 100% of the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant of the SAR. The term of the SAR will be determined by the Committee
but may not be greater than ten years from the date of grant.
54
Exercise .
SARs are exercisable subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify in the SAR agreement for the SAR. A SAR may be
exercised by the delivery of a signed written notice of exercise to the Company, which must be received and accepted by the Company as
of a date set by the Company in advance of the effective date of the proposed exercise. The notice must set forth the number of SARs
being exercised, together with any additional documents the Company may require.
Settlement .
Upon exercise of a SAR, the Grantee will receive an amount equal to the Spread. The Spread, less applicable withholdings, will be payable
only in cash. In no event may any SAR be settled in any manner other than by delivery of a cash payment from the Company.
Form
of SAR Agreement
Each
participant to whom a SAR is granted will be required to enter into a SAR agreement with the Company, in such a form as is provided by
the Committee. The SAR agreement will contain specific terms as determined by the Committee, in its discretion, with respect to the participant’s
particular SAR. Such terms need not be uniform among all participants or any similarly situated participants. The SAR agreement may include,
without limitation, vesting, forfeiture and other provisions particular to the particular participant’s SAR, as well as, for example,
provisions to the effect that the participant must abide by all the terms and conditions of the Plan and such other terms and conditions
as may be imposed by the Committee. A SAR will include such terms and conditions as are determined by the Committee, in its discretion,
to be appropriate with respect to any participant.
The
Committee may specify in a SAR agreement that the participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to a SAR will be subject
to forfeiture upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions
of the incentive award. Such events may include, but are not limited to, termination with cause or other conduct by the participant that
is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company.
Termination
of Employment
Unless
otherwise expressly provided in the participant’s SAR agreement, if the participant’s employment is terminated for any reason
other than due to cause, death or disability, any non-vested portion of any outstanding SAR at the time of such termination will automatically
expire and terminate and no further vesting will occur after the termination date. In such event, except as otherwise expressly provided
in the SAR agreement, the participant will be entitled to exercise such participant’s rights only with respect to the portion of
the SAR that was vested as of the termination date for a period that will end on the earlier of (i) the expiration date set forth in
the SAR agreement or (ii) ninety days after the date of termination.
Termination
for Cause
Unless
otherwise expressly provided in the participant’s SAR agreement, in the event of the termination of a participant’s employment
for cause, all vested and non-vested SARs granted to such participant will immediately expire, and will not be exercisable to any extent.
55
Disability
or Death
Unless
otherwise expressly provided in the participant’s SAR agreement, upon termination of employment as a result of the participant’s
disability or death, (i) any non-vested portion of any outstanding SAR will immediately terminate upon termination and no further vesting
will occur, and (ii) any vested SAR will expire on the earlier of either (A) the expiration date set forth in the SAR agreement or (B)
12 months following the participant’s termination of employment.
Continuation
Subject
to the conditions and limitations of the Plan and applicable law, in the event that a participant ceases to be an employee, outside director
or consultant, as applicable, for whatever reason, the Committee and participant may mutually agree with respect to any outstanding SAR
then held by the participant (i) for an acceleration or other adjustment in any vesting schedule applicable to the SAR award; (ii) for
a continuation of the exercise period following termination for a longer period than is otherwise provided under such SAR; or (iii) to
any other change in the terms and conditions of the SAR. In the event of any such change to an outstanding SAR, a written amendment to
the participant’s SAR agreement will be required. No amendment to a participant’s SAR will be made to the extent compensation
payable pursuant thereto as a result of such amendment would be considered deferred compensation that is not excepted from taxation or
penalties under Code Section 409A, unless otherwise determined by the Committee.
SARs
granted under the Plan are not transferable other than to a designated beneficiary upon the Participant’s death or by will or the
laws of descent and distribution.
Change
in Control
Unless
otherwise provided in a SAR Agreement, notwithstanding any contrary provision in the Plan, in the event of a Change in Control (as defined
in the Plan), all outstanding SARs will become 100% vested and immediately exercisable.
Amendment
The
Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend or terminate the Plan. The Committee at any time, and from time to time, may amend
the terms of any one or more SAR agreements, except that the Committee may not affect any amendment which would otherwise constitute
an impairment of the rights under any SAR unless the participant consents in writing.
As
of August 31, 2024 there were 40,223 SARs outstanding under the 2020 Plan.
Director
Compensation
We
believe that a combination of cash and equity compensation is appropriate to attract and retain the individuals we desire to serve on
our Board of Directors. Our cash compensation policies are designed to encourage frequent and active interaction between directors and
our executives both during and between formal meetings as well as compensate our directors for their time and effort. Further, we believe
it is important to align the long-term interests of our non-employee directors (i.e., directors who are not employed by us as officers
or employees) with those of the Company and its stockholders, and that awarding equity compensation to, and thereby increasing ownership
of our common stock by, our non-employee directors is an appropriate means to achieve this alignment. Directors who are also employees
of our company do not receive compensation for their service on our Board of Directors.
Under
our director compensation program for fiscal year 2024, each non-employee director received annual compensation of $25,000, and an option
to purchase 655 shares of our common stock, which is fully vested. All cash fees are paid quarterly. Also, each non-employee director
may be reimbursed for his reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of his duties as a director as our Board of Directors determines
from time to time. Our Compensation Committee intends to evaluate our director compensation program and determine whether any changes
should be recommended to the Board.
56
The
following table sets forth certain information concerning the compensation paid to non-employee directors in fiscal year 2024 for their
services as directors of the Company. The compensation of Mr. Brunsberg, who serves as a director and our former President and Chief
Executive Officer, is described in the Summary Compensation Table of Executive Officers. Our non-employee directors do not receive fringe
or other benefits.
Name
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)
Option
Awards ($) (6)(7)
Total ($)
Mark K. Ruport (1)
25,000
5,797
30,797
Donald P. Monaco (2)
-
-
-
Salvatore Battinelli (3)
25,000
5,797
30,797
Dennis Duitch (4)
25,000
5,797
30,797
Kent Summers (5)
25,000
5,797
30,797
(1)
The
fees shown were paid to Mr. Ruport for services as director. On January 26, 2023, the Company granted Mr. Ruport an option to purchase
up to 655 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of the option
is equal to $11.60 per share, is fully vested, and had a grant date fair value of $5,797. Mr. Ruport resigned as chairman on December
29, 2023, pursuant to the Share Exchange agreement between NextTrip and Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc.
(2)
Mr.
Monaco was appointed chairman as of December 29, 2023 pursuant to the Share Exchange agreement between NextTrip and Sigma Additive
Solutions, Inc., and did not receive any compensation for his services in fiscal year 2024.
(3)
The
fees shown were paid to Mr. Battinelli for services as a director. On January 26, 2023, the Company granted Mr. Battinelli an option
to purchase up to 655 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price
of the option is equal to $11.60 per share, is fully vested, and had a grant date fair value of $5,797.
(4)
The
fees shown were paid to Mr. Duitch for services as a director. On January 26, 2023, the Company granted Mr. Duitch an option to purchase
up to 555 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of the option
is equal to $11.60 per share, is fully vested, and had a grant date fair value of $5,797.
(5)
The
fees shown were paid to Mr. Summers for services as a director. On January 26, 2023, the Company granted Mr. Summers an option to
purchase up to 655 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with his service as a director. The exercise price of
the option is equal to $11.60 per share, is fully vested, and had a grant date fair value of $5,797.
(6)
These
columns represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards and stock options computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic
718. These amounts do not correspond to the actual value that will be recognized by the named directors from these awards.
(7)
As
of February 29, 2024, all outstanding vested Option Awards granted to directors were subject to an exercisability waiver until such
time as we received shareholder approval to increase our authorized common shares from 1,200,000 to 250,000,000 shares. Such approval
was obtained at a special meeting of stockholders on March 8, 2024.
57
ITEM
12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The
following tables set forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock, Series H Preferred and Series I Preferred
as of August 31, 2024 (a) by each person known by us to own beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each class of the outstanding
securities, (b) by our named executive officers and each of our directors (and director nominees) and (c) by all executive officers and
directors of the Company as a group.
The
number of shares beneficially owned by each stockholder is determined in accordance with SEC rules. Under these rules, beneficial ownership
includes any shares as to which a person has sole or shared voting power or investment power. At the close of business on August 31, 2024,
there were 1,388,641 shares of Company common stock outstanding, 33,000 shares of Series H Preferred outstanding, and 30,178 shares of
Series I Preferred outstanding.
In
addition to the foregoing, as of August 31, 2024 there were 316 shares of the Company’s Series E Preferred Stock (“Series
E Preferred”) outstanding, which, including accrued dividends thereon, were convertible into an aggregate of 3,259 shares of Company
common stock. The Series E Preferred do not have any voting rights and therefore are not included in a separate table below.
In
computing the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of
common stock subject to stock options, warrants, convertible preferred stock or other rights held by such person that are currently convertible
or exercisable or will become convertible or exercisable within 60 days of August 31, 2024 are considered outstanding, although these
shares are not considered outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
We
believe, based on information provided to us, that each of the stockholders listed below has sole voting and investment power with respect
to the shares beneficially owned by the stockholder unless noted otherwise, subject to community property laws where applicable.
Common
Stock
Name of Beneficial Owner
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned
Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned (1)
Named Executive Officers and Directors:
William Kerby (2)
50,011
3.6 %
Frank Orzechowski (3)
10,791
*
Donald P. Monaco (4)
41,745
3.0 %
Jacob Brunsberg (5)
17,302
1.2 %
Salvatore Battinelli (6)
6,066
*
Dennis Duitch (7)
5,767
*
Kent J. Summers (8)
5,730
*
All executive officers and directors as a group (7 persons) (9)
137,412
9.6 %
5% Stockholders:
Promethean TV, Inc. (10)
100,000
7.2 %
David Jiang
134,043
9.7 %
*Less
than 1%.
(1)
Based
on 1,388,641 shares outstanding at August 31, 2024.
(2)
Includes
11,386 shares held by Travel and Media Tech, LLC (“TMT”). Mr. Kerby is a 50% member of TMT, and is deemed to beneficially
own the shares held by TMT. Mr. Kerby disclaims beneficial ownership of all securities held by TMT in excess of his pecuniary interest,
if any.
(3)
Includes
10,791 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
(4)
Includes
(i) 1,733 shares held by Monaco Investment Partners, LP (“MIP”); (ii) 28,626 shares held by the Donald P. Monaco Insurance
Trust (the “Trust”); and (iii) 11,386 shares held by TMT. Mr. Monaco is the managing general partner of MI Partners,
is the trustee of the Trust and is a 50% member of TMT, and as such is deemed to beneficially own the securities held by the MI Partners,
Trust and TMT, respectively. Mr. Monaco disclaims beneficial ownership of all securities held by MIP, the Trust and TMT in excess
of his pecuniary interest, if any.
(5)
Includes
17,302 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
58
(6)
Includes
(i) 5,105 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options, (ii) 168 shares issuable upon the conversion of shares of the Company’s
Series E Preferred Stock, and (iii) 122 shares issuable upon exercise of Class A Warrants.
(7)
Includes
5,105 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
(8)
Includes
5,105 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
(9)
Includes
(i) 4,360 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options, (ii) 168 shares issuable upon the conversion of the shares of the Company’s
Series E Preferred Stock, and (iii) 122 shares issuable upon exercise of Class A Warrants.
(10)
Mr.
Ian Sharpe is the control party of Promethean TV, Inc., and as such is deemed to beneficially own the securities held by Promethean
TV, Inc. Mr. Sharpe disclaims beneficial ownership of all securities held by Promethean TV, Inc. in excess of his pecuniary interest,
if any.
Series
H Preferred
None
of the Company’s officers or directors beneficially own any shares of the outstanding shares of Series H Preferred, and therefore
have been excluded from the following table.
Name of Beneficial Owner
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned
Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned (1)
5% Beneficial Owners:
Procopio Cory Hargreaves & Savitch LLP
c/o NextTrip, Inc.
33,000
100.00 %
(1)
Based
on 33,000 shares of Series H Preferred outstanding at August 31, 2024.
Series
I Preferred
None
of the Company’s officers or directors beneficially own any shares of the outstanding shares of Series I Preferred, and therefore
have been excluded from the following table.
Name of Beneficial Owner (1)
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned
Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned (1)
5% Beneficial Owners:
David Jiang
c/o NextTrip, Inc.
30,178
100 %
(1)
Based
on 30,178 shares of Series I Preferred outstanding at August 31, 2024.
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
The
following table provides certain information with respect to our equity compensation plans as of February 29, 2024.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Plan Category
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
Weighted-
average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a))
2023 Equity Incentive Plan (1)
-
-
7,000,000
2013 Equity Incentive Plan (2)
82,800
$ 55.56
-
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (3)
-
$ 2.21
-
Chief Executive Officer Inducement Options (4)
2,500
$ 224.00
-
59
(1)
On November 19, 2023 the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the Company’s 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, which was approved
by our stockholders on December 28, 2023.
(2)
On March 15, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the Company’s 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. The 2013 Equity Incentive
Plan was approved by our stockholders on October 10, 2013. The Plan automatically expired on March 15, 2023, which was the tenth anniversary
of the adoption of the Plan.
(3)
On June 23, 2020, our Board of Directors adopted the Sigma Labs, Inc. 2020 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (the “Plan”). The
purposes of the Plan are to: (i) enable the Company to attract and retain the types of employees, consultants, and directors who will
contribute to the Company’s long-range success; (ii) provide incentives that align the interests of Service Providers with those
of the shareholders of the Company; and (iii) promote the success of the Company’s business. The Plan only provides for incentive
awards in the form of stock appreciation rights payable in cash (“SARs”). No shares of common stock are reserved in connection
with the adoption of the Plan since no shares will be issued pursuant to the Plan. As of February 29, 2024, the Company had 40,390 SARs
outstanding under the Plan.
(4)
On December 3, 2019, in conjunction with the hiring of Mark K. Ruport, the Company’s former President and Chief Executive Officer,
the Company granted to Mr. Ruport (i) an option to purchase 500 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $224.00, which fully
vested and became exercisable on January 3, 2020; and (ii) an option to purchase up to 2,000 shares of our common stock, with an exercise
price of $224.00, which fully vested and became exercisable on December 3, 2022. In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), such
options were granted to Mr. Ruport as an inducement award outside of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. As of February 29, 2024, such inducement
shares were subject to an exercisability waiver until such time as the Company received shareholder approval to increase its authorized
common shares from 1,200,000 to 250,000,000 shares. Such approval was obtained at a special meeting of stockholders on March 8, 2024.
ITEM
13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Except
as described below in this section, since the beginning of our last fiscal year, there has not been, nor is there currently proposed,
any transaction or series of similar transactions to which we were a party other than equity and other compensation, termination, change
in control and other arrangements, which are described under “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation”
above:
●
in
which the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed
fiscal years; and
●
in
which any director, executive officer, or other stockholder of more than 5% of our common stock or any member of their immediate
family had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
60
Related
Party Loans to Company
On
February 29, 2024, NextTrip Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“NextTrip”), issued an unsecured promissory
note, in the principal amount of $391,776.54 (the “Promissory Note”), to William Kerby, to memorialize the terms and conditions
of certain working capital advances made by Mr. Kerby to NextTrip. The Promissory Note accrues interest at a rate equal to 7.5% simple
interest per annum, and will automatically mature and become due and payable in full on February 28, 2025, subject to certain limited
exceptions. The Promissory Note, or any portion thereof, may be prepaid by NextTrip Holdings, Inc. without any penalty. Mr. Kerby serves
as Chief Executive Officer of both the Company and NextTrip. The Promissory Note was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors,
including all independent members thereof.
On
March 18, 2024, NextTrip issued an unsecured line of credit promissory note, in the principal amount of $500,000 (the “Line of
Credit Promissory Note”), to William Kerby and Donald Monaco, together as holders, with an initial advance from Mr. Monaco of $125,000.
As of August 31, 2024, the full principal amount of the Line of Credit Promissory Note had been advanced to the Company. The Line of Credit
Promissory Note accrues interest at a rate equal to 7.5% simple interest per annum, and will automatically mature and become due and
payable in full on February 28, 2025, subject to certain limited exceptions. The Line of Credit Promissory Note, or any portion thereof,
may be prepaid by NextTrip without any penalty. Mr. Kerby serves as Chief Executive Officer of both the Company and NextTrip Holdings,
Inc. and Mr. Monaco serves as Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Line of Credit Promissory Note was approved by
the Company’s Board of Directors, including the independent members thereof.
On
April 23, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved NextTrip to enter into a series of unsecured promissory notes with certain
investors, directors, officers, and employees to be identified subsequently by the Company, who shall individually provide funds (the
“Advances”) for the aggregate principal amount of $1,000,000. As of August 31, 2024, the full principal amount of $1,000,000
had been advanced to the Company. The Promissory Notes accrue interest at a rate equal to 7.5% simple interest per annum, and will automatically
mature and become due and payable one year from the date of execution, subject to certain limited exceptions. The Promissory Notes, or
any portion thereof, may be prepaid by NextTrip without any penalty.
On
May 21, 2024, NextTrip issued an unsecured promissory note, in the principal amount of $455,000 (the “Promissory Note”),
to Donald Monaco to memorialize the terms and conditions of certain working capital advances made by Mr. Monaco to NextTrip. As of August 31, 2024, the outstanding principal balance of the Line of Credit Promissory Note was $405,000. The Promissory Note accrues interest at a rate equal to 7.5% simple interest per annum, and will automatically mature and
become due and payable in full on February 28, 2025, subject to certain limited exceptions. The Promissory Note, or
any portion thereof, may be prepaid by NextTrip without any penalty. Mr. Monaco serves as Chairman of the Company’s Board of
Directors. The Promissory Note was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, including the independent
members thereof.
Indemnification
Agreements
We
have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. These agreements, among other things,
require us to indemnify each director and executive officer to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law, including indemnification
of expenses such as attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by the director or executive officer in any
action or proceeding, including any action or proceeding by or in the right of us, arising out of the person’s services as a director
or executive officer.
Policies
and Procedures for Related Person Transactions
Our
Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving, as appropriate, all transactions with related persons (other than compensation-related
matters, which should be reviewed by our Compensation Committee), in accordance with its Charter and the Nasdaq marketplace rules. In
reviewing and approving any such transactions, our Audit Committee is tasked to consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including,
but not limited to, whether the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in an arm’s length transaction
and the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction.
ITEM
14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Audit
Fees
The
following is a summary of the fees billed to the Company by TPS Thayer, the Company’s predecessor auditor for professional services
rendered with respect to the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023. No fees have yet been billed to the Company by Haynie
and Company, the Company’s current auditor:
2024
2023
Audit Fees
$ -
$ 78,000
Audit Related Fees
44,000
2,000
Tax Fees
-
-
$ 44,000
$ 80,000
In
the above table, in accordance with the SEC’s definitions and rules, “audit fees” are fees that we paid for professional
services for the audit of our financial statements included in our Form 10-K and review of the interim financial statements included
in quarterly reports, and for services that are normally provided by the registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory
and regulatory filings or engagements; “audit-related fees” are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably
related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements; and “tax fees” are fees for tax compliance,
tax advice and tax planning.
61
The
Audit Committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures and other protocols are discussed in its written charter which can be found
at www.sigmaadditive.com under the tab “Investors.” Before our independent registered public accounting firm is engaged by
the Company to render audit or non-audit services, the Audit Committee must pre-approve the engagement. Audit Committee pre-approval
of audit and non-audit services are not required if the engagement for the services is entered into pursuant to pre-approval policies
and procedures established by the Audit Committee regarding the Company’s engagement of the independent registered public accounting
firm, provided the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service, the Audit Committee is informed of each service
provided and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities under the Exchange
Act to the Company’s management. The Audit Committee may delegate to one or more designated members of the Audit Committee the
authority to grant pre-approvals. If the Audit Committee elects to establish pre-approval policies and procedures regarding non-audit
services, the Audit Committee must be informed of each non-audit service provided by the independent registered public accounting firm.
Audit Committee pre-approval of non-audit services (other than review and attestation services) also will not be required if such services
fall within available exceptions established by the SEC. The Audit Committee may not engage the independent registered public accounting
firm to perform non-audit services prohibited by law or regulation. On an annual basis, our management reports to the Audit Committee
all audit services performed during the previous 12 months and all fees billed by our independent registered public accounting firm for
such services.
Auditor
Independence
In
our fiscal year ended , Haynie & Company provided no professional services other than those described above that would require our
Audit Committee to consider their compatibility with maintaining the independence of Haynie & Company.
PART
IV
ITEM
15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
Our financial statements and related
notes thereto are listed and included in this Annual Report beginning on page F-1. The following documents are furnished as exhibits to
this Form 10-K.
Exhibit
Number
Description
2.1
Share Exchange Agreement dated as of October 12, 2023 among Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc., NextTrip Holdings, Inc., NextTrip Group, LLC and the NextTrip Representative (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 13, 2023 and incorporated by reference herein).
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (previously filed by the Company as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 24, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 12, 2022, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.3
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended. (filed by the Company as Exhibit 3.12 to the Company’s Form 10-K, filed on March 24, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.4
Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated By-Laws of Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 16, 2022, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.5
Certificate of Change Pursuant to NRS 78.209 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 22, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.6
Certificate of Designation of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 9, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.7
Certificate of Designation of Series G Convertible Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 30, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.8
Certificate of Designation of Series H Convertible Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 30, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.9
Certificate of Designation of Series I Convertible Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 22, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.10
Certificate of Amendment, effective March 13, 2024 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 12, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 6, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.2
Form of Placement Agent Warrants (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 6, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.3
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant.(filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 26, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 14, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.5
Form of Unit Purchase Option (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 14, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.6
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant.(filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 8, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.7
Form of Placement Agent Warrant (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 8, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.8
Form of Institutional Common Warrant (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 30, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.9
Form of Class A Warrant(filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 30, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.10
Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrants (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 3, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
62
4.11
Form of Underwriter Common Stock Purchase Warrant (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 12, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.12
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 12, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.13
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 30, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.14
Form of Placement Agent Warrant (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 30, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.15
Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued January 26, 2023.**
4.16
Description of Common Stock (set forth under the heading “Description of Our Securities” in the prospectus contained in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-212735) filed on July 28, 2016, as amended, and incorporated by reference).
4.17
Form of Warrant (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2024 and incorporated by reference herein).
10.1
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (previously filed by the Company as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-K, filed on April 1, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference)*
10.2
Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Form S-8 Registration Statement, filed on July 24, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.3
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (previously filed by the Company as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 10-K, filed on April 1, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.4
Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and officers of Sigma Labs, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed on July 28, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.5
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2018, between Sigma Labs, Inc. and the Purchasers thereunder (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 6, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.6
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2019, between the Company and the Purchaser (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 8, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.7
Employment letter agreement, effective as of July 1, 2019, between the Company and Frank D. Orzechowski. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 14, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference) *
10.8
Securities Purchase Agreement (Institutional Investors) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 27, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.9
Registration Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 27, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.10
Securities Purchase Agreement (Other Investors) (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 27, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.11
Private Placement Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 27, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.12
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2020, between the Company and Purchasers (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 3, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.13
Sigma Labs, Inc. 2020 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 29, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.14
Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (Employees; 2020 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 29, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference).*
63
10.15
Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (Non-employee Directors; 2020 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 29, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.16
Form of Waiver (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 12, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.17
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 30, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.18
2021 and 2022 Corporate Goals – Cash and Equity Incentive Plan, dated June 10, 2021 (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 15, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.19
2022 Corporate Goals – Cash and Equity Incentive Plan, dated July 1, 2022 (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 8, 2022, and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.20
Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, as Amended (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form S-8 Registration Statement, filed on October 19, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.21
Sigma Labs, Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 16, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference).*
10.22
Retention Bonus and Change in Control Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2023, entered into by Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. and Jacob Brunsberg.***
10.23
Retention Bonus and Change in Control Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2023, entered into by Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. and Frank Orzechowski.***
10.24
At-The-Market Sales Issuance Agreement dated August 14, 2023 between Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. and Lake Street Capital Markets, LLC (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 14, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.25
Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of October 6, 2023 between Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. and Divergent Technologies, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 13, 2023 and incorporated by reference herein).
10.26
Separation Agreement between Sigma Additive Solutions and Jacob Brunsberg, dated November 22, 2023 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 24, 2023 and incorporated by reference herein).*
10.27
Separation Agreement between Sigma Additive Solutions and Frank Orzechowski, dated November 22, 2023 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 24, 2023 and incorporated by reference herein) .*
10.28
Employment letter agreement dated December 29, 2023 between Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. and William Kerby (filed by the Company as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 3, 2024 and incorporated by reference herein).
10.29
Perpetual License Agreement, by and among the Company, NextTrip Holdings, Inc. and Promethean TV, Inc., dated as of January 26, 2024. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 30, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.30
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2024 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 22, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.31
Unsecured Promissory Note by and between NextTrip Holdings, Inc. and William Kerby, dated as of February 29, 2024 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 1, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.32
Unsecured Line of Credit Promissory Note by and between NextTrip Holdings, Inc. and William Kerby and Donald Monaco, dated as of March 18, 2024. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 22, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference).
19.1
NextTrip Inc’s Insider Trading Policy**
23.1
Consent of Haynie & Company.**
31.1
Certificate of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
31.2
Certificate of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
32.1
Certificate of principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.***
97.1*
NextTrip, Inc. Compensation Recovery Policy**
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 (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
*
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**
Filed herewith.
***
Furnished herewith.
ITEM
16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY.
We
may voluntarily include a summary of information required by Form 10-K under this Item 16. We have elected not to include such summary
information.
64
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGMA
ADDITIVE SOLUTIONS, INC.
September 4, 2024
By:
/s/
William Kerby
William
Kerby
Chief
Executive Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer)
September 4, 2024
By:
/s/
Frank Orzechowski
Frank
Orzechowski
Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/
William Kerby
Chief
Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer and Director)
September 4, 2024
William
Kerby
/s/
Frank Orzechowski
Chief
Financial Officer
September 4, 2024
Frank
Orzechowski
(Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/
Donald P. Monaco
Chairman,
Director
September 4, 2024
Donald
P. Monaco
/s/
Salvatore Battinelli
Director
September 4, 2024
Salvatore
Battinelli
/s/
Dennis Duitch
Director
September 4, 2024
Dennis
Duitch
/s/
Kent Summers
Director
September 4, 2024
Kent
Summers
/s/
Jacob Brunsberg
Director
September 4,
2024
Jacob
Brunsberg
65
Index
to Financial Statements
Financial
Statements:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm PCAOB ID No. 00 457
F-2
Balance Sheets
F-4
Statements of Operations
F-5
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
F-6
Statements of Cash Flows
F-7
Notes to Financial Statements
F-8
F- 1
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To
the Board of Directors and
Stockholders
of NextTrip, Inc.
Opinion
on the Financial Statements
We
have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NextTrip, Inc. (the Company) as of February 29, 2024 and February
28, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in
the two-year period ended February 29, 2024, 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 February 29,
2024 and February 28, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended
February 29, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Substantial Doubt about the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in
Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a negative working capital
that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters
are also described in Note 1. 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.
Critical
Audit Matters
The
critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated
or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial
statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters
does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit
matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
F- 2
Reverse
Acquisition with Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. (Sigma)
Description
of the Matter
As
described in Note 1 of the financial statements, Sigma entered into a share exchange agreement with NextTrip, Inc. whereby the NextTrip,
Inc. would exchange all outstanding shares of NextTrip Inc. in exchange for 156,007 of restricted sigma shares, with a right to receive
up to an additional 5,843,993 restricted shares. Sigma was considered the legal acquirer and NextTrip Inc. was treated as the accounting
acquirer. As such the Company accounted for the transaction as a reverse merger.
This
transaction is complex in nature, required management judgment, and required a thorough understanding of the transaction and related
accounting guidance.
How
We Addressed the Matter
We
obtained an understanding of the transaction through discussions with management, review of the underlying agreements, and review of
management’s memo in connection with ASC 805 Accounting for Business Combinations. We then tested management’s assumptions
used in their analysis, the valuation of the shares issued, and the calculation of goodwill.
/s/
Haynie & Company
Haynie & Company
Salt
Lake City, Utah
September 4, 2024
PCAOB #457
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2024.
F- 3
NEXTTRIP,
INC. (FORMERLY SIGMA ADDITIVE SOLUTIONS, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
As
of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023
2024
2023
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 323,805
$ 282,475
Promissory note receivable, net
1,000,000
1,933,908
Accounts receivable, net
34,082
-
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
340,921
8,613
Total Current Assets
1,698,808
2,224,996
Non-Current assets
Property and equipment, net
6,642
16,226
Intangible assets, net
2,173,420
2,607,670
Security deposit
42,167
15,000
Goodwill
1,167,805
-
Right of Use Asset
-
1,020,443
Total Non-Current Assets
3,390,034
3,659,339
Total Assets
$ 5,088,842
$ 5,884,335
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable
$ 531,847
$ 519,136
Accrued expenses
460,768
329,922
Convertible Notes
-
3,233,503
Deferred revenue
139,921
22,750
Notes payable - related parties
828,277
281,000
Operating Lease Liability – Short Term
-
149,339
Total Current Liabilities
1,960,813
4,535,650
Non- Current Liabilities
Operating Lease Liability – Long Term
$ -
$ 864,575
Total Non-Current Liabilities
-
864,575
Total Liabilities
1,960,813
5,400,225
Commitments and Contingencies
-
-
Stockholder’s Equity
Preferred Stock, $ 0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 472,996 and 0 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
474
-
Common Stock, par value $ 0.001 ,
1,200,000 shares authorized, 936,430
and 83,371 shares issued and
outstanding, respectively (*)
936
83
Additional Paid in Capital (*)
27,277,758
17,295,890
Accumulated deficit
( 24,151,139 )
( 16,811,863 )
Total Stockholders’ Equity
3,128,029
484,110
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$ 5,088,842
$ 5,884,335
* On December 29,
2023, Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. acquired NextTrip in a reverse acquisition. NextTrip Group, LLC was issued 83,371 shares of Sigma
Additive Solutions, Inc. common stock in exchange for 100 % of the issued and outstanding capital stock of NextTrip at the time of the
reverse acquisition. The Company has reflected this transaction retroactively in these financial statements .
See
accompanying notes to financial statements
F- 4
NEXTTRIP,
INC. (FORMERLY SIGMA ADDITIVE SOLUTIONS, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2024 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2023
February 29, 2024
February 28, 2023
Revenue
$ 458,752
$ 382,832
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
( 397,532 )
( 354,921 )
Gross profit
61,220
27,911
Operating Expenses
Salaries and benefits
1,604,487
2,124,296
Stock based compensation
116,512
-
General and administrative
152,106
209,561
Sales and marketing
484,250
707,137
Professional Service Fees
1,421,508
615,432
Technology
311,430
551,418
Organization Costs
25,000
-
Depreciation and amortization
1,468,762
707,238
Other expenses
156,522
64,684
Total Operating Expenses
5,740,577
4,979,766
Operating loss
( 5,679,357 )
( 4,951,855 )
Other Income/(Expenses)
Loss on disposal of assets
( 14,718 )
-
Gain on extinguishment of liability
166,890
-
Loss on promissory note receivable
( 1,567,665
)
-
Interest income (expense), net
( 48,620 )
( 71,871 )
Other Income (expense)
486,633
( 9,770 )
Total other income (expense)
( 977,480 )
( 81,641 )
Net loss from continuing operations before taxes
( 6,656,837 )
( 5,033,496 )
Provision for income taxes
-
-
Net loss from continuing operations
$ ( 6,656,837 )
$ ( 5,033,496 )
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
( 675,314 )
-
Net loss
( 7,332,151 )
( 5,033,496 )
Preferred Dividends
( 7,125 )
-
Net Loss Applicable to Common Stockholders
$ ( 7,339,276 )
$ ( 5,033,496 )
Basic and diluted loss per common share from continuing operations ( * )
$ ( 29.16 )
$ ( 70.32 )
Basic and diluted loss per common share from discontinued
operations ( * )
$ ( 2.96 )
$ -
Basic and diluted loss per common share ( * )
$ ( 32.12 )
$ ( 70.32 )
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares ( * )
228,274
71,581
* On December 29,
2023, Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. acquired NextTrip in a reverse acquisition. NextTrip Group, LLC was issued 83,371 shares of Sigma
Additive Solutions, Inc. common stock in exchange for 100 % of the issued and outstanding capital stock of NextTrip at the time of the
reverse acquisition. The Company has reflected this transaction retroactively in these financial statements .
See
accompanying notes to financial statements
F- 5
NEXTTRIP,
INC. (FORMERLY SIGMA ADDITIVE SOLUTIONS, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2024 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2023
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Total
Preferred
Common
Additional Paid in
Accumulated
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Total
Balance, February 28, 2022 ( * )
-
$ -
70,370
$ 70
$ 30
$ ( 11,778,367 )
$ ( 11,778,267 )
Issuance of Common Shares
-
-
13,001
13
17,295,860
-
17,295,873
Net Loss
-
-
-
-
-
( 5,033,496 )
( 5,033,496 )
Balance, February 28, 2023 ( * )
-
$ -
83,371
$ 83
$ 17,295,890
$ ( 16,811,863 )
$ 484,110
Beginning balance
-
$ -
83,371
$ 83
$ 17,295,890
$ ( 16,811,863 )
$ 484,110
Issuance of Preferred Shares
472,680
473
-
-
1,603,027
-
1,603,500
Conversion of Convertible Notes
-
-
52,818
53
3,968,507
-
3,968,560
Purchases of Common Shares
-
-
15,481
16
1,905,954
-
1,905,970
Issuance of Common Shares for Services
-
-
4,337
4
13,106
-
13,110
Reverse Acquisition of Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc.
316
1
780,423
780
2,367,637
-
2,368,418
Stock Compensation
-
-
-
-
116,512
-
116,512
Preferred Stock Dividends
-
-
-
-
7,125
( 7,125 )
-
Net Loss
-
-
-
-
-
( 7,332,151 )
( 7,332,151 )
Balance, February 29, 2024 ( * )
472,996
$ 474
936,430
$ 936
$ 27,277,758
$ ( 24,151,139 )
$ 3,128,029
Ending balance
472,996
$ 474
936,430
$ 936
$ 27,277,758
$ ( 24,151,139 )
$ 3,128,029
* On December 29,
2023, Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. acquired NextTrip in a reverse acquisition. NextTrip Group, LLC was issued 83,371 shares of Sigma
Additive Solutions, Inc. common stock in exchange for 100 % of the issued and outstanding capital stock of NextTrip at the time of the
reverse acquisition. The Company has reflected this transaction retroactively in these financial statements .
See
accompanying notes to financial statements
F- 6
NEXTTRIP,
INC. (FORMERLY SIGMA ADDITIVE SOLUTIONS, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR
THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2024 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2023
February 29, 2024
February 28, 2023
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Loss from continuing operations
$ ( 6,656,837 )
$ ( 5,033,496 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization – property and equipment and intangibles
1,468,762
707,238
Depreciation of right of use asset
-
12,168
Loss on promissory note receivable
1,567,665
-
Stock based compensation
116,512
-
Gain on extinguishment of liability
( 166,890 )
-
Loss on sale of intangible assets
14,718
-
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
( 662,939 )
5,053
Prepaid expenses
( 281,506 )
48,796
Security deposit
( 27,167 )
-
Right of use lease liability
-
( 18,697 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
( 531,367 )
533,193
Deferred revenue
102,954
( 46,855 )
Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations
( 5,056,095 )
( 3,792,600 )
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations
( 675,314 )
-
Net cash used in operating activities
( 5,731,409 )
( 3,792,600 )
Cash Flows from Investing activities:
Purchase of equipment
( 9,253 )
( 2,928 )
Capitalized software development costs
( 1,016,175 )
( 2,354,094 )
Promissory note – related party
-
( 1,933,908
)
Reverse acquisition of Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc.
417,122
-
Sale of Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. assets
1,589,241
-
Net cash provided (used) in investing activities
980,935
( 4,290,930 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from notes payable - related party
-
281,000
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes
735,057
3,233,503
Proceeds from issuances of common shares
1,905,970
-
Proceeds from issuances of preferred shares
1,603,500
-
Advances from related party, net
547,277
4,620,452
Net cash provided by financing activities
4,791,804
8,134,955
Increase in cash
41,330
51,425
Cash - beginning of the period
282,475
231,050
Cash - end of the period
$ 323,805
$ 282,475
Supplemental cash flow information
Cash paid for interest
$ 4,381
$ 1,769
Cash paid for taxes
$ -
$ -
Non-Cash Financing Transactions
Issuance of preferred shares for services
$ 569,000
$ -
Issuance of preferred shares for perpetual software license
$ 362,000
$ -
Conversion of convertible notes
$ 3,968,507
$ -
Preferred stock dividends
$ 7,125
$ -
Issuance of common shares for services
$ 13,106
$ -
See
accompanying notes to financial statements
F- 7
NEXTTRIP,
INC. (FORMERLY SIGMA ADDITIVE SOLUTIONS, INC.)
NOTES
TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FEBRUARY
29, 2024 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2023
NOTE
1 - Business Description and Going Concern
Sigma
Additive Solutions, Inc. (“Sigma”), the legal acquiror of NextTrip, was initially incorporated as Messidor Limited in Nevada
on December 23, 1985, and changed its name to Framewaves Inc. in 2001. On September 27, 2010, the name was changed to Sigma Labs, Inc.
On May 17, 2022, Sigma Labs, Inc. began doing business as Sigma Additive Solutions, and on August 9, 2022, changed its name to Sigma
Additive Solutions, Inc.
On
March 11, 2024, Sigma filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended to date, with
the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, pursuant to which, effective as of 12:01 a.m. Pacific time on March 13, 2024, among other
things, Sigma’s corporate name was changed from Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. to “NextTrip, Inc.”
The
Company’s corporate office is located at 3900 Paseo del Sol, Santa Fe NM 87507 The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, NextTrip Holdings Inc. incorporated October 22, 2015, and Extraordinary Vacations
USA, Inc., incorporated on June 24, 2002.
Prior
to the Share Exchange Agreement as described below, NextTrip Holdings, Inc. (“NextTrip”) was a wholly owned subsidiary
of NextTrip Group, LLC (“Group”), which in turn, was a wholly owned subsidiary of NextPlay Technologies, Inc.
(“NextPlay”). All of the business operations of Group were conducted through its subsidiaries. On January 25, 2023,
NextPlay and Group entered into an Amended and Restated Separation Agreement (“Separation Agreement”), Amended and
Restated Operating Agreement (“Operating Agreement”), and Exchange Agreement (“Exchange Agreement”),
together the Agreements (“Agreements”), whereby NextPlay transferred their interest in the travel business to Group.
Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, NextPlay exchanged 1,000,000
Membership Units of Group for 400,000
Preferred Units of Group, with a value of $ 10
per unit. Prior to the exchange for Preferred Units, Group had a payable due to NextPlay of $ 17,295,873 ,
representing cash advances and payment of expenses by NextPlay on behalf of Group, while NextPlay had obligations to provide ongoing
support to NextTrip. Such liability was settled by the issuance of the Preferred Units and the waiver of all of NextPlay’s
ongoing support obligations except for a $ 1.5 million advance remaining under a promissory note and as such NextTrip recorded the
payable as contributed capital.
The
Company provides travel technology solutions with sales originating in the United States, with a primary emphasis on hotels, air, and all-inclusive travel packages. Our proprietary booking engine, branded
as NextTrip 2.0, provides travel distributors access to a sizeable inventory.
The
Company owns 50 % of Next Innovation LLC (Joint Venture) and this entity is in the process of a first structure plan. No activities nor
operations occurred in 2023 or 2024 and NextTrip, Inc. does not have control of the company and therefore no minority interest was recorded.
Reverse
Acquisition
On
October 12, 2023, Sigma entered into a Share Exchange Agreement (as amended, the “Exchange Agreement”) with NextTrip, Group,
and William Kerby (the “NextTrip Representative”). Under the terms of the Exchange Agreement, the parties agreed that Group
would sell and transfer to Sigma all of the issued and outstanding shares of NextTrip in exchange for 156,007 restricted shares of Sigma
common stock (the “Closing Shares”), issuable at closing, and the right to receive up to an additional 5,843,993 restricted
shares of Sigma common stock upon satisfaction of certain milestones set forth in the Exchange Agreement (the “Contingent Shares,”
and together with the Closing Shares, the “Restricted Shares”), which Restricted Shares are issuable to the members of Group,
on a pro rata basis, under the terms of the Exchange Agreement, subject to certain closing conditions (the “Acquisition”).
Upon the closing of the Acquisition on December 29, 2023, NextTrip became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sigma.
F- 8
The
Contingent Shares, together with the Closing Shares, will not exceed 6,000,000 shares of Sigma common stock, or approximately 90.2 % of
the issued and outstanding shares of Sigma common stock immediately prior to the closing. The Acquisition will likely result in a change
of control, with the members of Group receiving an aggregate number of shares that exceeds the number of shares that held by the legacy
shareholders of Sigma. As a result, the Acquisition is accounted for as a reverse acquisition of NextTrip by Sigma, whereby Sigma is
treated as the legal acquirer and NextTrip is treated as the accounting acquirer. As a result, the historical financial information presented
is that of NextTrip.
In
accordance with ASC 805 - 40 - 45 - 1, the consolidated financial statements prepared following a reverse acquisition
are issued under the name of the legal parent (NextTrip, Inc., f/k/a Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc.) but described in the notes to the
financial statements as a continuation of the financial statements of the legal subsidiary (NextTrip), with one adjustment, which
is to retroactively adjust the accounting acquirer’s legal capital to reflect the legal capital of the accounting acquiree. That
adjustment is required to reflect the capital of the legal parent. Comparative information presented in the consolidated financial statements
also is retroactively adjusted to reflect the legal capital of the legal parent.
Under
ASC 805 - 40 - 45 - 2, the consolidated financial statements represent the continuation of the legal subsidiary
except for the capital structure, as follows:
(a)
The
assets and liabilities of the legal subsidiary recognized and measured at their pre-combination carrying amounts;
(b)
The
assets and liabilities of the legal parent recognized and measured in accordance with the guidance in this topic applicable to business
combinations (ASC 805);
(c)
The
retained earnings and other equity balances of the legal subsidiary before the business combination;
(d)
The
amount required to be recognized as issued equity interests in the consolidated financial statements determined by adding the issued
equity interest of the legal subsidiary outstanding immediately before the business combination to the fair value of the legal parent
determined in accordance with the guidance in ASC 805 applicable to business combinations. However, the equity structure reflects
the equity structure of the legal parent, including the equity interests the legal parent issued to affect the combination. Accordingly,
the equity structure of the legal subsidiary is restated using the exchange ratio established in the acquisition agreement to reflect
the number of shares of the legal parent issued in the reverse acquisition.
The
assets and liabilities of Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. were recognized at fair value under ASC 805 as described in NOTE 8 –
Goodwill .
Going
Concern
As
of February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $ 24,151,139 and $ 16,811,863 respectively, and
working capital deficit of $ 262,005 and $ 2,310,654 , respectively, and has incurred losses since incorporation. The Company will need
to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings to support the on-going operations, increase market penetration of our products,
expand the marketing and development of our travel and technology driven products, provide capital expenditures for additional equipment
and development costs, payment obligations, and systems for managing the business including covering other operating costs until the
planned revenue streams are fully implemented and begin to offset our operating costs. In the event the Company is unable to raise adequate funding in the future
for its operations and to pay its outstanding debt obligations, the Company may be forced to scale back its business plan and/or liquidate
some or all of its assets or may be forced to seek bankruptcy protection.
In light of the foregoing, there is substantial doubt about our ability
to continue as a going concern for 12 months from the date of the filing of this Annual Report.
F- 9
Recent
Issues Surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic
On
March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. This contagious disease outbreak and any related adverse
public health developments, has adversely affected workforces, economies, and financial markets globally, leading to an economic downturn.
The
duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic impeded global economic activity for an extended period of time, even as restrictions
have been lifted in many jurisdictions (including the United States) and vaccines are being made available, leading to decreased per
capita income and disposable income, increased and sustained unemployment or a decline in consumer confidence, all of which significantly
reduced discretionary spending by individuals and businesses on travel and may create a recession in the United States or globally. In
turn, that could have a negative impact on demand for our services. We also cannot predict the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
on our partners and their business and operations or the ways that the pandemic may fundamentally alter the travel industry. The aforementioned
circumstances could result in a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, potentially
for a prolonged period.
Although
we currently cannot predict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our fiscal 2025 financial results relating to our operations,
we anticipate an increase in year-over-year revenue as compared to fiscal year 2023. However, the ultimate extent of the COVID-19 pandemic
and its impact on global travel and overall economic activity is constantly changing and impossible to predict currently. However, the
Company is seeing the return to normal operations.
NOTE
2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis
of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements and related disclosures have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Financial Statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting
in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) of the United States.
The
financial statements have been prepared on a consolidated basis with those of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Functional
and presentation currency
These
financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“USD”), which is the Company’s functional and reporting
currency. All financial information has been rounded to the nearest dollar except where otherwise indicated.
F- 10
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated
financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from
those estimates. These differences could have a material effect on the Company’s future results of operations and financial position.
Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include the carrying amounts of intangible assets, depreciation and amortization.
Information
about key assumptions and estimation uncertainty that has a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts
of the Company’s assets and liabilities within the next financial year are referenced in the notes to the financial statements
as follows:
●
The
assessment of the Company to continue as a going concern;
●
The assessment of the allowance on the related party promissory note receivable;
●
Estimates of purchase price allocation;
●
The
measurement and useful life of intangible assets and property and equipment
●
Estimates of fair value of equity instruments;
●
Recoverability
of long lived assets
Loss
Per Share – The computation of loss per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period
in accordance with ASC Topic No. 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Shares underlying the Company’s outstanding warrants, options
or note conversion features were excluded due to the anti-dilutive effect they would have on the computation. At February 29, 2024 and
February 28, 2023, the Company had the following common shares underlying these instruments:
Schedule of Anti-dilutive Securities Excluded
from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Year Ended February 29 and 28,
2024
2023
Warrants
486,165
-
Stock Options
85,300
-
Preferred Stock
475,835
-
Total Underlying Common Shares
1,047,300
-
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
Cash
consists of amounts denominated in US dollars. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts. The Company considers all
highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. There were no cash equivalents
as of February 29, 2024, or February 28, 2023.
Prepaids
The
Company records cash paid in advance for goods and/or services to be received in the future as prepaid expenses. Prepaid expenses are
expensed over time according to the terms of the purchase. Other current assets are recognized when it is probable that the future economic
benefits will flow to the Company and the asset has a cost or value that can be measured reliably. It is then charged to expense over
the expected number of periods during which economic benefits will be realized.
Accounts
Receivable
Trade
accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s
best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in its existing accounts receivable.
F- 11
The
Company considers accounts receivable to be fully collectible; accordingly, no allowance for doubtful accounts is required. If amounts
become uncollectible, they will be charged to operations when that determination is made.
Trade
accounts receivable balances as of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, were $ 34,092 , and $ 0 , respectively.
Promissory Note Receivable
Receivables
from NextPlay under the promissory note as described in NOTE 1 – Business Description and Going Concern were $ 2,567,665
and $ 1,933,908 respectively. Management has determined that, since NextPlay is in default under the terms of the promissory note, collectability
of the entire related party receivable as of February 29, 2024 is uncertain, and has therefore established an allowance for doubtful
accounts of $ 1,567,665 . As of February 28, 2023, no allowance for doubtful accounts was established.
Property
and Equipment
Recognition
and measurement
Items
of property and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. When parts of an item
of property and equipment have different estimated useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items within property and equipment.
The costs of the ongoing regular repairs and maintenance of property and equipment are recognized in the period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation
Depreciation
is recognized in profit or loss over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property and equipment in a manner that most
closely reflects management’s estimated future consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset. The estimated
useful lives for the Company’s property and equipment are as follows:
Schedule
of Estimated
Useful Lives for Property and Equipment
Category
Method
Estimated
useful life
Furniture
& Fixtures
Straight
line
5
years
Computer
& Equipment
Straight
line
3
years
Intangible
assets
The
Company measures separately acquired intangible assets at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. The Company recognizes
internally developed intangible assets when it has determined that the completion of such is technically feasible, and the Company has
sufficient resources to complete the development. Subsequent expenditures are capitalized when they increase the future economic benefits
of the associated asset. All other expenditures are recorded in profit or loss as incurred.
The
Company assesses whether the life of intangible asset is finite or indefinite. The Company reviews the amortization method and period
of use of its intangible assets at least annually. Changes in the expected useful life or period of consumption of future economic benefits
associated with the asset are accounted for prospectively by changing the amortization method or period as a change in accounting estimates
in profit or loss. The Company has assessed the useful life of its trademarks as indefinite.
The
estimated useful lives for the Company’s finite life intangible assets are as follows:
Schedule
of Estimated
Useful Lives for Finite Life Intangible Assets
Category
Method
Estimated
useful life
Software
Straight
line
1
- 3 years
Software
licenses
Straight
line
0.5
- 4 years
Software
Development Costs
The
Company capitalizes internal software development costs subsequent to establishing technological feasibility of a software application
in accordance with guidelines established by “ ASC 985-20-25 ” Accounting for the Costs of Software to Be Sold, Leased,
or Otherwise Marketed, requiring certain software development costs to be capitalized upon the establishment of technological feasibility.
The establishment of technological feasibility and the ongoing assessment of the recoverability of these costs require considerable judgment
by management with respect to certain external factors such as anticipated future revenue, estimated economic life, and changes in software
and hardware technologies. Amortization of the capitalized software development costs begins when the product is available for general
release to customers. Capitalized costs are amortized based on the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of
the product.
F- 12
Impairment
of Intangible Assets
In
accordance with ASC 350-30-65 “ Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ”, the Company assesses the impairment of identifiable
intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company
considers important, which could trigger an impairment review include the following:
1.
Significant underperformance compared to historical or projected future operating results.
2.
Significant changes in the manner or use of the acquired assets or the strategy for the overall business, and
3.
Significant negative industry or economic trends.
When
the Company determines that the carrying value of an intangible asset may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more
of the above indicators of impairment and the carrying value of the asset cannot be recovered from projected undiscounted cash flows,
the Company records an impairment charge. The Company measures any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using
a discount rate determined by management to be commensurate with the risk inherent to the current business model. Significant management
judgment is required in determining whether an indicator of impairment exists and in projecting cash flows. Intangible assets that have
finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives.
Leases
The
Company adopted ASU 2016-02 (Topic ASC 842) Leases, which requires a lessee to recognize a lease asset and a leases liability for operating
leases arrangements greater than twelve (12) months.
We
determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”)
assets, operating lease liabilities - current, and operating lease liabilities - noncurrent on the balance sheets.
ROU
assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease
payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present
value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we generally use our incremental
borrowing rate based on the estimated rate of interest for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease payments at commencement
date. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms may include
options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments
is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Reclassification
Certain
prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on the
net earnings (loss) or financial position.
F- 13
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments
The
Company follows accounting guidelines on fair value measurements for financial instruments measured on a recurring basis, as well as
for certain assets and liabilities that are initially recorded at their estimated fair values. Fair Value is defined as the exit price,
or the amount that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants
as the measurement date. The Company uses the following three-level hierarchy that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes
the use of unobservable inputs to value its financial instruments:
●
Level
1: Observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.
●
Level
2: Quoted prices for similar instruments that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
●
Level
3: Significant unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity and that are financial instruments whose values
are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which
the determination of fair value requires a significant judgment or estimation.
Financial
instruments measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair
value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety
requires it to make judgments and consider factors specific to the asset or liability. The use of different assumptions and/or estimation
methodologies may have a material effect on estimated fair values. Accordingly, the fair value estimates disclosed, or initial amounts
recorded may not be indicative of the amount that the Company or holders of the instruments could realize in a current market exchange.
The
carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses,
convertible notes and notes payable are of approximately fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
Concentration
of Credit Risk - The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The
Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on its cash and
cash equivalents.
Stock
Based Compensation – The Company recognizes compensation costs to employees under ASC Topic No. 718, “Compensation –
Stock Compensation.” Under ASC Topic No. 718, companies are required to measure the compensation costs of share-based compensation
arrangements based on the grant-date fair value and recognize the costs in the financial statements over the period during which employees
are required to provide services. Share based compensation arrangements may include stock options, grants of shares of common stock with
and without restrictions, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights and employee share purchase plans. As such, compensation
cost is measured on the date of grant at its fair value. Such compensation amounts, if any, are amortized over the respective vesting
periods of the option or stock grants.
Equity
instruments issued to non-employees are recorded on the basis of the fair value of the instruments, as required by ASC Topic No. 718.
In general, the measurement date is either (a) when a performance commitment, as defined, is reached or (b) the earlier of the date that
(i) the non-employee performance requirement is complete or (ii) the instruments are vested. The measured value related to the instruments
is recognized over a period based on the facts and circumstances of each particular grant as defined in the FASB Accounting Standards
Codification.
Revenue
Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic No. 606. In
May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts
with Customers . ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that superseded nearly all existing revenue recognition
guidance under prior U.S. GAAP and replaced it with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition. The core principle
of the standard is the recognition of revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects
the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In general, we determine revenue
recognition by: (1) identifying the contract, or contracts, with our customer; (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract;
(3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognizing
revenue when, or as, we satisfy performance obligations by transferring the promised goods or services.
F- 14
The
Company recognizes revenue when the customer has purchased the product, the occurrence of the earlier of date of travel or the date of
cancellation has expired, as satisfaction of the performance obligation, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability
is reasonably assured. Revenue for customer travel packages purchased directly from the Company are recorded gross (the amount paid to
the Company by the customer is shown as revenue and the cost of providing the respective travel package is recorded to cost of revenues).
The
Company generates revenues from sales directly to customers as well as through other distribution channels of tours and activities at
destinations throughout the world.
The
Company controls the specified travel product before it is transferred to the customer and is therefore a principal, based on but not
limited to, the following:
●
The
Company is primarily responsible for fulling the promise to provide such travel product.
●
The
Company has inventory risk before the specified travel product has been transferred to a customer or after transfer of control to
a customer.
●
The
Company has discretion in establishing the price for the specified travel product.
Payments
for tours or activities received in advance of services being rendered are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue at
the earlier of the date of travel or the last date of cancellation (i.e., the customer’s refund privileges lapse).
Sales
and Marketing
Selling
and administration expenses consist primarily of marketing and promotional expenses, expenses related to our participation in industry
conferences, and public relations expenses.
Sales
and marketing expenses are charged to expense as incurred and are included in selling and promotions expenses in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements. Sales and marketing expense for the years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023 was $ 484,250 and $ 707,137 ,
respectively.
Income
Taxes
The
Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic No. 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”
Income
taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective
tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected
to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred
tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation
allowance on deferred tax assets is established when management considers it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the
deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Tax
benefits from an uncertain tax position are only recognized if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on
examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated
financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood
of being realized upon ultimate resolution. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded as incurred as a
component of income tax expense. The Company has not recognized any tax benefits from uncertain tax positions for any of the reporting
periods presented.
The
Company has no tax positions at February 29, 2024 and 2023 for which the ultimate deductibility is highly uncertain but for which there
is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility.
The
Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. During
the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the Company recognized no interest and penalties. All tax years starting with
2019 are open for examination.
F- 15
Recently
adopted accounting pronouncements
In
August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—
Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The FASB issued this ASU to address issues identified as a result of the complexity
associated with GAAP for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. Complexity associated with the
accounting is a significant contributing factor to numerous financial statement restatements and results in complexity for users attempting
to understand the results of applying the current guidance. In addressing the complexity, the FASB focused on amending the guidance on
convertible instruments and the guidance on the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity. For convertible
instruments, the FASB decided to reduce the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock.
Limiting the accounting models results in fewer embedded conversion features being separately recognized from the host contract as compared
with current GAAP. Convertible instruments that continue to be subject to separation models are (1) those with embedded conversion features
that are not clearly and closely related to the host contract, that meet the definition of a derivative, and that do not qualify for
a scope exception from derivative accounting and (2) convertible debt instruments issued with substantial premiums for which the premiums
are recorded as paid-in capital. The FASB concluded that eliminating certain accounting models simplifies the accounting for convertible
instruments, reduces complexity for preparers and practitioners, and improves the decision usefulness and relevance of the information
provided to financial statement users. In addition to eliminating certain accounting models, the FASB also decided to enhance information
transparency by making targeted improvements to the disclosures for convertible instruments and earnings-per-share (EPS) guidance on
the basis of feedback from financial statement users. The FASB decided to amend the guidance for the derivatives scope exception for
contracts in an entity’s own equity to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions. The FASB observed that the application
of the derivatives scope exception guidance results in accounting for some contracts as derivatives while accounting for economically
similar contracts as equity. The FASB also decided to improve and amend the related EPS guidance. The amendments in this ASU are effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted,
but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The FASB specified
that an entity should adopt the guidance as of the beginning of its annual fiscal year. The FASB decided to allow entities to adopt the
guidance through either a modified retrospective method of transition or a fully retrospective method of transition. The Company adopted
ASU 2020-06 on March 1, 2022 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated
financial statements.
In
May 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-04, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Debt—Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50),
Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718), and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic
815-40): Issuer’s Accounting for Certain Modifications or Exchanges of Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options. ASU
2021-04 requires accounting for modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options (for example, warrants)
that remain equity classified after the modification or exchange based on the economic substance of the modification or exchange. The
recognition of the modification depends on the nature of the transaction in which the equity-classified written call option is modified.
If there is more than one element in a transaction (for example, if the modification involves both a debt modification and an equity
issuance), then the guidance requires allocating the effect of the option modification to each element. ASU 2021-04 is effective for
the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2022. ASU 2021-04 should be applied prospectively to modifications or exchanges occurring
on or after the effective date of the amendments. The Company adopted ASU 2021-04 on March 1, 2022 on a prospective basis. The adoption
of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In
March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, ASC Subtopic 326 “Credit Losses”: Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures.
Since the issuance of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, the Board has provided resources to monitor and assist stakeholders with the implementation of
Topic 326. Post-Implementation Review (PIR) activities have included forming a Credit Losses Transition Resource Group, conducting outreach
with stakeholders of all types, developing educational materials and staff question-and-answer guidance, conducting educational workshops,
and performing an archival review of financial reports. ASU No. 2022-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December
15, 2022. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
F- 16
The
Company has considered all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and does not believe the adoption of such pronouncements will
have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE
3 – Discontinued Operations
During
the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, the Company completed the sale of certain assets of Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc., which has
been classified as discontinued operations in accordance with ASC 205-20, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Discontinued
Operations.”
On
October 6, 2023, the Company entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement (“APA”) with Divergent Technologies, Inc.,
(“Divergent”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell to Divergent, and Divergent agreed to purchase from us, certain
assets consisting primarily of patents, software code and other intellectual property for a purchase price of $ 1,626,242 , including a
$ 37,000 earnest-money deposit previously paid to us by Divergent. The closing under the Asset Purchase Agreement occurred subsequent
to the closing of the reverse acquisition with NextTrip on January 12, 2024. The parties’ respective obligations to close were
subject to the accuracy of the parties’ respective representations and warranties and performance of their respective covenants
and satisfaction or waiver of other customary conditions specified in the Asset Purchase Agreement. In the interim, between the signing
date and closing date or termination of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Sigma granted Divergent a non-exclusive, nontransferable, non-sublicensable
(except to Divergent customers and affiliates), limited, irrevocable (except in connection with the termination of the Asset Purchase
Agreement), worldwide, royalty-free license to the “Licensed IP” (as defined) for testing, evaluation, and commercialization
purposes. A gain of $ 30,515 was recognized in the asset disposition transaction.
During
the year ended February 29, 2024, the Company recorded a loss of $ 675,314 from discontinued operations as follows:
Schedule
of Discontinued Operations
February 29,
2024
Revenue
$ 5,006
Cost of revenue
-
Gross Profit
5,006
Salaries and benefits
28,475
Retention bonuses
528,930
Severance
62,500
Organization costs
63,600
Other income
( 3,185 )
Total Expenses
680,320
Loss from Discontinued Operations
$ ( 675,314 )
NOTE
4 - Prepaid and Other Current Assets
Prepaid
and other current assets consisted of the following as of February 29, 2024 and as of February 28, 2023:
Schedule
of Prepaid and Other Current Assets
February 29,
2024
February 28,
2023
Prepaid marketing expenses
$ 100
$ 100
Prepaid other expenses
298,274
8,513
Prepaid cost of sales
42,547
-
Total
$ 340,921
$ 8,613
NOTE
5 - Leases
On
January 25, 2023, as part of the separation agreement with NextPlay Technologies Inc., the Company assumed control of a lease arrangement
for office space in Florida.
The
Company adopted ASU 2016-02 (Topic ASC 842) Leases, which requires a lessee to recognize a lease asset and a leases liability for operating
leases arrangements greater than twelve (12) months.
We
determined that the arrangement was an operating lease at inception and included it in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”)
assets, operating lease liabilities - current, and operating lease liabilities - noncurrent on the balance sheet as of February 28, 2023.
The office facility was occupied by NextTrip employees through March 16, 2023, when the landlord informed the NextTrip that would not
recognize NextTrip as the tenant. The Company continued to negotiate the assumption of the lease with the landlord, but was ultimately
unsuccessful, and as a result derecognized the lease in the financial statements as of February 29, 2024. No restatement was made for
fiscal year 2023 as the Company had use of the offices at that time and was in negotiations to assume the lease from NextPlay Technologies,
Inc. No payments have been made on the lease and no expense has been recognized for the year ended February 29, 2024. Rent expense for the year ended February 28, 2023 was $ 40,554 .
F- 17
NOTE
6 - Property and Equipment
Property
and equipment as of February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023 consisted of the following:
Schedule
of Property and Equipment
February 29,
2024
February 28,
2023
Furniture and Fixtures
$ 17,018
$ 17,018
Computer and Equipment
82,492
73,238
Total
99,510
90,256
Accumulated depreciation
( 92,868 )
( 74,030 )
Property and Equipment, net of depreciation
$ 6,642
$ 16,226
Depreciation
expense for the years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023 was $ 18,838 and $ 30,386 , respectively, and is recorded in operating
expenses.
During
the years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, the Company acquired property and equipment of $ 9,253 and $ 2,928 , respectively.
NOTE
7 - Intangible Assets
Intangible
assets as of February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023 consisted of the following:
Schedule
of Intangible Assets
February 29,
2024
February 28,
2023
Software Development
$ 6,602,028
$ 5,908,353
Software Licenses
789,576
467,576
Trademark
6,283
6,283
Total
7,397,887
6,382,212
Accumulated amortization
( 5,224,467 )
( 3,774,542 )
Intangible assets, net of amortization
$ 2,173,420
$ 2,607,670
Amortization
expense for the years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023 was $ 1,449,925 and $ 676,853 , respectively, and recorded in operating
expenses.
During
the years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, the Company recorded no impairment losses associated with the carrying value
exceeding its recoverable amount.
The estimated aggregate amortization
expense for each of the succeeding years ending February 28 is as follows:
Schedule
of estimated aggregate amortization expense
2025
$ 660,578
2026
172,152
2027
12,498
Thereafter
-
Total
$ 845,228
NOTE
8 – Goodwill
As
discussed in Note 1, the legal acquisition of NextTrip by Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. was determined to be a reverse acquisition,
with NextTrip as the accounting acquirer, using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations.
Under this method of accounting, the purchase price is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated
fair values at the date of consummation of the transaction.
F- 18
The
following table presents the allocation of the $ 2,368,418 million consideration for the acquisition and summarizes the estimated fair
values of the Sigma (the accounting acquiree) assets acquired and liabilities assumed for NextTrip (the accounting acquirer). The estimated
consideration of approximately $ 2,368,418 million is based on Sigma’s closing share price of $ 3.0229 as reported on Nasdaq on December
29, 2023 multiplied by the 780,423 shares outstanding as of that date and the fair value of Series E Preferred Stock into 3,069 common
shares.
Schedule
of Fair Value of Assets Acquired
Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired:
Cash
$ 417,121
Accounts Receivable, net
4,900
Inventory
257,873
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
50,802
Property and equipment
52,357
Intangible assets
1,277,919
Accounts payable
( 837,450 )
Accrued expenses
( 61,001 )
Deferred revenue
( 14,218 )
Total identifiable net assets acquired
1,148,303
Goodwill
1,220,115
Total Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired
$ 2,368,418
Total Purchase Consideration
$ 2,368,418
Pursuant
to ASC 350-20, the Company assigned its goodwill to reporting units and is required to test each reporting unit’s goodwill for
impairment at least on an annual basis and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than
not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The goodwill resulting from the reverse acquisition is primarily
attributable to NextTrip’s objective to obtain access to public markets to provide funding wherewithal to fund business growth.
NextTrip’s benefit in paying for these synergies in the reverse acquisition transaction are to avoid the time and expense of organizing
and executing an Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) transaction. In the reverse acquisition, $ 52,310 of goodwill was allocated
to the Sigma Reporting Unit and $ 1,167,805 of goodwill was allocated to the NextTrip Reporting Unit under the acquisition method of accounting.
The
combined Company consists of two reporting units, Sigma and NextTrip. As the accounting acquirer in the reverse acquisition, NextTrip
is considered to be an existing reporting unit and Sigma is considered to be a new reporting unit in that it is not in the same business
as NextTrip. Accordingly, the reverse acquisition creates a new reporting unit which holds the Sigma business constituting an asset held
for sale as a result of the agreement for the sale of certain Sigma assets to Divergent 3D (“Divergent”) for a sales price
of $ 1,626,242 . As such, the fair value of the Sigma Reporting Unit is determined to be $ 1,626,242 with the difference of $ 742,176 from
the purchase consideration being allocated to the NextTrip Reporting Unit. The assets being sold to Divergent and the liabilities being
relieved from the Divergent transaction are assigned to the Sigma Reporting unit with the difference between the net fair value of those
assets and liabilities and the Sigma Reporting Unit being assigned to goodwill. The goodwill being assigned to the NextTrip Reporting
Unit is determined by the difference between the purchase consideration assigned to the NextTrip Reporting Unit and the net acquired
Sigma assets and liabilities assumed that are assigned to the NextTrip Reporting Unit. A gain of $ 37,592 was recognized in the disposition
transaction.
Following
is a reconciliation of goodwill as of February 29, 2024:
Schedule
of Reconciliation of Goodwill
February 29,
2024
Reverse acquisition of Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc.
$ 1,220,115
Reduction from sale of assets to Divergent Technologies
( 52,310 )
Balance, February 29, 2024
$ 1,167,805
NOTE
9 - Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
As
of February 29, 2024, the Company had accounts payable of $ 531,847 and accrued expenses of $ 460,768 , compared to $ 519,136 of accounts
payable and $ 329,922 of accrued expenses for the year ended February 28, 2023.
NOTE
10 – Income Taxes
The
Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic No. 740. This standard requires the Company to provide a net deferred
tax asset or liability equal to the expected future tax benefit or expense of temporary reporting differences between book and tax accounting
methods and any available operating loss or tax credit carryforwards. Income tax returns open for examination by the Internal Revenue
Service consist of tax years ended December 31, 2020 through 2022.
F- 19
The
Company had available at February 29, 2024 unused operating loss carryforwards of approximately $ 43,934,000 which may be applied against
future taxable income. Losses incurred between 2010 and 2017, which total $ 9,820,000 expire in various years through 2038, and the remainder
of the losses, which total $ 34,114,000 can be carried forward indefinitely. Due to the change in ownership provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, net operating loss carryforwards for Federal
income tax reported purposes are subject to annual limitations. Due to the change in ownership as a result of the reverse acquisition,
the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards may be limited as to use in future years, and any such limitation will be determined
on a year-to-year basis. The
amount of and ultimate realization of the benefits from the operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes is dependent, in part,
upon the tax laws in effect, the future earnings of the Company and other future events, the effects of which cannot be determined. Because
of the uncertainty surrounding the realization of the loss carryforwards, the Company has established a valuation allowance equal to
the tax effect of the loss carryforwards and other temporary differences of approximately $ 11,250,300 and $ 8,575,900 at February 29, 2024, and February
28, 2023, respectively, and, therefore, no deferred tax asset has been recognized for the loss carryforwards.
Deferred
tax assets are comprised of the following:
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets
2024
2023
Deferred tax assets:
NOL carryover
$ 9,226,100
$ 8,636,900
Related party accruals
173,900
-
Payroll accruals
77,800
-
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation
1,772,500
( 61,000
)
Valuation allowance
( 11,250,300
)
( 8,575,900
)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)
$ -
$ -
The
reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate ( 21 %) to the Company’s effective
tax rate for the years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023 is as follows:
Schedule
of Reconciliation of Provision for Income Taxes
2024
2023
Book Loss
$ ( 1,541,200 )
$ ( 1,837,400 )
Depreciation
270,100
( 20,700 )
Meals & Entertainment
300
-
Preferred dividends
422,842
-
Stock compensation
24,468
( 48,548
)
Loss on asset disposal
67,274
-
Accrued payroll
51,857
-
Related party accruals
114,928
-
Change in valuation allowance
589,431
1,906,648
Provision for Income Taxes
$ -
$ -
NOTE
11 - Convertible Notes
Between
March 13, 2023 and June 9, 2023, the Company issued $ 650,000 in convertible notes upon the receipt of proceeds from several investors.
The notes had an interest at a rate of 8 % per annum and were convertible into shares and warrants in a new public company upon the completion
of a merger with a Special Purpose Acquisition Corporation (“SPAC”) at a conversion price of $ 3.00 per common share, subject
to certain adjustments.
Between
July 27, 2022 and February 21, 2023, the Company issued a total principal amount of $ 3,012,000
in convertible notes upon the receipt of proceeds from several investors. The notes had an interest at a rate of 8 %
per annum and were convertible into shares and warrants in a new public company upon the completion of a merger with a Special
Purpose Acquisition Corporation (“SPAC”) at a conversion price of $ 3.00
per common share, subject to certain adjustments.
On
December 29, 2023, in connection with, and contingent upon the acquisition of NextTrip Holdings, Inc. by Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc.
(the “Sigma Transaction”), each investor in a convertible note entered into a Debt Assignment and Conversion Agreement (the
Agreement”) with NextTrip Group, LLC (“Group”) and NextTrip Holdings, Inc. (“NextTrip”) whereby the notes
and the debt represented thereon were assigned from NextTrip to Group and converted into common units of Group with the equivalent value
on the terms and conditions as set forth in the Agreements. In exchange for entering into the Agreements, each investor received the
right to receive a number of Restricted Sigma Shares, including both Closing Shares and Contingent Shares, to be distributed by the Company
to the investor following the consummation of the Sigma Transaction. The shares are issuable at a price of $ 3.00 , and include both principal
and accrued interest thereon.
The
Sigma Transaction was closed on December 29, 2023, and as a result, the Company issued to investors 52,818 Closing Shares, and the right
to receive 1,978,598 Contingent Shares, if issued.
During
the years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, the Company recorded interest expense of $ 234,213 and $ 72,347 respectively,
related to the notes.
F- 20
NOTE
12 – Share Purchase Agreements
Between
August 10, 2023 and November 6, 2023, NextTrip entered into Share Purchase Agreements with several investors to purchase convertible
shares in NextTrip in exchange for total proceeds of $ 1,755,970 . Pursuant to the Agreements, the shares were initially convertible into
the common shares of a public company at $ 0.15 per share. The Agreements further provided that contingent upon the consummation of the
legal acquisition of NextTrip Holdings, Inc. by Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc., the investors would receive the same number of Sigma
shares in lieu of NextTrip common shares.
On
December 29, 2023, concurrent with the consummation of the acquisition, each investor entered into an Exchange Agreement with Group and
Holdings, whereby such investors exchanged their rights to NextTrip shares for rights to common units of Group of the same value, and
Group distributed to investors, that number of Closing Shares as set forth in the Exchange Agreements. Additionally, upon NextTrip’s
achievement of each of the milestones as set forth in the Share Exchange Agreement, if ever, Group will further distribute the number
of Contingent Shares in accordance with the Share Exchange Agreement.
On
September 19, 2022, the Company entered into a Software as a Service Agreement with a third party consultant in which the Company received
a $ 150,000 down payment upon signing of the contract. On December 31, 2022, the Company entered into an amended agreement with the counterparty
in which the down payment became a noninterest bearing share issuance obligation in which such amount will be converted to shares in
a new public company upon the completion of a merger at a conversion price of $ 3.00 per common share, subject to adjustments. On December
29, 2023, upon the consummation of the reverse acquisition transaction with Sigma, the counterparty received 1,996 Closing Shares and
the right to receive an additional 74,786 Contingent Shares, if issued.
The
total number of Closing Shares issued to investors, inclusive of the third party consultant, on December 29, 2023 was 15,481 , and the
Contingent Shares issuable, if ever, totaled 579,954 .
On
December 28, 2023, the Company entered into a Consulting Modification Agreement with a third-party consultant which provided for the
full settlement of $ 180,000 in consulting fees by issuing common shares of Sigma contingent upon the closing of the reverse acquisition.
The reverse acquisition closed on December 29, 2023, pursuant to which Company issued 4,337 Closing Shares to the consultant, and the
right to receive 162,466 Contingent Shares, if issued.
NOTE
13 - Related Party Transactions
On
February 28, 2023, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Travel and Media Tech, LLC, (“TMT”), pursuant
to which it purchased the right, title and interest in the “Bookit” or “NextTrip 2.0” booking engine, including
customer lists, all current content associated with hotel and destination product in the booking engine (pictures, hotel descriptions,
restaurant descriptions, room descriptions, amenity descriptions, and destination information.) and source code related thereto. TMT
is a related entity owned by Don Monaco, the Company’s Chairman and William Kerby, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.
Amounts
due to related parties in 2024 and 2023 was $ 828,277 and $ 281,000 , respectively. The amounts due in both years are to William Kerby and
Donald Monaco.
The
Company recorded a loss of $ 1,567,665 on the NextPlay related party receivable for the year ended February 29, 2024. The total amount
receivable from NextPlay was $ 2,567,665 at February 29, 2024. NextPlay is in default under the terms of its promissory note and as a
result the Company established an allowance for doubtful accounts of $ 1,567,665 as collectability of the note is uncertain. As of February
28, 2023, no allowance for doubtful accounts was established.
NOTE
14 - Deferred Revenue
Deferred
revenue as of the years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023 was $ 139,921 and $ 22,750 , respectively.
Deferred
revenue consists of travel deposits received from users in advance of revenue recognition. The deferred revenue balance for the years
ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023 was driven by cash payments from customers in advance of satisfying our performance obligations.
NOTE
15 - Commitments and Contingencies
The
Company is involved, from time to time, in litigation, other legal claims and proceedings involving matters associated with or incidental
to our business, including, among other things, matters involving breach of contract claims, intellectual property, employment issues,
and other related claims and vendor matters. The Company believes that the resolution of currently pending matters could, individually
or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. However, assessment of the current
litigation or other legal claims could change considering the discovery of facts not presently known to the Company or by judges, juries
or other finders of fact, which are not in accord with management’s evaluation of the possible liability or outcome of such litigation
or claims.
F- 21
NOTE
16 – Stockholders’ Equity
Common
Stock
The
Company has 1,200,000 shares of common stock authorized. For the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the Company had
936,430 and 83,371 shares of common stock, par value $ 0.001 issued and outstanding, respectively. All shares have equal voting rights,
are fully-paid and non-assessable, and have one vote per share.
On
September 22, 2023, we effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of our common stock and a corresponding decrease
in the number of shares of our common stock that we are authorized to issue. In connection with the reverse split, we issued 40,197 common
shares to round-up fractional shares to the nearest whole share.
The
effects of the reverse stock split have been retroactively reflected in all periods presented.
Fiscal
Year Ended February 29, 2024
In
September and October 2023, the Company sold 72,721 and 128,887 shares of common stock, respectively, through our ATM Agreement, resulting
in net proceeds of $ 364,555 and $ 772,468 , respectively.
On
December 29, 2023, the Company acquired 100 % of the outstanding equity interests of NextTrip Holdings, Inc. pursuant to a share exchange
agreement by and among the Company, NextTrip and certain other parties (the “Acquisition”). As consideration for the Acquisition,
at closing the Company issued 156,007 restricted shares of its common stock, constituting 19.99 % of its issued and outstanding shares
of common stock immediately prior to execution of the share exchange agreement, and agreed to issue up to an aggregate of 5,843,993 shares
as further consideration upon NextTrip’s achievement of certain milestones set forth in the exchange agreement.
Of
the 156,007 restricted shares issued at closing, 52,818 shares were issued pursuant to the Debt Assignment and Conversion agreements,
15,481 shares were issued pursuant to the Share Purchase and Exchange Agreements, and 4,337 shares were issued to a third-party consultant.
Pursuant to ASC 805-40-45-1,the remaining 83,371 Closing Shares are reflected as a retroactive adjustment to adjust the accounting acquirer’s
legal capital to reflect the legal capital of the accounting acquiree. That adjustment is required to reflect the capital of the legal
parent.
Deferred
Compensation
During
the fiscal years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the Company did not issue any shares of common stock to employees.
F- 22
Preferred
Stock
Under
our articles of incorporation, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by stockholders, to designate one or
more series of preferred stock and to fix the voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights
granted to or imposed upon the preferred stock, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption,
liquidation preference and sinking fund terms, any or all of which may be preferential to or greater than the rights of the common stock.
Our
board of directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting
power or other rights of the holders of the common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection
with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing
a change in our control and may adversely affect the market price of the common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders
of common stock.
The
Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $ 0.001 par value. 472,996 and 0 shares of preferred stock were
issued and outstanding at February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023. respectively.
Series
E Convertible Preferred Stock
Under
the Certificate of Designations for the Series E Preferred Stock, the Series E Preferred Shares have an initial stated value of $ 1,500
per share (the “Stated Value”). Dividends at the initial rate of 9 % per annum will accrue and, on a monthly basis, shall
be payable in kind by the increase of the Stated Value of the Series E Preferred Stock by said amount. The holders of the Series E Preferred
Shares have the right at any time to convert all or a portion of the Preferred Shares (including, without limitation, accrued and unpaid
dividends and make-whole dividends through the third anniversary of the closing date) into shares of the Company’s Common Stock
at an initial conversion rate determined by dividing the Conversion Amount by the Conversion Price ($ 0.13 above the consolidated closing
bid price for the trading day prior to the execution of the relates stock purchase agreement). The Conversion Amount is the sum of the
Stated Value of the Series E Preferred Shares then being converted plus any other unpaid amounts payable with respect to the Series E
Preferred Shares being converted plus the “Make Whole Amount” (the amount of any dividends that, but for the conversion,
would have accrued at the dividend rate for the period through the third anniversary of the initial issuance date). The Conversion Rate
is also subject to adjustment for stock splits, dividends recapitalizations and similar events.
At
February 29, 2024, 316 shares of the issued Series E Convertible Preferred Stock were outstanding, which if converted as of February
29, 2024, including the make-whole dividends, would have resulted in the issuance of 3,155 shares of common stock.
Series
F Convertible Preferred Stock
On
January 4, 2024, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Certificate of Designation”)
with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, designating 5,843,993 shares of the Company’s preferred stock as Series F Convertible
Preferred Stock, par value $ 0.001 per share (the “Series F Preferred”). The Series F Preferred was designated by the Company
in connection with its recent acquisition of NextTrip Holdings, Inc. (“NextTrip”), and, in the event that the Company does
not have sufficient shares of common stock available to fulfill its obligations pursuant to the share exchange agreement governing the
terms of the acquisition, shares of Series F Preferred shall be issued to the previous equity holders of NextTrip in lieu of shares of
Company common stock.
The
terms and conditions set forth in the Certificate of Designation are summarized below:
Ranking .
The Series F Preferred rank pari passu to the Company’s common stock.
F- 23
Dividends .
Holders of Series F Preferred will be entitled to dividends, on an as-converted basis, equal to dividends actually paid, if any,
on shares of Company common stock.
Voting .
Except as provided by the Company’s amended and restated articles of incorporation, as amended (“Articles”) or as otherwise
required by the Nevada Revised Statutes, holders of Series F Preferred are entitled to vote with the holders of outstanding shares of
Company common stock, voting together as a single class, with respect to all matters presented to the Company’s stockholders for
their action or consideration. In any such vote, each holder is entitled to a number of votes equal to the number of shares of Common
Stock into which the Series F Preferred held by such holder is convertible. The Company may not, without the consent of holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of Series F Preferred, (i) alter or change adversely the powers, preferences or rights given to the
Series F Preferred or alter or amend the Certificate of Designation, (ii) amend its Articles or other charter documents in any manner
that adversely effects any rights of the holders of the Series F Preferred, or (c) enter into any agreement with respect to the foregoing.
Conversion .
On such date that the Company amends its Articles to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance thereunder,
to at least the extent required to convert all of the outstanding Series F Preferred, each outstanding share of Series F Preferred shall
automatically be converted into one share of Company common stock (subject to adjustment under certain limited circumstances) (the “Conversion
Ratio”).
Liquidation .
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, either voluntary or involuntary (each, a “Liquidation”),
holders of Series F Preferred will be entitled to participate, on an as-converted-to-common stock basis calculate based on the Conversion
Ratio, with holders of Company common stock in any distribution of assets of the Company to holders of the Company’s common stock.
At
February 29, 2024, no shares of the Series F Convertible Preferred Stock were outstanding.
Series
G Convertible Preferred Stock
On
January 26, 2024, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation of Series G Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series G Certificate
of Designation”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, designating 100,000 shares of the Company’s preferred
stock as Series G Preferred Stock, par value $ 0.001 per share.
The
terms and conditions set forth in the Series G Certificate of Designation are summarized below:
Ranking.
The Series G Preferred rank pari passu to the Company’s common stock.
Dividends.
Holders of Series H Preferred will be entitled to dividends, on an as-converted basis, equal to dividends actually paid, if any,
on shares of Company common stock.
Voting .
Except as provided by the Company’s Charter or as otherwise required by the Nevada Revised Statutes, holders of Series G Preferred
are entitled to vote with the holders of outstanding shares of Company common stock, voting together as a single class, with respect
to all matters presented to the Company’s stockholders for their action or consideration. In any such vote, each holder is entitled
to a number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the Series G Preferred held by such holder is convertible.
The Company may not, without the consent of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series G Preferred, (i) alter or change
adversely the powers, preferences or rights given to the Series G Preferred or alter or amend the Series G Certificate of Designation,
(ii) amend its Charter or other charter documents in any manner that adversely effects any rights of the holders of the Series G Preferred,
or (c) enter into any agreement with respect to the foregoing.
Conversion .
On such date that the Company amends its Charter to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance thereunder,
to at least the extent required to convert all of the outstanding Series G Preferred, each outstanding share of Series G Preferred shall
automatically be converted into one share of Company common stock (subject to adjustment under certain limited circumstances) (the “Series
G Conversion Ratio”).
F- 24
Liquidation .
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, either voluntary or involuntary, holders of Series G Preferred
will be entitled to participate, on an as-converted-to-common stock basis calculate based on the Series H Conversion Ratio, with holders
of Company common stock in any distribution of assets of the Company to holders of the Company’s common stock.
Redemption
Right . The Company shall have the right to redeem up to 50% of the Preferred Stock for an aggregate price of $1.00 in accordance
with the terms of the Perpetual License Agreement .
At
February 29, 2024, all 100,000 shares of the issued Series G Convertible Preferred Stock were outstanding, which if converted as of February
29, 2024, would have resulted in the issuance of 100,000 shares of common stock.
Series
H Convertible Preferred Stock
On
January 26, 2024, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation of Series H Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series H Certificate
of Designation”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, designating 150,000 shares of the Company’s preferred
stock as Series H Preferred Stock, par value $ 0.001 per share.
The
terms and conditions set forth in the Series H Certificate of Designation are summarized below:
Ranking.
The Series H Preferred rank pari passu to the Company’s common stock.
Dividends.
Holders of Series H Preferred will be entitled to dividends, on an as-converted basis, equal to dividends actually paid, if any,
on shares of Company common stock.
Voting .
Except as provided by the Company’s Charter or as otherwise required by the Nevada Revised Statutes, holders of Series H Preferred
are entitled to vote with the holders of outstanding shares of Company common stock, voting together as a single class, with respect
to all matters presented to the Company’s stockholders for their action or consideration. In any such vote, each holder is entitled
to a number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the Series H Preferred held by such holder is convertible.
The Company may not, without the consent of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series H Preferred, (i) alter or change
adversely the powers, preferences or rights given to the Series H Preferred or alter or amend the Series H Certificate of Designation,
(ii) amend its Charter or other charter documents in any manner that adversely effects any rights of the holders of the Series H Preferred,
or (c) enter into any agreement with respect to the foregoing.
Conversion .
On such date that the Company amends its Charter to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance thereunder,
to at least the extent required to convert all of the outstanding Series H Preferred, each outstanding share of Series H Preferred shall
automatically be converted into one share of Company common stock (subject to adjustment under certain limited circumstances) (the “Series
H Conversion Ratio”).
Liquidation .
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, either voluntary or involuntary, holders of Series H Preferred
will be entitled to participate, on an as-converted-to-common stock basis calculate based on the Series H Conversion Ratio, with holders
of Company common stock in any distribution of assets of the Company to holders of the Company’s common stock.
At
February 29, 2024, 150,000 shares of the issued Series H Convertible Preferred Stock were outstanding, which if converted as of February
29, 2024, would have resulted in the issuance of 150,000 shares of common stock.
Series
I Convertible Preferred Stock
On
February 22, 2024, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation of Series I Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series I Certificate
of Designation”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada, designating 331,124 shares of the Company’s preferred
stock as Series I Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $ 0.001 per share.
F- 25
The
terms and conditions set forth in the Series I Certificate of Designation are summarized below:
Ranking.
The Series I Preferred rank pari passu to the Company’s common stock.
Dividends.
Holders of Series I Preferred will be entitled to dividends, on an as-converted basis, equal to dividends actually paid, if any,
on shares of Company common stock.
Voting .
Except as provided by the Charter, or as otherwise required by the Nevada Revised Statutes, holders of Series I Preferred are entitled
to vote with the holders of outstanding shares of Company common stock, voting together as a single class, with respect to all matters
presented to the Company’s stockholders for their action or consideration. In any such vote, each holder is entitled to a number
of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the Series I Preferred held by such holder is convertible. The Company
may not, without the consent of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series I Preferred, (i) alter or change adversely
the powers, preferences or rights given to the Series I Preferred or alter or amend the Series I Certificate of Designation, (ii) amend
its Charter or other charter documents in any manner that adversely effects any rights of the holders of the Series I Preferred, or (c)
enter into any agreement with respect to the foregoing.
Conversion .
On such date that the Company amends its Charter to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance thereunder,
to at least the extent required to convert all of the outstanding shares of Series I Preferred, each outstanding share of Series I Preferred
shall automatically be converted into one share of Company common stock (subject to adjustment under certain limited circumstances) (the
“Series I Conversion Ratio”).
Liquidation .
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, either voluntary or involuntary, holders of Series I Preferred
will be entitled to participate, on an as-converted-to-common stock basis calculated based on the Series I Conversion Ratio, with holders
of Company common stock in any distribution of assets of the Company to holders of the Company’s common stock.
At
February 29, 2024, 222,680 shares of the issued Series I Convertible Preferred Stock were outstanding, which if converted as of February
29, 2024, would have resulted in the issuance of 222,680 shares of common stock.
Outstanding
Options
As
of February 29, 2024, we had outstanding options under our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan to purchase an aggregate of 85,300 shares of our
common stock at a weighted-average exercise price of $ 60.50 per share.
On
December 28, 2023, our stockholders approved our 2023 Equity Incentive Plan which has reserved for issuance 7,000,000 shares of common
stock for equity awards of which 0 shares have been issued or granted thereunder to date.
Stock
Options
On
December 28, 2023, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, the Company’s stockholders approved the adoption of the
NextTrip 2023 Equity Incentive Plan. 7,000,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plan., and as of February
29, 2024, all such shares are available for issuance.
During
fiscal year 2024, the Company did not grant any options. In fiscal year 2024, 6,914 options vested and $ 116,512 of compensation cost
was recognized during the year. As of February 29, 2024, there were options to purchase 85,300 , shares issued and outstanding, 82,800
of which have been issued under an Equity Incentive Plan. At February 29, 2024, there are vested options exercisable for 81,849 shares
of common stock. No options to purchase shares of common stock were exercised during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024.
F- 26
The
Company generally grants stock options to employees, consultants and directors at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the
Company’s stock on the dates of grant. Stock options are typically granted throughout the year and generally vest over three years
of service and expire five years from the date of the award, unless otherwise specified. The Company recognizes compensation expense
for the fair value of the stock options over the requisite service period for each stock option award.
Upon
closing of the reverse acquisition of Sigma on December 29, 2023, the Company assumed options to purchase up to 86,402 shares of common
stock. Between December 29, 2023 and February 29, 2024, 1,342 options were forfeited or expired and no options were issued or exercised.
Total
employee share-based compensation expense for the year ended February 29, 2024, was $ 116,512 all of which is related to stock options.
There was no capitalized share-based compensation cost as of February 29, 2024,and there were no recognized tax benefits during the fiscal
year ended February 29, 2024.
To
estimate the value of an award, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This model requires inputs such as expected
life, expected volatility and risk-free interest rate. The forfeiture rate also impacts the amount of aggregate compensation. These inputs
are subjective and generally require significant analysis and judgment to develop. While estimates of expected life, volatility and forfeiture
rate are derived primarily from the Company’s historical data, the risk-free rate is based on the yield available on U.S. Treasury
constant maturity rates with similar terms to the expected term of the stock option awards. The fair value of outstanding share-based
awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the outstanding options assumed
at February 29, 2024:
Schedule of Share Based Payments Award Stock Options Valuation Assumptions
Assumptions:
2024
Dividend yield
0.00 %
Risk-free interest rate
0.19 - 4.05 %
Expected volatility
100.2
– 122.8 %
Expected life (in years)
5
Option
activity for the year ended February 29, 2024 was as follows:
Schedule of Stock Option Activity
Weighted Average
Weighted Average
Exercise
Remaining
Aggregate
Price
Contractual
Intrinsic
Options
($)
Life (Yrs.)
Value ($)
Options outstanding at February 28, 2023
-
-
-
Options assumed pursuant to reverse acquisition
86,642
61.43
2.68
-
Exercised
-
-
-
-
Forfeited or cancelled
( 1,342 )
120.87
-
-
Options outstanding at February 29, 2024
85,300
60.50
2.52
-
Options expected to vest in the future as of February 29, 2024
3,451
33.25
3.54
-
Options exercisable at February 29, 2024
81,849
61.64
2.48
-
Options vested, exercisable, and options expected to vest at February 29, 2024
85,300
60.50
2.52
-
F- 27
The
aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted price of
our common stock for those awards that have an exercise price below the $ 2.99 closing price of our Common Stock on February 29, 2024.
All of the outstanding option grants have an exercise price above $ 2.99 .
At
February 29, 2024, there was $ 52,615 of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options with a weighted
average remaining recognition period of 0.97 years.
Stock
Appreciation Rights
The
purposes of the 2020 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan are to: (i) enable the Company to attract and retain the types of employees, consultants,
and directors (collectively, “Service Providers”) who will contribute to the Company’s long-range success; (ii) provide
incentives that align the interests of Service Providers with those of the shareholders of the Company; and (iii) promote the success
of the Company’s business. The Plan provides for incentive awards that are only made in the form of stock appreciation rights payable
in cash (“SARs”). No shares of common stock were reserved in connection with the adoption of the Plan since no shares will
be issued pursuant to the Plan.
SARs
may be granted to any Service Provider. A SAR is the right to receive an amount equal to the Spread with respect to a share of the Company’s
common stock (“Share”) upon the exercise of the SAR. The “Spread” is the difference between the exercise price
per share specified in a SAR agreement on the date of grant and the fair market value per share on the date of exercise of the SAR. The
exercise price per share will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant of the SAR. The administrator
of the Plan will have the authority to, among other things, prescribe the terms and conditions of each SAR, including, without limitation,
the exercise price and medium of payment and vesting provisions, and to specify the provisions of the SAR Agreement relating to such
grant.
Upon
closing of the reverse acquisition of Sigma on December 29, 2023, the Company assumed 40,390
outstanding SARs. Between December 29, 2023 and February 29, 2024, none
were forfeited or expired and no
SARs were issued or exercised.
F- 28
The
Company recognizes compensation expense and a corresponding liability for the fair value of the SARs over the requisite service period
for each SAR award. The SAR’s are revalued at each reporting date in accordance with ASC 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation”,
and any changes in fair value are reflected in income as of the applicable reporting date.
The
fair value of outstanding SAR awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions for
the twelve months ended February 29, 2024:
Assumptions:
Schedule of Share Based Payments Award Stock Options Valuation Assumptions
2024
Dividend yield
0.00 %
Risk-free interest rate
0.22 - 2.79 %
Expected volatility
108.7 - 122.8 .0 %
Expected life (in years)
5
SARs
activity for the year ended February 29, 2024 was as follows:
Schedule of Stock Option Activity
Weighted Average
Weighted Average
Exercise
Remaining
Aggregate
Price
Contractual
Intrinsic
SARs
($)
Life (Yrs.)
Value ($)
SARs outstanding at February 28, 2023
-
-
-
-
SARs assumed pursuant to reverse acquisition
40,390
44.77
2.99
-
Exercised
-
-
-
-
Forfeited or cancelled
-
-
-
-
SARs outstanding February 29, 2024
40,390
44.77
2.99
-
SARs expected to vest in the future as of February 29, 2024
6,886
35.25
3.23
-
SARs exercisable at February 29, 2024
33,504
46.72
2.93
-
SARs vested, exercisable, and options expected to vest at February 29, 2024
40,390
44.77
2.99
-
The
aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted price of
our common stock for those awards that have an exercise price below the $ 2.99 closing price of our common stock on February 29, 2024.
All the SARs have an exercise price above $ 2.99 .
For the year ended February 29, 2024, $ 10,107 of share-based compensation
expense was recognized, and at
February 29, 2024, there was $ 79,978 of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested SARs with a weighted average
remaining recognition period of 1.08 years.
F- 29
Warrants
At
February 29, 2024, the Company had outstanding warrants to purchase a total of 486,165 shares of common stock. The warrants have exercise
prices that range from $ 3.02 to $ 350.00 , which if not exercised, will expire between March 15, 2024 and January 25, 2028 .
Warrant
activity for the year ended February 29, 2024 was as follows:
Schedule of Warranty Activity
Weighted Average
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Remaining
Price
Contractual
Warrants
($)
Life (Yrs.)
Warrants outstanding at February 28, 2023
-
-
-
Warrants assumed pursuant to reverse acquisition
217,593
21.01
1.86
Granted
268,572
3.02
2.17
Exercised
-
-
-
Forfeited or cancelled
-
-
-
Warrants outstanding at February 29, 2024
486,165
9.94
1.96
F- 30
NOTE
17 – Loss Per Share
The
following data show the amounts used in computing loss per share and the effect on income and the weighted average number of shares of
dilutive potential common stock for the periods ended February 29, 2024 and 2023:
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
2024
2023
Year Ended February
2024
2023
Loss from continuing operations
$ ( 6,656,837 )
$ ( 5,033,496 )
Preferred dividends
( 7,125 )
-
Loss from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders
( 6,663,962 )
( 5,033,496 )
Loss from discontinued operations applicable to common stockholders
( 675,314 )
-
Net loss applicable to common stockholders
$ ( 7,339,276 )
$ ( 5,033,496 )
Weighted average number of common shares Outstanding used in loss per share during the Period (denominator)
228,274
71,581
Dilutive
loss per share was not presented as the Company’s outstanding common and preferred warrants, stock options and preferred stock
common equivalent shares for the periods presented would have had an anti-dilutive effect. At February 29, 2024, the Company had outstanding
warrants to purchase 486,165 shares of common stock, and stock options exercisable for 85,300 shares of common stock, 316 shares of Series
E Preferred Stock, which could be converted into 3,155 shares of common stock, 100,000 shares of Series G Preferred Stock, convertible
into 100,000 shares of common stock, 150,000 shares of Series H Preferred Stock, convertible into 150,000 shares of common stock, and
222,680 shares of Series I Preferred Stock, convertible into 222,680 shares of common stock, resulting in a potential total additional
1,047,300 shares of common stock outstanding in the future. At February 28, 2023, the Company had no outstanding potentially dilutive
securities.
NOTE
18 – Concentrations
Revenues
– During the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the Company did not have any significant customers who accounted
for more than 10 % each of the Company’s revenue in at least one of the periods presented.
Accounts
Receivable – The Company had no significant customers who accounted for more than 10 % each of the Company’s accounts
receivable balance at February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, respectively.
NOTE
19 - Defined Contribution Plans
The
Company has adopted two qualified 401(K) plans (“the Plans”), in which all employees over the age of 21 may participate.
Depending on the Plan, the
Company makes either a Safe Harbor contribution match of 100% of each participant’s contribution up to 3% of salary, and 50%
of the next 2% of salary contributed, or a 3% non-elective contribution for all eligible participants . The matching
contributions were $ 17,112
in 2024 and $ 6,997
in 2023.
F- 31
NOTE
20 – Subsequent Events
On
March 8, 2024, the Company held a Special Meeting of Stockholders in a virtual format. The following proposals, constituting all of the
proposals, were voted on by stockholders:
●
Proposal
No. 1: The Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Current Articles of Incorporation to change the Company’s
corporate name to “NextTrip, Inc.”
●
Proposal
No. 2: The Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Current Articles to increase the number of shares of Company
common stock authorized for issuance thereunder from 1,200,000 shares to 250,000,000 shares.
●
Proposal
No. 3: The Company’s stockholders approved the adjournment of the Special Meeting by the chairman thereof to a later date
to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies if, based upon the tabulated vote at the time of the Special Meeting, there are
not sufficient votes to approve either of the foregoing proposals.
Although
Proposal No. 3 was approved by the Company’s stockholders, the chairman of the Special Meeting did not elect to adjourn the meeting,
as both of the other two proposals were also approved.
On
March 11, 2024, Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. (the “Company”) filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation (the “Charter Amendment”), as amended to date (the “Current Articles”), with the Secretary
of State of the State of Nevada, pursuant to which (i) the Company’s corporate name was changed from Sigma Additive Solutions,
Inc. to “NextTrip, Inc.” (the “Name Change”), and (ii) the number of shares of Company common stock authorized
for issuance under the Current Articles was increased from 1,200,000 shares to 250,000,000 shares (the “Increase in Authorized).
In
connection with the Name Change, effective as of the open of the market on March 13, 2024, the Company’s common stock began trading
on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the new ticker symbol “NTRP” (the “Ticker Symbol Change”). The CUSIP of the
Company’s common stock remained unchanged.
On
March 15, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Company to enter into an unsecured promissory note for a line of
credit with Messrs. Monaco and Kerby, the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, respectively,
for the aggregate principal amount of $ 500,000 . Under the terms of the note, advances under the line of credit may be made at the Company’s
request until May 31, 2024. The note bears an annual interest rate of 7.5 % and matures on February 28, 2025 , and may be prepaid by the
Company at any time prior to maturity without penalty. As of April 19, 2024, the full principal amount of the note had been advanced
to the Company and remains outstanding.
On
April 25, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Company to enter into a series of unsecured promissory notes
with certain related parties, including investors, directors, officers
/stocks — the workspaceLOADING