UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
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ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010
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TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the transition period from ______ to ______
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Commission file number: 0-12627
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of Small Business Issuer as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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87-0407858
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(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
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100 W. Broadway, Suite 650
Long Beach California 90802
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(310) 641-4234
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Issuer’s telephone number:
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Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act: None.
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, no par value.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No þ
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 þ
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 þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ¨ No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein and, will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer ¨
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Accelerated filer ¨
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Non-accelerated filer ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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Smaller reporting company þ
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes ¨ No þ
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2010 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $6,955,000.
The outstanding number of shares of common stock as of March 24, 2011 was 270,464,478.
Documents incorporated by reference: None
Table of Contents
Form 10-K
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Page
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PART I
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1
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ITEM 1.
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BUSINESS
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1
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ITEM 1A
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RISK FACTORS
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11
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ITEM 1B.
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UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
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20
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ITEM 2.
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PROPERTIES
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20
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ITEM 3.
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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
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20
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ITEM 4.
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RESERVED
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21
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PART II
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21
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ITEM 5.
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MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
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21
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ITEM 6.
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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
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22
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ITEM 7.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
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22
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ITEM 8.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
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26
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ITEM 9.
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CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
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27
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ITEM 9A.
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CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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27
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ITEM 9B.
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OTHER INFORMATION
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28
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PART III
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28
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ITEM 10.
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DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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28
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ITEM 11.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
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30
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ITEM 12.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
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34
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ITEM 13.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
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35
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ITEM 14.
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PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
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36
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PART IV
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37
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ITEM 15.
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EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
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37
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DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report, including any documents which may be incorporated by reference into this Annual 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 our plans to cultivate, produce and market non-food based feedstock for applications in the biofuels market, any projections of 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. 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. Additional factors that may have a direct bearing on our operating results are described under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report.
Introductory Comment
Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” and “our company” refer to Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation that was formerly a Utah corporation known as Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and prior to its name change in 2008, was Medical Discoveries, Inc., and, unless the context indicates otherwise, also includes our wholly-owned subsidiary, MDI Oncology, Inc., a Delaware corporation; Global Clean Energy Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned Delaware limited liability company; and Technology Alternatives, Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary formed under the laws of Belize. To the extent applicable, depending on the context of the disclosure, the terms ““we,” “us,” “our,” and “our company” may also include GCE Mexico I, LLC a Delaware limited liability company, in which we own 50% of the common membership interests, and Asideros Globales Corporativo 1 and Asideros Globales Corporativo 2, two Mexican corporations of which we own 1%, and the balance is owned by GCE Mexico I, LLC.
Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. is not related to, or affiliated in any manner with “Global Clean Energy, Inc.” Readers are cautioned to confirm the entity that they are evaluating or in which they are making an investment before completing any such investment.
PART I
Overview
Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. is a California-based energy agri-business focused on the development of non-food based bio-fuel feedstock. We have full service in-house development and operations capabilities, which we provide to our own Jatropha farms and to third parties. With international experience and capabilities in eco-friendly bio-fuel feedstock management, cultivation, production and distribution, we believe that we are well suited to scale our existing business.
Since 2007, our focus has been on the commercialization of oil and biomass derived from the seeds of Jatropha curcas (“Jatropha”) - a native non-edible plant indigenous to many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, including Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Jatropha trees generally require less water and fertilizer than many conventional crops, and can be grown on land that is not normally suitable for the production of food. Jatropha oil is high-quality plant oil used as a direct replacement for fossil fuels, as feedstock for the production of high quality bio-fuels. The term “bio-fuels” refers to a range of biological based fuels including bio-diesel, renewable diesel, green diesel, synthetic diesel and biomass, most of which have environmental benefits that are the major driving force for their introduction. Using bio-fuels instead of fossil fuels reduces net emissions of carbon dioxide and other green house gases, which are associated with global climate change. Jatropha oil can also be used as a chemical feedstock to replace fossil and non-food based products that use edible oils in their manufacturing or production process. The residual material derived from the oil extraction process is called press cake, which is a high-quality biomass that has been proven and tested as a replacement for a number of fossil based feedstocks, fossil fuels and other high value products such as fertilizers, and animal feed.
Our business plan and current principal business activities include the planting, cultivation, harvesting and processing of Jatropha to generate plant based oils and biomass for use as replacements for fossil fuels and other high value products. Our strategy is to leverage our agriculture and energy knowledge, experience and capabilities through the following means:
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Own and operate Jatropha farms for our own account.
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Own, operate and manage Jatropha farms through joint ownership agreements. We currently operate two farms located in Mexico under joint ownership arrangements: the first farm comprises 5,149 acres; the second farm, consisting of 3,700 acres. The first farm is fully planted and is expected to produce commercial quantities of Jatropha in 2011. We anticipate that planting at the second farm will be substantially completed by the summer of 2011 and that the second farm will begin producing Jatropha seeds in 2012.
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Provide Jatropha farm development and management services to third party owners of Jatropha farms. We plan to greatly expand this initiative in the next 12 months.
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Provide turnkey Franchise Operations for individuals and/or companies that wish to immediately establish Jatropha farms in suitable geographical areas.
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In addition to generating revenues from the sale of non-food based plant oils and biomass, we plan to monetize the carbon credits from the farms we own and manage. The worldwide carbon market is still in a state of reorganization, but was significantly solidified by the climate summit in Cancun in 2010. Under the original 1997 Kyoto Protocol, a worldwide carbon credit trading market was established where sellers sell their excess carbon credits and buyers purchase the carbon credits they need to meet their greenhouse gas reduction requirements. In addition to the market established under the Kyoto Protocol, there are other carbon certification systems that allow these carbon credits to be monetized. We have commenced the certification process necessary to sell carbon credits, but have not yet made any carbon credit sales.
We are engaged in research and development activities concerned with optimizing the quality of our Jatropha yields, enhancing the plant characteristics, reducing operating costs and improving our production capacity and efficiency. Specifically, our research activities focus on (i) optimizing genetic development (i.e., the quality of the Jatropha plants), (ii) optimizing agronomic development and plant nutrition (i.e., soil conditions optimal for Jatropha cultivation), and (iii) improving agricultural technologies relating to the care and custody of the Jatropha plant, and the processing of resulting products. We continue our research and development efforts toward the improved commercialization of Jatropha at our research and test facility in Tizimin, Mexico.
In connection with our research and development activities, we have sponsored the formation of a non-profit research entity, The Center for Sustainable Energy Farming ( www.CfSEF.org ). The Center’s mission is to perform cutting-edge plant science research in genetics, breeding, soil science, plant nutrition and horticulture technologies and practices, and further develop leading-edge processes to allow for the economic commercialization and sustainability of energy farms globally. The Center for Sustainable Energy Farming will initially focus its research efforts on the Jatropha plant. Research at the Center will be focused on increasing agricultural production, creating a sustainable feedstock supply, reducing inputs including the use of fossil fuels, pesticides, water and fertilizers, and developing new and sustainable biofuels. The Center will sponsor specific research through agreements with scientists and laboratories at public and private universities, private research entities and in collaboration with other companies performing cutting-edge research in these areas.
Organizational History
This company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Utah on November 20, 1991. Until 2007, the Company was a developmental-stage bio-pharmaceutical company engaged in the research, validation, and development of two drug candidates. In 2007, the Company decided to change the course of its business and focus its efforts and resources on the emerging alternative energy fuels business. In order to be successful in this industry, we decided to acquire the intellectual property and expertise needed to develop and manage our new business. Accordingly, on September 7, 2007, we acquired Global Clean Energy Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that owned certain trade secrets, know-how, business plans and relationships relevant to the cultivation and production of Jatropha. In addition, at that time, we hired Richard Palmer, our current Chief Executive Officer. In 2008 we changed our name to “Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.” to reflect our energy agricultural business.
On July 19, 2010, we changed the state of our incorporation from Utah to Delaware. Our principal executive offices are located at 100 W. Broadway, Suite 650, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California 90802, and our current telephone number at that address is (310) 641-GCEH (4234). We maintain a website at: www.gceholdings.com. Our 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 and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and other information related to this company are available on our website as soon as we electronically file those documents with, or otherwise furnish them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our Internet website and the information contained therein, or connected thereto, are not and are not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Developments During 2010
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, we achieved the following milestones in the development of this company:
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We increased the size of our Mexico farms by acquiring an additional 3,458 acres (i.e., an increase of over 66%);
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We increased our full time employees by 75% to over 375;
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We increased our asset base by more than $3.5 million, and we plan to continue to invest in assets and expand our farming operations;
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We formed our non-profit research center, the Center for Sustainable Energy Farming (www.CfSFE.net) to continue our genetic, agronomy and horticulture research effort;
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We have prepared all of our newly acquired land (3,458 additional acres) and are planting that acreage this season;
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We have increased the amount of Jatropha oil, biomass and seeds that we sell from our farms;
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We increased the amount of management and advisory services that we provide to partners and third parties;
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We raised an additional $3.7 million in project equity and financing;
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We have applied for approximately $20 million of financing through the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, (OPIC), a U.S. governmental agency designed to assist U.S. companies with international development in targeted countries; and
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We supplied Jatropha oil to Aeropuertos y Serviceios Auxiliares, the Mexican National Airport authority, to be converted by Honeywell’s UOP division, into bio-jet fuel for commercial testing with Boeing planned for 2011. This is part of a national bio-jet initiative within Mexico.
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We executed an off-take agreement with a renewable biofuel company pursuant to which the biofuel company conditionally agreed to purchase crude Jatropha oil from us over the next 20 years. The agreement is conditioned upon our ability to acquire land and develop a new Jatropha farm large enough to support the biofuel company’s requirements. We will have to obtain a substantial amount of project financing to acquire a dedicated farm that can support that contract.
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Business Operations
We are an energy agri-business with international development and operations capabilities. We maintain in-house staff for the development, management, cultivation, production and distribution of plant-based feedstock used to offset fossil fuels. Our business plan and current principal business activities include the planting, cultivation, harvesting and processing of Jatropha to generate seed oils and biomass for use in the bio-fuels industry, including the production of bio-diesel and green diesel as well as alternative feedstocks for fertilizers, animal feed and for green chemicals and other products which can use non-edible oils to replace edible oils.
Our vision and strategy is to grow and expand our farming and processing business to the level where economies of scale and our methods of operations allow us to generate significant profits without the need for subsidies. The processes and procedures we employ to plant and cultivate Jatropha for our business are being continually refined in order to produce “best practices” for Jatropha farm operations. By focusing on improving our Jatropha operations and the technology we apply to our operations, we plan to operate economically sustainable Jatropha farms (i.e. without use of subsidies), which can replace fossil fuels at a production cost below $42 per barrel or $1.00 per gallon. By continuing to invest in leading-edge genetic, agronomic (soil) and horticulture technology research and development, we are confident that we will develop high-yielding Jatropha trees that deliver renewable energy feedstock into the market at very competitive prices.
Our strategy is to leverage our farming and energy knowledge, experience and capabilities through the following means:
Company Farms –Previously, we operated farms that are classified as “Company farms” in Belize and in Mexico. Both were developed as research and test farms, and seed supply farms. We have since centralized and consolidated these efforts at our larger commercial farms in Mexico, where our field research station is located. This allows us to centralize our scientific research and make more efficient use of our plant and soil scientists and facilities. As our commercial farms in Mexico have expanded, it is more economical to perform these functions at our farms and we have the additional benefit of applying our research to commercial farming practices. We have, therefore, reclassified our Belizean farm as an investment property and are currently in discussions to sell that farm.
Partnership Farms Owned Via Joint Ventures. We currently own two farms through joint venture arrangements with third party financing sources. Our first farm in Mexico is our largest farm with approximately 5,149 acres of land near Tizimin, Mexico. The entire farm has been prepared and planted with almost 4.0 million Jatropha trees. All the necessary roads and other support infrastructure have been developed on the farm. In addition, we have acquired and installed seed oil extraction equipment on-site to extract oil from the harvested seeds. We have leased an industrial facility near our farm for the larger scale extraction of “crude Jatropha oil” (CJO) and biomass. Sales up to this point have primarily consisted of seeds for propagation, biomass used in specialty purposes, and oil and biomass for testing by potential customers. We anticipate that we will sell CJO and biomass in commercial quantities from this farm commencing in fiscal 2011.
In March 2010, we acquired approximately 3,460 acres of additional land that is contiguous to this existing operation for the development of our second farm. As of the date of this report, the land is fully prepared and we are currently planting, with plans to be complete by the end of the second quarter of 2011. We expect that this second farm will commence production by the end of 2012.
For additional information regarding our joint venture operations, see “Jatropha Farming Operations—Tizimin—Mexico Farm,” below.
Jatropha Farm Development and Management Services. The company currently provides development and management services to unaffiliated companies and individuals who are planning the development and implementation of Jatropha farms. These services are provided on a fee-for-service basis and generally begin with feasibility studies, and are often followed by management contracts that provide us with the ability to develop and operate these farms on a go-forward basis. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, we provided such services in connection with the development of large Jatropha farm operations. Our plan is to substantially increase the level of development and management services that we provide as a means of generating near-term revenue and profits, and to allow us to fund the continued expansion of our technical services team.
Contract Jatropha Farms. We have established a strategy and the processes to allow us to contract the farming operation on non-company owned farms, which are located near our core farms, to third party farmers. The farmers will farm their own land under our direct supervision, utilizing our “best practices processes” for Jatropha cultivation with the support of our technical services team of agri-business professionals. This program will allow us to expand our business while still ensuring success. We have not yet entered into any agreements under this format.
Franchise Jatropha Farms. The Company has established a program for offering franchise operations for Jatropha Farms. This program consists of all of the necessary programs and procedures to establish and operate a Jatropha farm profitably. The program also entails establishing and providing methods to obtain all necessary equipment and supplies. The Company is in discussions with several parties, but as of this filing, no franchise agreements have been executed.
Our core activities consist of planting, cultivating, harvesting and processing of Jatropha feedstock to generate seed oils and biomass for use in the bio-fuels industry and other high value industrial processed which use fossil based or plant based oils as their feedstock, including the production of bio-diesel and renewable diesel, and other high value bio-fuels.
We have identified the Jatropha curcas plant as our primary feedstock for producing bio-diesel and other bio-fuels. The Jatropha plant is a perennial tree that produces an inedible fruit with large seeds containing a high percentage of high quality inedible oil. The entire fruit, including the seeds, has excellent properties necessary for the production of bio-fuels or as a direct replacement for fossil fuels. Our plan is to utilize the entire fruit of the Jatropha plant for bio-fuel production, including the oils produced from the fruit, and the seed cake (press cake). We will utilize the fruit (hull) as a fertilizer for our trees to reduce our fertilizer costs.
We have identified strategic locations in North America, the Caribbean, Central America and South America ideally suited to our Jatropha planting, cultivation, harvesting and processing activities. These locations have been selected for a number of key strategic reasons, including proximity to large ports for logistics purposes, relatively stable democratic governments, favorable trade agreements with the United States, low-cost land, reasonably priced labor, favorable weather conditions and acceptable soil conditions. We presently maintain farm properties in Tizimin, Mexico, on which we have commenced planting Jatropha. We also maintain a facility adjacent to our Tizimin farm operations where we conduct research and development activities focusing on plant genetics, soil sciences, plant breeding and other related activities and work closely in sponsorship with The Center for Sustainable Energy Farming (www.CfSEF.org ). We continue to sponsor and support the research to identify and develop improved Jatropha varieties, as well as to establish ideal growing conditions, in order to maximize our output of Jatropha fruit, seed oil and biomass while reducing inputs and maximizing resistance to pests and diseases.
Our business plan also includes the further development of more efficient seed oil extraction technologies and techniques and the expansion of our seed oil extracting facility’s capacity to support our expanding farming operations. The seed oil extraction facility is used to extract the “crude Jatropha oil” (“CJO”) from the Jatropha seed, and thereafter to collect the remaining biomass for sale to interested buyers.
We anticipate that our primary focus will remain in the feedstock oil market, and we will continue expanding our operations, primarily in the areas of planting, harvesting and sale of feedstock oil to end users in the energy and oil chemical industry for production of biofuels and green chemicals. In the short term, as we develop our Jatropha farms and prepare for our initial large-scale harvest of Jatropha seeds, we expect to generate short-term revenues through the sale of Jatropha seeds for germination, through forward sale contracts for feedstock oil and biomass to be produced at our facilities, through the forward sale of carbon offset credits and through our development and management services. We are also having active discussions with firms that have a non-fuel use for Jatropha oil for such things as the production of candles, “green chemicals” and “green plastics”. Although we may engage in such ancillary sales, sales for these purposes are not expected to constitute a major source of future revenues.
Our board, management, employees, partners, technical advisors and consultants are senior energy, agricultural and business professionals possess extensive experience in the energy and alternative fuels market, the production of bio-fuels, in the renewable energy sector in general, in agriculture and in general business. Accordingly, we have the resident expertise to provide development and management services to other companies regarding their bio-fuels and/or feedstock development operations, on a fee for services basis. As described below, we currently provide such bio-fuel consulting services in locations that are not directly competitive to our existing or planned sites.
Jatropha Farming Operations
Tizimin – Mexico Farm. Effective April 23, 2008, we entered into a limited liability company agreement for GCE Mexico I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“GCE Mexico”), with six other investors affiliated with two of our largest stockholders. GCE Mexico was organized primarily to acquire 2,000 hectares (approximately 5,149 acres) of land, directly or through subsidiaries, located in Tizimin, in the State of Yucatan in Mexico to be used primarily for the (i) cultivation of Jatropha curcas, (ii) the marketing and sale of the resulting fruit, seeds, or pre-processed crude Jatropha oil, whether as bio-diesel feedstock, biomass or otherwise, and (iii) the sale of carbon value, green fuel value, or renewable energy credit value (and other similar environmental attributes) derived from activities at this Jatropha farm. In March 2010, GCE Mexico acquired approximately 3,460 acres of additional land that is contiguous to our existing 5,149-acre farm for the development of a second Jatropha farm. GCE Mexico acquired each of the Jatropha farms through a Mexican subsidiary in which GCE Mexico owns a 99% interest, and we own a 1% interest.
We have begun harvesting seeds from the Jatropha trees that we planted at this farm in 2008 and early 2009, which we are using for our own expansion; we are selling the balance of these seeds to third parties for propagation. We anticipate that the first material harvest of this farm will occur in 2011, and that we will, at that time, commence extraction of commercial quantities of Jatropha oil from the harvested fruit (seeds).
We currently own 50% of the issued and outstanding common membership units of GCE Mexico. The remaining 50% in common membership units were issued to five investors affiliated with two of our largest stockholders (This company and the other members of GCE Mexico holding the common membership units are collectively referred to as “Common Members.”) In addition, an aggregate of 1,000 preferred membership units were issued to two investors also affiliated with two of our largest stockholders (the “Preferred Members”). As of March 24, 2011, the Preferred Members have contributed a total of $8,908,858 to GCE Mexico. It is expected that the Preferred Members will continue to fund the ongoing operation in accordance with the approved annual budgets provided by management. This funding will continue until the Jatropha farms generate adequate funds to sustain operations, which is expected to occur for both farms by the end of 2012. The Preferred Members are entitled to a preferential return on their investment.
The two Preferred Members also directly funded the purchase by GCE Mexico of the approximately 5,149 acres of land in the State of Yucatan in Mexico by making a $2,051,282 loan to pay the purchase price of that land. The land was acquired in the name of GCE Mexico’s Mexico subsidiary and is secured by a mortgage in the amount of $2,051,282 in favor of the Preferred Members. The mortgage bears interest at the rate of 12% per annum, and interest is required to be paid quarterly. However, GCE Mexico has agreed that interest shall accrue until such time as there is sufficient cash flow to pay all accrued interest. The entire mortgage, including any unpaid interest, is due April 23, 2018. The two Preferred Members also have made a $742,652 mortgage loan to purchase the approximately 3,460 acres of additional farmland in Mexico that GCE Mexico acquired in March 2010.
GCE Mexico is managed under the supervision of a board of directors comprising four members, two of whom we have appointed, and two of whom were appointed by the Preferred Members. However, as the manager of the joint venture, GCEH manages the day-to-day operations of GCE Mexico and the operations in Mexico.
The following is a summary of certain factors relevant to an understanding of the operations of the Tizimin farms:
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The first Jatropha trees that we planted on the Tizimin farm approximately two years ago are now flowering, and we expect to start harvesting commercial quantities of Jatropha fruit in the late spring of 2011 with a larger harvest expected at the end of 2011. As a result, we expect to commence generating our first revenues from the commercial sale of Jatropha seeds/oil as a result of that harvest. Jatropha seeds can be harvested twice a year. Accordingly, as the trees that we planted during the past two years mature, our harvests of Jatropha seeds will increase in 2011 and thereafter and increase our future revenues from our Tizimin operations.
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Although some of our Jatropha trees produced fruit and seeds in 2010, the initial harvest was lower than previously anticipated primarily due to the extended rainy season.
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Our Tizimin operations are eligible for agricultural and other subsidies provided to certain foreign owned farming operations by the federal government of Mexico. In October 2010, we received $368,000 as the first installment of the subsidy and have received the second and third installments in February 2011 (expected to total $100,000). These subsidies will help defray some of the initial start-up costs (capital) that we have incurred in establishing these farms.
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We continue to operate two commercial sized nurseries for the germination of new Jatropha seedlings in the Tizimin area, which is essential to our ability to plant and cultivate the remaining portions of our second farm and any additional farms that we may acquire and develop in the future.
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Oil extraction facilities, germplasm resources, and sheep herding capabilities are all being increased in anticipation of our expanding Jatropha farming operations. Industrial oil extraction facilities are expected to be located offsite of the present farms.
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Our Tizimin farms are being developed for the purpose of providing feedstock for the production of bio-fuels and olio-chemicals, from Jatropha oil and biomass. However, our development and cultivation of these farms has also enabled us to generated ancillary revenues from these operations. For example, we now receive revenue from the sale of biomass (waste wood removed from our farms as the land is cleared for Jatropha planting), sales of sheep that graze on our lands and control weeds, and sale of the press-cake of the Jatropha seeds that remain after oil extraction.
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Total capital for expenses and operations, since inception, for the two farms in the Tizimin area (through February 28, 2011) are approximately $6.5 million for the first farm and $2.4 million for the second farm. All funding has to date been provided by the investing partners of the joint venture that owns both Tizimin farms. These investment partners will have a priority right to receive revenues generated from these farms until their investment, plus a preferred return, have been paid.
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Belize.
On July 2, 2009, we purchased Technology Alternatives Limited, a company formed under the laws of Belize (“TAL”). TAL owns an existing Jatropha farm in subtropical Belize, Central America. The research functions from this farm have been relocated to our commercial farms in Mexico and the Belize farm currently is inactive, and we are currently evaluating the future use and/or disposition of this farm. The net assets of the Belize farm are classified as held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet. In connection with the acquisition, we owe the former owners $516,139 Belize Dollars (US $268,036 based on exchange rates in effect at March 15, 2011). The notes are secured by a mortgage on the land and related improvements. The notes, plus any related accrued interest, were originally due on December 29, 2009, but the due date has now been extended to July 15, 2011.
Principal Products
The Jatropha curcas plant will continue to be our primary agricultural focus for the foreseeable future. The Jatropha plant is a perennial, inedible tree, and all of its by-products can be used for fuel, non-edible vegetable oil uses and biomass energy production. It is a very efficient tree that produces high quality seed oil and high-energy content biomass. We expect our principal products to include the bio-fuels oil feedstock, vegetable oil replacement and biomass derived from the cultivation and processing of the Jatropha plant. In addition, we expect to generate revenues from the sale of carbon credits earned from our agricultural operations.
Bio-fuels Oil Feedstock
The feedstock oil needed for the production of bio-diesel, renewable diesel and green diesel that is currently available on the market today is primarily supplied from edible plant seed oils including soy, canola (rapeseed) and palm. There are other types of feedstock utilized including animal fats and recycled cooking grease, but they make up a small portion of the market supply. Our primary source of bio-fuels feedstock will be from the oil produced from the Jatropha plant. One advantage of the Jatropha plant is that its oil and meal is inedible, and the cultivation of the plant, which will primarily be for use in the bio-fuels industry, does not compete for resources with other crops grown primarily for food consumption.
Biomass Feedstock
The Jatropha plant produces a fruit (about the size of a walnut) containing three large seeds that contain 32%-38% oil content by weight. The non-oil components of the fruit, which represents 62-68% of the total fruit, contain high energy biomass (carbon values) that is an excellent source of feedstock for a number of energy producing processes including direct combustion, gasification, power production, and cellulosic ethanol (alcohol) production. Fifty percent of the energy in the Jatropha seed resides in the biomass.
Carbon Credits
Bio-fuels production and use is a very effective means to reduce both local and global pollution from emissions that cause climate change. Growing trees and plants that sequester carbon from the atmosphere and burning bio-fuels offset the production of greenhouse gasses resulting from the consumption of petroleum or other fossil-based fuels. Many bio-fuels produce less pollution, including fewer quantities of CO2, NOx, SOx and PM10. Through the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Kyoto Protocol), signatory countries are required to reduce their overall greenhouse gas emissions or carbon footprint. The worldwide carbon market is still in a state of reorganization, but was significantly solidified by the climate summit in Cancun in 2010. As of November 2007, 174 parties are signatories to and have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. The United States of America is not a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol. Signatory countries require local industry and other local energy end-users to either reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, or purchase greenhouse gas emission credits (carbon credits). This requirement has created a worldwide “Carbon Credit Trading Market” where sellers sell their excess carbon credits and buyers purchase the carbon credits they need to meet their greenhouse gas reduction requirements. The development of agricultural-based energy projects may produce carbon credits through the sequestration (storing) of carbon by the growing of trees and plants, or by the offset of other sequestered carbon. Selling carbon credits represents potential additional revenue that will help to offset capital requirements for our plantation and other development activities.
In our case, Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) may be generated through Clean Development Mechanism projects in non-Annex 1 nations, which include Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. Our current business plan contemplates the cultivation of multiple 20,000-hectare Jatropha energy farms. Assuming full maturity of a 20,000-hectare Jatropha farm, we have calculated that we will generate more than 250,000 metric tons of sellable carbon credits annually. This will come from the offset of use of fossil fuels. If we include the potential to use the Jatropha trees as a carbon sink, we estimate this will increase the sellable carbon credits to over 350,000 metric tons per year.
Technology
We do not currently possess any patentable technology relating to our operations in the feedstock and bio-fuels market. However, we are currently engaged in research and development activities focused on improved Jatropha varieties, technical know-how and proprietary processes for optimizing the quality of our Jatropha yields, reducing operating costs and improving our production capacity and efficiency. These research and development activities currently consist of plant biology and molecular genetic research, and are being conducted primarily through in-house research and in joint development activities in concert with the Center for Sustainable Energy Farming, through Penn State University. We continue to develop our procedures and Intellectual Property (IP) Sustainable Energy Farming Systems. It is expected that patentable technologies will result from our research activities; however, there can be no assurance that patentable technologies will be developed, or if they are developed, that we would be the sole owners of such patents.
Any technology we develop will be in three main categories: (i) plant and soil sciences, (ii) agricultural technology and procedure development, and (iii) material processing and end use applications. Such technologies developed are expected to assist in reducing costs, improving efficiency and allowing us to move the products higher in value creation.
Market
According to both the International Energy Agency (“IEA”) and the US Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) estimates, the world demand for crude oil in 2010 was approximately 88 million barrels per day, with approximately 25% of that demand being diesel and fuel oil (distillate fuel oil). This equates to a global consumption of distillate fuel oil of approximately 22.0 million barrels per day, or 337 billion gallons per year. At a 5% blend with bio-diesel, the world market for bio-diesel exceeds 16.8 billion gallons per year.
U.S. diesel fuel oil consumption for 2009 was over 50 billion gallons. At a 5% bio-diesel blend, the US bio-diesel market is over 2.5 billion gallons per year, which we expect will continue to grow.
As reported by the National Biodiesel Board, in 2009 U.S. bio-diesel refineries produced approximately 506 million gallons of neat (100%) bio-diesel fuel from a reported 122 active producers with a total capacity of over 2 billion gallons. This is just over 25% of capacity and represents less than 1% of US demand for diesel fuel. The trend of production and consumption is growing. In 2005, U.S. refineries produced approximately 75 million gallons, in 2006 approximately 250 million gallons were sold, in 2007 450 million gallons were sold and in 2008, 678 million gallons. The reduction in 2009 is primarily due to increased feedstock costs.
Our primary market is the direct sale of Jatropha feedstock oil for bio-diesel, renewable diesel and biomass energy production, and the sale of carbon credits we generate from our agricultural operations. Our primary customers are processors of bio-fuels. We estimate that there are approximately 122 bio-diesel plants in the United States alone, which can utilize up to 100% of our crude or refined Jatropha oil. However, we expect to generate our highest revenues and greatest margins from customers who have logistical capacity on a water port accessible from the Gulf of Mexico. This will reduce redundant transportation costs and allow us to ship large quantities economically. These customers have historically paid a higher price for feedstock oil, since the majority of feedstock oil supplies have been shipped from the Midwestern United States. We anticipate that our key customer profile will include well-financed, low-cost bio-diesel refiners.
Oil made from the seeds of the Jatropha plant has also recently been tested as an aviation fuel supplement by a number of airlines, including Air New Zealand, Japan Airlines, Continental Airlines and the US Air Force. The ability of Jatropha oil to replace kerosene-based jet fuel is being studied to reduce the aviation world’s dependence on high-pollution crude oil.
As our business develops, we expect to utilize some distributors for sale of the Jatropha feedstock oil and the biomass by-products that we will produce.
Environmental Impact
Bio-fuels, and especially bio-diesel, have environmental benefits that are a major driving force for their introduction. Using bio-fuels instead of fossil fuels reduces net emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses, which are associated with global climate change. Bio-fuels are produced from renewable plant resources that “recycle” the carbon dioxide created when bio-fuels are consumed. Life-cycle analyses consistently show that using bio-fuels produced in modern facilities results in net reductions of greenhouse gas carbon emissions compared to using fossil fuel-based petroleum equivalents. These life-cycle analyses include the total energy requirements for the farming and production of the biomass resource, as well as harvesting, conversion and utilization. Bio-fuels help nations achieve their goals of reducing carbon emissions. Bio-fuels burn cleanly in vehicle engines and reduce emissions of unwanted products, particularly unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. These characteristics contribute to improvements in local air quality. In a life-cycle study published in October 2002, entitled “A Comprehensive Analysis of Bio-diesel Impacts on Exhaust Emissions, 2002,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) analyzed bio-diesel produced from virgin soy oil, rapeseed (canola) and animal fats. The study concluded that the emission impact of bio-diesel potentially increased NOx emissions slightly while significantly reducing other major emissions.
Competition
Although there are a number of producers of bio-fuels, few are utilizing non-edible oil feedstock for the production of bio-diesel. The following table lists the companies we are aware of that are cultivating Jatropha for the production of bio-diesel:
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Valero
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Invested in a Australian Jatropha farming operation and has entered into offtake agreements to purchase the resultant CJO.
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Van Der Horst Corporation (Singapore)
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Building a 200,000-tpy bio-diesel plant in Juron Island in Singapore that will eventually be supplied with Jatropha from plantations it operates in Cambodia and China, and possible new plantations in India, Laos and Burma.
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Mission Biofuels (Australia)
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Hired Agro Diesel of India to manage a 100,000-hectare Jatropha plantation, and a contract-farming network in India to feed its Malaysian and Chinese bio-diesel refineries. Mission Biofuels has raised in excess of $80 million to fund its operations.
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D1 Oils (UK)
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As of June 2007, together with its partners, D1 Oils has planted or obtained rights to offtake from a total approximately 172,000 hectares of Jatropha under cultivation worldwide. D1’s Jatropha plantations are located in Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, India, Zambia, South Africa and Swaziland. In June 2007, D1 Oils and British Petroleum entered into a 50:50 joint venture to plant up to an additional 1 million hectares of Jatropha worldwide. British Petroleum funded the first £31.75 million of the Joint Venture’s working capital requirements through a purchase of D1 Oils equity, and the total Joint Venture funding requirement is anticipated to be £80 million over the next five years.
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NRG Chemical Engineering (UK)
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Signed a $1.3 billion deal with state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. in May 2007. NRG Chemical will own a 70% stake in the joint venture, which will involve the construction of a bio-diesel refinery, two ethanol distilleries and a $600 million investment in Jatropha plantations that will cover over 1 million hectares, mainly on the islands of Palawan and Mindanao.
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Note: 1 hectare = 2.47 acres
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We believe there is sufficient global demand for alternative non-edible bio-fuel feedstock to allow a number of companies to successfully compete worldwide. In particular, we note that we are the only U.S.-based public company producer of non-edible oil feedstock for the production of bio-diesel, which gives us a unique competitive advantage over many foreign competitors when competing in the U.S.
The price basis for our non-edible oil and biomass feedstock will be equivalent to other edible seed oil and biomass feedstock. We have not found any substantial effort towards the production of any other non-edible oil worldwide that could compete with Jatropha. With the growing demand for feedstock, and the high price of oil and bio-fuels, we anticipate that we will be able to sell our Jatropha oil and biomass feedstock profitability.
Employees.
As of December 31, 2010, we had 378 full time employees, contract employees and consultants, of which 372 are employed by our subsidiaries in Mexico. As business levels require and as capital resources permit, we expect to hire full-time employees. Neither this company, nor any of our subsidiaries is a party to any collective bargaining agreements.
ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS.
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below before deciding to invest in or maintain your investment in our company. The risks described below are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of all of the potential risks relating to an investment in our securities. If any of the following or other risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or operating results and the trading price or value of our securities could be materially and adversely affected.
Risks Related To Our Business
We have operated at a loss and will likely continue to operate at a loss in 2011.
We have incurred an operating loss since our inception. We had an accumulated deficit of approximately $26,933,000, and a working capital deficit of approximately $5,035,000 as of December 31, 2010. In addition, we incurred a net loss of $625,000 for the fiscal year then ended. Although we had net income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, that net income was primarily the result of a gain that we recognized due to our sale of our SaveCream legacy medical asset. In addition, most of the gain we recognized from the sale of the SaveCream asset resulted from the liabilities that were released or assumed, and did not result in any payments to us. We are likely to continue to incur losses unless and until we are able to generate significantly more revenues from the sale of Jatropha products, the sale of carbon credits, or from fees generated by providing Jatropha consulting services. Although we anticipate that our revenues from these sources will significantly increase during fiscal 2011 and thereafter, no assurance can be given that these revenues will be sufficient to generate net income in the future. Losses have had, and will continue to have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and the trading price of our common stock. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with our Jatropha operations, we are unable to predict when we may become profitable, if at all. If we do not become profitable or are unable to maintain future profitability, the market value of our common stock will be adversely affected.
It is not certain that we will have sufficient funds available to us to fund all of our operating expenses for 2011 and thereafter.
As of March 24, 2011, we believe that we will have sufficient cash available, and sufficient anticipated future revenues, to fund our anticipated working capital needs through 2011. However, our projected revenue sources are tenuous, and no assurance can be given that all anticipated revenues will, in fact, be received. In addition, our current liabilities still significantly exceed our current assets, and the amount of revenues that we expect to generate in 2011 from our Jatropha-related consulting services and other sources may not be sufficient to fund all of our working capital needs. In fiscal 2010, our sources of cash consisted primarily of reimbursement payments we received from GCE Mexico I, LLC and management consulting fees we received for services we provided to third parties. Although we anticipate that our Mexico farms will, in 2011, commence generating significant revenues, all proceeds received from those harvests will be used to operate the Mexico farms and, other than management fee reimbursements that we receive, none of those revenues will be available to defray our corporate overhead expenses or pay any of our on-going costs of operations. If funds we receive from these sources are not sufficient to fund our operating needs, we will have to raise funds from other sources, such as the sale of securities, strategic partnerships, or governmental grants or loans. No assurance can be given that we will be able to obtain such funding, if needed. In the event that we receive less revenues or funding than we need, we may have to reduce our operations.
We may need significant additional capital in order to fund our expansion and the implementation of our business plan, which we may be unable to obtain. If we do not receive additional funding, we may not be able to achieve our business plan of further developing our bio-fuels business and we may even be forced to reduce our future operations.
In addition to generating funds to cover our operating expenses, we will need a significant amount of additional funding in order to acquire and operate additional Jatropha farms and to otherwise implement our bio-fuels operations in accordance with our business plan. Our capital requirements for expanding our operations will be significant, and we do not currently have any of the funds that we expect to need for these purposes. Accordingly, we will need to obtain a significant amount of additional capital to continue to fund our operating expenses and to expand our Jatropha business. To date, we have acquired approximately 8,600-acre of Jatropha farms that we own in Mexico through a joint venture with our financing partners. In 2010, we received $3.7M from our joint venture partners, and acquired approximately 3,460 acres of additional Jatropha farm land that we are developing. No assurance can be given that we will be able to obtain additional funding from our joint venture investors in the future, nor have we identified alternative sources for the additional financing that we will require if we are to achieve our business plan. We do not have commitments from any third parties to provide us with additional funds to finance the acquisition, development and operation of the Jatropha farms that represent the foundation of our business plan. Certain investors may be unwilling to invest in our securities since we are traded on the OTC Bulletin Board and not on a national securities exchange, particularly if there is only limited trading in our common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board at the time we seek financing. There is no assurance that sufficient funding through a financing will be available to us at acceptable terms or at all. Historically, we have raised capital through the issuance of debt and equity securities. However, given the risks associated with a relatively new and untested bio-fuels business, the risks associated with our common stock (as discussed below), the worldwide financial crisis that has severely affected the capital markets, and our status as a small, unknown public company, we expect in the near future, we will have a great deal of difficulty raising capital through traditional financing sources. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to raise capital, or if we are able to raise capital, that such capital will be in the amounts needed. Our failure to raise capital, when needed, and in sufficient amounts, will severely impact our ability to develop our Jatropha bio-fuels business. Any additional funding that we obtain in an equity or convertible debt financing is likely to reduce the percentage ownership of the company held by our existing security holders. The amount of this dilution may be substantial if the trading price of our common stock is low at the time of any financing from its current levels. There can be no assurance that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If we are unable to obtain the needed additional funding, we will have to reduce or even totally discontinue our operations, which would result in a total loss to all of our shareholders.
We have limited operating history in the feedstock and bio-diesel industries, which makes it difficult to evaluate our financial position and our business plan.
We commenced our current feedstock and biofuels operations in 2007. Since then, we have focused our efforts on developing our Jatropha business, including, among other things, acquiring our Jatropha farms through a joint venture, and cultivating Jatropha plants for the subsequent production and sale of Jatropha seeds, oil and biomass. Because our operations thus far have concentrated on growing our Jatropha business, and because the Jatropha trees on our farms are only now starting to produce commercial quantities of Jatropha fruit, we have had limited sales of Jatropha seeds, oil and by-products to date. Thus, we have little operating history as a feedstock/biofuels company on which a decision to invest in our company can be based. The future of our company currently is dependent upon our ability to successfully harvest, market and sell the Jatropha products that we expect will be generated during fiscal 2011 and thereafter, and to otherwise implement our business plan in the Jatropha business. While we believe that our business plan, if implemented as conceived, will make our company successful in the long term, we have limited operating history against which we can test our plans and assumptions, and therefore cannot evaluate the likelihood of success.
Our Jatropha operations are subject to all of the risks normally associated with large farming operations, including risks related to the weather.
Through our GCE Mexico I, LLC joint venture, we currently own approximately 8,600 acres of farm land in the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico, which land is dedicated to the production of Jatropha bio-fuel and other related products. Of those 8,600 acres, 5,600 acres have been planted and contain Jatropha trees. The cultivation, planting, maintenance and harvesting of Jatropha trees is subject to all of the risks normally associated with the operation of large farms, including risks related to the weather, soil conditions, pests, insects, plant diseases, and plant selection and breeding. For example, during the fourth quarter of 2010, our Mexico farms did not produce a significant harvest of Jatropha fruit because of the heavy rains and extended rainy season.. No assurance can be given that the weather or other conditions will not adversely affect future harvests of Jatropha fruit at our Mexico farms.
Because our interest in cash distribution from our Mexico joint venture is subordinated to the return of our investors’ investment and a 12% compounded annual return, we do not expect to receive any cash from our Mexico Jatropha farms for a number of years.
The Jatropha trees we planted in 2008 in the first of our Mexico Jatropha farms are now beginning to mature, and, as a result, we anticipate that in 2011 our Mexico farms will generate revenues (particularly from the second harvest in the fourth quarter of 2011). However, under our GCE Mexico I, LLC operating agreement, revenues from the Jatropha crop are first applied to our farm operating expenses, and then any excess cash flow is first used to a return of our GCE Mexico I, LLC investors’ investment in these farms and a cumulative 12% per annum preferential return on their investment. As of December 31, 2010, the total amount we have to pay our investors, including the preferential return, before any cash is distributed to us, was $10,361,602. We currently do not anticipate that the Mexico farms we jointly own through GCE Mexico I, LLC will generate sufficient cash to repay this amount for several years. Accordingly, other than management fees that GCE Mexico I, LLC is required to pay us, we do not expect to receive any cash distributions from our majority ownership interest in this entity for several years. No assurance can be given that our investment in GCE Mexico I, LLC will ever generate sufficient revenues to repay our joint venture investors and return capital to this company.
Our Jatropha biofules business is a new and highly risky business that has not been conducted on a similar scale in North America.
Our business plan calls for a large scale planting and harvesting of Jatropha plants, primarily outside of the United States, and for the subsequent production and sale of Jatropha oil (and other Jatropha byproducts) for use as a bio-fuel in Mexico and in the United States. In addition to all of the risks normally associated with developing a new line of business, we will be subject to certain risks unique to our Jatropha bio-fuels business, including the large scale production of plants that have not heretofore been grown in large scale farms in Mexico, logistical issues related to the oil and biomass produced at such farms, market acceptance, uncertain pricing of our products, developing governmental regulations, and the lack of an established market for our products.
Our business could be significantly impacted by changes in government regulations over energy policy.
Our planned operations and the properties we intend to cultivate are subject to a wide variety of federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations, including those governing the use of land, type of development, use of water, use of chemicals for fertilizer, pesticides, export or import of various materials including plants, oil, use of biomass, handling of materials, labor laws, storage handling of materials, shipping, and the health and safety of employees. As such, the nature of our operations exposes us to the risk of claims with respect to such matters and there can be no assurance that material costs or liabilities will not be incurred in connection with such claims. In addition, these governmental regulations, both in the United States and in the foreign countries in which we may conduct our business, may restrict and hinder our operations and may significantly raise our cost of operations. Any breach by our company of such legislation may also result in the suspension or revocation of necessary licenses, permits or authorizations, civil liability and the imposition of fines and penalties, which would adversely affect our ability to operate and our financial condition.
Further, there is no assurance that the laws, regulations, policies or current administrative practices of any government body, organization or regulatory agency in the United States or any other jurisdiction, will not be changed, applied or interpreted in a manner which will fundamentally alter the ability of our company to carry on our business. The actions, policies or regulations, or changes thereto, of any government body or regulatory agency, or other special interest groups, may have a detrimental effect on our company. Any or all of these situations may have a negative impact on our operations.
Our future growth is dependent upon strategic relationships within the feedstock and bio-diesel industries. If we are unable to develop and maintain such relationships, our future business prospects could be significantly limited.
Our future growth will generally be dependent on relationships with third parties, including alliances with feedstock oil and bio-diesel processors and distributors. In addition, we will likely rely on third parties to oversee the operations and cultivation of the Jatropha plants in our non-U.S. properties. Accordingly, our success will be significantly dependent upon our ability to establish successful strategic alliances with third parties and on the performance of these third parties. These third parties may not regard their relationship with us as important to their own business and operations, and there is no assurance that they will commit the time and resources to our joint projects as is necessary, or that they will not in the future reassess their commitment to our business. Furthermore, these third parties may not perform their obligations as agreed. In the event that a strategic relationship is discontinued for any reason, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.
A significant decline in the price of oil could have an adverse impact in our profitability.
Our success is dependent in part upon the historic high price of crude oil and on the high price of seed oils that are currently used to manufacture bio-diesel. A significant decline in the price of either crude oil or the alternative seed oils will have a direct negative impact on our financial performance.
There are risks associated with conducting our business operations in foreign countries, including political and social unrest.
All of our currently operating farms are located in Mexico. We expect that most, if not all, of our future agricultural operations will also be primarily located in foreign countries, particularly in Mexico. Accordingly, we are subject to risks not typically associated with ownership of U.S. companies and therefore should be considered more speculative than investments in the U.S.
For example, Mexico is a developing country that has experienced a range of political, social and economic difficulties over the last decade. Our operations could be affected in varying degrees by political instability, social unrest and changes in government regulation relating to foreign investment, the biofuels industry, and the import and export of goods and services. Operations may also be affected in varying degrees by possible terrorism, military conflict, crime, fluctuations in currency rates and high inflation.
In addition, Mexico has a nationalized oil company, and there can be no assurance that the government of Mexico will continue to allow our business and our assets to compete in any way with their interests. Our operations could be adversely affected by political, social and economic unrest in Mexico and any other foreign countries in which we commence agricultural operations.
We plan to grow rapidly and our inability to keep up with such growth may adversely affect our profitability.
We plan to grow rapidly and significantly expand our operations. We currently have a very small staff and few resources. If we succeed in significantly expanding our operations, our growth may place a significant strain on our management team and other company resources. We will not be able to implement our business strategy in a rapidly evolving market without effective planning and management processes. If we grow significantly, we will have to manage multiple farms in various foreign locations, hundreds of foreign employees, and relationships with various domestic and foreign strategic partners. To manage the expected growth of our operations and personnel, we will have to significantly supplement our existing managerial, financial and operational staff, systems, procedures and controls. We may be unable to supplement and complete, in a timely manner, the improvements to our systems, procedures and controls necessary to support our future operations, and consequently our operations will not function effectively. In addition, our management may be unable to hire, train, retain, motivate and manage required personnel, or successfully identify, manage and exploit existing and potential market opportunities. As a result, our business and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Our business will not be diversified because we will be primarily concentrated in one industry. As a consequence, we may not be able to adapt to changing market conditions or endure any decline in the bio-diesel industry.
We expect our business will be substantially dependent upon the success of Jatropha as a bio-fuel. Accordingly, we expect that virtually all of our revenues will be derived from some form of Jatropha (either from the sales of feedstock oil harvested from our Jatropha farms, the bio-diesel production and sales of Jatropha oil, the sale of carbon credits produced from Jatropha farms, and the development and management services related to the cultivation and production of Jatropha plants and bio-fuel). We do not have any other lines of business or other sources of revenue to rely upon if the Jatropha business does not become viable and if we are unable to produce and sell feedstock oil and bio-diesel, or if the markets for such products decline. Our lack of diversification means that we may not be able to adapt to changing market conditions or to withstand any significant decline in the bio-diesel industry.
Reductions in the price of bio-diesel, and decreases in the price of petroleum-based fuels could affect the price of our feedstock, resulting in reductions in our revenues.
Historically, bio-diesel prices have been highly correlated to the Ultra Low Sulfur (“ULS”) diesel prices. Increased volatility in the crude oil market has an effect on the stability and long-term predictability of ULS diesel, and hence the biofuels prices in the domestic and international markets. Crude oil prices are impacted by wars and other political factors, economic uncertainties, exchange rates and natural disasters. A reduction in petroleum-based fuel prices may have an adverse effect on bio-diesel prices and could apply downward pressure on feedstock, affecting revenues and profits in the feedstock industry, which could adversely affect our financial condition.
Delays due to, among others, weather, labor or material shortages, permitting or zoning delays, or opposition from local groups, may hinder our ability to commence operations in a timely manner.
We could incur delays in the implementation of our plans to plant and harvest Jatropha, or our plans for the construction of support facilities, due to permitting or zoning delays, opposition from local groups, adverse weather conditions, labor or material shortages, or other causes. In addition, changes in political administrations at the federal, state or local level that result in policy changes towards the large scale cultivation of Jatropha, or towards biofuels in general, could result in delays in our business plan timetable. Any such delays could adversely affect our ability to fully commence operations and generate revenues.
We may be unable to locate suitable properties and obtain the development rights needed to build and expand our business.
Our business plan focuses on identifying and developing agricultural properties (farms, nurseries, etc.) for the production of biofuels feedstock. The availability of land for this activity is a key element of our projected revenue generation. Our ability to acquire appropriate land in the future is uncertain and we may be required to delay planting, which may create unanticipated costs and delays. In the event that we are not successful in identifying and obtaining rights on suitable land for our agricultural and processing facilities, our future prospects for profitability will likely be affected, and our financial condition and resulting operations may be adversely affected.
Technological advances in feedstock oil production methods in the bio-diesel industry could adversely affect our ability to compete and the value of your investment.
Technological advances could significantly decrease the cost of producing feedstock oil and biofuels. There is significant research and capital being invested in identifying more efficient processes, and lowering the cost of producing feedstock oil and biofuels. We expect that technological advances in feedstock oil/biofuel production methods will continue to occur. If improved technologies become available to our competitors, they may be able to produce feedstock oil, and ultimately biofuels, at a lower cost than us. If we are unable to adopt or incorporate technological advances into our operations, our ability to compete effectively in the feedstock/biofuels market may be adversely affected, which in turn will affect our profitability.
The development of alternative fuels and energy sources may reduce the demand for biofuels, resulting in a reduction in our profitability.
Alternative fuels, including a variety of energy alternatives to biofuels, are continually under development. Technological advances in fuel-engines and exhaust system design and performance could also reduce the use of biofuels, which would reduce the demand for bio-diesel. Further advances in power generation technologies, using cleaner hydrocarbon based fuels, fuel cells and hydrogen are actively being researched and developed. If these technological advances and alternatives prove to be economically feasible, environmentally superior and accepted in the marketplace, the market for biofuels could be significantly diminished or replaced, which would adversely affect our financial condition.
Our ability to hire and retain key personnel and experienced consultants will be an important factor in the success of our business and a failure to hire and retain key personnel may result in our inability to manage and implement our business plan.
We are highly dependent upon our management and on Richard Palmer (our Chief Executive Officer) in particular. The loss of the services of any of our management personnel may impair management's ability to operate our company or our ability to locate and develop new Jatropha farms. We have not purchased key man insurance on any of our officers, which insurance would provide us with insurance proceeds in the event of their death. Without key man insurance, we may not have the financial resources to develop or maintain our business until we could replace such individuals or to replace any business lost by the death of such individuals. We may not be able to attract and retain the necessary qualified personnel. If we are unable to retain or to hire qualified personnel as required, we may not be able to adequately manage and implement our business.
Our operating costs could be 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 our company due to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control. These increases could arise for several reasons, such as:
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Increased cost for land acquisition;
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Increased unit costs of labor for nursery, field preparation and planting;
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Increased costs for construction of facilities;
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Increased transportation costs for required nursery and field workers;
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·
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Increased costs of supplies and sub-contacted labor for preparing of land for planting;
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·
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Increase costs for irrigation, soil conditioning, soil maintenance; or
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·
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Increased time for planting and plant care and custody.
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In addition, our Jatropha farm operations will also subject us to ongoing compliance with applicable governmental regulations, including those regulations governing land use, water use, pollution control, worker safety and health and welfare and other matters. We may have difficulty complying with these regulations and our compliance costs could increase significantly. Increases in operating costs would have a negative impact on our operating income, and could result in substantially decreased earnings or a loss from our operations, adversely affecting our financial condition.
Fluctuations in the Mexican peso to U.S. dollar exchange rate may adversely affect our reported operating results.
The Mexican peso is the primary operating currency for our current business operations while our financial results are reported in U.S. dollars. Because our costs will be primarily denominated in pesos, a decline in the value of the dollar to the peso could negatively affect our actual operating costs in U.S. dollars, and our reported results of operations. We do not currently engage in any currency hedging transactions intended to reduce the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on our results of operations. We cannot guarantee that we will enter into any such currency hedging transactions in the future or, if we do, that these transactions will successfully protect us against currency fluctuations.
Our future profitability is dependent upon many natural factors outside of our control. If these factors do not produce favorable results our future business profitability could be significantly affected.
Our future profitability is mainly dependent on the production output from our agricultural operations. There are many factors that can effect growth and fruit production of the Jatropha plant including weather, nutrients, pests and other natural enemies of the plant. Many of these are outside of our direct control and could be devastating to our operations.
Risks Relating to Our Common Stock
Our stock is thinly traded, so you may be unable to sell your shares at or near the quoted bid prices if you need to sell a significant number of your shares.
The shares of our common stock are thinly-traded on the OTC Bulletin Board and on the OTCQB market, meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our common shares at or near bid prices at any given time may be relatively small or non-existent. This situation is attributable to a number of factors, including the fact that we are a small company which is relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk-averse and would be reluctant to follow an unproven, early stage company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares until such time as we became more seasoned and viable. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. We cannot give you any assurance that a broader or more active public trading market for our common shares will develop or be sustained, or that current trading levels will be sustained. Due to these conditions, we can give you no assurance that you will be able to sell your shares at or near bid prices or at all if you need money or otherwise desire to liquidate your shares.
Our existing directors, officers and key employees hold a substantial amount of our common stock and may be able to prevent other shareholders from influencing significant corporate decisions.
As of March 24, 2011, our directors and executive officers beneficially owned approximately 27.99% of our outstanding common stock. These shareholders, if they act together, may be able to direct the outcome of matters requiring approval of the shareholders, including the election of our directors and other corporate actions such as:
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our merger with or into another company;
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a sale of substantially all of our assets; and
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amendments to our articles of incorporation.
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The decisions of these shareholders may conflict with our interests or those of our other shareholders.
The market price of our stock may be adversely affected by market volatility.
The market price of our common stock is likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely in response to many factors, including:
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fluctuation in the world price of crude oil;
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market changes in the biofuels industry;
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government regulations affecting renewable energy businesses and users;
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actual or anticipated variations in our operating results;
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our success in meeting our business goals and the general development of our proposed operations;
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general economic, political and market conditions in the U.S. and the foreign countries in which we plan to operate; and
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the occurrence of any of the risks described in this Annual Report.
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Obtaining additional capital though the sale of common stock will result in dilution of shareholder interests.
We may raise additional funds in the future by issuing additional shares of common stock or other securities, which may include securities such as convertible debentures, warrants or preferred stock that are convertible into common stock. Any such sale of common stock or other securities will lead to further dilution of the equity ownership of existing holders of our common stock. Additionally, the existing options, warrants and conversion rights may hinder future equity offerings, and the exercise of those options, warrants and conversion rights may have an adverse effect on the value of our stock. If any such options, warrants or conversion rights are exercised at a price below the then current market price of our shares, then the market price of our stock could decrease upon the sale of such additional securities. Further, if any such options, warrants or conversion rights are exercised at a price below the price at which any particular shareholder purchased shares, then that particular shareholder will experience dilution in his or her investment.
We are unlikely to pay dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
We have never declared or paid dividends on our stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future, and it is unlikely that investors will derive any current income from ownership of our stock. This means that your potential for economic gain from ownership of our stock depends on appreciation of our stock price and will only be realized by a sale of the stock at a price higher than your purchase price.
Trading of our stock may be restricted by the Securities and Exchange Commission's penny stock regulations, which may limit a shareholder's ability to buy and sell our stock.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted regulations which generally define “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors”. The term “accredited investor” refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer's confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the stock that is subject to these penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We believe that the penny stock rules discourage investor interest in and limit the marketability of our common stock.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
Not applicable.
Executive Offices. Currently, we operate out of offices located at 100 W. Broadway, Suite 650, Long Beach California 90802. Our leased offices consist of approximately 2,000 square feet and are leased at a monthly rate of $1.70 sq. ft per month. The term of the lease expires on August 31, 2012.
As of March 24, 2011, we own the following two Jatropha farms through our GCE Mexico I, LLC joint venture:
1. Our first farm consists of seven separate parcels of land collectively representing 2,084 hectares (approximately 5,149 acres). We purchased these parcels in 2008. The farm is located approximately 12 miles northeast of Tizimin, Yucatan, Mexico and is approximately 110 miles from Merida and the port of Progresso, and 75 miles from Cancun. Irrigation systems have been installed in test areas of the farm. All of the land has been improved and we have completed planting on all of the planned farmland. We financed the purchase of this farm through a mortgage loan in the amount of $2,051,282, which bears interest at a rate of 12% per annum.
2. In March 2010, we purchased approximately 3,460 acres of additional land that is contiguous to our first farm. We have commenced preparing this farmland for Jatropha plantation and expect that the new farm will be fully planted by the end of the second quarter of 2011. We financed the purchase of this farm thought a mortgage loan in the amount of $742,652. That loan bears interest at a rate of 12% per annum.
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ITEM 3.
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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
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On April 12, 2010, Mobius Risk Group, LLC (“Mobius”) filed a complaint against the Company in the United States District Court Southern District of Texas Houston Division, alleging that the Company breached that certain Services Agreement, dated April 30, 2007, between Mobius and the Company. Under the Services Agreement, Mobius was required to provide professional services in connection with growing, producing, manufacturing, and selling seed oils. As permitted by the Services Agreement, the Company terminated the Services Agreement on July 11, 2008. In its complaint, Mobius has alleged that the Company failed to pay Mobius a total of $551,178. The Company has disputed the Mobius claim, and has asserted a counter claim against Mobius for direct damages sustained by the Company from the lack of performance of Mobius under the terms of the Service Agreement. Furthermore, the Company has also filed a counterclaim for breach of fiduciary duty against Eric Melvin, the CEO of Mobius and a former member of the Company’s Board of Directors, for conduct arising from his prior position as a director of the Company.
On July 13, 2010, Dee Burgess, a former consultant of Medical Discoveries, Inc. (the name of our company until changed in connection with our new Jatropha business), filed a complaint against the Company in the Third Judicial District Court, State of Utah. The complaint alleges that Ms. Burgess is owed $80,000 for services allegedly provided to the Company in 2004, 2005, and 2006. The Company has not yet been served with the complaint.
PART II
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ITEM 5.
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MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
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Shares of our common stock are traded on the OTC Bulletin Board and on the OTCQB market under the symbol “GCEH.” The following table sets forth the range of closing prices for our common stock for the quarters indicated. Such quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions, and may not represent actual transactions.
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Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009
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High Bid
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Low Bid
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First Quarter
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$ |
.038 |
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$ |
.015 |
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Second Quarter
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$ |
.030 |
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$ |
.010 |
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Third Quarter
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$ |
.022 |
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$ |
.010 |
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Fourth Quarter
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$ |
.028 |
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$ |
.010 |
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Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010
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High Bid
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Low Bid
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First Quarter
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$ |
.020 |
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$ |
.010 |
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Second Quarter
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$ |
.140 |
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$ |
.010 |
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Third Quarter
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$ |
.050 |
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$ |
.030 |
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Fourth Quarter
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$ |
.040 |
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$ |
.030 |
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Shareholders
As of March 24, 2011, there were approximately 1,500 holders of record of our common stock, not including any persons who hold their stock in “street name.”
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, our anticipated capital requirements and other factors that the Board of Directors may think are relevant. However, we currently intend for the foreseeable future to follow a policy of retaining all of our earnings, if any, to finance the development and expansion of our business and, therefore, do not expect to pay any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table contains information regarding our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2010:
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Plan Category
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Number of
Securities to be
Issued upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and
Rights
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Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and
Rights
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Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for
Future
Issuance under
Equity
Compensation
Plans
(Excluding
Securities
Reflected in
the First
Column)
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Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
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1993 Incentive Plan (1)
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3,383,000 |
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$ |
0.13 |
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— |
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2002 Stock Incentive Plan
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19,200,000 |
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$ |
0.04 |
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800,000 |
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2010 Equity Incentive Plan
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14,400,000 |
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$ |
0.03 |
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8,600,000 |
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Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
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Options
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1,350,000 |
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$ |
0.02 |
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Warrants
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57,674,145 |
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$ |
0.02 |
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Total
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96,007,145 |
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9,400,000 |
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(1) The 1993 Incentive Plan has expired and no additional options or awards can be granted under this plan.
Recent Issuances Of Unregistered Securities
We did not issue any unregistered securities during the three-month period ended December 31, 2010 that were not previously reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
Repurchase of Shares
We did not repurchase any of its shares during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.
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ITEM 6.
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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
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Not applicable to a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of SEC Regulation S-K.
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ITEM 7.
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
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Overview
Until recently, this company was a developmental stage company. In October 2009, the Company achieved two milestones:
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o
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The substantial completion of the planting of all Jatropha trees on our primary 5,149-acre farm.
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o
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The commencement of sales of Jatropha (and related by-products) and revenues generated thereby.
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Consequently, management determined that the Company has commenced its planned principal operations and, therefore, it was appropriate to discontinue reporting as a development stage company.
During the past two years, the Company has focused on acquiring, improving, and planting Jatropha farms (which are located in Mexico). To date, the Jatropha trees that we planted in our new farms have not been mature enough to bear significant amount of Jatropha fruit from which we could produce commercial quantities of Jatropha oil. The first trees that we planted are now, however, maturing to the point that we anticipate being able to harvest substantial quantities of fruit in 2011. As a result, we anticipate that our farms will commence generating increased revenues in 2011. We currently are preparing the new properties that we recently purchased for planting and we expect to continue to plant Jatropha trees on our farms during the next four months. As these newly planted trees mature they will bear fruit from which we can produce Jatropha oil. With the additional productive trees, revenues from our farm are expected to significantly increase in the future.
During the past year, our principal sources of revenues have been fees for providing advisory and consulting services to third parties regarding Jatropha farms and the uses of Jatropha bio-diesel, and subsidy revenue.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require 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.
Operational Company. On October 1, 2009, we commenced our planned principal operations, which indicated that we were no longer subject to the accounting standards for accounting and reporting by development stage enterprises. Our financials therefore are presented for an operational company.
Agricultural Producer. All costs incurred until the actual planting of the Jatropha plant are capitalized as plantation development costs, and are included in “Property and Equipment” on the balance sheet. Plantation development costs are being accumulated in the balance sheet during the development period and will be accounted for in accordance with accounting standards for Agricultural Producers and Agricultural Cooperatives. The direct costs associated with each farm and the production of the Jatropha revenue streams have been deferred and accumulated as a noncurrent asset and are included in “Deferred Growing Costs” on the balance sheet. Other general costs without expected future benefits are expensed when incurred.
Certain other critical accounting policies, including the assumptions and judgments underlying them, are disclosed in Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. 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.
Results Of Operations
Revenues. During the years ended December 31, 2010 (“fiscal 2010”) and 2009 (“fiscal 2009”), we recognized revenues of $848,808 and $373,060, respectively. The revenues that we generated in 2010 and 2009 represented fees for Jatropha related advisory services we rendered to third parties and sales of Jatropha seeds and other products (waste wood, Jatropha seed husks, etc.) from our Mexico farms. The Jatropha plants that we have planted are maturing and will be harvested beginning in 2011. The increase in revenues in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 is the result of an increase in our Jatropha farm advisory services to third parties, subsidy payments and, to a lesser extent, from revenues generated from the sale of our Jatropha farm products. Our goal is to increase the amount of advisory services that we render to third parties in 2011. In addition, now that some of the Jatropha trees that we planted are maturing, we anticipate that sales of Jatropha seeds will become a material source of revenues for our Mexico operations commencing in 2011.
General And Administrative Expenses. Our general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 were $2,659,588 and $1,516,395, respectively. General and administrative expenses principally consist of officer compensation, outside services (such as legal, accounting, and consulting expenses), share-based compensation, and other general expenses (such as insurance, occupancy costs and travel). The net increase in general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2010 compared to the prior year was principally the result of a $925,000 increase in administrative costs for the wholly owned subsidiaries of our joint venture, GCE Mexico I, LLC. As our operations have expanded, the related administrative staffing and other administrative costs have increased, along with an increase in the cost of outside services for legal, accounting, and consulting services at the corporate level.
Plantation and Operating Costs. We recorded plantation and operating costs of $389,738 and $738,759 for fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively. Even though we had 12 months of plantation and operating costs in fiscal 2010 as compared to three months of such costs in fiscal 2009, the costs decreased as a result of the change from being a development stage company to becoming an operational company. This decrease is related to the leftover planting costs in fiscal 2009, which were incurred in the 4th quarter after becoming an operational company. However, in fiscal 2010, materially all costs incurred were related to cultivation and harvesting. These costs were deferred into the long-term asset, “Deferred Growing Cost”.
Other Income/Expense. The principal component of Other Income/Expense for fiscal 2010 was the $601,114 gain that we recognized from the settlement of liabilities. Gain on settlement of liabilities represents gains we realized by discharging historic liabilities (most of which were incurred while this company operated as a developmental-stage bio-pharmaceutical company) at less than the accrued amount of such liabilities. There was no gain on the settlement of liabilities in fiscal 2009.
In fiscal 2010, we incurred $489,039 of interest expense, compared to interest expense of $334,313 in fiscal 2009. This increase in interest expense is primarily due to the increase in debt associated with the acquisition of additional land for our farm operations in Tizimin, Mexico. We currently own approximately 8,600 acres of land in Mexico that is subject to interest bearing mortgages, compared to approximately 5,150 acres of such land owned in 2009.
Income from Discontinued Operations. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we sold the SaveCream legacy assets related to our former bio-pharmaceutical business. In connection with that sale, we recognized a gain of $3,298,511 for fiscal 2009. During the fiscal 2010, we recognized income from discontinued operations of $31,266 as a result of foreign currency exchange rate gains on remaining liabilities associated with our former bio-pharmaceutical business, which are denominated in euros.
Net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest. Our Mexico farm operations are owned through GCE Mexico I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“GCE Mexico”). We own 50% of the common membership interests of GCE Mexico and five investors own the other 50% of the common membership interests. The proceeds from the sale of the preferred membership units, and from subsequent capital contributions, have been used to fund the operations of Asideros Globales Corporativo 1 (“Asideros 1”) and Asideros Globales Corporativo 2 (“Asideros 2”), each of which have acquired the land in Mexico that, collectively, constitute our Jatropha farms. We own 1% of Asideros 1 and Asideros 2, and the balance is owned by GCE Mexico. Accordingly, we own 50.5% of Asideros 1 and Asideros 2 either directly or through our common membership interest in GCE Mexico. As such, our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of both Asideros farm entities. Under GCE Mexico’s LLC Agreement, the net loss allocated from Asideros 1 and Asideros 2 to GCE Mexico is then further allocated to the members of GCE Mexico according to the investment balances. Accordingly, since the common membership interest did not make a capital contribution, all of the losses allocated to GCE Mexico have been further allocated to the preferred membership interest. The net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations represents the allocation of the net loss of GCE Mexico to the preferred membership interests.
Net income/loss attributable to Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. In fiscal 2010, we incurred a net loss from continuing operations of $2,088,358 because of limited revenues and significant general and administrative expenses. However, we realized $601,114 of gains from the settlement of liabilities, which reduced the amount of the losses. Our net loss from continuing operations in fiscal 2009 was $2,226,196. Of the net loss from continuing operations in fiscal 2010, $1,431,805 was attributable to the investors who own the other GCE Mexico membership interests. As a result, excluding the net losses attributable to these non-controlling interests, our net loss for fiscal 2010 was $625,287. In fiscal 2009, we recognized income of $3,167,098, most of which was attributable to the gain on the sale of our former bio-pharmaceutical asset. As a result, although we had a loss from continuing operations of $2,226,196 in fiscal 2009, we had net income of $2,238,365 in fiscal 2009.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2010, we had $1,097,000 in cash and a working capital deficit of $5,035,000, as compared with $834,000 in cash and a working capital deficit of $4,986,000 at December 31, 2009. However, virtually all of the cash reflected on our balance sheet is reserved for the operation of GCE Mexico and our Jatropha farms. Accordingly, most of those funds are not available to finance our general and administrative or other operating expenses. Based on the funds we have available and the proceeds we expect to receive during this year, we believe that we will have sufficient funds to pay our administrative and other operating expenses during 2011. However, we do not have sufficient cash to repay all of our current liabilities should we be required to do so, nor do we have any funds available to make any capital investments.
Since our inception, we have financed our working capital needs primarily (i) through private sales of equity and debt financing, and (ii) from fees that we have generated by providing consulting and advisory fees to third parties related to Jatropha farm operations and the uses of Jatropha as a biofuel. During fiscal 2010, the total amount of such advisory/consulting fees was $354,774. In addition, on a monthly basis, GCE Mexico pays us a fee to reimburse us for a portion of our corporate overhead and for costs associated with managing the Jatropha farms in Mexico. In fiscal 2010, the total amount of payments that we received from GCE Mexico was $280,476. The amount of these fees/reimbursements is based on the size of the farms that we manage. Since we have purchased additional farms in fiscal 2010, the total amount of monthly fees will increase in 2011. We currently anticipate that the projected amount of advisory/consulting fees and the projected payments from GCE Mexico will, collectively, be sufficient to fund our corporate overhead during 2011. However, no assurance can be given that we will, in fact, receive all of these projected amounts, or that our costs will not exceed our projections. If we do not receive all of these payments, or if our actual costs exceed our expectations, we will have to obtain funding from alternative sources or reduce the scope of our future operations. We currently do not have any bank facilities or other sources of additional capital.
In fiscal 2010 we obtained both debt and equity funding. In March 2010, we raised $500,000 from the sale of common stock to two accredited investors, which funds were used for working capital purposes. In addition, in order to repay certain secured loans that we obtained in September 2007, which secured loans matured on January 31, 2010, in March 2010 we obtained $567,000 of unsecured loans. The March 2010 convertible notes mature on the earlier of (i) March 16, 2012, and (ii) upon written demand of payment by the investors following our default thereunder. The maturity date of the convertible notes may be extended by written notice made by the holders at any time prior to March 16, 2012. Interest accrues on the convertible notes at a rate of 5.97% per annum, and is payable quarterly in cash, in arrears, on each three-month anniversary of the issuance of the convertible notes. However, we have the right, exercisable at our option, in lieu of paying interest in cash, to pay interest by delivering a number of unregistered shares of our common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the amount of such interest by the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price (VWAP) for each of the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding the interest payment date. At any time following the first anniversary of the issuance of the convertible notes, at the option of the holders of these convertible notes, the outstanding balance thereof (including accrued and unpaid interest thereon) may be converted into shares of our common stock at a conversion price equal to $0.03. The conversion price may be adjusted in connection with stock splits, stock dividends and similar events affecting our capital stock. As of March 24, 2011, the convertible notes rank senior to all other indebtedness, and thereafter will remain senior or pari passu with all accounts payable and other similar liabilities incurred by us in the ordinary course of business. We may not prepay the convertible notes without the prior consent of the note holders. Virtually all of the proceeds from these convertible notes were used to fully repay and extinguish the outstanding secured loans that had matured and were due and payable.
Our business plan calls for us to acquire, develop and operate large Jatropha farms for the purpose of harvesting Jatropha oil for use as a bio-fuel. The cost of acquiring and developing these farms has exceeded our funding capabilities. Accordingly, we have funded the acquisition of the Mexico Jatropha farms through the GCE Mexico joint venture. In fiscal 2010, we purchased approximately 3,460 acres of additional farmland in Mexico. The purchase of that land was financed through a $742,652 mortgage loan. As a result, the purchase of the land did not negatively impact our current liquidity. We anticipate that we may make additional land purchases in Mexico through the GCE Mexico joint venture.
Our business plan also calls for significant infusion of additional capital to establish additional Jatropha farms in Mexico and other locations that are owned primarily by this company. Because of our negative working capital position, we currently do not have the funds necessary to acquire and cultivate additional farms solely for our own account. In order to purchase additional Jatropha farms, or to acquire or build facilities to process our Jatropha oil, we will have to obtain significant additional capital through the sale of equity and/or debt securities, the forward sale of Jatropha oil and carbon offset credits, and from other financing activities. No assurance can be given that we will be able to obtain sufficient capital from these sources. The trading price of our common stock and the downturn in the equity and debt markets are expected to make it more difficult to obtain financing through the issuance of equity or debt securities. The sale of additional equity or debt securities may result in further dilution to our existing stockholders, and new equity securities that we may issue may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of our common stock. If additional financing is not available or is not available on acceptable terms, we will not be able to complete our business plan and expand our operations as planned.
Effective July 2, 2009, we purchased all of the outstanding capital stock of Technology Alternatives Limited, a company formed under the laws of Belize (“TAL”), from its four shareholders. TAL owns a 400-acre farm in subtropical Belize, Central America, which was used for Jatropha farming purposes. In consideration for the purchase of all of the shares of TAL, among other consideration, we issued four promissory notes to the four former owners. These notes are secured by a lien on the 400-acre farm and had an aggregate initial principal balance of $516,139 Belize Dollars (US $268,036 based on exchange rates in effect at July 2, 2009). The maturity date of these notes has been extended to July 15, 2011. Since the TAL promissory notes are secured by a mortgage on the 400-acre farm, our failure to pay this note upon its maturity could result in the loss of that farm and our investment in the Belizean Jatropha farm. We have determined that the Belizean farm was not operating to our expectations and was not an efficient use of corporate capital. Therefore, we have ceased operations at that farm and have relocated its research and farm assets to our Mexico farms. We have reclassified the Belizean farm as an investment property and are currently in discussions with various potential purchasers of the property. If the land is sold, we will use a portion of the proceeds to repay the outstanding four secured notes.
Inflation and changing prices have had no effect on our continuing operations during our two most recent fiscal years.
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a) of Regulation S-K.
|
ITEM 7A.
|
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
|
Not applicable to a “smaller reporting company.”
|
ITEM 8.
|
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
|
Financial Statements are referred to in Item 15, listed in the Index to Financial Statements and filed and included elsewhere herein as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
|
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
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures which are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended, the “Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer (“Certifying Officers”), to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosures.
In connection with the preparation of this Annual Report, our Certifying Officers evaluated the effectiveness of management’s disclosure controls and procedures, as of December 31, 2010, in accordance with Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Certifying Officers concluded that management’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2010.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, and for assessing the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Internal control over financial reporting is intended to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors, and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisitions, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Management, with the participation of our principal executive and financial officers, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that evaluation, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2010, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm as such attestation is not required for non-accelerated filers such as us pursuant to applicable SEC rules.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2010 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
None.
PART III
|
ITEM 10.
|
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
|
The following table sets forth the name, age and position held by each of our executive officers and directors. Directors are elected for a period of one year and thereafter serve until the next annual meeting at which their successors are duly elected by the stockholders.
|
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Position
|
|
David R. Walker (1)
|
|
66
|
|
Chairman of the Board
|
|
Richard Palmer
|
|
50
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
|
|
Bruce Nelson
|
|
56
|
|
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
|
|
Mark A. Bernstein, Ph.D. (1)
|
|
57
|
|
Director
|
|
Martin Wenzel
|
|
52
|
|
Director
|
|
(1)
|
Member of our Audit Committee
|
Business Experience and Directorships
The following describes the backgrounds of current executive officers and directors. Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Walker, Mr. Wenzel and Dr. Bernstein are independent directors as defined in the Nasdaq rules governing members of boards of directors.
David R. Walker
David R. Walker joined the Board of Directors on May 2, 1996, and was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors on May 10, 1998. He has served as Chairman of the Audit Committee since its establishment in 2001. For over 20 years, Mr. Walker has been the General Manager of Sunheaven Farms, the largest onion growing and packing entity in the State of Washington. In the capacity of General Manager, Mr. Walker performs the functions of a traditional chief financial officer. Mr. Walker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Brigham Young University with minors in accounting and finance.
The Board believes that Mr. Walker’s experience regarding the operation and management of large-scale agricultural farms and his experience as a financial officer are valuable resources to our Board in formulating business strategy, addressing business opportunities and resolving operational issues that arise from time to time.
Richard Palmer
Richard Palmer was appointed as our President and Chief Operating Officer in September 2007, and been a member of the Board of Directors since September 2007. Mr. Palmer became our Chief Executive Officer on December 21, 2007. Mr. Palmer has over 25 years of hands-on experience in the energy field, holding senior level management positions with a number of large engineering, development, operations and construction companies. He is a co-founder of Mobius Risk Group, LLC, an energy risk advisory services consulting company, and was a principal and Executive Vice President of that consulting company from January, 2002 until September 2007. From 1997 to 2002, Mr. Palmer was a Senior Director at Enron Energy Services. Prior thereto, from 1995 to 1996 Mr. Palmer was a Vice President of Bentley Engineering, and a Senior Vice President of Southland Industries from 1993 to 1996. Mr. Palmer received his designation as a Certified Energy Manager in 1999, holds two Business Management Certificates from University of Southern California’s Business School, and is an active member of both the American Society of Plant Biologists and the International Tropical Farmers Association.
Over the last 25 years, Mr. Palmer has held senior level management positions with a number of large engineering, development, operations and construction companies, and, as a result, he has garnered a wealth of experience in the energy field. Mr. Palmer’s experience is important to the development and execution of the Company’s business plan. Mr. Palmer is the only member of management who serves as a director of the Company.
Mark A. Bernstein
Mark A. Bernstein, Ph.D., joined our Board of Directors on June 30, 2008. Dr. Bernstein is current a teaching professor at The University of Southern California (USC) where he also serves as the Managing Director of USC’s Energy Institute. Dr. Bernstein is an internationally recognized expert on energy policy and alternative energy technologies. Dr. Bernstein was awarded a Ph.D. in Energy Management and Policy from the University of Pennsylvania, holds a Masters degree in Mathematics from Ohio State University, and a B.A. from State University of New York at Albany.
Mr. Bernstein’s expertise in energy policy and alternative energy technologies led to the conclusion that he should serve as a director of the Company.
Bruce Nelson
Bruce Nelson was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer in March 2008. He has served as our Executive Vice-President and Secretary since August 2010. Prior to commencing his relationship with the Company, Mr. Nelson served as Chief Financial Officer of US Modular, a private technology company located in Irvine, California. From April 2002 through February 2007, Mr. Nelson served as Chief Financial Officer of netGuru, Inc., a NASDAQ-listed global engineering software and IT service company. Prior to netGuru, Mr. Nelson founded and operated Millennium Information Technologies from 1997 to 2002. From 1992 to 1997 he served as President and CFO of Comprehensive Weight Management, a national healthcare service provider. From 1985 to 1991 he served as Treasurer of Comprehensive Care Corporation, a NYSE listed national healthcare provider. Mr. Nelson served as a U.S. Naval Officer after graduating from the University of Southern California, majoring in finance. He holds a MBA degree from Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I. He has also served on the board of directors of two commercial banks, a NASDAQ-listed technology company, and a privately held specialty hospital.
Martin Wenzel
Martin Wenzel joined our Board of Directors in April 2010, and serves on the Board’s audit committee. Mr. Wenzel is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Colorado Energy, the operating entity of Bicent Power, LLC, which is a privately owned limited liability company that owns and operates power generating stations in Colorado, Montana and California. From 2005 until August 2007, he served as the Senior Vice President (Sales and Marketing) of Miasole Inc. Prior thereto, from 2001 to 2004, Mr. Wenzel was President and Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Energy LLC. He is also a member of the Board of the Deming Center of Entrepreneurship at the University of Colorado. Mr. Wenzel holds an Executive MBA from Columbia Business School; a Masters degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California; and a Bachelors degree in Engineering and Management from the US Naval Academy.
Mr. Wenzel has an extensive background in the energy industry, including over 25 years of developing, constructing and operating energy projects, marketing energy commodities and operating energy assets in the U.S. and internationally. The Board concluded that Mr. Wenzel’s expertise in energy policy and alternative energy technologies is a valuable asset for the Board of Directors of the Company.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on information provided to us by our officers and our review of copies of reporting forms received by us, we believe that during fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, our current officers and directors complied with the filing requirements under Section 16(a).
Code of Ethics
Our Board of Directors has adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officers, principal financial officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions (“Code of Ethics”). A copy of our Code of Ethics will be furnished without charge to any person upon written request. Requests should be sent to: Secretary, Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc., 100 W. Broadway, Suite 650, Long Beach, California 90802.
Board Committees
Our Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, but does not currently have a Compensation Committee or a Nominating Committee.
The Audit Committee meets periodically with management and with our independent registered public accounting firm to, among other things, review the results of the annual audit and quarterly reviews and discuss the financial statements. The audit committee also hires the independent registered public accounting firm, and receives and considers the accountant’s comments as to controls, adequacy of staff and management performance and procedures. The Audit Committee is also authorized to review related party transactions for potential conflicts of interest. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, Mr. Walker and Dr. Bernstein constituted all of the members of the Audit Committee. Both Mr. Walker and Dr. Bernstein are non-employee directors and independent as defined under the Nasdaq Stock Market’s listing standards. Mr. Walker has significant knowledge of financial matters, and our Board has designated Mr. Walker as the “audit committee financial expert” of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met four times during fiscal 2010 in connection with this Annual Report and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB. The Audit Committee operates under a formal charter that governs its duties and conduct.
|
ITEM 11.
|
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
|
Summary Compensation Table.
The following table set forth certain information concerning the annual and long-term compensation for services rendered to us in all capacities for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 of all persons who served as our principal executive officer and principal financial officer during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. No other executive officers earned annual compensation during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 that exceeded $100,000. The principal executive officer and the other named officers are collectively referred to as the “Named Executive Officers.”
Summary Compensation Table
|
Name and
Principal
Position
|
|
Fiscal
Year
Ended
12/31
|
|
Salary
Paid or
Accrued
($)
|
|
|
Bonus Paid
or Accrued
($)
|
|
|
Stock
Awards
($)
|
|
|
Option
Awards
($)
|
|
|
All Other
Compensation
($)
|
|
|
Total
($)
|
|
|
Richard Palmer
|
|
2010
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
23,200 |
|
|
|
523,200 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
2009
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
23,400 |
|
|
|
273,400 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bruce Nelson
|
|
2010
|
|
|
175,000 |
|
|
$ |
175,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
362,000 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
2009
|
|
|
175,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
185,000 |
|
Stock Option Grant
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2010, concerning unexercised options, unvested stock and equity incentive plan awards for the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010
| |
|
Option Awards
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
|
|
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
|
|
|
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
|
|
|
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
|
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
|
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
|
|
|
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($)
|
|
|
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
|
|
|
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
($)
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard Palmer
|
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
8/20/2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
8/20/2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
3/16/2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
3/16/2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bruce Nelson
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
3/20/2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
3/20/2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
3/20/2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
3/20/2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
1,250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
3/20/2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
1,250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
3/20/2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director Compensation.
On April 22, 2009, our Board of Directors adopted a compensation policy for non-employee directors (“Compensation Policy”), effective as of July 1, 2009. Pursuant to the Compensation Policy, non-employee directors will be entitled to receive the following benefits, among others, in consideration for their services as directors of the Company:
|
|
·
|
Monthly cash payments of $2,000;
|
|
|
·
|
Annual grants of non-qualified stock options to purchase up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock;
|
|
|
·
|
Participation in the Company’s stock option plans; and
|
|
|
·
|
Reimbursement of certain expenses incurred in connection with attendance of meetings of the Board and Board Committee.
|
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation paid to each of our non-employee directors during fiscal 2010 for their services rendered as directors. The compensation of Richard Palmer, who serves as a director and as our President and Chief Executive Officer, is described above in the Summary Compensation Table.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010
|
Name
|
|
Fees
Earned
or Paid
in Cash
|
|
|
Stock
Awards
|
|
|
Option
Awards(1)(2)
|
|
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
|
|
|
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
|
|
|
All Other
Compensation
|
|
|
Total
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David R. Walker
|
|
$ |
24,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
18,900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
42,900 |
|
|
Richard Palmer
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Mark A. Bernstein, Ph.D.
|
|
$ |
24,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
18,900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
42,900 |
|
|
Martin Wenzel
|
|
$ |
18,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
22,650 |
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
66,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
42,450 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
108,450 |
|
|
(1)
|
This column represents the aggregate grant date fair value of option awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. For additional information on the valuation assumptions with respect to the option grants, refer to Note J of our financial statements in this Annual Report. These amounts do not correspond to the actual value that will be recognized by the named directors from these awards.
|
|
(2)
|
Pursuant to the company’s director compensation, each non-employee director is entitled to an annual grant of options to acquire 500,000 shares. Effective April 1, 2010, the company appointed Martin Wenzel to its board of directors, and in connection therewith, awarded Mr. Wenzel an option to purchase 500,000 shares of the company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. Each of Messrs. Bernstein and Walker received options to acquire 500,000 shares of the company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.04 per share, effective July 1, 2010.
|
Employment Agreements
Richard Palmer. On September 7, 2007, we entered into an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Richard Palmer pursuant to which we hired Mr. Palmer to serve as our President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Palmer was also appointed to serve as director on our Board of Directors to serve until the next election of directors by our shareholders. Upon the resignation of our prior Chief Executive Officer in December 2007, Mr. Palmer also became our Chief Executive Officer.
Under the Employment Agreement, we granted Mr. Palmer an incentive option to purchase up to 12,000,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.03 (the trading price on the date the agreement was signed), subject to our achievement of certain market capitalization goals. The option expires after five years. As of April 22, 2009, all 12,000,000 shares under the option remained unvested. On April 22, 2009, our Board of Directors approved accelerating the vesting of all 12,000,000 unvested shares under the option, and accelerated the release from escrow of 652,503 shares of restricted common stock issuable to Mr. Palmer under the Global Agreement. As a result, on that date, all of the restricted and escrowed shares were released to Mr. Palmer.
In addition, Mr. Palmer’s compensation package includes a base salary of $250,000, and a bonus payment contingent on Mr. Palmer’s satisfaction of certain performance criteria, which will not exceed 100% of Mr. Palmer’s base salary. In the event that (i) we terminate Mr. Palmer’s employment for reasons other than “cause” (as defined in the Employment Agreement to include material breaches by him of the agreement, fraud, misappropriation of funds or embezzlement), or if (ii) Mr. Palmer resigns because we breached the Employment Agreement, we will be obligated to pay Mr. Palmer an amount equal to one (1) times his then-current annual base salary plus fifty percent (50%) of the target bonus in effect on the date of his termination. However, if Mr. Palmer’s employment is terminated for death or disability, or if Mr. Palmer resigns or is terminated for “cause,” he will not be entitled to receive any severance payments or other post-employment benefits. The original term of the Employment Agreement commenced September 1, 2007, and was scheduled to expire on September 30, 2010.
On March 16, 2010, the Company and Richard Palmer entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Employment Agreement. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Company extended the term of Mr. Palmer’s employment for an additional two years, i.e., through September 30, 2012. Thereafter, the term of employment shall automatically renew for successive one-year periods unless otherwise terminated. In connection with the Amendment, the Company and Mr. Palmer entered into an option agreement (“Option Agreement”). Pursuant to the Option Agreement, the Company granted Mr. Palmer a new option to acquire up to 12,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.02, subject to the Company’s achievement of certain market capitalization goals. The new option expires after ten (10) years.
Bruce Nelson. On March 20, 2008, we entered into an employment agreement with Bruce K. Nelson pursuant to which we hired Mr. Nelson to serve as our Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer effective April 1, 2008. Mr. Nelson’s employment agreement has an initial term of employment that continues through March 20, 2010. Thereafter, the term of employment shall automatically renew for successive one-year periods unless otherwise terminated by us. The employment agreement was automatically extended in March 2010 through March 20, 2011. We agreed to pay Mr. Nelson a base salary of $175,000, subject to annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index for the immediately preceding 12-month period, and a bonus payment based on Mr. Nelson’s satisfaction of certain performance criteria established by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors. The bonus amount in any fiscal year will not exceed 100% of Mr. Nelson’s base salary. Mr. Nelson is eligible to participate in this company’s employee stock option plan and other benefit plans.
At the time we employed Mr. Nelson, we granted him a ten-year option to acquire up to 2,000,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.05 (the trading price on the date the agreement was signed). These options vested in tranches of 500,000 shares over the first two years of the employment term. We also granted Mr. Nelson a five-year option to acquire up to 2,500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.05, if this company meets certain market capitalization goals. As of April 22, 2009, options to acquire up to 3,500,000 shares remained unvested pursuant to the terms of the Company’s employment agreement with Mr. Nelson. On April 22, 2009, our Board of Directors approved accelerating the vesting of all 3,500,000 unvested shares under the option.
In the event that, commencing after March 20, 2009, (i) we terminate Mr. Nelson’s employment for reasons other than “cause” (as defined in his employment agreement to include material breaches by him of his employment agreement, fraud, misappropriation of funds or embezzlement), or if (ii) Mr. Nelson resigns because we breached his employment agreement, we will be obligated to pay Mr. Nelson an amount equal to the salary he would have received through the end of the term of his employment agreement. However, if Mr. Nelson’s employment is terminated for death or disability, or if Mr. Nelson resigns or is terminated for “cause,” he will not be entitled to receive any severance payments or other post-employment benefits.
|
ITEM 12.
|
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
|
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 24, 2011 by (a) each person known by us to own beneficially 5% or more of each class of our outstanding voting shares (i.e. our common stock and our Series B Preferred Stock), (b) each of our named executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table and each of our directors and (c) all executive officers and directors of this company as a group. As of March 24, 2011, there were 270,464,478 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. As of the same date, there were 13,000 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, which shares of preferred stock were convertible into an aggregate of 11,818,181 shares of common stock. Unless otherwise noted, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all the shares beneficially owned by them.
|
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)
|
|
Shares Beneficially
Owned (2)
|
|
|
Percent
of Class of
Common Stock
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporativo LODEMO S.A DE CV
Calle 18, #201-B x 23 y 25,
Colonias Garcia Gineres, C.P. 97070
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
|
|
|
9,090,908 |
(3) |
|
|
3.25 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greenrock Capital Holdings LLC
10531 Timberwood Circle, Suite D
Louisville, Kentucky 40223
|
|
|
2,727,273 |
(4) |
|
|
1.00 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roll Energy Investments LLC and affiliates
11444 West Olympic Boulevard, 10th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90064
|
|
|
32,044,500 |
(5) |
|
|
11.41 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Zilkha
1001 McKinney, Suite 1900
Houston TX 77002
|
|
|
34,085,000 |
(6) |
|
|
12.14 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors/Named Executive Officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard Palmer
|
|
|
72,030,241 |
(7) |
|
|
25.50 |
% |
|
Bruce Nelson
|
|
|
5,543,000 |
(8) |
|
|
2.02 |
% |
|
David R. Walker
|
|
|
2,153,539 |
(9) |
|
|
* |
|
|
Mark A. Bernstein
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
(10) |
|
|
* |
|
|
Martin Wenzel
|
|
|
500,000 |
(11) |
|
|
* |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Named Executive Officers and Directors as a group (5 persons)
|
|
|
81,226,780 |
|
|
|
27.99 |
% |
* Less than 1%
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each person listed is c/o Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc., 100 W. Broadway, Suite 650, Long Beach, California 90802.
(2) For purposes of this table, shares of common stock are considered beneficially owned if the person directly or indirectly has the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of the securities or the sole or shared power to dispose of or direct the disposition of the securities. Shares of common stock are also considered beneficially owned if a person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of the shares upon exercise or conversion of a security within 60 days of March 24, 2011.
(3) Consists of 9,090,908 shares of common stock that may be acquired upon the conversion of shares of Series B Preferred Stock. Corporativo LODEMO owns 10,000 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, which represents approximately 76.92% of the issued and outstanding shares of that class of securities.
(4) Consists of 2,727,273 shares of common stock that may be acquired upon the conversion of shares of Series B Preferred Stock. Greenrock owns 3,000 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, which represents approximately 23.08% of the issued and outstanding shares of that class of securities.
(5) Includes (i) 945,000 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of currently exercisable warrants, and (ii) 9,450,000 shares issuable upon conversion of an outstanding convertible promissory note. The common shares, warrants and convertible note disclosed herein are directly owned by Roll Energy Investments LLC (“Roll LLC”). However, Stewart Resnick is the sole manager of Roll LLC and, as a result of his control over Roll LLC, he is deemed to beneficially own the securities held by Roll LLC.
(6) Includes (i) 945,000 shares that may be acquired upon exercise of currently exercisable warrants, and (ii) 9,450,000 shares issuable upon conversion of an outstanding convertible promissory note.
(7) Consists of 12,000,000 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of currently exercisable options. Mr. Palmer also has options to acquire 12,000,000 shares of common stock that are not currently exercisable and will not become exercisable unless certain conditions are met.
(8) Includes 4,500,000 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of currently exercisable options.
(9) Includes 1,750,000 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of options.
(10) Includes 1,000,000 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of options.
(11) Includes 500,000 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of options.
|
ITEM 13.
|
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
|
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
On March 16, 2010, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with Roll Energy Investments LLC (“Roll LLC”) and Michael Zilkha pursuant to which the company issued to each investor a senior unsecured convertible promissory note in the original aggregate principal amount of $283,500 (the “Convertible Notes”), and warrants to acquire an aggregate of 945,000 shares of our common stock (“Warrants”).
The Warrants are exercisable at a strike price of $0.03 per share, and expire on March 16, 2013. The Convertible Notes mature on the earlier of (i) March 16, 2012, and (ii) upon written demand of payment by the holders following our default thereunder. Interest accrues on the convertible notes at a rate of 5.97% per annum, and is payable quarterly in cash, in arrears, on each three-month anniversary of the issuance of the notes. We may, at our option, in lieu of paying interest in cash, pay interest by delivering a number of unregistered shares of our common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the amount of such interest by the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price (VWAP) for each of the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding the interest payment date. At any time following the first anniversary of the issuance of the convertible notes, at the option of the investors, the outstanding balance thereof (including accrued and unpaid interest thereon) may be converted into shares of our common stock at a conversion price equal to $0.03 per share.
Roll LLC and Mr. Zilkha are our largest stockholders, and each presently owns more than 10% of our common stock. Stewart Resnick is the sole manager of Roll LLC and, as a result of his control over Roll LLC, he is deemed to beneficially own the securities held by Roll LLC.
As noted elsewhere in this report, we currently own 50% of the issued and outstanding common membership units of GCE Mexico, with the remaining 50% held by five other investors (the “Common Members”). Additionally, two investors (the “Preferred Members”) own all of the preferred membership units of GCE Mexico. Mr. Resnick is affiliated with one of the Common Members and one of the Preferred Members. Mr. Zilkha is affiliated with four of the Common Members and the other Preferred Member. The Preferred Members are entitled to a preferential 12% per annum cumulative compounded return on their investment in GCE Mexico.
As of March 24, 2011, the Preferred Members have contributed a total of $8,908,858 to GCE Mexico. The two Preferred Members funded the purchase by GCE Mexico of the approximately 5,149 acres of land in the State of Yucatan in Mexico by making a $2,051,282 loan to pay the purchase price of that land. The land is secured by a mortgage in the amount of $2,051,282 in favor of the Preferred Members. The mortgage bears interest at the rate of 12% per annum and is due April 23, 2018. The two Preferred Members also have made a $742,652 mortgage loan to purchase the approximately 3,460 acres of additional farmland in Mexico that GCE Mexico acquired in March 2010. The second mortgage bears interest at the rate of 12% per annum and is due February 29, 2020.
Director Independence
Our common stock is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board and OTCQB Market under the symbol “GCEH.” Neither the OTC Bulletin Board electronic trading platform nor the OTCQB Market maintains any standards regarding the “independence” of the directors on our company’s Board of Directors, and we are not otherwise subject to the requirements of any national securities exchange or an inter-dealer quotation system with respect to the need to have a majority of our directors be independent.
In the absence of such requirements, we have elected to use the definition for “director independence” under the Nasdaq Stock Market’s listing standards, which defines an “independent director” as “a person other than an officer or employee of us or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship, 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.” The definition further provides that, among others, employment of a director by us (or any parent or subsidiary of ours) at any time during the past three years is considered a bar to independence regardless of the determination of our Board of Directors.
Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Walker, Mr. Wenzel and Dr. Bernstein are independent directors as defined in the Nasdaq rules relating to director independence. Each of Mr. Walker, Mr. Wenzel and Dr. Bernstein are non-employee directors.
|
ITEM 14.
|
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
|
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees accrued by Hansen, Barnett & Maxwell. P.C. during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and 2010 for professional services for the audit of our financial statements and the review of financial statements included in our Forms 10-Q and SEC filings were $45,119 and $53,500 respectively.
Audit-Related Fees
Hansen, Barnett & Maxwell. P.C. did not provide and did not bill and it was not paid any fees for, audit-related services in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010.
Tax Fees
Hansen, Barnett & Maxwell. P.C. did not provide, and did not bill and was not paid any fees for, tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning services for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
All Other Fees
Hansen, Barnett & Maxwell. P.C. did not provide, and did not bill and were not paid any fees for, any other services in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Consistent with SEC policies, the Audit Committee charter provides that the Audit Committee shall pre-approve all audit engagement fees and terms and pre-approve any other significant compensation to be paid to the independent registered public accounting firm. No other significant compensation services were performed for us by Hansen, Barnett & Maxwell. P.C. during 2009 and 2010.
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. Exhibits marked with an asterisk are filed herewith. The remainder of the exhibits previously have been filed with the Commission and are incorporated herein by reference.
|
Number
|
|
Exhibit
|
|
3.1
|
|
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference).
|
|
3.2
|
|
Amended Bylaws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference).
|
|
4.1
|
|
Certificate of Designations of Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Medical Discoveries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement No. 333-121635 filed on Form SB-2 on December 23, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).
|
|
4.4
|
|
Amendment to Certificate of Designations of Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Medical Discoveries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Registration Statement No. 333-121635 filed on Form SB-2 on December 23, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).
|
|
4.5
|
|
Certificate Of Designation of Preferences and Rights Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of Medical Discoveries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 13, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.1
|
|
2002 Stock Incentive Plan adopted by the Board of Directors as of July 11, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference).
|
|
10.2
|
|
Sale and Purchase Agreement between Attorney Hinnerk-Joachim Müller as liquidator of Savetherapeutics AG i.L. and Medical Discoveries, Inc. regarding the purchase of the essential assets of Savetherapeutics AG i.L. (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).
|
|
10.3
|
|
Share Exchange Agreement dated September 7, 2007 among Medical Discoveries, Inc., Richard Palmer, and Mobius Risk Group, LLC (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 17, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.4
|
|
Definitive Master Agreement dated as of July 29, 2006, by and between MDI Oncology, Inc. and Eucodis Forschungs und Entwicklungs GmbH (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 3, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.5
|
|
Loan and Security Agreement, dated September 7, 2007, between Medical Discoveries, Inc. and Mercator Momentum Fund III, L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 17, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference).
|
|
10.6
|
|
Note Amendment And Maturity Date Extension, dated January 12, 2009, between the Company and Mercator Momentum Fund III, L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 15, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
Number
|
|
Exhibit
|
|
10.7
|
|
Consulting Agreement dated September 7, 2007 between Medical Discoveries, Inc. and Mobius Risk Group, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 17, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.8
|
|
Employment Agreement dated September 7, 2007 between Medical Discoveries, Inc. and Richard Palmer (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 17, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.9
|
|
Release and Settlement Agreement dated August 31, 2007 between Medical Discoveries, Inc. and Richard Palmer (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 17, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.10
|
|
Release and Settlement Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2007, by and among the Company, on the one hand, and Mercator Momentum Fund, LP, Monarch Pointe Fund, Ltd., and Mercator Momentum Fund III, LP, on the other hand. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 26, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.11
|
|
Form of Warrant (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 26, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.12
|
|
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2007, by and among Medical Discoveries, Inc. and the Purchasers (as defined therein) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 13, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.13
|
|
Employment Agreement dated March 20, 2008 between Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and Bruce K. Nelson (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 7, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.14
|
|
Exchange Agreement, effective April 18, 2008, by and between Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc., on the one hand, and Mercator Momentum Fund, L.P., Mercator Momentum Fund III, L.P., and Monarch Pointe Fund, Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 24, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.15
|
|
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated May 19, 2008, between Medical Discoveries, Inc. and Mercator Momentum Fund III, L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 14, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.16
|
|
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October 30, 2008, between the Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and the four shareholders of Technology Alternatives Limited, a Belizean Company formed under the Laws of Belize (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB filed November 14, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.17
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of GCE Mexico I, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, dated April 23, 2008 (filed on December 31, 2009, as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.18
|
|
Service Agreement, dated October 15, 2007, between the Company and Corporativo LODEMO S.A DE CV, a Mexican corporation (filed on December 31, 2009 as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.19
|
|
Sale and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated November 16, 2009, between Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc., MDI Oncology, Inc., and Curadis Gmbh (filed as an Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 20, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.20
|
|
Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated March 16, 2010, between Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and Richard Palmer (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
Number
|
|
Exhibit
|
|
10.21
|
|
Stock Option Agreement, dated March 16, 2010, between Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and Richard Palmer (filed as Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.22
|
|
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated March 16, 2010, between Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and certain investors named therein (including certain exhibits thereto) (filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.23
|
|
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 30, 2010, between Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and certain investors named therein (filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
10.24
|
|
Office Lease, dated as of May 24, 2010, between Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and Danari Broadway, LLC*
|
|
14.1
|
|
Medical Discoveries, Inc. Code of Conduct (filed as Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 15, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference)
|
|
23.1
|
|
Consent of Hansen, Barnett & Maxwell. P.C.*
|
|
31
|
|
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
|
|
32
|
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
|
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| |
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC.
|
|
March 24, 2011
|
By:
|
/s/ RICHARD PALMER
|
|
| |
|
Richard Palmer
|
| |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
In accordance with 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/ RICHARD PALMER
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
March 24, 2011
|
|
Richard Palmer
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer) and
|
|
|
| |
|
Director
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ BRUCE NELSON
|
|
Executive Vice-President and Chief
|
|
March 24, 2011
|
|
Bruce Nelson
|
|
Financial Officer (Principal
|
|
|
| |
|
Accounting Officer)
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ DAVID WALKER
|
|
Chairman, the Board of Directors
|
|
March 24, 2011
|
|
David Walker
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ MARK A. BERNSTEIN
|
|
Director
|
|
March 24, 2011
|
|
Mark A. Bernstein
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ MARTIN WENZEL
|
|
Director
|
|
March 24, 2011
|
|
Martin Wenzel
|
|
|
|
|
Index to Financial Statements
| |
|
Page
|
| |
|
|
|
Financial Statements:
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
|
F-2 |
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009
|
|
F-3 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
|
|
F-4 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Deficit for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
|
|
F-5 |
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
|
|
F-6 |
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
F-7 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
|
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
|
|
Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
|
|
Los Angeles, CA
|
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in deficit, and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 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. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has incurred significant losses from current operations, used a substantial amount of cash to maintain its operations and has a large working capital deficit. As discussed in Note B to the financial statements, these factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans concerning these matters are also described in Note B. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.
| |
HANSEN, BARNETT & MAXWELL, P.C.
|
| |
|
|
Salt Lake City, Utah
|
|
|
March 24, 2011
|
|
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| |
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
| |
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
1,096,618 |
|
|
$ |
833,584 |
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
6,428 |
|
|
|
146,730 |
|
|
Inventory
|
|
|
11,706 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
248,711 |
|
|
|
131,741 |
|
|
Total Current Assets
|
|
|
1,363,463 |
|
|
|
1,112,055 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
|
|
|
8,103,537 |
|
|
|
6,441,489 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTMENT HELD FOR SALE
|
|
|
292,350 |
|
|
|
- |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEFERRED GROWING COST
|
|
|
1,244,419 |
|
|
|
- |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
11,243 |
|
|
|
2,691 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$ |
11,015,012 |
|
|
$ |
7,556,235 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$ |
1,810,505 |
|
|
$ |
2,117,573 |
|
|
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes
|
|
|
1,713,748 |
|
|
|
1,491,385 |
|
|
Accrued interest payable
|
|
|
1,154,943 |
|
|
|
853,811 |
|
|
Accrued return on noncontrolling interest
|
|
|
1,452,744 |
|
|
|
610,870 |
|
|
Promissory notes
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
509,232 |
|
|
Capital lease liability
|
|
|
47,139 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Notes payable to shareholders
|
|
|
26,000 |
|
|
|
321,502 |
|
|
Convertible notes payable
|
|
|
193,200 |
|
|
|
193,200 |
|
|
Total Current Liabilities
|
|
|
6,398,279 |
|
|
|
6,097,573 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long term capital lease liability
|
|
|
98,372 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Convertible notes payable
|
|
|
567,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Mortgage notes payable
|
|
|
2,793,934 |
|
|
|
2,051,282 |
|
|
Total Long Term Liabilities
|
|
|
3,459,306 |
|
|
|
2,051,282 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EQUITY (DEFICIT)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock - $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized Series B, convertible; 13,000 shares issued (aggregate liquidation preference of $1,300,000)
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 270,464,478 and 236,919,079 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
|
|
|
270,464 |
|
|
|
236,919 |
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
23,580,630 |
|
|
|
22,998,907 |
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(26,933,430 |
) |
|
|
(26,308,143 |
) |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(2,195 |
) |
|
|
(6,108 |
) |
|
Total Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. Stockholders' Deficit
|
|
|
(3,084,518 |
) |
|
|
(3,078,412 |
) |
|
Noncontrolling interests
|
|
|
4,241,945 |
|
|
|
2,485,792 |
|
|
Total equity (deficit)
|
|
|
1,157,427 |
|
|
|
(592,620 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)
|
|
$ |
11,015,012 |
|
|
$ |
7,556,235 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| |
|
For the Year Ended
|
|
| |
|
December 31,
|
|
| |
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$ |
848,808 |
|
|
$ |
373,060 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
2,659,588 |
|
|
|
1,516,395 |
|
|
Plantation operating costs
|
|
|
389,738 |
|
|
|
738,759 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Operating Expenses
|
|
|
3,049,326 |
|
|
|
2,255,154 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from Operations
|
|
|
(2,200,518 |
) |
|
|
(1,882,094 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expenses)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(489,039 |
) |
|
|
(334,313 |
) |
|
Gain on settlement of liabilities
|
|
|
601,114 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Foreign currency transaction adjustments
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(9,830 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Other Income (Expenses)
|
|
|
112,160 |
|
|
|
(344,102 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from Continuing Operations
|
|
|
(2,088,358 |
) |
|
|
(2,226,196 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from Discontinued Operations
|
|
|
31,266 |
|
|
|
3,167,098 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (Loss)
|
|
|
(2,057,092 |
) |
|
|
940,902 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to the Noncontrolling Interest
|
|
|
(1,431,805 |
) |
|
|
1,297,463 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc.
|
|
$ |
(625,287 |
) |
|
$ |
2,238,365 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts Attributable to Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. Common Shareholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from Continuing Operations
|
|
$ |
(656,553 |
) |
|
$ |
(928,733 |
) |
|
Income from Discontinued Operations
|
|
|
31,266 |
|
|
|
3,167,098 |
|
|
Net Income (Loss)
|
|
$ |
(625,287 |
) |
|
$ |
2,238,365 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and Diluted Loss per Common Share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
|
|
$ |
(0.0025 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.0040 |
) |
|
Income from Discontinued Operations
|
|
|
0.0001 |
|
|
|
0.0137 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income(Loss) per Common Share
|
|
$ |
(0.0024 |
) |
|
$ |
0.0097 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and Diluted Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding
|
|
|
261,721,283 |
|
|
|
231,326,107 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (DEFICIT)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2010
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Series B
|
|
|
Common stock
|
|
|
Paid in
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
|
controlling
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
Loss
|
|
|
Interests
|
|
|
Total
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2008
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
$ |
13 |
|
|
|
224,813,819 |
|
|
$ |
224,814 |
|
|
$ |
22,373,106 |
|
|
$ |
(28,546,508 |
) |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
1,962,022 |
|
|
$ |
(3,986,554 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,780,177 |
|
|
|
2,780,177 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares issued for acquisition of Technology Alternative, Ltd, $0.02 per share
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
8,952,757 |
|
|
|
8,953 |
|
|
|
170,102 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
179,055 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock for cash at $0.02 per share
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,500,000 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
47,500 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation from issuance of options and compensation-based warrants
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
366,459 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
366,459 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of share-based Compensation for common stock held in escrow
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
42,392 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
42,392 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Release of escrowed shares upon satisfaction of underlying mile stones
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
652,503 |
|
|
|
652 |
|
|
|
(652 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrual of preferential return for the noncontrolling interests
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(472,856 |
) |
|
|
(472,856 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation (loss)
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(6,108 |
) |
|
|
(486,088 |
) |
|
|
(492,196 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2009
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,238,365 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,297,463 |
) |
|
|
940,902 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2009
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
236,919,079 |
|
|
|
236,919 |
|
|
|
22,998,907 |
|
|
|
(26,308,143 |
) |
|
|
(6,108 |
) |
|
|
2,485,792 |
|
|
|
(592,621 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,713,530 |
|
|
|
3,713,530 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock for cash at $0.02 per share
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
25,000,000 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
475,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cashless Exercise of Warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,545,399 |
|
|
|
8,545 |
|
|
|
(8,545 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation from issuance of options and compensation-based warrants
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
115,268 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
115,268 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrual of preferential return for the noncontrolling interests
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(841,875 |
) |
|
|
(841,875 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation gain
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,913 |
|
|
|
316,303 |
|
|
|
320,216 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2010
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(625,287 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,431,805 |
) |
|
|
(2,057,092 |
) |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2010
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
$ |
13 |
|
|
|
270,464,478 |
|
|
$ |
270,464 |
|
|
$ |
23,580,630 |
|
|
$ |
(26,933,430 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,195 |
) |
|
$ |
4,241,945 |
|
|
$ |
1,157,427 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| |
|
For the Year Ended
|
|
| |
|
December 31,
|
|
| |
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(2,057,092 |
) |
|
$ |
940,902 |
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency transaction loss
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
184,853 |
|
|
Gain on settlement of liabilities
|
|
|
(601,114 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
Share-based compensation
|
|
|
115,268 |
|
|
|
408,851 |
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
243,695 |
|
|
|
50,347 |
|
|
Gain/loss on sale of assets
|
|
|
1,234 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Gain on disposal of SaveCream Assets
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(3,298,511 |
) |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
145,130 |
|
|
|
(146,730 |
) |
|
Inventory
|
|
|
(11,470 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
(123,133 |
) |
|
|
(12,169 |
) |
|
Deferred growing costs
|
|
|
(1,219,337 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
854,278 |
|
|
|
646,828 |
|
|
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
|
|
|
(2,652,541 |
) |
|
|
(1,225,629 |
) |
|
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of land
|
|
|
(722,588 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
Plantation development costs
|
|
|
(1,159,959 |
) |
|
|
(1,289,294 |
) |
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
|
|
(256,534 |
) |
|
|
(264,603 |
) |
|
Proceeds from disposal of assets
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
12,847 |
|
|
Proceeds from disposal of SaveCream assets
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
500,745 |
|
|
Cash acquired in acquisition of Technology Alternatives, Limited
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,532 |
|
|
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
|
|
|
(2,139,081 |
) |
|
|
(1,037,773 |
) |
|
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of common stock for cash
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of preferred membership in GCE Mexico I, LLC
|
|
|
3,713,530 |
|
|
|
2,780,177 |
|
|
Proceeds from notes payable
|
|
|
742,652 |
|
|
|
50,554 |
|
|
Payments on notes payable
|
|
|
(485,567 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
Proceeds from convertible notes payable
|
|
|
567,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
|
|
|
5,037,615 |
|
|
|
2,880,731 |
|
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
|
|
|
17,041 |
|
|
|
(75,054 |
) |
|
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
263,034 |
|
|
|
542,275 |
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
|
|
|
833,584 |
|
|
|
291,309 |
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
|
|
$ |
1,096,618 |
|
|
$ |
833,584 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
$ |
168,928 |
|
|
$ |
837 |
|
|
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cashless exercise of warrants
|
|
|
8,545 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Accrual of return on noncontrolling interest
|
|
|
841,875 |
|
|
|
472,856 |
|
|
Plantation costs financed by accounts payable
|
|
|
32,497 |
|
|
|
204,388 |
|
|
Equipment depreciation capitalized to plantation development costs
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
37,610 |
|
|
Release of common Stock held in escrow
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
17,618 |
|
|
Issuance of common stock for net assets of Technology Alternatives, Ltd
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
179,055 |
|
|
Assumption of research and development agreement and of accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
payable in conjunction with the disposal of SaveCream assets
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,779,856 |
|
|
Reclass of Technology Alternatives, Ltd. To Investments held for Sale
|
|
|
292,525 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equipment purchase for debt
|
|
|
149,419 |
|
|
|
- |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A — ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
History
This company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Utah on November 20, 1991. Effective as of August 6, 1992, the Company merged with and into WPI Pharmaceutical, Inc., a Utah corporation, pursuant to which WPI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was the surviving corporation. Pursuant to the merger, the name of the surviving corporation was changed to Medical Discoveries, Inc. (“MDI”). MDI’s initial business purpose was the research and development of an anti-infection drug. In 2005, MDI acquired the assets and business associated with the SaveCream technology and carried on the research and development of this drug candidate. As discussed in Note K, MDI made the decision in 2007 to discontinue further development of its drug candidates and sell the technologies.
On September 7, 2007, MDI entered into a share exchange agreement pursuant to which it acquired all of the outstanding ownership interests in Global Clean Energy Holdings, LLC, discussed further in Note C. Global Clean Energy Holdings, LLC was an entity that had certain trade secrets, know-how, business plans, term sheets, business relationships, and other information relating to the start-up of a business related to the cultivation and production of seed oil from the seed of the Jatropha plant. With this transaction, MDI commenced the research and development of its current business of providing feedstock oil intended for the production of bio-diesel.
On January 29, 2008, the name Medical Discoveries, Inc. was changed to Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc., and on July 19, 2010 the company changed its state of incorporation to Delaware. Unless otherwise specified herein, all references to the “Company” refer to Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Effective April 23, 2008, the Company entered into a limited liability company agreement to form GCE Mexico I, LLC (GCE Mexico) along with six investors. The Company owns 50% of the common membership interest of GCE Mexico and five of the investors own the other 50% of the common membership interest. Additionally, a total of 1,000 preferred membership units were issued to two of the investors. GCE Mexico owns a 99% interest in Asideros Globales Corporativo, (Asideros) an entity organized under the laws of Mexico, and the Company owns the remaining 1% directly. GCE Mexico was organized primarily to, among other things, acquire land in Mexico through subsidiaries for the cultivation of the Jatropha plant.
On July 2, 2009, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interests of Technology Alternatives, Limited (TAL), a Belizean entity that owned and operated a farm in Belize for cultivation of the Jatropha plant. TAL had developed a nursery capable of producing Jatropha seedlings and rooted cuttings. In 2010, the operations of the Belizean subsidiary were terminated, and all of its nursery capabilities were transferred to the Company’s other operations in Tizimin, Mexico. As such, the Company has started the process of selling the land.
On July 19, 2010, the reincorporation of the company from a Utah corporation to a Delaware corporation was completed, as approved by shareholders. In the reincorporation, each outstanding share of the company’s common stock was automatically converted into one share of common stock of the surviving Delaware corporation. In addition, the par value of the Company’s capital stock changed from no par per share to $0.001 per share. The effects of the change in par value have been reflected retroactively in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for all periods presented. The effect of retroactively applying the par value of $0.001 per share resulted in reclassification of $17,409,660 of common stock and $1,290,722 of preferred stock as of December 31, 2008 to additional paid-in capital. The reincorporation did not result in any change in the company’s name, ticker symbol, CUSIP number, business, assets or operations. The management and Board of Directors of the company remained the same.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc., its subsidiaries, and the variable interest entities of GCE Mexico and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Generally accepted accounting principles related to the consolidation of variable interest entities require that if an entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (VIE), the entity should consolidate the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements. An entity is a primary beneficiary if it has both (a) the power to direct the significant operations of the VIE, and (b) the obligation to absorb the losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries considers itself to be the primary beneficiary of GCE Mexico and subsidiaries, and accordingly, has consolidated these entities since April 2008, with the equity interests of the unaffiliated investors in GCE Mexico presented as Non-controlling Interests in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The asset and liability values of the VIE, GCE Mexico 1 and its subsidiaries, included in the consolidated balance sheet, as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, are shown in the table below:
GCE MEXICO 1, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| |
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
| |
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets
|
|
|
1,136,478 |
|
|
|
737,553 |
|
|
Property and Equipment
|
|
|
7,538,994 |
|
|
|
5,188,308 |
|
|
Deferred Growing Costs
|
|
|
1,244,419 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Other Noncurrent Assets
|
|
|
7,743 |
|
|
|
- |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$ |
9,927,634 |
|
|
$ |
5,925,861 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
2,821,143 |
|
|
|
1,414,300 |
|
|
Long Term Liabilities
|
|
|
2,892,306 |
|
|
|
2,051,282 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
|
$ |
5,713,449 |
|
|
$ |
3,465,582 |
|
Accounting for Agricultural Operations
All costs incurred until the actual planting of the Jatropha Curcas plant are capitalized as plantation development costs, and are included in “Property and Equipment” on the balance sheet. Plantation development costs are being accumulated in the balance sheet during the development period and will be accounted for in accordance with accounting standards for Agricultural Producers and Agricultural Cooperatives. The direct costs associated with each farm and the production of the Jatropha revenue streams have been deferred and accumulated as a noncurrent asset, “Deferred Growing Costs”, on the balance sheet. Other general costs without expected future benefits are expensed when incurred.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments maturing in three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Concentration of Credit Risk
At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had cash and cash equivalents in excess of federally-insured limits of $328,000 and $78,000, respectively, bank deposits in the United States and $0 and $160,000, respectively for bank deposits in Mexico. The Company has maintained its cash balances at what management considers to be high credit-quality financial institutions.
As described in Note D, substantially all property and equipment relate to plantation costs and related equipment to cultivate the Jatropha Curcas plant. Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of office equipment is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 3 to 5 years. Plantation equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 5 to 15 years. Depreciation of plantation equipment has been capitalized as part of plantation development costs through the date that the plantation becomes commercially productive. Plantation development costs have been accumulated in the balance sheet during the development period and are being accounted for in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for agricultural producers and agricultural cooperatives. The initial plantations were deemed to be commercially productive on October 1, 2009, at which date the Company commenced the depreciation of plantation development costs over estimated useful lives of 10 to 35 years, depending on the nature of the development. Developments and other improvements with indefinite lives are capitalized and not depreciated. Other developments that have a limited life and intermediate-life plants that have growth and production cycles of more than one year are depreciated over their respective lives once they are placed in service. Land, plantation development costs, and plantation equipment are located in Mexico and in Belize.
Except for costs incurred during the development period of the plantation, normal maintenance and repair items are charged to costs and expensed as incurred. During the development period, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation of plantation equipment have been capitalized as part of the plantation development costs. The cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment sold or otherwise retired are removed from the accounts and gain or loss on disposition is reflected in results of operations.
In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, the carrying values of intangible assets and other long-lived assets are reviewed on a regular basis for the existence of facts or circumstances that may suggest impairment. The Company recognizes impairment when the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Impairment losses, if any, are measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its estimated fair value. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, management’s review of the carrying values of long-lived assets did not indicate any impairment.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and the carryforward of operating losses and tax credits, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance against deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that such tax benefits will not be realized. Assets and liabilities are established for uncertain tax positions taken or positions expected to be taken in income tax returns when such positions are judged to not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold based on the technical merits of the positions. Estimated interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of general and administrative expense.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; collectibility is reasonably assured; and title and the risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer. Value added taxes collected on revenue transactions are excluded from revenue and are included in accounts payable until remittance to the taxation authority.
Research and Development
Prior to the discontinuation of its bio-pharmaceutical business as discussed in Note K, research and development had been the principal function of the Company. Research and development costs are charged to expense when incurred.
Foreign Currency
During 2010, the Company had operations located in the United States, Mexico and Belize. During the quarter ended December 31, 2009, the Company changed its functional currency for certain assets located in Mexico from the U.S. dollar to the Mexican peso. For these foreign operations, the functional currency is the local country’s currency. Consequently, revenues and expenses of operations outside the United States of America are translated into U.S. dollars using weighted average exchange rates, while assets and liabilities of operations outside the United States of America are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in equity (deficit) as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Foreign currency transaction adjustments are included in other income (expense) in the Company’s results of operations.
Certain foreign currency transactions related to the discontinued bio-pharmaceutical business are primarily undertaken in Euros. Gains and losses arising on translation or settlement of foreign currency denominated transactions or balances are included in the determination of income or loss. Consequently, certain foreign currency gains and losses have been included in income from discontinued operations.
The Company has not entered into derivative instruments to offset the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for accounts payable approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying amounts reported for the various notes payable and the mortgage note payable approximate fair value because the underlying instruments are at interest rates which approximate current market rates.
Estimates
Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing financial statements. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and reported revenues and expenses. Significant estimates used in preparing these financial statements include a) those assumed in determining the valuation of common stock, warrants, and stock options, b) estimated useful lives of plantation equipment and plantation development costs, and c) undiscounted future cash flows for purpose of evaluating possible impairment of long-term assets. It is at least reasonably possible that the significant estimates used will change within the next year.
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share
Basic loss per share is computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted loss per share is computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of common shares and all dilutive potentially issuable common shares outstanding during the year. Common stock issuable upon conversion of debt and preferred stock, common stock held in escrow, stock options and stock warrants have not been included in the income or loss per common share for 2010 and 2009 as they are anti-dilutive in relation to the calculation of loss per common share from continuing operations.
The potentially issuable common shares as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
| |
|
December 31,
|
|
| |
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Convertible notes
|
|
|
19,028,671 |
|
|
|
128,671 |
|
|
Convertible preferred stock - Series B
|
|
|
11,818,181 |
|
|
|
11,818,181 |
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
26,475,662 |
|
|
|
29,742,552 |
|
|
Compensation-based stock options and warrants
|
|
|
69,531,483 |
|
|
|
60,859,083 |
|
| |
|
|
126,853,997 |
|
|
|
102,548,487 |
|
The Company recognizes compensation expense for stock-based awards expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award based on their grant date fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes option pricing model which requires management to make estimates for certain assumptions regarding risk-free interest rate, expected life of options, expected volatility of stock and expected dividend yield of stock.
Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through March 24, 2011, the date these consolidated financial statements were issued.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Recently Issued Accounting Statements
In October 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard which amends guidance on accounting for revenue arrangements involving the delivery of more than one element of goods and/or services. This standard addresses the unit of accounting for arrangements involving multiple deliverables and removes the previous separation criteria that objective and reliable evidence of fair value of any undelivered item must exist for the delivered item to be considered a separate unit of accounting. This standard also addresses how the arrangement consideration should be allocated to each deliverable. Finally, this standard expands disclosures related to multiple element revenue arrangements. This standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2011. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
NOTE B — BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND GOING CONCERN
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company incurred a loss from continuing operations applicable to its common shareholders of $656,553 during the year ended December 31, 2010, and has an accumulated deficit applicable to its common shareholders of $26,933,430. The Company also used cash in operating activities of $2,652,541 during the year ended December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2010, the Company has negative working capital of $5,034,816 and a stockholders’ deficit applicable to its shareholders of $3,084,518. Those factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company commenced its new business related to the cultivation and production of seed oil from the seed of the Jatropha plant in September 2007. Management plans to meet its cash needs through various means including securing financing, entering into joint ventures, and developing the new business model. In order to fund its new operations, the Company initially sold Series B preferred stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2007 in the amount of $1,300,000. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company has received $3,713,530 and $2,780,177 in capital contributions from the preferred membership interest in GCE Mexico I, LLC, and has issued mortgages in the amount of $2,051,282 for the acquisition of land of Asideros and $742,652 for the acquisition of land of Asideros 2. The Company is developing the new business operation to participate in the rapidly growing bio-diesel industry. The Company plans to rely on additional equity financing from GCE Mexico 1, LLC along with expected operating revenues, but there can be no assurance that the equity financing will continue to be available. Additionally, the Company continues to expect to be successful in this new venture, but there is no assurance that its business plan will be economically viable. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on that plan’s success. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
NOTE C — JATROPHA BUSINESS VENTURE
The Company entered into the bio-fuels business in 2007 by acquiring certain trade secrets, know-how, business plans, term sheets, business relationships, and other information relating to the cultivation and production of seed oil from the Jatropha plant for the production of bio-diesel, and by entering into certain employment agreements and property management agreements. Subsequent to entering into these transactions, the Company identified certain real property in Mexico it believed to be suitable for cultivating the Jatropha plant. During April 2008, the Company and six unaffiliated investors formed GCE Mexico I, LLC (GCE Mexico) and Asideros Globales Corporativo (Asideros), a Mexican corporation. Asideros acquired the land in Mexico for the cultivation of the Jatropha plant. In July 2009, the Company acquired Technology Alternatives Limited (TAL), which has developed a farm in Belize for cultivation of the Jatropha plant and provides technical advisory services for the propagation of the Jatropha plant. In March 2010, the Company formed Asideros 2, a Mexican corporation, which has acquired additional land in Mexico adjacent to the land acquired by Asideros. All of these transactions are described in further detail in the remainder of this note.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Share Exchange Agreement
The Company entered into a share exchange agreement (the Global Agreement) pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the outstanding ownership interests in Global Clean Energy Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (Global), on September 7, 2007 from Mobius Risk Group, LLC (Mobius) and from Richard Palmer (Mr. Palmer). At that time, Mr. Palmer owned a 13.33% equity interest in Mobius and became the Company’s new President and Chief Operating Officer in September 2007 and its Chief Executive Officer in December 2007. Global owned certain trade secrets, know-how, business plans, term sheets, business relationships, and other information relating to the start-up of a business related to the cultivation and production of seed oil from the seed of the Jatropha plant, for the purpose of providing feedstock oil intended for the production of bio-diesel. Under the Global Agreement, the Company issued 63,945,257 shares of its common stock for all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of Global. Of the 63,945,257 shares issued under the Global Agreement, 36,540,146 shares were issued and delivered at the closing of the Global Agreement without any restrictions. The remaining 27,405,111 shares of common stock were, however, held in escrow by the Company, subject to forfeiture in the event that certain specified performance and market-related milestones were not achieved. Upon the satisfaction, from time to time, of the operational and market capitalization condition milestones, the restricted shares were released by the Company from escrow and delivered to the buyers in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Global Agreement. In the event that all of the milestone conditions were not achieved, the restricted shares that had not been released from escrow would be cancelled by the Company and thereafter cease to be outstanding.
Of the restricted shares issued under the Global Agreement, 13,702,556 shares were to be released from escrow if and when i) certain land lease agreements suitable for the planting and cultivation of Jatropha curcas were executed and ii) certain operation management agreements with a third-party land and operations management company with respect to the management, planting and cultivation of Jatropha curcas were executed. These restricted shares were to be held in escrow subject to the satisfaction of these milestones, at which time such shares would be released from escrow and delivered to the sellers. The Company has accounted for these potentially issuable shares as share-based compensation for shares of common stock that contain a performance or service condition. The Company has determined the value of these shares to be $369,969, or $0.027 per share, and amortized this compensation over four months, the period of time in which the satisfaction of the operational milestones was expected to be fulfilled that would result in the release of the 13,702,556 shares from escrow. For accounting purposes, shares held in escrow are not considered outstanding, but are deemed to be potential dilutive shares for loss per share calculations. During the years ended December 31, 2008, the Company amortized and recognized $21,581 of share-based compensation related to these shares. With the acquisition of the land for the Jatropha Farm in April 2008, the operational milestones were satisfied under the Global Agreement. Consequently, 13,702,556 shares of common stock being held in escrow have been released to the former owners of Global Clean Energy Holdings, LLC.
The remaining 13,702,555 restricted shares issued under the Global Agreement were to be released from escrow upon satisfaction of certain market capitalization levels (based on the number of outstanding shares at the average closing price of the previous sixty trading days) and average daily trading volume (for the previous sixty trading days). These potentially issuable shares were to be released in three equal tranches, subject to the satisfaction of the related milestones, at which time such shares were to be released from escrow and delivered to the sellers. On November 30, 2007, the first of these milestones was met and 4,567,518 shares were released from escrow and delivered to the sellers. During May 2008, the second market-related milestones under the Global Agreement were satisfied, which resulted in the release of an additional 4,567,518 shares of common stock being held in escrow.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
During 2009, 652,503 shares of the remaining shares of common stock held in escrow were released upon the approval of the board of directors and the balance of 3,915,016 shares held in escrow were forfeited and returned to the Company for cancelation for failure to meet the remaining milestones by September 7, 2009, the deadline for achieving the milestones. The Company accounted for these potentially issuable shares as share-based compensation, for shares of common stock that contain a market condition. The Company determined the value of these shares to be $369,969, or $0.027 per share, and amortized this compensation over the periods of time in which the satisfaction of each of the three market capitalization and trading volume milestones were expected to be fulfilled. The Company originally estimated these time periods to be approximately three months for the first tranche of stock and two years for the second and third tranches. For accounting purposes, shares held in escrow are not considered outstanding, but are deemed to be potential dilutive shares for loss per share calculations. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company amortized and recognized $0 and $42,392, respectively, of share-based compensation related to these shares.
Mobius Consulting Agreement
Concurrent with the execution of the Global Agreement, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mobius pursuant to which Mobius agreed to provide consulting services to the Company in connection with the Company’s new Jatropha bio-diesel feedstock business. The Company engaged Mobius as a consultant to obtain Mobius’ experience and expertise in the feedstock/bio-diesel market to assist the Company and Mr. Palmer in developing this new line of operations for the Company. Mobius agreed to provide the following services to the Company: (i) manage and supervise a contemplated research and development program contracted by the Company and conducted by the University of Texas Pan American regarding the location, characterization, and optimal economic propagation of the Jatropha plant; and (ii) assist with the management and supervision of the planning, construction, and start-up of plant nurseries and seed production plantations in Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America.
The original term of the agreement was twelve months. The scope of work under the agreement was completed in August 2008 and the agreement was terminated. Mobius supervised the hiring of certain staff to serve in management and operations roles of the Company, or hired such persons to provide similar services as independent contractors. Mobius’ compensation for the services provided under the agreement was a monthly retainer of $45,000. The Company also reimbursed Mobius for reasonable business expenses incurred in connection with the services provided. The agreement contained customary confidentiality provisions with respect to any confidential information disclosed to Mobius or which Mobius received while providing services under the agreement.
The Company owed Mobius $322,897 for accrued, but unpaid, compensation and costs as of December 31, 2010 and as of December 31, 2009. The Company disputes the total of these charges and is currently in litigation with Mobius to resolve this liability.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LODEMO Agreement
On October 15, 2007, the Company entered into a service agreement with Corporativo LODEMO S.A DE CV, a Mexican corporation (the LODEMO Group), to provide services related to the establishment, development, and day-to-day operations of the Company’s Jatropha Business in Mexico. The Company had agreed to pay the LODEMO Group a fixed fee per year of $60 per hectare of land planted and maintained with minimum payments based on 10,000 hectares of developed land, to follow a planned planting schedule. The Agreement had a 20-year term but could be terminated or modified earlier by the Company under certain circumstances. In June 2009, the scope of work previously performed by LODEMO was reduced and modified based upon certain labor functions being provided internally by the Company and by Asideros, the Company’s Mexican subsidiary, on a go-forward basis. Under this agreement, the Company has paid the LODEMO Group or accrued $624,329 during the year ended December 31, 2009, all of which was capitalized as plantation development costs. This agreement was cancelled in 2009. As of December 31, 2010 the Company’s financial statement reflect that it owes the LODEMO Group $251,500 for accrued, but unpaid, compensation and costs and $204,085 as of December 31, 2009. The Company disputes the total of these charges and is currently in discussions with LODEMO to resolve this liability.
GCE Mexico I, LLC and Asideros Globales Corporativo
Effective April 23, 2008, the Company entered into a limited liability company agreement (“LLC Agreement”) to form GCE Mexico I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (GCE Mexico), with six investors (collectively, the “Investors”). GCE Mexico was organized primarily to facilitate the acquisition of approximately 5,000 acres of farm land (the Jatropha Farm) in the State of Yucatan in Mexico to be used primarily for the (i) cultivation of Jatropha curcas, (ii) the marketing and sale of the resulting fruit, seeds, or pre-processed crude Jatropha oil, whether as biodiesel feedstock, biomass or otherwise, and (iii) the sale of carbon value, green fuel value, or renewable energy credit value (and other similar environmental attributes) derived from activities at the Jatropha Farm.
Under the LLC Agreement, the Company owns 50% of the issued and outstanding common membership units of GCE Mexico. The remaining 50% of the common membership units was issued to five of the Investors. The Company and the other owners of the common membership interest were not required to make capital contributions to GCE Mexico.
In addition, two of the Investors agreed to invest in GCE Mexico through the purchase of preferred membership units and through the funding of the purchase of land in Mexico. An aggregate of 1,000 preferred membership units were issued to these two Investors who each agreed to make capital contributions to GCE Mexico in installments and as required, to fund the development and operations of the Jatropha Farm. The preferred members have made capital contributions of $3,713,530 and $2,780,177 during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, totaling contributions of $8,908,858 received by GCE Mexico from these Investors since the execution of the LLC Agreement. The LLC Agreement calls for additional contributions from the Investors, as requested by management and as required by the operation in 2011 and the following years. These Investors are entitled to earn a preferential 12% per annum cumulative compounded return on the cumulative balance of their preferred membership interest. The preferential return totaled $841,875 and $472,856 during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Two investors holding preferred membership units also directly funded the purchase of the initial approximately 5,000 acres of land in the State of Yucatan in Mexico by the payment of $2,051,282. The land was acquired in the name of Asideros and Asideros issued a mortgage in the amount of $2,051,282 in favor of these two investors. These two investors also directly funded the purchase by Asideros 2 of approximately 3,700 acres of land adjacent to the land owned by Asideros by the payment of $742,652. The land was acquired in the name of Asideros 2 and Asideros 2 issued a mortgage in the amount of $742,652 in favor of these two investors. These mortgages bear interest at the rate of 12% per annum, payable quarterly. The initial mortgage, including any unpaid interest, is due in April 2018. The second mortgage, including any unpaid interest, is due in February 2020.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The net income or loss of Asideros and of Asideros 2 is allocated to its shareholders based on their respective equity ownership, which is 99% to GCE Mexico and 1% directly to the Company. GCE Mexico has no operations separate from its investments in Asideros and Asideros 2. According to the LLC Agreement of GCE Mexico, the net loss of GCE Mexico is allocated to its members according to their respective investment balances. Accordingly, since the common membership interest did not make a capital contribution, all of the losses have been allocated to the preferred membership interest. The noncontrolling interest presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet includes the carrying value of the preferred membership interests and of the common membership interests owned by the Investors, and excludes any common membership interest in GCE Mexico held by the Company.
Technology Alternatives, Limited
On October 29, 2008, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with the shareholders of Technology Alternatives, Limited (TAL), a company formed under the laws of Belize in Central America. Subsequently, the terms and conditions of the stock purchase agreement were modified prior to closing. The closing was primarily delayed to allow TAL to complete all required conditions for the closing. On July 2, 2009, all closing requirements were completed and the Company consummated the stock purchase agreement by issuing 8,952,757 shares of its common stock in exchange for 100% of the equity interests of TAL. TAL owns approximately 400 acres of land and has developed a Jatropha farm in stages over the last three years for the cultivation of the Jatropha plant. During 2009, TAL commenced selling seeds, principally to GCE Mexico.
In connection with the acquisition, certain payables to the former shareholders of TAL were renegotiated and converted into promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $516,139 Belize Dollars (US $268,036 based on exchange rates in effect at July 2, 2009). See Note F for further details.
On the closing date, the common stock issued to acquire TAL was valued at $179,055, or $0.02 per share. The Company’s evaluation of the fair value of net assets acquired consists of the following:
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$ |
2,532 |
|
|
Land
|
|
|
485,724 |
|
|
Plantation Development Cost
|
|
|
81,189 |
|
|
Plantation Equipment
|
|
|
61,543 |
|
|
Office Equipment
|
|
|
2,246 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
633,234 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts Payable
|
|
|
26,434 |
|
|
Accrued Compensation
|
|
|
30,629 |
|
|
Payable to Global Clean Energy
|
|
|
129,080 |
|
|
Notes Payable to shareholders
|
|
|
268,036 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
|
|
454,179 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets acquired
|
|
$ |
179,055 |
|
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Investment held for sale
As all of TAL’s nursery capabilities have since been transferred to the Company’s other operations in Tizimin, Mexico and the Company is in the process of selling the land, the net assets have been reclassified as Investment Held for Sale at December 31, 2010; the promissory notes are netted against the net assets. The Net Assets, measured at fair value as of December 31, 2010 were $565,473 Belize Dollars (US $292,350 based on exchange rates in effect at December 31, 2010).
NOTE D – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
| |
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
| |
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Land
|
|
$ |
2,435,722 |
|
|
$ |
2,079,914 |
|
|
Plantation development costs
|
|
|
4,805,940 |
|
|
|
3,633,288 |
|
|
Plantation equipment
|
|
|
1,108,467 |
|
|
|
805,719 |
|
|
Office equipment
|
|
|
89,721 |
|
|
|
33,478 |
|
|
Total cost
|
|
|
8,439,850 |
|
|
|
6,552,399 |
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(336,313 |
) |
|
|
(110,910 |
) |
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$ |
8,103,537 |
|
|
$ |
6,441,489 |
|
Commencing in June 2008, Asideros purchased certain equipment for purposes of rapidly clearing the land, preparing the land for planting, and actually planting the Jatropha trees. The Company has capitalized farming equipment and costs related to the development of land for farm use in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for accounting by agricultural producers and agricultural cooperatives. Plantation equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 5 to 15 years and has been capitalized as part of plantation development costs through the date that the plantation becomes commercially productive. The initial plantations were deemed to be commercially productive on October 1, 2009, at which date the Company commenced the depreciation of plantation development costs over estimated useful lives of 10 to 35 years, depending on the nature of the development. Developments and other improvements with indefinite lives are capitalized and not depreciated. Other developments that have a limited life and intermediate-life plants that have growth and production cycles of more than one year are being depreciated over their useful lives once they are placed in service. The land, plantation development costs, and plantation equipment are located in Mexico.
NOTE E – ACCRUED PAYROLL AND PAYROLL TAXES
A substantial portion of accrued payroll and payroll taxes relates to unpaid compensation for officers and directors that are no longer affiliated with the Company. Accrued payroll taxes will become due upon payment of the related accrued compensation.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes are composed of the following:
| |
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
| |
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued payroll, vacation, and related payroll taxes for current officers
|
|
$ |
1,039,459 |
|
|
$ |
570,726 |
|
|
Former Chief Executive Officer, resigned 2007, including $500,000 under the Release and Settlement Agreement
|
|
|
570,949 |
|
|
|
570,949 |
|
|
Other former officers and directors
|
|
|
77,750 |
|
|
|
311,200 |
|
Accrued payroll taxes on accrued compensation to former officers and directors
|
|
|
25,590 |
|
|
|
38,510 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes
|
|
$ |
1,713,748 |
|
|
$ |
1,491,385 |
|
On August 31, 2007, the Company entered into a Release and Settlement Agreement with Judy Robinett, the Company’s then-current Chief Executive Officer. Under the agreement, Ms. Robinett agreed to, among other things, assist the Company in the sale of its legacy assets to Eucodis Pharmaceuticals Forschungs and Entwicklungs GmbH (Eucodis) and complete the preparation and filing of the delinquent reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under the agreement, Ms. Robinett agreed to (i) forgive her potential right to receive $1,851,805 in accrued and unpaid compensation, un-accrued and pro-rata bonuses, and severance pay and (ii) the cancellation of stock options to purchase 14,000,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.02 per share. In consideration for her services, the forgiveness of the foregoing cash payments, the cancellation of the stock options, and settlement of other issues, the Company agreed, among other things, to pay Ms. Robinett $500,000 upon the receipt of the cash payment from Eucodis. Pursuant to this agreement, Ms. Robinett resigned on December 21, 2007. Despite the Company’s efforts, the sale to Eucodis was never completed and Eucodis has since ceased operations. Accordingly, the conditions precedent to make the $500,000 payment from the Eucodis proceeds described above have not been fulfilled, i.e., the Company’s sale of the SaveCream Assets to Eucodis did not occur, and the Company does not believe that Ms. Robinett is entitled to this payment. Furthermore, as indicated in Note K to these consolidated financial statements, the Company subsequently sold the SaveCream Assets to an unaffiliated third party on November 16, 2009.
There is an accrual of Director’s fees included in the Accounts Payable balance as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 of $155,000 and $89,000, respectively.
Promissory Notes
Mercator Momentum Fund III
In order to fund ongoing operations pending closing of the sale of the SaveCream Assets, the Company entered into a loan agreement with, and issued a promissory note in favor of, Mercator Momentum Fund III, L.P. (Mercator) in September 2007. This note plus $81,909 of accrued interest was paid off in March 2010 from the proceeds of newly-issued convertible promissory notes and common stock warrants.
Mortgage Notes Payable
See Note C for the further discussion on mortgage notes payable.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Notes Payable to Shareholders
The Company has notes payable to certain shareholders in the aggregate amount of $26,000 and $56,000 at December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The notes originated between 1997 and 1999, bear interest at 12%, are unsecured, and are currently in default. Accrued interest on the notes totaled $43,278 and $85,541 at December 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.
As more fully disclosed in Note C to these consolidated financial statements, the Company has promissory notes to the former shareholders of TAL in the amount of $526,462 Belize dollars, (US $272,181 based on exchange rates in effect at December 31, 2010), including capitalized interest of $10,322 Belize Dollars. These notes payable to shareholders were interest free through September 30, 2009, and then bear interest at 8% per annum through the maturity date. The notes are secured by a mortgage on the land and related improvements. The notes, plus any related accrued interest, were originally due on December 29, 2009, but the due date has been extended to July 15, 2011.
Convertible Notes Payable
In March 2010, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with the preferred members of GCE Mexico pursuant to which the Company issued senior unsecured convertible promissory notes in the original aggregate principal amount of $567,000 and warrants to acquire an aggregate of 1,890,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Convertible Notes mature on the earlier of March 16, 2012, or upon written demand of payment by the note holders following the Company’s default thereunder. The maturity date of the Convertible Notes may be extended by written notice made by the note holders at any time prior to March 16, 2012. Interest accrues on the convertible notes at a rate of 5.97% per annum, and is payable quarterly in cash, in arrears, on each three-month anniversary of the issuance of the convertible notes. The Company may at its option, in lieu of paying interest in cash, pay interest by delivering a number of unregistered shares of its common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the amount of such interest by the arithmetic average of the volume weighted average price for each of the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding the interest payment date. At any time following the first anniversary of the issuance of the Convertible Notes, at the option of the note holders, the outstanding balance thereof (including unpaid interest) may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price equal to $0.03. The conversion price may be adjusted in connection with stock splits, stock dividends and similar events affecting the Company’s capital stock. The convertible notes rank senior to all other indebtedness of the Company, and thereafter will remain senior or pari passu with all accounts payable and other similar liabilities incurred by the Company in the ordinary course of business. The Company may not prepay the convertible notes without the prior consent of the Investors.
The warrants have an exercise price of $0.03 per share and the exercise price of the warrants may be adjusted in connection with stock splits, stock dividends and similar events affecting the Company’s capital stock. The warrants expire on March 16, 2013. The fair value of the warrants was immaterial, accordingly, all of the proceeds from the issuance of the debt were allocated to the Convertible Notes. The Company used substantially all of the proceeds received from the sale of the convertible promissory notes to repay, in full, an outstanding promissory note in the amount of $475,000, plus accrued interest of $81,909.
The Company has convertible notes payable to certain individuals in the aggregate amount of $193,200 at December 31, 2010 and 2009. The notes originated in 1996, bear interest at 12%, are unsecured, and are currently in default. Each $1,000 note is convertible into 667 shares of the Company’s common stock. Accrued interest on the convertible notes totaled $295,167 and $271,983 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Lease Commitment
During June 2010, the Company entered into a new two-year and two month lease agreement with average monthly payments including prescribed common area fees of $3,400, with a 3% annual increase in lease payments. Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $25,549.
Future minimum lease payments under operating lease obligations as of December 31, 2010 were as follows:
|
Year Ending
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
$ |
41,500 |
|
|
2012
|
|
|
28,000 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Lease Payable
|
|
$ |
69,500 |
|
Plantation equipment recorded under the two capital leases is included in “property and equipment” and amounted to $77,396 at December 31, 2010. Depreciation of the capitalized asset is computed on the straight-line basis over the lease term and is being capitalized in plantation development cost until the farm is operational. The total accumulated depreciation is $418 for the year ended December 31, 2010. Imputed interest on the lease is 13.25% with principal and interest due in equal monthly installments of $1,309 each, or $2,618 combined. The balance of the leases payable as of December 31, 2010 was $72,725 and is due to be paid in full by October 2013.
In December 2010, plantation equipment under the two additional capital leases is included in “property and equipment” and amounted to $56,383 at December 31, 2010. Depreciation of the capitalized asset is computed on the straight-line basis over the lease term and will be capitalized in plantation development cost. No depreciation was accumulated as the equipment was put into operations in the latter half of December 2010. Imputed interest on the lease is 13.25% with principal and interest due in equal monthly installments of $953 each, or $1,906 combined. The balance of the leases payable as of December 31, 2010 was $55,098 and is due to be paid in full by December 2013.
Transportation equipment recorded under a capital lease is included in “property and equipment” and amounted to $19,095 at December 31, 2010. Depreciation of the capitalized asset is computed on the straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in depreciation expense. Depreciation expense totals $1,436 during the year ended December 31, 2010. Imputed interest on the lease is 14.50%,with principal and interest due in monthly installments of $784. The balance of the lease payable as of December 31, 2010 was $17,688 and is due to be paid in full in 30 equal monthly installments, or by March 2013.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Future minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2010 were as follows:
|
Year Ending
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
64,070 |
|
|
2012
|
|
|
64,070 |
|
|
2013
|
|
|
49,761 |
|
| |
|
|
177,901 |
|
|
Less amount representing interest
|
|
|
(32,390 |
) |
|
Capital Lease Payable
|
|
$ |
145,511 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Less Current portion
|
|
|
47,139 |
|
|
Long Term Capital Lease Liability
|
|
|
98,372 |
|
Settlement of Liabilities
The Company has settled certain liabilities previously carried on the consolidated balance sheet, which settlements resulted in significant gains. The gain on settlement of liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $601,114. There was no gain on settlement of liabilities for the comparable period in 2009. This gain was primarily from the settlement of historic liabilities primarily incurred by prior management in connection with the discontinued pharmaceutical operations that had been on the Company’s records for several years.
NOTE G — EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Common Stock
During May 2009, the Company issued 2,500,000 shares of stock to two individuals for $50,000, or $0.02 per share.
Additionally, as further described in Note C to these consolidated financial statements, in July 2009 the Company issued 8,952,757 shares of its common stock in exchange for 100% of the equity interests of Technology Alternatives, Limited.
On March 30, 2010 the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement whereby the Company agreed to issue and sell 25,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.02 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $500,000, which was paid in cash.
Series B Preferred Stock
In order to obtain additional working capital, on November 6, 2007, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with two accredited investors, pursuant to which the Company sold a total of 13,000 shares of our newly authorized Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B Shares”) for an aggregate purchase price of $1,300,000, less offering costs of $9,265. Each share of the Series B Shares has a stated value of $100.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Series B Shares may, at the option of each holder, be converted at any time or from time to time into shares of the Company’s common stock at the conversion price then in effect. The number of shares into which one Series B Share shall be convertible is determined by dividing $100 per share by the conversion price then in effect. The initial conversion price per share for the Series B Shares is $0.11, which is subject to adjustment for certain events, including stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, or other recapitalizations affecting the Series B Shares.
Each holder of Series B Shares is entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of the Company’s common stock into which the Series B Shares could be converted on the record date for such vote, and has voting rights and powers equal to the voting rights and powers of the holders of the Company’s common stock. In the event of the Company’s dissolution or winding up, each share of the Series B Shares is entitled to be paid an amount equal to $100 (plus any declared and unpaid dividends) out of the assets of the Company then available for distribution to shareholders.
No dividends are required to be paid to holders of the Series B shares. However, the Company may not declare, pay or set aside any dividends on shares of any class or series of the Company’s capital stock (other than dividends on shares of our common stock payable in shares of common stock) unless the holders of the Series B shares shall first receive, or simultaneously receive, an equal dividend on each outstanding share of Series B shares.
NOTE H — INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The following is a reconciliation of the amount of benefit that would result from applying the federal statutory rate to pretax loss with the benefit from income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:
| |
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Federal income tax (benefit) at statutory rate (34%)
|
|
$ |
(699,000 |
) |
|
$ |
320,000 |
|
|
State income tax (benefit) , net of federal benefit
|
|
|
(31,000 |
) |
|
|
138,000 |
|
|
Foreign income tax benefit
|
|
|
37,000 |
|
|
|
17,000 |
|
|
Gain on sale of SaveCream assets
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1,096,000 |
) |
|
Losses allocated to preferred members of GCE Mexico
|
|
|
488,000 |
|
|
|
443,000 |
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
(13,000 |
) |
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
Share-based compensation
|
|
|
64,000 |
|
|
|
115,000 |
|
|
Expiration of operating loss and research credit carryforwards
|
|
|
403,000 |
|
|
|
813,000 |
|
|
Adjustment of operating loss carryforwards
|
|
|
(6,000 |
) |
|
|
951,000 |
|
|
Other differences
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
|
Change in valuation allowance
|
|
|
(244,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,770,000 |
) |
|
Income tax benefit
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows at December 31, 2010 and 2009, using a combined deferred income tax rate of 40%:
| |
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Net operating loss carryforward
|
|
$ |
7,121,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,524,000 |
|
|
Share-based compensation
|
|
|
746,000 |
|
|
|
765,000 |
|
|
Accrued compensation and other liabilities
|
|
|
831,000 |
|
|
|
653,000 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
(2,000 |
) |
|
|
(2,000 |
) |
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
|
(8,696,000 |
) |
|
|
(8,940,000 |
) |
|
Net deferred tax asset
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Inasmuch as it is not possible to determine when or if the net operating losses will be utilized, a valuation allowance has been established to offset the benefit of the utilization of the net operating losses.
The Company has available net operating losses of approximately $17,803,000 which can be utilized to offset future earnings of the Company. The utilization of the net operating losses are dependent upon the tax laws in effect at the time such losses can be utilized. The loss carryforwards expire between the years 2011 and 2030. Should the Company experience a significant change of ownership, the utilization of net operating losses could be reduced.
The Company and its subsidiaries file tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and, in the state of California. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for tax years before and including December 31, 2006. The Company is no longer subject to examination by state tax authorities for tax years before and including December 31, 2005. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company did not recognize interest and penalties.
NOTE I – EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Palmer Employment Agreement
Effective September 1, 2007, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Richard Palmer pursuant to which the Company hired Mr. Palmer to serve as its President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Palmer was also appointed to serve as a director on the Company’s Board of Directors to serve until the next election of directors by the Company’s shareholders. Upon the resignation of the former Chief Executive Officer on December 21, 2007, Mr. Palmer also became the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Company hired Mr. Palmer to take advantage of his experience and expertise in the feedstock/bio-diesel industry, and in particular, in the Jatropha bio-diesel and feedstock business. The term of employment currently expires on September 30, 2012.
Mr. Palmer’s compensation package includes an annual base salary of $250,000, subject to annual increases based on changes in the Consumer Price Index, and a bonus payment based on Mr. Palmer’s satisfaction of certain performance criteria established by the compensation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. The bonus amount in any fiscal year will not exceed 100% of Mr. Palmer’s base salary. Mr. Palmer is eligible to participate in the Company’s employee stock option plan and other welfare plans. The Company granted Mr. Palmer an incentive option to purchase up to 12,000,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $0.03 per share (the trading price on the date the agreement was signed). The vesting of these options was originally conditioned upon the achievement of certain market conditions, however, as further explained in Note J to these consolidated financial statements, the board of directors approved the vesting of these options in April 2009 prior to the achievement of the market conditions. The option expires five years after grant.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
If Mr. Palmer’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Palmer for “good reason”, he will be entitled to severance payments including 100% of his then-current annual base salary, plus 50% of the target bonus for the fiscal year in which his employment is terminated.
The Company has accounted for the options under Mr. Palmer’s employment agreement as share-based compensation for options to purchase common stock that contain a market condition. The Company valued these options at $264,000 using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The Company amortized this compensation over the period of time in which the satisfaction of the market conditions was expected to be fulfilled. The weighted average fair value of the stock options was $0.022 per share. The weighted-average assumptions used for the calculation of fair value were risk-free rate of 4.21%, volatility of 116%, expected life of five years, and dividend yield of zero. In April 2009, all remaining unamortized compensation was recognized with the vesting of the options. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company amortized and recognized $146,348 of share-based compensation related to these options.
As more fully described in Note L to these consolidated financial statements, the employment agreement with Mr. Palmer was amended in March 2010 to provide for a two-year extension and the grant of options to acquire 12 million shares of the Company’s common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company amortized and recognized $83,574 of share-based compensation related to these options.
Nelson Employment Agreement
On March 20, 2008, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Bruce K. Nelson pursuant to which the Company hired Mr. Nelson to serve as its Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer effective April 1, 2008. The initial term of employment expired on March 20, 2010, but, according to its terms, automatically renews for successive one-year periods unless otherwise terminated in accordance with the employment agreement.
Mr. Nelson’s compensation package includes a base salary of $175,000, subject to annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index for the immediately preceding 12-month period, and a bonus payment based on Mr. Nelson’s satisfaction of certain performance criteria established by the compensation committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. The bonus amount in any fiscal year will not exceed 100% of Mr. Nelson’s base salary. Mr. Nelson is eligible to participate in the Company’s employee stock option plan and other benefit plans.
The Company granted Mr. Nelson an option (the Initial Option) to acquire up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.05. The Initial Option vests in tranches of 500,000 shares after 90 days, nine months, fifteen months, and two years of the employment term. The Initial Option expires after 10 years. The Company also granted Mr. Nelson an option (the Performance Option) to acquire up to 2,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.05, subject to the Company’s achievement of certain market capitalization goals. The Performance Option expires after five years. As further explained in Note J to these consolidated financial statements, the board of directors approved the vesting of all unvested options in April 2009.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company has accounted for the options under Mr. Nelson’s employment agreement as share-based compensation. The Company valued these options at $189,500 using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The weighted average fair value of the stock options was $0.042 per share. The weighted-average assumptions used for the calculation of fair value were risk-free rate of 2.38%, volatility of 127%, expected life of 5.2 years, and dividend yield of zero. The Company amortized this compensation over the vesting period for the Initial Option and over the period of time in which the satisfaction of market capitalization milestones for the Performance Option was expected to be fulfilled that would result in the vesting of these stock options. In April 2009, all remaining unamortized compensation was recognized with the vesting of the options. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company amortized and recognized $0 and $98,154, respectively of share-based compensation related to these options.
NOTE J – STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
Stock Options and Compensation-Based Warrants
The Company has two incentive stock option plans wherein 24,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock are reserved for issuance there under. The Company granted stock options during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 to acquire 12,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Company granted stock options during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 to acquire 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to non-employee directors. These options are exercisable at $0.02 per share, vest monthly over ten months starting August 31, 2009, and expire July 3, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company also issued compensation-based stock warrants to an investment banking firm to acquire 7,700,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.0325 per share and 350,000 options to purchase the Company’s common stock at $$0.02 per share. Additionally, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, the Company issued compensation-based warrants to purchase 250,000 shares of common stock to a law firm.
On July 19, 2010, the stockholders approved the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. The granting of options and other stock awards is an important incentive tool for the Company’s employees, officers and directors. The 2010 Plan provides a means by which employees, directors and consultants of the Company may be given an opportunity to benefit from increases in the value of our common stock, and to attract and retain the services of such persons. All of our employees, directors and consultants are eligible to participate in the 2010 Plan. The total number of shares of common stock which may be offered, or issued as restricted stock or on the exercise of options or Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) under the Plan shall not exceed twenty million (20,000,000) shares of common stock. The shares subject to an option or SAR granted under the Plan that expire, terminate or are cancelled unexercised shall become available again for grants under this Plan. If shares of restricted stock awarded under the Plan are forfeited to the Company or repurchased by the Company, the number of shares forfeited or repurchased shall again be available under the Plan. Where the exercise price of an option is paid by means of the optionee’s surrender of previously owned shares of common stock or the Company’s withholding of shares otherwise issuable upon exercise of the option as may be permitted herein, only the net number of shares issued and which remain outstanding in connection with such exercise shall be deemed “issued” and no longer available for issuance under this Plan. No eligible person shall be granted options or other awards during any twelve-month period covering more than Five Hundred Thousand (500,000) shares of common stock.
On July 1, 2010, the Company granted stock options to acquire 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to non-employee directors. These options are exercisable at $0.04 per share, vest monthly over ten months starting August 1, 2010, and expire June 30, 2015.
On August 17, 2010, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, and directed management to issue 900,000 share options to certain consultants in the United States and certain employees in Mexico. These options shall vest over the next 12 to 24 months and have an exercise price of $0.04 per share.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
No income tax benefit has been recognized for share-based compensation arrangements. The Company has recognized plantation development costs totaling $124,565 related to a liability that was satisfied by the issuance of warrants in 2008. Otherwise, no share-based compensation cost has been capitalized in the consolidated balance sheet.
A summary of the status of options and compensation-based warrants at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and changes during the years then ended is presented in the following table:
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Shares
|
|
|
Average
|
|
Remaining
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
| |
|
Under
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
Contractual
|
|
Intrinsic
|
|
| |
|
Option
|
|
|
Price
|
|
Life
|
|
Value
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
|
|
|
52,159,083 |
|
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
16,750,000 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cancelled
|
|
|
(7,700,000 |
) |
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
|
|
|
61,209,083 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
6.2 years
|
|
$ |
168,609 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
14,650,000 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(5,827,600 |
) |
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
$ |
268,070 |
|
|
Expired
|
|
|
(500,000 |
) |
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
|
|
|
69,531,483 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
5.1 years
|
|
$ |
450,970 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2010
|
|
|
55,668,983 |
|
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
4.1 years
|
|
$ |
324,095 |
|
At December 31, 2010, 80,000 of the options outstanding have no stated contractual life. Except for warrants issued in satisfaction of accounts payable, the fair value of each stock option grant and compensation-based warrant is estimated on the date of grant or issuance using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. In the case of the warrants issued in satisfaction of accounts payable, the warrants were valued at the amount of the accounts payable satisfied. The weighted-average fair value of stock options and compensation-based warrants issued during the year ended December 31, 2010 was $0.01186. The weighted-average assumptions used for options granted and compensation-based warrants issued during the year ended December 31, 2010 were risk-free interest rate of 3.34%, volatility of 157%, expected life of 9.1 years, and dividend yield of zero. The weighted-average fair value of stock options and compensation-based warrants issued during the year ended December 31, 2009 was $0.01573. The weighted-average assumptions used for options granted and compensation-based warrants issued during the year ended December 31, 2009 were risk-free interest rate of 2.5%, volatility of 152%, expected life of 5.0 years, and dividend yield of zero. The assumptions employed in the Black-Scholes option pricing model include the following. The expected life of stock options represents the period of time that the stock options granted are expected to be outstanding prior to exercise. The expected volatility is based on the historical price volatility of the Company’s common stock. The risk-free interest rate represents the U.S. Treasury constant maturities rate for the expected life of the related stock options. The dividend yield represents anticipated cash dividends to be paid over the expected life of the stock options.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Effective April 22, 2009, the Board of Directors approved the following changes in compensation for the members of the board of directors and for the executive officers:
|
|
·
|
Options will be granted to each non-employee member of the Board of Directors to purchase 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock commencing July 1, 2009 and annually thereafter on July 1 of each successive year. The exercise price of the options will be at fair market value, as determined by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the day prior to the grant. The options will have a term of five years until expiration. The options will vest and become exercisable in ten equal monthly installments.
|
|
|
·
|
Approved the release of 652,503 shares of common stock to Richard Palmer, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. These shares were previously part of the shares from the share exchange agreement to acquire Global Clean Energy Holdings, LLC in September 2007 that were being held in escrow pending the achievement of certain market-related milestones. Mr. Palmer was also awarded the immediate vesting of options to purchase 12 million shares of the Company’s common stock previously granted. These options were originally granted under the employment agreement with Mr. Palmer in September 2007 with vesting originally contingent upon the achievement of certain market-capitalization milestones. The exercise price of these options remained unchanged at $0.03 per share and the term remained unchanged at five years from the date of employment.
|
|
|
·
|
Approved the immediate vesting of options to purchase 2.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock held by Bruce Nelson, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. These options were originally granted under the employment agreement with Mr. Nelson in March 2008 with vesting originally contingent upon the achievement of certain market-capitalization milestones. The exercise price of these options remained unchanged at $0.05 per share and the term remained unchanged at five years from the date of employment.
|
|
|
·
|
Approved the immediate vesting of options to purchase an additional one million shares of the Company’s common stock held by Mr. Nelson. These options were originally granted under the employment agreement with Mr. Nelson in March 2008 with vesting scheduled for June 2009 through March 2010. The exercise price of these options remained unchanged at $0.05 per share and the term remained unchanged at five years from the date of employment.
|
These modifications accelerated the vesting of the affected options and accelerated the release of the affected common stock held in escrow, which resulted in the acceleration of the recognition of the remainder of share-based compensation related to these options and common stock held in escrow. Share-based compensation from all sources recorded during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $115,268 and $408,851, respectively, and is reported as general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
As of December 31, 2010, there is approximately $53,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based payments that will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.6 years.
GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A summary of the status of the warrants granted at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and changes during the years then ended is presented in the following table:
| |
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
| |
|
Shares
|
|
|
Average
|
|
| |
|
Under
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
| |
|
Warrant
|
|
|
Price
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
|
|
|
29,742,552 |
|
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
|
Issued
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Expired
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
|
|
|
29,742,552 |
|
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued
|
|
|
1,890,000 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(4,575,495 |
) |
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
Expired
|
|
|
(581,395 |
) |
|
|
0.13 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
|
|
|
26,475,662 |
|
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
On April 26, 2010, the Company received a notice for the exercise of 4,575,495 financing-based warrants and 5,827,600 compensation-based warrants to acquire common stock on a cashless basis. The warrants were exercisable at $0.01 per share. The Company issued 8,545,399 shares of its common stock to the entity as a result of the cashless exercise.
NOTE K – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On November 16, 2009, Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary, MDI Oncology, Inc., entered into a Sale and Asset Purchase Agreement with Curadis Gmbh, an unaffiliated German company, for the sale of substantially all of the intellectual property associated with the patents, patent applications, pre-clinical study data and ancillary clinical trial data concerning the SaveCream asset. The closing occurred on December 22, 2009. The SaveCream asset had no carrying value on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company. In connection with the sale, the Company recognized a gain of $3,298,511 during the fourth quarter of 2009, consisting of cash received of $518,655, the assumption of a research and development obligation with a carrying value of $2,758,350 (1,850,000 Euros), and the assumption of accounts payable of $21,506. Should the pharmaceutical product ever be commercialized, the entire transaction will be valued at 4.2 million Euros. Although management is hopeful that the pharmaceutical product will be commercialized, no assurance can be given if or when any additional consideration or cash will be provided to the Company after the closing. If additional consideration or cash is received, the Company will recognize additional gain at that time. The Company will hold a security interest in the sold assets until the final two million Euro payment is made, if ever.
Pursuant to accounting rules for discontinued operations, the Company has classified all gain, revenue and expense related to the operations, assets, and liabilities of its bio-pharmaceutical business as discontinued operations. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, Income from Discontinued Operations consists of the foreign currency transaction gains related to current liabilities associated with the discontinued operations that are denominated in Euros.
