United States

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

 

(X) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

OR

 

(  ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission File No. 001-31540

 

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Alberta   71 163 0889

(State or other jurisdiction

 

(I.R.S. Employer

of incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)

 

6001 54 Ave.    
Taber, Alberta, Canada   T1G 1X4
(Address of Principal Executive Office)   Zip Code

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including Area Code: (403) 223-2995

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value   NYSE American

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes [  ] No [X]

 

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 [X]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 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 [X] 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K 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  or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer [  ]   Accelerated filer [  ]
     
Non-accelerated filer [  ]   Smaller reporting company [X]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   Emerging growth company [  ]

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act): [  ] Yes [X] No

 

As of June 30, 2018 the aggregate market value of the Company’s common stock held by non-affiliates was $11,946,764 based on the closing price for shares of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE American for that date.

 

As of March 30, 2019, the Company had 11,711,657 issued and outstanding shares of common stock.

 

Documents incorporated by reference: None

 

 

 

   
 

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (“Annual Report”), including the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those statements relating to development of new products, our financial condition and our ability to increase distribution of our products. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plans,” “intends,” or other similar terminology. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is anticipated or forecasted in these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to generate or obtain sufficient working capital to continue our operations, changes in demand for our products, the timing of customer orders and deliveries and the impact of competitive products and pricing. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions.

 

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable and achievable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that our actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason, after the date this Annual Report is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. Description of Business

 

We were incorporated as Flexible Solutions Ltd., a British Columbia corporation on January 26, 1991. On May 12, 1998, we merged Flexible Solutions Ltd. into Flexible Solutions International, Inc., a Nevada corporation. In connection with this merger, we issued 7,000,000 shares of common stock to the former shareholders of Flexible Solutions Ltd. in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Flexible Solutions Ltd.

 

In June 2004 we purchased 52 U.S. and 139 International patents, as well as a 56,780 sq. ft. manufacturing plant near Chicago, Illinois from the bankruptcy estate of Donlar Corporation (“Donlar”) for $6.15 million. The patents we acquired from Donlar relate to water-soluble chemicals (“TPAs”) which prevent corrosion and scaling in water pipes used in the petroleum, chemical, utility and mining industries. TPAs are also used to enhance fertilizers and improve crop yields and as additives for household laundry detergents, consumer care products and pesticides.

 

In October 2018, we purchased 65% of ENP Investments LLC, a manufacturing and distribution company active in the areas of golf, turf and ornamental agriculture products.

 

In January 2019, the Company purchased membership in a profitable limited liability company engaged in international sales of fertilizer additives. This purchase will be accounted for as an investment.

 

We operate through a number of wholly-owned subsidiaries which are mentioned in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included as part of this report. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to our business include the operations of these subsidiaries.

 

Our website is www.flexiblesolutions.com

 

Our Products

 

HEATSAVR®

 

Our studies indicate that approximately 70% of the energy lost from a swimming pool occurs through water evaporation. HEATSAVR® is a chemical product for use in swimming pools and spas that forms a thin, transparent layer on the water’s surface. The transparent layer slows the evaporation of water, allowing the water to retain a higher temperature for a longer period of time and thereby reducing the energy required to maintain the desired temperature of the water. We have received reports from our commercial customers documenting energy savings of between $2,400 and $6,000 per year when using HEATSAVR®.

 

In outdoor pools, the HEATSAVR® also provides convenience compared to pool blankets. Pool blankets are plastic covers which are cut to the size and shape of the surface of the pool or spa. Pool blankets float on the surface and, like the HEATSAVR®, reduce energy costs by inhibiting water evaporation. However, it is often inconvenient to use conventional pool blankets because a pool blanket must be removed and stored before the pool can be used. Pool blankets do not provide any energy savings when not on the pool. Conversely, HEATSAVR® eliminates the need to install, remove and store the blanket and works 24 hours a day. In addition, the use of HEATSAVR® in an indoor pool results in even greater energy savings since indoor pool locations use energy not only to heat the pool water, but also to air condition the pool environment. By slowing the transfer of heat and water vapor from the pool to the atmosphere of the pool enclosure, less energy is required to maintain a pool at the desired temperature and there is a reduced load on the air-conditioning system.

 

HEATSAVR® retails for between $250 and $300 per four gallon case in the United States. We market our HEATSAVR® product to homeowners with swimming pools and spas as well as operators of swimming pools and spas in hotels, motels, schools, and municipal and private recreational facilities.

 

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We also manufacture and sell products which automatically dispense HEATSAVR® into commercial size swimming pools or spas at the rate of one ounce per 400 sq. ft. of water surface per day.

 

We have non-exclusive distributorships in Canada and the United States for the sale of bulk HEATSAVR® and exclusive distributorships in several countries outside North America.

 

WATERSAVR®

 

This product utilizes a patented variation of our HEATSAVR technology to reduce water evaporation in reservoirs, potable water storage tanks, livestock watering ponds, aqueducts, canals and irrigation ditches. WATERSAVR may also be used for lawn and turf care and potted and bedding plants.

 

WATERSAVR® is sold in granulated form and can be applied by hand, by fully automated scheduled metering, or by an automatic dispenser.

 

Tests have indicated that WATERSAVR®:

 

  Reduces daily water evaporation as much as 54%
  Reduces monthly water evaporation as much as 37%
  Is odorless
  Has no effect on invertebrates or vertebrates
  Has no anticipated effect on any current drinking water treatment processes and
  Is biodegradable

 

We have one full-time employee involved in the sales and marketing of WATERSAVR®.

 

TPAs (thermal polyaspartate biopolymers)

 

TPAs for Oilfields. TPAs are used to reduce scale and corrosion in various “topside” water systems. They are used in place of traditional phosphonate and other products when biodegradability is required by environmental regulations. We have the ability to custom manufacture TPAs depending on the specific water conditions associated with any oil well. TPAs are also used in fracking fluids to reduce the toxicity while maintaining equal function.

 

TPAs for the Agricultural Industry. TPAs have the ability to reduce fertilizer crystallization before, during and after application and can also prevent crystal formation between fertilizer and minerals present in the soil. Once crystallized, fertilizer and soil minerals are not able to provide plant nourishment. As a result, in select conditions the use of TPAs either blended with fertilizer or applied directly to crops can increase yields significantly. TPAs are designated for crop nutrient management programs and should not be confused with crop protection and pesticides or other agricultural chemical applications. Depending on the application, TPA products are marketed under a variety of brands including EX-10TM, AmisorbTM, LYNXTM, MAGNETTM, AmGroTM and VOLTTM. Markets of significance include corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, potatoes, sugar beets, cotton, tomatoes, almonds and other high value per acre crops.

 

TPAs for Irrigation. The crystallization prevention ability of TPAs can also be useful in select irrigation conditions. By reducing calcium carbonate scale propagation, TPAs can prevent early plugging of drip irrigation ports, reduce maintenance costs and lengthen the life of equipment. TPAs compete with acid type scale removers, but have the advantage of a positive yield effect on the plant, as well as an easier deployment formulation with liquid fertilizers when used as part of a “fertigation” program. Our TPAs for drip irrigation scale prevention are marketed and sold through the same channels as TPAs used by the agricultural industry.

 

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Nitrogen conservation products for agriculture. We manufacture and sell two conservation products for slowing nitrogen loss from fields. One significant loss route for nitrogen fertilizer is enzymatic degradation by bacteria naturally present in soil. Our product, SUN 27TM inhibits the bacterial action and keeps the nitrogen fertilizer available for plant growth. The second significant nitrogen loss mechanism is de-nitrification. This is also caused by bacterial activity in soil resulting in oxygen being stripped from the fertilizer leaving nitrogen gas. The gas can’t be used by the plants and escapes into the atmosphere. Our N Savr 30TM product uses the most effective active ingredients available to combat this cause of fertilizer loss. We sell SUN 27TM and N Savr 30TM through distributors in North and South America under our trade names and under private labels.

 

Principal Customers

 

The table below presents our revenue resulting from purchases by our three major customers for the periods presented.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017 
         
Company A  $3,245,685   $2,928,559 
Company B  $1,960,074   $1,598,195 
Company C  $1,674,840    - 
Company D   -   $4,630,784 

 

Customers with balances greater than 10% of our receivable balances as of each of the fiscal year ends presented are shown in the following table:

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2018   2017 
         
Company A  $537,785   $518,526 
Company B   302,782*   - 
Company C   439,840*   - 
Company D   96,306*   728,848 
Company E   1,247,655    - 
*less than 10%          

 

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Competition

 

HEATSAVR®

 

Although we are aware of two other companies that manufacture products that compete with HEATSAVR® , we believe our products are more effective and safer. We maintain fair pricing equal to or lower than our competitors and protect our intellectual property carefully. Our products are expected to maintain or increase market share in the competitive pool market.

 

HEATSAVR® also competes with plastic pool blanket products. However, we believe that HEATSAVR® is more effective and convenient than pool blankets.

 

WATERSAVR®

 

Ultimate Products (Aust) Pty Ltd. of Australia has a product called Aquatain that directly competes with WATERSAVR®. We believe our WATERSAVR® product is superior for the following reasons: it is safer, much less expensive and has much better test data. Aquatain has not expended the capital to test for environmental effects on insects and other aquatic life whereas WATERSAVR® has recognized third party environmental safety documentation.

 

As water conservation is an important priority throughout the world, numerous researchers are working to develop solutions that may compete with, or be superior to, WATERSAVR.

 

TPAs

 

Our TPA products have direct competition with Lanxess AG (spun out of Bayer AG), a German manufacturer of TPAs, which uses a patented process different from ours. We have cross-licensed each other’s processes and either company can use either process for the term of the patents involved. We believe that Lanxess has approximately the same production capacity and product costs as we do. We believe that we can compete effectively with Lanxess by offering excellent customer service in oilfield sales, superior distributor support in the agricultural marketplace and flexibility due to our relative size. In addition, we intend to continue to seek market niches that are not the primary targets of Lanxess.

 

Our TPA products face indirect competition from other chemicals in every market in which we are active. For purposes of oilfield scale prevention, phosphonates, phosphates and molibdonates provide the same effect. For crop enhancement, increased fertilizer levels or reduced concentrations can serve as a substitute for TPAs. In irrigation scale control, acid washes are our prime competitor. Notwithstanding the above, we believe our competitive advantages include:

 

  Biodegradability compared to competing oil field chemicals;
     
  Cost-effectiveness for crop enhancement compared to increased fertilizer use; and
     
  Environmental considerations, ease of formulation and increased crop yield opportunities in irrigation scale markets

 

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Manufacturing

 

Our HEATSAVR® products and dispensers are made from chemicals, plastic and other materials and parts that are readily available from multiple suppliers. We have never experienced any shortage in the availability of raw materials and parts for these products and we do not have any long term supply contracts for any of these items. We have these products made by outside parties without long term contracts.

 

Our WATERSAVR® products are manufactured by a third party. We are not required to purchase any minimum quantity of this product.

 

Our 56,780 sq. ft. facility in Peru, Illinois manufactures our TPA products. Raw materials for TPA production are sourced from various manufacturers throughout the world and we believe they are available in sufficient quantities for any increase in sales. Raw materials are, however, derived from crude oil and are subject to price fluctuations related to world oil prices.

 

In November 2007, we purchased a building and 3.3 acres of land in Taber, Alberta, Canada. The price paid was CDN$1,325,000 and was financed by cash of $660,000 and an interest free mortgage that was paid in June 2008. The building was operated as a fermentation facility for the production of aspartic acid, a key ingredient in TPAs. Aspartic acid made in Taber was then shipped to our plant in Illinois for finishing. In February 2014 we suspended production of aspartic acid at our Taber plant. The suspension was due to the fact that since construction of the plant began in 2008, economic conditions in Alberta and worldwide have changed significantly. In particular, plant operating costs increased and the price of aspartic acid derived from oil was less than forecast. In February 2017, the Taber plant was destroyed in a fire. However, the loss was covered by insurance.

 

Government Regulations

 

HEATSAVR®

 

Chemical products for use in swimming pools are covered by a variety of governmental regulations in all countries where we sell these products. These regulations cover packaging, labeling, and product safety. We believe our products are in compliance with these regulations.

 

WATERSAVR®

 

Our WATERSAVR® product is subject to regulation in most countries, particularly for agricultural and drinking water uses. We do not anticipate that governmental regulations will be an impediment to marketing WATERSAVR® because the components in WATERSAVR® have historically been used in agriculture for many years for other purposes. Nevertheless, we may require county or state approval on a case by case basis to sell WATERSAVR® in the United States for agricultural and drinking water uses. We have received National Sanitation Foundation approval for the use of WATERSAVR® in drinking water in the United States.

 

TPAs

 

In the oil field and agricultural markets we have received government approval for all TPAs currently sold.

 

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Proprietary Rights

 

Our success is dependent, in part, upon our proprietary technology. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademarks, trade secrets and nondisclosure agreements to protect our proprietary technology. We currently hold many U.S. and International patents which expire at various dates up to 2032. We also have applied to extend some of these patents to other countries where we operate. There can be no assurance that our foreign patent applications will be granted or that any issued patent will be upheld as valid or prevent the development of competitive products, which may be equivalent to or superior to our products. We have not received any claims alleging infringement of the intellectual property rights of others, but there can be no assurance that we may not be subject to such claims in the future.

 

Research and Development

 

We spent $135,930 during the year ended December 31, 2018 and $98,928 during year ended December 31, 2017 on research and development. This work relates primarily to the development of our water and energy conservation products, as well as new research in connection with our TPA products.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2018 we had 36 employees, including one officer, fourteen sales and customer support personnel, and twenty one manufacturing personnel. None of our employees is represented by a labor union and we have not experienced any work stoppages to date.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

This Form 10-K contains forward-looking information based on our current expectations. Because our actual results may differ materially from any forward-looking statements made by us, this section includes a discussion of important factors that could affect our future operations and result in a decline in the market price of our common stock.

 

We have in the past incurred significant operating losses and may not sustain profitability in the future.

 

We have in the past experienced operating losses and negative cash flow from operations. If our revenues decline, our results of operations and liquidity may be materially and adversely affected. If we experience slower than anticipated revenue growth or if our operating expenses exceed our expectations, we may not be profitable. We may not remain profitable in future periods.

 

Fluctuations in our operating results may cause our stock price to decline.

 

Given the nature of the markets in which we operate, we cannot reliably predict future revenues and profitability. Changes in competitive, market and economic conditions may cause us to adjust our operations. A high proportion of our costs are fixed, due in part to our sales, research and development and manufacturing costs. Thus, small declines in revenue could disproportionately affect our operating results. Factors that may affect our operating results and the market price of our common stock include:

 

  demand for and market acceptance of our products;

 

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  competitive pressures resulting in lower selling prices;
     
  adverse changes in the level of economic activity in regions in which we do business;
     
  adverse changes in the oil and gas industry on which we are particularly dependent;
     
  changes in the portions of our revenue represented by various products and customers;
     
  delays or problems in the introduction of new products;
     
  the announcement or introduction of new products, services or technological innovations by our competitors;
     
  variations in our product mix;
     
  the timing and amount of our expenditures in anticipation of future sales;
     
  increased costs of raw materials or supplies; and
     
  changes in the volume or timing of product orders.

 

Our operations are subject to seasonal fluctuation.

 

The use of our swimming pool products increases in summer months in most markets and results in our sales from January to June being greater than in July through December. Markets for our WATERSAVR® product are also seasonal, depending on the wet versus dry seasons in particular countries. We attempt to sell into a variety of countries with different seasons on both sides of the equator in order to minimize seasonality. Our TPA business is the least seasonal, however there is a small increase in the spring related to inventory building for the crop season in the United States and a small slowdown in December as oilfield customers run down stock in advance of year end, but otherwise, little seasonal variation. We believe we are able to adequately respond to these seasonal fluctuations by reducing or increasing production as needed.

 

Interruptions in our ability to purchase raw materials and components may adversely affect our profitability.

 

We purchase certain raw materials and components from third parties pursuant to purchase orders placed from time to time. Because we do not have guaranteed long-term supply arrangements with our suppliers, any material interruption in our ability to purchase necessary raw materials or components could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our WATERSAVR® product has not proven to be a revenue producing product and we may never recoup the cost associated with its development.

 

The marketing efforts of our WATERSAVR® product may result in continued losses. We introduced our WATERSAVR® product in June 2002 and, to date, we have delivered quantities for testing by potential customers, but only a few customers have ordered the product for commercial use. This product can achieve success only if it is ordered in substantial quantities by commercial customers who have determined that the water saving benefits of the product exceed the costs of purchase and deployment of the product. We can offer no assurance that we will receive sufficient orders of this product to achieve profits or cover the expenses incurred to manufacture and market this product. We have received National Sanitation Foundation approval for the use WATERSAVR® in drinking water in the United States. Neverless, we may require county or state approval on a case by case basis. We expect to spend $200,000 on the marketing and production of our WATERSAVR® product in fiscal 2019.

 

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If we do not introduce new products in a timely manner, our products could become obsolete and our operating results would suffer.

 

Without the timely introduction of new products and enhancements, our products could become obsolete over time, in which case our revenue and operating results would suffer. The success of our new product offerings will depend upon several factors, including our ability to:

 

  accurately anticipate customer needs;
     
  innovate and develop new products and applications;
     
  successfully commercialize new products in a timely manner;
     
  price our products competitively and manufacture and deliver our products in sufficient volumes and on time; and
     
  differentiate our products from our competitors’ products.

 

In developing any new product, we may be required to make a substantial investment before we can determine the commercial viability of the new product. If we fail to accurately foresee our customers’ needs and future activities, we may invest heavily in research and development of products that do not lead to significant revenues.

 

We are dependent upon certain customers.

 

Among our current customers, we have identified three that are sizable enough that the loss of any one would be significant. Any loss of one or more of these customers could result in a substantial reduction in our revenues.

 

Economic, political and other risks associated with international sales and operations could adversely affect our sales.

 

Revenues from shipments made outside of the United States accounted for approximately 46% of our revenues in the year ended December 31, 2018, 72% in the year ended December 31, 2017 and 71% in the year ended December 31, 2016. Since we sell our products worldwide, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. We anticipate that revenues from international operations will continue to represent a sizable portion of our total revenue. Accordingly, our future results could be harmed by a variety of factors, including:

 

  changes in foreign currency exchange rates;
     
  changes in a country’s or region’s political or economic conditions, particularly in developing or emerging markets;
     
  longer payment cycles of foreign customers and difficulty of collecting receivables in foreign jurisdictions;

 

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  trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements;
     
  differing tax laws and changes in those laws;
     
  difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations;
     
  differing laws regarding protection of intellectual property; and
     
  differing regulatory requirements and changes in those requirements.

 

We are subject to credit risk and may be subject to substantial write-offs if one or more of our significant customers default on their payment obligations to us.

 

We currently allow our major customers between 30 and 90 days to pay for each sale. This practice, while customary, presents an accounts receivable write-off risk in that if one or more of our significant customers defaulted on their payment obligations to us, such write-off, if substantial, would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

Our products can be hazardous if not handled, stored and used properly; litigation related to the handling, storage and safety of our products would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

Some of our products are flammable and must be stored properly to avoid fire risk. Additionally, some of our products may cause irritation to a person’s eyes if they are exposed to the concentrated product. Although we label our products to warn of such risks, our sales could be reduced if our products were considered dangerous to use or if they are implicated in causing personal injury or property damage. We are not currently aware of any circumstances in which our products have caused harm or property damage to consumers. Nevertheless, litigation regarding the handling, storage and safety of our products would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

Our failure to comply with environmental regulations may create significant environmental liabilities and force us to modify our manufacturing processes.

 

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations relating to the use, storage, handling and disposal of chemicals. Under such laws, we may become liable for the costs of removal or remediation of these substances that have been used by our consumers or in our operations. Such laws may impose liability without regard to whether we knew of, or caused, the release of such substances. Any failure by us to comply with present or future regulations could subject us to substantial fines, suspension of production, alteration of manufacturing processes or cessation of operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our failure to protect our intellectual property could impair our competitive position.

 

While we own certain patents and trademarks, some aspects of our business cannot be protected by patents or trademarks. Accordingly, in these areas there are few legal barriers that prevent potential competitors from copying certain of our products, processes and technologies or from otherwise entering into operations in direct competition with us. In particular, we have been informed that our former exclusive agent for the sale of our products in North America is now competing with us in the swimming pool and personal spa markets. As a former distributor, they were given access to many of our sales, marketing and manufacturing techniques.

 

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Our products may infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, and resulting claims against us could be costly and prevent us from making or selling certain products.

 

Third parties may seek to claim that our products and operations infringe on their patents or other intellectual property rights. We may incur significant expense in any legal proceedings to protect our proprietary rights or to defend infringement claims by third parties. In addition, claims of third parties against us could result in awards of substantial damages or court orders that could effectively prevent us from making, using or selling our products in the United States or abroad.

 

A claim for damages could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our business exposes us to potential product liability risks. There are many factors beyond our control that could lead to liability claims, including the failure of our products to work properly and the chance that consumers will use our products incorrectly or for purposes for which they were not intended. There can be no assurance that the amount of product liability insurance that we carry will be sufficient to protect us from product liability claims. A product liability claim in excess of the amount of insurance we carry could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our ongoing success is dependent upon the continued availability of certain key employees.

 

Our business would be adversely affected if the services of Daniel B. O’Brien ceased to be available to us since we currently do not have any other employee with an equivalent level of expertise in and knowledge of our industry. If Mr. O’Brien no longer served as our President and Chief Executive Officer, we would have to recruit one or more new executives, with no real assurance that we would be able to engage a replacement executive with the required skills on satisfactory terms. The market for skilled employees is highly competitive, especially for employees in the fields in which we operate. While our compensation programs are intended to attract and retain qualified employees, there can be no assurance that we will be able to retain the services of all our key employees or a sufficient number to execute our plans, nor can there be any assurances that we will be able to continue to attract new employees as required.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Properties.

 

We lease a 6,400 sq. ft. facility in Naperville, Illinois which we use for offices and laboratories at a cost of $5,640 per month with a lease effective to December 2020 and 61,200 sq. ft. of warehouse space in Peru, IL used for storage and extra capacity at a cost of $25,800 per month with a lease effective to October 2021. We also lease a 1,300 sq. ft. facility used for offices at a cost of $820 per month with a lease effective to September, 2023 and a 14,000 sq. ft. facility used for manufacturing in Mendota, IL at a cost of $6,322 per month with a lease effective to June 2019. We own a 56,780 sq. ft. facility in Peru, Illinois which is used to manufacture our TPA line of products. In 2017, we purchased a 3,000 sq ft building on 1 acre of land in Taber, AB Canada. We also own 3.3 acres of cleared and undeveloped land in Taber, AB.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

None.

 

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Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

PART II

 

Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities.

 

Our common stock is traded on the NYSE American under the symbol “FSI”. The following is the range of high and low closing prices for our common stock for the periods indicated:

 

      High   Low 
            
Year Ended December 31, 2018  First Quarter  $1.87   $1.51 
   Second Quarter   1.69    1.37 
   Third Quarter   1.69    1.46 
   Fourth Quarter   1.56    1.27 

 

      High   Low 
            
Year Ended December 31, 2017  First Quarter  $1.63   $1.29 
   Second Quarter   2.48    1.46 
   Third Quarter   1.93    1.64 
   Fourth Quarter   1.97    1.68 

 

As of March 30, 2019 we had approximately 1,700 shareholders.

 

Our common stock also trades on the Frankfurt stock exchange under the symbol “FXT.”

 

The Company declared a special dividend of $0.05 per share on February 25, 2019, paid on March 15, 2019 to shareholders of record on March 6, 2019. On March 12, 2019 the Company announced an annual dividend of $0.15 per share to be paid in two tranches. Shareholders of record on March 31, 2019 will be paid $0.075 on April 15, 2019 and shareholders of record on September 30, 2019 will be paid the same on October 15, 2019. This 15 cents per share annual dividend will continue until such time as the Board decides to revise it.

 

None of our officers or directors, nor any of our principal shareholders purchased, on our behalf, any shares of our common stock from third parties either in a private transaction or as a result of purchases in the open market during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018.

 

As of March 30, 2019 we had 11,711,657 outstanding shares of common stock. The following table lists additional shares of our common stock, including shares issuable upon the exercise of options which have not yet vested, which may be issued as of March 30, 2019:

 

    

Number

Of Shares

  

Note

Reference

Shares issuable upon exercise of options granted to our officers, directors, employees, consultants, and third parties     648,000   A

 

 

A. Options are exercisable at prices ranging from $0.75 to $1.75 per share. See Item 11 of this report for more information concerning these options.

 

 12 
   

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

 

Results of Operations

 

We have two product lines.

 

The first is a chemical (“EWCP”) used in swimming pools and spas. The product forms a thin, transparent layer on the water’s surface. The transparent layer slows the evaporation of water, allowing the water to retain a higher temperature for a longer period of time thereby reducing the energy required to maintain the desired temperature of the water. A modified version of EWCP can also be used in reservoirs, potable water storage tanks, livestock watering pods, canals, and irrigation ditches for the purpose of reducing evaporation.

 

The second product, biodegradable polymers (“TPAs”), is used by the petroleum, chemical, utility and mining industries to prevent corrosion and scaling in water piping. TPAs can also be used to increase biodegradability in detergents and in the agriculture industry to increase crop yields by enhancing fertilizer uptake.

 

Material changes in the line items in our Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the same period last year, are discussed below:

 

Item  

Increase (I) or

Decrease (D)

 

Reason

         
Sales        
EWCP products   D   Customer orders were lower than prior period.
         
TPA products   I   Growth in most product lines and sales from acquisition.
         

Gross Profit, as a % of sales

  D   Margins were constricted by higher raw material costs, new tariffs and inability to pass additional costs on to customers.
         
Wages   I   Increased employee count.
         
Administrative salaries and benefits   I   Increased wages to retain employees.
       
Consulting   I   Added consultant to increase future growth.
         
Professional fess   I   Increased legal fees related to the acquisition and general legal representation.
         
Research   I  

New research projects started.

         
Commissions   D  

Uncommissionable sales increased against commissionable sales.

 

 13 
   

 

The factors that will most significantly affect future operating results will be:

 

  the sale price of crude oil which is used in the manufacture of aspartic acid we import from China. Aspartic acid is a key ingredient in our TPA product;
     
  activity in the oil and gas industry, as we sell our TPA product to oil and gas companies; and
     
  drought conditions, since we also sell our TPA product to farmers.

 

Other than the foregoing we do not know of any trends, events or uncertainties that have had, or are reasonably expected to have, a material impact on our revenues or expenses.

 

Capital Resources and Liquidity

 

Our sources and (uses) of cash for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 are shown below:

 

   2018   2017 
         
Cash provided by (used by) operations   (2,161,604)   1,042,425 
Long term deposits   (1,246)   7,980 
Investments   (700,000)   - 
Proceeds of equity investments   27,813    25,000 
Insurance proceeds from fire loss   2,407,325    3,366,889 
Acquisition of EnP Investments LLC   (4,110,560   - 
Sales (purchases) of equipment   (180,830)   (426,480)
Advances from (repayments of) short term line of credit   2,462,346    - 
Advances from (repayments of) loans   3,792,734    (201,193)
Partnership distributions   (229,135)   - 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock   102,360    156,020 
Changes in exchange rates   (463,405)   471,431 

 

We have sufficient cash resources to meets our future commitments and cash flow requirements for the coming year. As of December 31, 2018, our working capital was $15,104,066 and we have no substantial commitments that require significant outlays of cash over the coming fiscal year.

 

We are committed to minimum rental payments for property and premises aggregating approximately $1,121,595 over the term of five leases, the last expiring on September 30, 2023.

 

 14 
   

 

Commitments for rent in the next five years are as follows:

 

2019   $425,995 
2020   $399,900 
2021   $276,980 
2022   $10,620 
2023   $8,100 

 

Other than as disclosed above, we do not anticipate any material capital requirements for the twelve months ending December 31, 2019.

 

Other than as disclosed in Item 7 of this report, we do not know of any trends, demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in, or that are reasonable likely to result in, our liquidity increasing or decreasing in any material way.

 

Other than as disclosed in Item 7 of this report, we do not know of any significant changes in our expected sources and uses of cash.

 

We do not have any commitments or arrangements from any person to provide us with any equity capital.

 

See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included as part of this report for a description of our significant accounting policies.

 

Critical Accounting Policies And Estimates

 

Allowances for Product Returns. We grant certain of our customers the right to return product which they are unable to sell. Upon sale, we evaluate the need to record a provision for product returns based on our historical experience, economic trends and changes in customer demand.

 

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Receivable. We evaluate our accounts receivable to determine if they will ultimately be collected. This evaluation includes significant judgments and estimates, including an analysis of receivables aging and a review of large accounts. If, for example, the financial condition of a customer deteriorates resulting in an impairment of its ability to pay or a pattern of late payment develops, an allowance may be required.

 

Provisions for Inventory Obsolescence. We may need to record a provision for estimated obsolescence and shrinkage of inventory. Our estimates would consider the cost of inventory, the estimated market value, the shelf life of the inventory and our historical experience. If there are changes to these estimates, provisions for inventory obsolescence may be necessary.

 

Valuation of goodwill and intangible assets. We consider goodwill and intangible assets to determine if there are qualitative factors which exist which may indicate that the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Our estimates are based upon an assessment of market conditions and expected future cash flows to be generated by the reporting units and related assets. If factors exist which indicate that the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge against the goodwill and intangible assets could be required.

 

Useful lives of Property, Equipment and Leaseholds and Intangible Assets. We amortize and depreciate our property, equipment and leaseholds and intangible assets based on their estimated useful lives. We estimate the expected useful lives based on the expected term over which the asset is expected to continue to generate economic benefit for the company. If there are differences between the expected useful lives and the actual useful lives of the asset, impairment of property, equipment and leaseholds or intangible assets could be necessary.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

We have evaluated recent accounting pronouncements issued since January 1, 2018 and determined that the adoption of these recent accounting pronouncements will not have a material effect on our financial statements.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Not applicable.

 

 15 
   

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Page
   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, MNP LLP

F-1

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 F-2
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 F-5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-6

 

 16 
   

 

 

To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Flexible Solutions International, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Flexible Solutions International Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2009.
 
Vancouver, BC
 
March 31, 2019

 

 

 F-1 
   

 

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As at December 31

(U.S. Dollars)

 

   2018   2017 
         
Assets          
           
Current          
Cash and cash equivalents  $7,857,936   $6,912,138 
Accounts receivable (see Note 4)   4,422,745    2,105,471 
Inventories (see Note 5)   8,727,709    4,686,852 
Prepaid expenses   

200,306

    255,080 
Total current assets   21,208,696    13,959,541 
Property, equipment and leaseholds, net (see Note 6)   2,563,261    1,938,509 
Patents (see Note 7)   63,014    79,452 
Intangible assets (Note 8)   3,128,000    - 
Long term deposits (see Note 9)   

30,777

    18,531 
Investments (Note 10)   

776,357

    13,414 
Goodwill (Note 8)   

2,534,275

    - 
Deferred tax asset (Note 14)   

891,735

    1,763,923 
           
Total Assets  $

31,196,115

   $17,773,370 
           
Liabilities          
Current          
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  $1,050,673   $939,116 
Deferred revenue   

127,168

    208,608 
Income taxes payable   1,357,299    1,101,596 
Short term line of credit (Note 11)   2,798,131    250,000 
Current portion of long term debt (Note 12)   771,359    201,193 
Total current liabilities   

6,104,630

    2,700,513 
Convertible note payable (Note 13)   1,000,000    - 
Deferred income tax liability (Note 14)   

989,569

    - 
Long term debt (Note 12)   3,580,384    150,896 
Total liabilities   

11,674,583

    2,851,409 
           
Stockholders’ Equity          
Capital stock (see Note 17)          
Authorized          

50,000,000 common shares with a par value of $0.001 each

1,000,000 preferred shares with a par value of $0.01 each

          
Issued and outstanding:          
11,699,657 (2017: 11,597,991) common shares   11,700    11,598 
Capital in excess of par value   15,328,285    15,114,835 
Other comprehensive loss   (1,222,573)   (656,093)
Accumulated earnings   

2,941,889

    

451,621

 
Total stockholders’ equity – controlling interest   

17,059,301

    

14,921,961

 
Non controlling interests (Note 18)   2,462,231    - 
           
Total Stockholders’ Equity   

19,521,532

    14,921,961 
           
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  $

31,196,115

   $17,773,370 

 

Commitments and Subsequent events (See Notes 20 and 21)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 F-2 
   

 

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

For the Years Ended December 31

(U.S. Dollars)

 

   2018    2017 
         
Sales  $17,829,518   $15,494,325 
Cost of sales   

12,192,684

    9,508,827 
           
Gross profit   5,636,834    5,985,498 
           
Operating Expenses          
Wages   1,729,467    1,647,780 
Administrative salaries and benefits   1,082,991    1,007,850 
Advertising and promotion   68,492    18,257 
Investor relations and transfer agent fee   132,694    152,362 
Office and miscellaneous   247,424    238,195 
Insurance   312,275    285,418 
Interest expense   93,653    44,125 
Rent   249,051    241,286 
Consulting   186,847    133,949 
Professional fees   282,654    222,743 
Travel   137,902    137,392 
Telecommunications   32,315    26,071 
Shipping   19,790    19,624 
Research   135,930    98,928 
Commissions   46,993    112,678 
Bad debt expense   

-

    1,191 
Currency exchange   (445,443)   64,870 
Utilities   16,775    21,339 
           
Total operating expenses   4,329,810    4,474,058 
           
Operating income   1,307,024    1,511,440 
Gain on involuntary disposition (net of tax) (Note 6)   1,714,261    2,043,614 
Write down of inventory   -    (51,346)
Loss on investment   

(3,281

)   (84,066)
Interest income   36,843    913 
Income before income tax   3,054,847    3,420,555 
           
Income taxes (Note 14)          
Deferred income tax expense   

100,000

    (985,495)
Income tax expense   (533,130)   (680,319)
           
Net income for the year including non-controlling interests  2,421,717   1,754,741 
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests   

(68,551

)    
Net income attributable to controlling interest  $

2,490,268

   $

1,754,741

 
           
Other comprehensive income (loss)   (566,480)   431,115 
Comprehensive income   2,023,788    2,185,856 
Income per share (basic and diluted) (Note 15)  $0.21   $0.15 
Weighted average number of common shares (basic)   11,630,136    11,485,580 
Weighted average number of common shares (diluted)   11,816,054    11,725,482 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 F-3 
   

 

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For Years Ended December 31  

(U.S. Dollars)

 

   2018   2017 
         
Operating activities          
Net income  $2,490,268   $1,754,741 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash:          
Stock based compensation   111,192    116,092 
Depreciation and amortization   342,561    286,616 
Loss on investment   3,281    84,066 
Decrease in deferred tax asset   

100,000

    985,495 
Write down of inventory   -    (51,346)
Gain on involuntary disposition   (1,714,261)   (2,043,614)
           
Changes in non-cash working capital items:          
(Increase) Decrease in accounts receivable   (1,048,290)    912,056 
(Increase) Decrease in inventories   (2,185,462)   (887,339)
(Increase) Decrease in prepaid expenses   53,275     (23,758)
Increase (Decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (351,508)     (407,555) 
Increase (Decrease) in taxes payable   243,276    207,729 
Increase (Decrease) deferred revenue    (205,936 )   109,242 
           
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities   (2,161,604)   1,042,425 
           
Investing activities          
Long term deposits   

(1,246

)   7,980 
Investment   

(700,000

)   - 

Proceeds of equity investment distributions

   

27,813

    

25,000

 
Proceed from insurance   

2,407,325

    3,366,889 
Acquisition of EnP Investments LLC   

(4,110,560

)   

-

 
Net purchase of property, equipment and leaseholds   (180,830)   (426,480)
           
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities   (2,557,498)   2,973,389 
           
Financing activities          
Draw from short term line of credit   2,462,346    - 
Loans   3,792,734    (201,193)
Partnership distribution   (299,135)   - 
Proceeds of issuance of common stock   102,360    156,020 
           
Cash proved by (used in) financing activities   (6,128,305)    (45,173)
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   (463,405)   471,430 
           
Inflow (outflow) of cash   945,798    4,442,072 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning   6,912,138    2,470,066 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, ending  $7,857,936   $6,912,138 
           
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:          
Income taxes paid   288,653    833,766 
Interest paid   94,775    43,003 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 F-4 
   

 

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

For the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

(U.S. Dollars)

 

                                 
           Capital in   Accumulated   Other       Non-   Total 
       Par   Excess of   Earnings   Comprehensive       Controlling   Stockholders’ 
   Shares   Value   Par Value   (Deficiency)   Income (Loss)   Total   Interests   Equity 
                                 
Balance December 31, 2016   11,457,991   $11,458   $4,842,863   $(1,303,120)  $(1,087,208)  $12,463,993   $   $12,463,993 
Translation adjustment                   431,115    431,115        431,115 
 Net income               1,754,741        1,754,741        1,754,741 
Comprehensive income                       2,185,856        2,185,856 
Common stock issued   140,000    140    155,880            156,020        156,020 
Stock-based compensation           116,092            116,092        116,092 
                                         
Balance December 31, 2017   11,597,991   $11,598   $15,114,835   $451,621   $(656,093)  $14,921,961       $14,921,961 
Translation adjustment                   (566,480)   (566,480)       (566,480)
 Net income (loss)               2,490,268        2,490,268    (68,551)   2,421,717 
Common stock issued   101,666    102    102,258            102,360        102,360 
                                         
Acquisition of EnP Investments LLC                           2,759,917    2,759,917 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests                           (229,135)   (229,135)
Stock-based compensation           111,192            111,192        111,192 
Balance December 31, 2018     11,699,657   $  11,700   $15,328,285   $2,941,889   $(1,222,573)  $  17,059,301    2,462,231   $19,521,532 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 F-5 
   

 

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2018 and 2017

(U.S. Dollars)

 

1. Basis of Presentation.

 

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Flexible Solutions International, Inc. (the “Company”), its wholly-owned subsidiaries Flexible Fermentation Ltd. (“Flexible Ltd.”), NanoChem Solutions Inc. (“NanoChem”), Flexible Solutions Ltd., Flexible Biomass LP, FS Biomass Inc., NCS Deferred Corp., Conserve H2O Ltd. and Natural Chem SEZC Ltd, and its 65% interest in EnP Investments, LLC (“ENP Investments”). All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company was incorporated May 12, 1998 in the State of Nevada and had no operations until June 30, 1998.

 

In 2018, NanoChem, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the purchase of 65% of the units of ownership interest in EnP Investments for an aggregate purchase price of $5,110,560. An unrelated party owns the remaining 35% of the units of ownership interest in EnP Investments, and EnP Investments is consolidated into the financial statements. The outside investor’s units of ownership interests in EnP Investments were included in noncontrolling interests in these consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date onward.

 

Flexible Solutions International, Inc. and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market specialty chemicals which slow the evaporation of water. One product, HEATSAVR®, is marketed for use in swimming pools and spas where its use, by slowing the evaporation of water, allows the water to retain a higher temperature for a longer period of time and thereby reduces the energy required to maintain the desired temperature of the water in the pool. Another product, WATERSAVR®, is marketed for water conservation in irrigation canals, aquaculture, and reservoirs where its use slows water loss due to evaporation. In addition to the water conservation products, the Company also manufactures and markets water-soluble chemicals utilizing thermal polyaspartate biopolymers (hereinafter referred to as “TPAs”), which are beta-proteins manufactured from the common biological amino acid, L-aspartic. TPAs can be formulated to prevent corrosion and scaling in water piping within the petroleum, chemical, utility and mining industries. TPAs are also used as proteins to enhance fertilizers in improving crop yields and can be used as additives for household laundry detergents, consumer care products and pesticides.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies.

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except where otherwise noted, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States applicable to a going concern and reflect the policies outlined below.

 

(a) Cash and Cash Equivalents.

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of less than three months at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions.

 

(b) Inventories and Cost of Sales

 

The Company has three major classes of inventory: completed goods, work in progress and raw materials and supplies. In all classes, inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Cost of sales includes all expenditures incurred in bringing the goods to the point of sale. Inventory costs and costs of sales include direct costs of the raw material, inbound freight charges, warehousing costs, handling costs (receiving and purchasing) and utilities and overhead expenses related to the Company’s manufacturing and processing facilities.

 

 F-6 
   

 

(c) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts when management estimates collectability to be uncertain. Accounts receivable are continually reviewed to determine which, if any, accounts are doubtful of collection. In making the determination of the appropriate allowance amount, the Company considers current economic and industry conditions, relationships with each significant customer, overall customer credit-worthiness and historical experience.

 

(d) Property, Equipment, Leaseholds and Intangible Assets

.

The following assets are recorded at cost and depreciated using the methods and annual rates shown below:

 

Computer hardware   30% Declining balance
Furniture and fixtures   20% Declining balance
Manufacturing equipment   20% Declining balance
Office equipment   20% Declining balance
Boat   20% Declining balance
Building and improvements   10% Declining balance
Trailer   30% Declining balance
Patents   Straight-line over 17 years
Technology   Straight-line over 10 years
Leasehold improvements   Straight-line over lease term

 

Property and equipment are written down to net realizable value when management determines there has been a change in circumstances which indicates their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. No write-downs have been necessary to date.

 

(e) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.

 

In accordance with FASB Codification Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment (ASC 360), the Company reviews long-lived assets, including, but not limited to, property, equipment and leaseholds, patents and other assets, for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amounts of assets may not be recoverable. The carrying value of long-lived assets is assessed for impairment by evaluating operating performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying assets. If the expected future cash flows of an asset is less than its carrying value, an impairment measurement is indicated. Impairment charges are recorded to the extent that an asset’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. There were no impairment charges during the periods presented.

 

(f) Foreign Currency.

 

The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. Dollar. The functional currency of three of the Company’s subsidiaries is the Canadian Dollar. The translation of the Canadian Dollar to the reporting currency of the Company, the U.S. Dollar, is performed for assets and liabilities using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expense transactions are translated using average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments arising on conversion of the Company’s financial statements from the subsidiary’s functional currency, Canadian Dollars, into the reporting currency, U.S. Dollars, are excluded from the determination of income (loss) and are disclosed as other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

 F-7 
   

 

Foreign exchange gains and losses relating to transactions not denominated in the applicable local currency are included in operating income (loss) if realized during the year and in comprehensive income (loss) if they remain unrealized at the end of the year.

 

(g) Revenue Recognition.

 

We follow a five-step model for revenue recognition. The five steps are: (1) identification of the contract(s) with the customer, (2) identification of the performance obligation(s) in the contract(s), (3) determination of the transaction price, (4) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligation, and (5) recognition of revenue when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. We have fulfilled our performance obligations when control transfers to the customer, which is generally at the time the product is shipped since risk of loss is transferred to the purchaser upon delivery to the carrier. For shipments which are F.O.B. shipping point, the Company has elected to account for shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment cost rather than as an additional promised service and performance obligation.

 

The Company recognizes revenue when there are no significant remaining performance obligations. When significant post-delivery obligations exist, revenue is deferred until such obligations are fulfilled. To date, there have been no such significant post-delivery obligations.

 

Since the Company’s inception, product returns have been insignificant; therefore, no provision has been established for estimated product returns.

 

Deferred revenues consist of products sold to distributors with payment terms greater than the Company’s customary business terms due to lack of credit history or operating in a new market in which the Company has no prior experience. The Company defers the recognition of revenue until the criteria for revenue recognition has been met, and payments become due or cash is received from these distributors.

 

(h) Stock Issued in Exchange for Services.

 

The Company’s common stock issued in exchange for services is valued at estimated fair market value based upon trading prices of the Company’s common stock on the dates of the stock transactions. The corresponding expense of the services rendered is recognized over the period that the services are performed.

 

(i) Stock-based Compensation.

 

The Company recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments in accordance with FASB Codification Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, (ASC 718). Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, the Company recognizes share-based compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, over the requisite service period of the award.

 

The fair value at grant date of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the stock option vesting period based on the estimated number of stock options that are expected to vest. Shares are issued from treasury upon exercise of stock options.

 

(j) Comprehensive Income.

 

Other comprehensive income refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are included in comprehensive income, but are excluded from net income as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. The Company’s other comprehensive income is primarily comprised of unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses.

 

 F-8 
   

 

(k) Income Per Share.

 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated giving effect to the potential dilution of the exercise of options and warrants. Common equivalent shares, composed of incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants are included in diluted net income per share to the extent that these shares are dilutive. Common equivalent shares that have an anti-dilutive effect on net income per share have been excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

(l) Use of Estimates.

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and would impact the results of operations and cash flows.

 

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed at each period end. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected.

 

Significant areas requiring the use of management estimates include assumptions and estimates relating to the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, asset impairment analysis, share-based payments and warrants, valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets, determination of useful lives of property, equipment and leaseholds, and the valuation of inventory.

 

(m) Financial Instruments.

 

The fair market value of the Company’s financial instruments comprising cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and short term line of credit were estimated to approximate their carrying values due to immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments.

 

(n) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs described below, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value.

 

  Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
     
  Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
     
  Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity which is significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

 F-9 
   

 

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and the short term line of credit for all periods presented approximate their respective carrying amounts due to the short term nature of these financial instruments.

 

(o) Contingencies

 

Certain conditions may exist as of the date the financial statements are issued which may result in a loss to the Company but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company’s management and its legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against the Company or unasserted claims that may result in such proceedings, the Company’s legal counsel evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

 

If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be estimated, the estimated liability would be accrued in the Company’s financial statements. If the assessment indicates that a potential material loss contingency is not probable, but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, would be disclosed.

 

Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed. Legal fees associated with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

 

(p) Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance so that the assets are recognized only to the extent that when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.

 

Per FASB ASC 740 “Income taxes” under the liability method, it is the Company’s policy to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. At December 31, 2018, the Company believes it has appropriately accounted for any unrecognized tax benefits. To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an unrecognized benefit is established or is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, the Company’s effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected. Interest and penalties associated with the Company’s tax positions are recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

 F-10 
   

 

(q) Risk Management.

 

The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its accounts receivable. The amounts presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are net of allowances for doubtful accounts, estimated by the Company’s management based on prior experience and the current economic environment. The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-payment by customers. Credit exposure is minimized by dealing with only credit worthy counterparties. Accounts receivable for the Company’s three primary customers totaled $1,280,406 (31%) at December 31, 2018 (December 31, 2017 - $1,247,374 or 59%).

 

The credit risk on cash and cash equivalents is limited because the Company limits its exposure to credit loss by placing its cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions. The Company maintains cash balances at financial institutions which at times exceed federally insured amounts. The Company has not experienced any material losses in such accounts.

 

The Company is exposed to foreign exchange and interest rate risk to the extent that market value rate fluctuations materially differ from financial assets and liabilities, subject to fixed long-term rates.

 

In order to manage its exposure to foreign exchange risks, the Company is closely monitoring the fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates and the impact on the value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The Company has not hedged its exposure to currency fluctuations.

 

(r) Equity Method Investment

 

The Company accounts for investments using the equity method of accounting if the investment provides the Company the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist if the Company’s ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee ranges between 20% and 50%, although other factors, such as representation on the investee’s board of directors, are considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate. Under the equity method of accounting, the investment is recorded at cost in the consolidated balance sheets under other assets and adjusted for dividends received and the Company’s share of the investee’s earnings or losses together with other-than-temporary impairments which are recorded through interest and other loss, net in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

(s) Goodwill and intangible assets

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if certain impairment conditions arise. The Company performs an annual goodwill impairment review in the fourth quarter of each year at the reporting unit level. The evaluation can begin with a qualitative assessment of the factors that could impact the significant inputs used to estimate fair value. If after performing the qualitative assessment, it is determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill, then no further analysis is necessary. However, if the results of the qualitative test are unclear, the Company performs a quantitative test, which involves comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company uses an income-based valuation method, determining the present value of future cash flows, to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its positive carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, and no further analysis is necessary. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, goodwill impairment would be recognized equal to the amount of the carrying value in excess of the reporting unit’s fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

 

 F-11 
   

 

Intangible assets primarily include trademarks and trade secrets with indefinite lives and customer-relationships with finite lives. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. Indefinite lived intangible assets are assessed using either a qualitative or a quantitative approach. The qualitative assessment evaluates factors including macro-economic conditions, industry and company-specific factors, legal and regulatory environments, and historical company performance are evaluated in assessing fair value. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative test is then performed. Otherwise, no further testing is required. When using a quantitative approach, the Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, impairment is indicated, requiring recognition of an impairment charge for the differential.

 

Qualitative assessments of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were performed in 2018 and 2017. Based on the results of assessment, it was determined that it is more likely than not the reporting unit, customer lists and trademarks had a fair value in excess of carrying value. Accordingly, no further impairment testing was completed and no impairment charges related to goodwill or indefinite-lived intangibles were recognized during the fiscal period ended December 31, 2018.

 

Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The Company reviews for impairment indicators of finite-lived intangibles and other long-lived assets as described in the “Property and Equipment” significant accounting policy.

 

(t) Adoption of new accounting principles

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which has been updated through several revisions and clarifications since its original issuance and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. The standard requires revenue recognized to represent the transfer of promised goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration which a company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also requires new, expanded disclosures regarding revenue recognition. The standard was adopted for the current year and had no material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which changes the income statement impact of equity investments held by an entity. The amendments require the unrealized gains or unrealized losses of equity instruments measured at fair value to be recognized in net income. Our adoption of this ASU had no material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

 

(u) Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The standard will require lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheet and makes selected changes to lessor accounting. The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. A modified retrospective transition approach is required, with certain practical expedients available. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

 

3. Acquisition

 

Effective October 1, 2018, the Company, through its NanoChem Solutions Inc. subsidiary, entered into an agreement to purchase 65% of EnP Investments LLC.

 

Total consideration paid of $5,110,560 was paid through a combination of $10,560 cash on hand, $4,100,000 in debt financing provided by Harris Bank (see Note 12b) and a $1,000,000 convertible note payable. The convertible note is due on or before September 30, 2023 with 5% interest due per year. At the option of the holder, the Note may be converted to 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company has the option to extend the note to no later than September 30, 2028.

 

The following table summarizes the final purchase price allocation of the consideration paid to the respective fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in EnP Investments LLC as of the effective date. The Company finalized its estimates after it was able to determine that is had obtained all necessary information that existed as of the acquisition date related to these matters.

 

     
Cash paid  $4,110,560 
Convertible note   1,000,000 
Total consideration  $5,110,560 
      
Assets acquired:     
Accounts receivable  $1,071,078 
Note receivable   60,000 
Prepaid expenses   105,473 
Inventory   1,867,137 
Investments   84,943 
Equipment   740,000 
Intangible assets   3,168,000 
Liabilities assumed:     
Account payable   520,164 
Loans payable   292,706 
Deferred income taxes   989,569 
Total identifiable net assets   5,294,192 
Non-controlling interest   2,759,917 
Goodwill  $2,534,275 

 

In connection with the 65% purchase of EnP Investments LLC, the Company incurred bank appraisal fees of $7,038 which was recorded as general expenses during the year ended December 31, 2018. Goodwill of $2,534,275 is the excess of total consideration less identifiable assets at fair value less debt assumed at fair value. Goodwill is attributable to EnP Investments LLC management, assembled workforce, operating model and completive presence in its respective market.

 

 F-12 
   

 

The operating results of EnP Investments LLC have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning October 1, 2018.

 

Unaudited pro forma financial information

 

The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information presents combined results of the Company and EnP Investments as if the Business Combination had occurred on January 1, 2017.

 

   2018   2017 
         
Net sales  $23,152,539   $23,119,226 
Gross profit   8,428,317    12,466,963 
Net income  $4,422,745   $3,253,679 

 

The pro forma financial information is not intended to represent or be indicative of the actual results of operations of the combined entity that would have been reported had the Business Combination been completed on January 1, 2016, nor is it representative of future operating results of the Company.

 

4. Accounts Receivable

 

   2018   2017 
         
Accounts receivable  $4,459,834   $2,145,803 
Allowances for doubtful accounts   (37,088)   (40,332)
   $4,422,745   $2,105,471 

 

5.Inventories

 

   2018   2017 
         
Completed goods  $

3,770,071

   $2,530,914 
Work in progress   150,333    183,944 
Raw materials and supplies   4,807,305    1,971,994 
   $8,727,709   $4,686,852 

 

 

6.Property, Equipment and Leaseholds

 

   2018   Accumulated   2018 
   Cost   Depreciation   Net 
Buildings and improvements  $3,516,710   $2,523,148   $993,562 
Automobiles   193,397    74,753    118,644 
Computer hardware   43,414    40,226    3,188 
Furniture and fixtures   105,494    93,087    12,407 
Office equipment   1,740    438    1,302 
Manufacturing equipment   

3,859,653

    2,838,344    1,021,309 
Trailer   8,793    3,561    5,232 
Boat   34,400    18,548    15,852 
Leasehold improvements   88,872    49,937    38,935 
Technology   100,136    100,136     
Land   352,830        352,830 
   $8,305,439   $5,742,178   $2,563,261 

 

 F-13 
   

 

   2017   Accumulated   2017 
   Cost   Depreciation   Net 
Buildings and improvements  $3,400,792   $2,409,179   $991,613 
Computer hardware   40,904    39,398    1,506 
Furniture and fixtures   17,673    11,156    6,517 
Office equipment   1,480    148    1,332 
Manufacturing equipment   2,590,158    2,104,137    486,021 
Trailer   9,562    1,434    8,128 
Boat   34,400    14,586    19,814 
Leasehold improvements   85,432    32,506    52,926 
Technology   101,748    101,748     
Land   370,652        370,652 
   $6,652,801   $4,714,292   $1,938,509 

 

Amount of depreciation expense for 2018: $326,123 (2017: $270,178) and is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

In February of 2017, the Company lost a net carrying value total of $2,196,722CAD ($1,659,404 USD) in building and manufacturing equipment in a fire at the Taber, AB location. Insurance was in place. During the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company received the final insurance proceeds of $3,132,666 CAD ($2,349,498 USD). During the year ended 2017, the Company received interim insurance proceeds of $5,570,000 CAD ($4,207,578 USD).

 

7. Patents

 

  

2018

Cost

   Accumulated
Amortization
  

2018

Net

 
Patents  $194,320   $131,306   $63,014 

 

  

2017

Cost

   Accumulated
Amortization
  

2017

Net

 
Patents  $212,426   $132,974   $79,452 

 

Decrease in 2018 cost was due to currency conversion. 2018 cost in Canadian dollars - $265,102 (2017 - $265,102 in Canadian dollars).

 

Amount of amortization for 2018: $16,438 (2017: $16,438) and is included in cost of sales in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

Estimated amortization expense over the next four years is as follows:

 

2019  $16,438 
2020   16,438 
2021   16,438 
2022   

13,700

 

 

 F-14 
   

 

8. Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill    
Balance as of December 31, 2017    - 
Additions    2,534,275 
Impairment    - 
Balance as of December 31, 2018    2,534,275 

 

 

Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets   
Balance as of December 31, 2017   - 
Additions   770,000 
Impairment   - 
Balance as of December 31, 2018   770,000 

 

Indefinite lived intangible assets consist of trade secrets and trademarks related to the acquisition of EnP Investments LLC (note 3).

 

Definite Life Intangible Assets    
Balance as of December 31, 2017    - 
Additions    2,398,000 
Amortization    (40,000)
Balance as of December 31, 2018    2,358,000 

 

Definite life intangible assets consists of customer relationships related to the acquisition of EnP Investments LLC (note 3). Customer relationships are amortized over their estimated useful life of 15 years.

 

Estimated amortization expense over the next five years is as follows:

 

2019  $160,000 
2020   160,000 
2021   160,000 
2022   160,000 
2023   160,000 

 

9. Long Term Deposits

 

The Company has security deposits that are long term in nature which consist of damage deposits held by landlords and security deposits held by various vendors.

 

   2018   2017 
           
Long term deposits  $

30,777

   $18,531 

 

10. Investments

 

(a) The Company has a 50% ownership interest in ENP Peru Investments LLC (“ENP Peru”), which was acquired in fiscal 2016. ENP Peru is located in Illinois and leases warehouse space. The Company accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting. A summary of the Company’s investment follows:

 

     
Balance, January 1, 2017  $122,480 
Return of equity   (25,000)
Loss in equity method investment   (84,066)
Balance, December 31, 2017  $13,414 
Acquisition of additional units   

25,000

 
Loss in equity method investment   (26,306)
Balance, December 31, 2018  $12,108 

 

(b) The Company has a 24% ownership interest in ENP Realty LLC (“ENP Realty”), which was acquired in fiscal 2018. ENP Realty is located in Illinois and leases warehouse space. The Company accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting. A summary of the Company’s investment follows:

 

Balance, January 1, 2018  $- 
Acquisition   56,590 
Gain in equity method investment   7,659 
Balance, December 31, 2018  $64,249 

 

(c) In December 2018 the Company invested $200,000 in Applied Holding Corp. (“Applied”). Applied is a captive insurance company and the Company received a promissory note for its investment which becomes due in 2021 but may be extended with notice for a maximum of two years.

 

(d) In December 2018 the Company invested $500,000 in Trio Opportunity Corp. (“Trio”), a privately held entity. Trio is a real estate investment vehicle and the Company received 50,000 non-voting Class B shares at $10.00/share. In accordance with ASC 321-10-35, the Company has elected to accounts for this investment at cost. A summary of the Company’s investment follows:

 

Balance, January 1, 2018  $- 
Acquisition   500,000 

Impairment

   - 
Balance, December 31, 2018  $500,000 

 

11. Short-Term Line of Credit

 

(a) In September 2018, the Company signed a new agreement with Harris Bank (“Harris”) to renew the expiring credit line. The revolving line of credit is for an aggregate amount of up to the lesser of (i) $2,500,000, or (ii) 80% of eligible domestic accounts receivable and certain foreign accounts receivable plus 60% of inventory. The loan has an annual interest rate of 5.75%.

 

The revolving line of credit contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including the following: compliance with laws, provision of financial statements and periodic reports, payment of taxes, maintenance of inventory and insurance, maintenance of operating accounts at Harris, Harris’ access to collateral, formation or acquisition of subsidiaries, incurrence of indebtedness, dispositions of assets, granting liens, changes in business, ownership or business locations, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, making investments or distributions and affiliate transactions. The covenants also require that the Company maintain a minimum ratio of qualifying financial assets to the sum of qualifying financial obligations. As of December 31, 2018, Company was in compliance with all loan covenants.

 

To secure the repayment of any amounts borrowed under the revolving line of credit, the Company granted Harris a security interest in substantially all of the assets of NanoChem Solutions Inc., exclusive of intellectual property assets.

 

Short-term borrowings outstanding under the revolving line as of December 31, 2018 were $1,700,000 (December 31, 2017 - $250,000).

 

 F-15 
   

 

(b) In February, 2018, EnP Investments, LLC signed a new agreement with Midland States Bank (“Midland”) to renew the expiring credit line. The revolving line of credit is for an aggregate amount of up to $2,500,000. The interest rate of this loan is subject to change from time to time based on changes in an independent index which is the 1 month LIBOR as published in the Wall Street Journal (the “Index”). Interest on the unpaid principal balance of this loan will be calculated using a rate of 4.060 percentage points over the Index. Under no circumstances will the interest rate of this loan be less than 4.000% per annum or more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable law. The interest rate at December 31, 2018 is 6.5296% (December 31, 2017 – 5.5550%).

 

The revolving line of credit contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including the following: compliance with laws, provisions of financial statements and periodic reports, payment of taxes, maintenance of inventory and insurance, maintenance of operating accounts at Midland, Midland’s access to collateral, formation of acquisition of subsidiaries, incurrence of indebtedness, dispositions of assets, granting liens, changes in business, ownership or business locations, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, making investments or distributions and affiliate transactions. Advanced Turf Solutions, Inc., a 35% owner of EnP Investments, LLC, is a Guarantor of said loan. As of December 31, 2018, EnP Investments , LLC was in compliance with all loan covenants.

 

To secure the repayment of any amounts borrowed under the revolving line of Credit, EnP Investments, LLC granted Midland a security interest in all inventory, equipment and fixtures and acknowledges a separate commercial security agreement from guarantor to Midland dated February 15, 2011.

 

Short-term borrowings outstanding under the revolving line as of December 31, 2018 were $1,098,131 (December 31, 2017 – 1,246,647).

 

12.

Long Term Debt

 

(a) In September 2014, NanoChem Solutions Inc. signed a $1,005,967 promissory note with Harris Bank with a rate of prime plus 0.5% (December 31, 2018 – 5.75%; December 31, 2017 – 5%) to be repaid over 5 years with equal monthly installments plus interest. This money was used to retire the previously issued and outstanding debt obligations. The balance owing at December 31, 2018 was $150,895 (December 31, 2017 - $352,089). Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $13,123 (December 31, 2017 - $44,125). The final payment will be made in September 2019.

 

The Company has committed to the following repayments:

 

2019  $150,895 

 

(b) In October 2018, NanoChem Solutions Inc. signed a $4,100,000 term loan with Harris Bank with a rate of prime (December 31, 2018 – 5.5%; December 31, 2017 - nil) to be repaid over 7 years with equal monthly installments plus interest along two payments consisting of 25% prior year cash flow recapture, capped at $300,000, due May 31, 2019 and 2020. The money was used to purchase a 65% interest in EnP Investments LLC. The balance owing at December 31, 2018 was $4,002,381.

 

The Company has committed to the following repayments:

 

2019  $585,714 
2020  $585,714 
2021  $585,714 
2022  $585,714 
2023  $585,714 

 

 F-16 
   

 

(c) In January, 2018, EnP Investments, LLC signed a $200,000 promissory note with Midland States Bank with a rate of 5.250% to be repaid over 7 years with equal monthly installments plus interest. This money was used to purchase production equipment. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $2,415 (December 31, 2017 - $nil). The principal balance owing at December 31, 2018 is $177,794.

 

The Company has committed to the following repayments:

 

2019  $25,562 
2020  $25,562 
2021  $25,562 
2022  $25,562 
2023  $25,562 

 

(d) In March, 2016, EnP Investments, LLC signed a $45,941 promissory note with Ford Motor Credit Company with a rate of 0.00% interest to be repaid over 5 years with equal monthly installments. The balance owing at December 31, 2018 is $20,673 (December 31, 2017 - $29,861).

 

The Company has committed to the following repayments:

 

2019  $9,188 
2020  $9,188 
2021  $2,297 

 

As of December 31, 2018, Company was in compliance with all loan covenants.

 

Continuity  2018   2017 
Balance, January 1  $352,089    553,282 
Plus: Proceeds from loans   4,100,000    - 
Plus: Acquisition of ENP (see Note 3)   206,921      
Less: Payments on loan   (307,267)   (201,193)
Balance, December 31  $4,351,743   $352,089 

 

Outstanding balance at December 31,  2018   2017 
a) Long term debt – Harris Bank  $150,895   $352,089 
b) Long term debt – Harris Bank   4,002,381    - 
c) Long term debt – Midland States Bank   177,794    - 
d) Long term debt – Ford Credit   20,673    - 
Long-term Debt  $4,351,743   $352,089 
Less: current portion   (771,359)   (201,194)
   $3,580,384   $150,895 

 

 F-17 
   

 

13. Convertible Note Payable

 

In October 2018, the Company issued a convertible note payable in the amount of $1,000,000 to EnP Investments LLC in connection with the acquisition of EnP Investments LLC (note 3). The note is carried at fair value, considering the fair value of the equity conversion feature and the fair value of the debt component. The convertible note is due on or before September 30, 2023 with 5% interest due per year. At the option of the holder, the Note may be converted to 400,000 shares in Flexible Solutions International Inc. The Company has the option to extend the note to no later than September 30, 2028.

 

     
Carrying amount of equity component  $277,600 
Principal amount of liability component   722,400 
Balance, December 31, 2018  $1,000,000 

 

14. Income Tax

 

The provision for income tax expense (benefit) is comprised of the following:

 

   2018   2017 
Current tax, federal  $547,486   $547,486 
Current tax, state   132,833    132,833 
Current tax, foreign   -    - 
Current tax, total   680,319    680,319 
           
Deferred income tax, federal   (11,069)   (11,069)
Deferred income tax, state   (2,686)   (2,686)
Deferred income tax, foreign   385,639    385,639 
Deferred income tax, total   371,884    371,884 
Total  $1,052,203   $1,052,203 

 

The following table reconciles the income tax benefit at the U.S. Federal statutory rate to income tax benefit at the Company's effective tax rates.

 

   2018   2017 
Income (loss) before tax, net of tax from gain on involuntary disposition   3,054,847    3,420,556 
Tax from gain on involuntary disposition   693,063    (613,611)
Income (loss) before taxes   3,747,910    2,806,945 
US statutory tax rates   28.51%   39.69%
Expected income tax (recovery)   1,068,342    1,114,147 
Non-deductible items   627,995    520,665 
Change in estimates   61,361    (91,632)
Change in enacted tax rate   -    189,626 
Option expired during the year   5,191    21,640 
Foreign tax rate difference   (396,514)   (662,381)
Change in valuation allowance   (36,119)   (39,863)
Total income taxes (recovery)   1,061,609    1,052,203 
           
Current income tax expenses (recovery)   533,130    680,318 
Deferred tax expenses (recovery)   797,126    371,884 
Total income taxes (recovery)   1,061,609    1,052,203 

 

Deferred taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are comprised of the following:

 

  2018   2017 
Canada          
Non capital loss carryforwards   556,462    1,378,242 
Patents   63,998    69,597 
Fixed assets   (350)   - 
Financial instruments   -    - 
    620,110    1,447,839 
Valuation Allowance   -    - 
Net Deferred tax asset (liability)   620,110    1,447,839 

 

   2018    2017 
USA          
Fixed Assets   247,665    351,746 
Intangible assets   (989,569)   - 
Stock-Based Compensation   173,739    154,023 
    (568,165)   505,768 
Deferred tax asset not recognized   153,565    189,684 
Net Deferred tax asset   (721,730)   316,084 

 

The Company has non-operating loss carryforwards of approximately $2,060,971 (2017 - $5,097,682) which may be carried forward to apply against future year income tax for Canadian income tax purposes, subject to the final determination by taxation authorities, expiring in the following years:

 

Expiry  Loss 
2032   401,480 
2037   1,659,491 
Total   2,060,971 

 

As at December 31, 2018, the Company has no net operating losses carryforward available for US tax purposes.

 

Accounting for Uncertainty for Income Tax

 

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the interpretation for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes which was an interpretation of the accounting standard accounting for income taxes. This interpretation created a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. This interpretation clarifies the accounting for income taxes, by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.

 

As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s consolidated balance sheets did not reflect a liability for uncertain tax positions, nor any accrued penalties or interest associated with income tax uncertainties. The Company has no income tax examinations in progress.

 

 F-18 
   

 

15.

INCOME PER SHARE

 

We present both basic and diluted income per share on the face of our consolidated statements of operations. Basic and diluted income per share are calculated as follows:

 

   2018   2017 
Net income (loss)  $2,490,268   $1,754,741 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:          
Basic   11,630,136    11,485,580 
Diluted   11,816,054    11,725,482 
Net income (loss) per common share:          

Basic and diluted

$0.21   $0.15 

 

Certain stock options whose terms and conditions are described in Note 16, “Stock Options” could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future, but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. Those anti-dilutive options are as follows.

 

   2018   2017 
Anti-dilutive options   261,000     nil 

 

There were no preferred shares issued and outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2018 or 2017.

 

16. STOCK OPTIONS.

 

The Company adopted a stock option plan (“Plan”). The purpose of this Plan is to provide additional incentives to key employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries in order to help attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of responsibility and otherwise promote the success of the Company’s business. It is intended that options issued under this Plan constitute non-qualified stock options. The general terms of awards under the option plan are that 100% of the options granted will vest the year following the grant. The maximum term of options granted is 5 years.

 

The Company may issue stock options and stock bonuses for shares of its common stock to provide incentives to directors, key employees and other persons who contribute to the success of the Company. The exercise price of all incentive options are issued for not less than fair market value at the date of grant.

 

 F-19 
   

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

   Number of shares   Exercise price
per share
   Weighted average exercise price 
Balance, December 31, 2016   813,000   $0.75 - $2.22   $1.19 
Granted   154,000   $1.70   $1.70 
Cancelled or expired   (114,000)  $1.00 – 2.22   $1.75 
Exercised   (140,000)  $0.75 – 1.21   $1.11 
Balance, December 31, 2017   713,000   $0.75 – 1.70   $1.21 
Granted   110,000   $1.48 – 1.75   $1.74 
Cancelled or expired   (61,334)  $1.00 – 1.70   $1.09 
Exercised   (101,666)  $0.75 – 1.42   $1.01 
Balance, December 31, 2018   660,000   $0.75 – 1.75   $1.35 
Exercisable, December 31, 2018   555,000   $0.75 – 1.70   $1.27 

 

The weighted-average remaining contractual life of outstanding options is 3.04 years.

 

The fair value of each option grant is calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:

 

   2018   2017 
Expected life – years   3.0    3.0 
Interest rate   2.8 – 2.96%   2.23%
Volatility   47.77 – 51.85%   73.09%
Dividend yield   %   %
Weighted average fair value of options granted  $0.4759 – 0.6313   $0.8344 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company granted 100,000 (2017 – 40,000) stock options to consultants and has applied ASC 718 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which resulted in additional expenses of $5,747 (2017 - $6,675). Options granted in other years resulted in additional expenses of $26,701 (2017 – $22,634). During the year ended December 31, 2018, employees were granted 10,000 (2017 – 114,000) stock options, which resulted in additional expenses of $5,150 (2017 – $19,024). Options granted in other years resulted in additional expenses in the amount of $73,594 for employees during the year ended December 31, 2018 (2017 - $67,759). There were 60,000 employee and 41,666 consultant stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2018 (2017 – 110,000 employee; 30,000 consultant).

 

As of December 31, 2018, there was approximately $57,383 of compensation expense related to non-vested awards. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.75 years.

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of vested options outstanding at December 31, 2018 is $43,190 (2017 – $413,410).

 

17.

CAPITAL STOCK.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company issued 60,000 shares upon the exercise of employee stock options and 41,666 shares upon the exercise of consultant stock options.

 

 F-20 
   

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company issued 110,000 shares upon the exercise of employee stock options and 30,000 shares upon the exercise of consultant stock options.

 

18. Non-Controlling Interests

 

EnP Investments is a limited liability corporation (LLC) that manufactures and distributes golf, turf and ornamental agriculture products in Mendota, IL. The Company owns 65% of the units of ownership interest EnP Investments through its wholly-owned subsidiary NanoChem. An unrelated party owns the remaining 35% of the units of ownership interest in EnP Investments. For financial reporting purposes, the assets, liabilities and earnings of the LLC are consolidated into these financial statements. The unrelated third party’s units of ownership interest in the LLC are recorded in noncontrolling interests in these consolidated financial statements. The noncontrolling interest represents the noncontrolling unitholder’s interest in the earnings and equity of EnP Investments. Effective October 1, 2018, the Company paid $4,110,560 in cash and issued a $1,000,000 convertible note (see Note 3) to acquire EnP Investments. EnP Investments is allocated to the BCPA segment.

 

EnP Investments makes cash distributions to the unitholders based on formulas defined within its Ownership Interest Purchase Agreement dated October 1, 2018. Distributions are defined in the Ownership Interest Purchase Agreement as cash on hand to the extent it exceeds current and anticipated long-term and short-term needs, including, without limitation, needs for operating expenses, debt service, acquisitions, reserves, and mandatory distributions, if any.

 

From the effective date of acquisition onward, the minimum distributions requirements under the Ownership Interest Purchase Agreement were satisfied. The total distribution from the effective date of acquisition onward was $229,135.

 

Balance, January 1, 2018  $- 
Acquisition   2,759,917 
Distribution   (229,135)
Noncontrolling interest share of loss   (68,551)
Balance, December 31, 2018  $2,462,231 

 

19.

SEGMENTED, SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION AND ECONOMIC DEPENDENCY.

 

The Company operates in two segments:

 

(a) Energy and water conservation products (as shown under the column heading “EWCP” below), which consists of a (i) liquid swimming pool blanket which saves energy and water by inhibiting evaporation from the pool surface, and (ii) food-safe powdered form of the active ingredient within the liquid blanket and which is designed to be used in still or slow moving drinking water sources.

 

(b) Biodegradable polymers (“BCPA’s”), also known as TPA’s, used by the petroleum, chemical, utility and mining industries to prevent corrosion and scaling in water piping. This product can also be used in detergents to increase biodegradability and in agriculture to increase crop yields by enhancing fertilizer uptake.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies. The Company evaluates performance based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes, not including nonrecurring gains and losses and foreign exchange gains and losses.

 

The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different, but synergistic products and services. They are managed separately because each business requires different technology and marketing strategies.

 

Year ended December 31, 2018:

 

   EWCP   BCPA   Consolidated 
Sales  $314,544   $17,514,974   $17,829,518 
Interest expense   -    93,653    93,653 
Depreciation   50,920    251,641    302,561 
Income tax expense   -    

533,130

    533,130 
Segment profit   1,579,464    910,804    2,490,268 
Segment assets   505,124    2,121,151    2,626,275 
Expenditures for segment assets   15,032    165,798    180,830 

 

 F-21 
   

 

Year ended December 31, 2017:

 

   EWCP   BCPA   Consolidated 
Sales  $641,675   $14,852,650   $15,494,325 
Interest expense   54    44,071    44,125 
Depreciation   62,376    

224,240

    

286,616

 
Income tax expense   -    680,319    680,319 
Segment profit   2,021,289    (266,548)   1,754,741 
Segment assets   580,304    1,437,657    2,017,961 
Expenditures for
segment assets
   287,853    138,628    426,480 

 

Sales by territory are shown below:

 

   2018   2017 
Canada  $364,847   $362,362 
United States and abroad   17,464,671    15,131,963 
Total  $17,829,518   $15,494,325 

 

The Company’s long-lived assets (property, equipment, leaseholds and patents) are located in Canada and the United States as follows:

 

   2018   2017 
Canada  $505,124   $580,304 
United States   

7,783,426

    1,437,657 
Total  $

8,288,550

   $2,017,961 

 

Three customers accounted for $6,880,598 (39%) of sales made in 2018 (2017 - $9,157,538 or 59%).

 

20.

COMMITMENTS.

 

The Company is committed to minimum rental payments for property and premises aggregating approximately $1,121,595 over the term of five leases, the last expiring on September 30, 2023.

 

Commitments for rent in the next five years are as follows:

 

2019  $425,995 
2020  $399,900 
2021  $276,980 
2022  $10,620 
2023  $8,100 

 

21. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS.

 

In January 2019, the Company issued 5,000 shares on the exercise of employee stock options. In February 2019, the Company issued 5,000 shares on the exercise of consultant stock options.

 

In January 2019, the Company purchased membership in a profitable limited liability company engaged in international sales of fertilizer additives. This purchase will be accounted for as an investment. The price paid was an initial US$ 1 million with two further payments of US$1 million and US$ 1.5 million contingent on the investment reaching EBITDA hurdles in 2019 and 2020 respectively. The purchase was made using cash.

 

In February 2019, the Company announced the payment of a special dividend to the existing stockholders of the Company as of March 6, 2019 in the amount of five cents per share.

 

 F-22 
   

 

Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

None.

 

Item 9A.Controls and Procedures.

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide a reasonable level of assurance of reaching our desired disclosure control objectives.

 

As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. As defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer and implemented by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Our 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 our transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, 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 acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In connection with the preparation of our annual financial statements, management has undertaken an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, or the 2013 COSO Framework. Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of our internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of those controls.

 

17
   

 

Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018.

 

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B.Other Information.

 

None.

 

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

 

Name   Age     Position
Daniel B. O’Brien     62     President, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and a Director
John H. Bientjes     66     Director
Robert Helina     53     Director
Tom Fyles     67     Director
Ben Seaman     38     Director
David Fynn     61     Director

  

Daniel B. O’Brien has served as our President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, as well as a director since June 1998. He has been involved in the swimming pool industry since 1990, when he founded our subsidiary, Flexible Solutions Ltd. From 1990 to 1998 Mr. O’Brien was also a teacher at Brentwood College where he was in charge of outdoor education.

 

John H. Bientjes has been a director since February 2000. Since 1984, Mr. Bientjes has served as the manager of the Commercial Aquatic Supplies Division of D.B. Perks & Associates, Ltd., located in Vancouver, British Columbia, a company that markets supplies and equipment to commercial swimming pools which are primarily owned by municipalities. Mr. Bientjes graduated in 1976 from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Commerce.

 

Robert T. Helina has been a director since October 2011. Mr. Helina has been involved in the financial services industry for over 25 years which has given him extensive knowledge in business, economics and finance. His specially is in Corporate Finance and Capital Markets. Mr. Helina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity Western University.

 

Thomas M. Fyles has been a director since August 2012. Since 1979 Dr. Fyles has been a chemistry professor at the University of Victoria (Assistant Professor 1979-1984/Associate Professor 1984-1992/and Professor with Tenure since 1992) Dr. Fyles received his Bachelor of Science degree (with honors) from the University of Victoria in 1974 and his Ph.D. in chemistry from York University in 1977. Dr. Fyles was a postdoctoral fellow with Prof. J.M. Lehn, Institut Le Bel, Universite Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France, between September 1977 and July 1979.

 

18
   

 

Ben Seaman has been a director since 2016. Mr. Seaman has been the CEO of Eartheasy.com Sustainable Living Ltd since 2007, growing the company from $50K to over $25M in annual revenue. His company has contributed over $1M towards clean water projects in Kenya since 2013, and has been recognized internationally by the Stockholm Challenge Award and the Outdoor Industry Inspiration Award in 2016. Prior to that, he worked in sales and investor relations at Flexible Solutions. Mr. Seaman graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004. He has significant experience in launching new products, marketing, distribution and e-commerce in both the US and Canada. He’s a strong believer in the triple bottom line approach to business, giving consideration to social and environmental issues in addition to financial performance.

 

David Fynn has been a director since 2016. Mr. David Fynn is a Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant and services individuals/companies in many sectors including mining and commodities in his private practice. David worked as a senior manager with KPMG in Canada and Ernst & Young in the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. Since 1996 he has been the principal of D.A. Fynn & Associates Inc., an accounting firm.

 

Directors are elected annually and hold office until the next annual meeting of our stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. All executive offices are chosen by the board of directors and serve at the board’s discretion.

 

John Bientjes, Thomas Fyles, Ben Seaman and David Fynn are independent directors as that term is defined in section 803 of the listing standards of the NYSE Amercian.

 

Our Audit Committee, consisting of John Bientjes, Ben Seaman and David Fynn all of whom have strong financial backgrounds, facilitates and maintains open communications with our board of directors, senior management and our independent auditors. Our Audit Committee also serves as an independent and objective party which monitors our financial reporting process and internal control system. In addition, our Audit Committee reviews and appraises the efforts of our independent auditors. Our Audit Committee meets periodically with management and our independent auditors. John Bientjes and David Fynn meet the SEC’s definition of an audit committee financial expert. Each member of the Audit Committee is “independent” as that term is defined in Section 803 of the listing standards of the NYSE American.

 

Our Compensation Committee, consisting of John Bientjes, Ben Seaman and David Fynn, establishes salary, incentive and other forms of compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and administers our Stock Option Program. None of our officers participated in deliberations of the compensation committee concerning executive officer compensation. During the year ended December 31, 2018, none of our executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee or as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our compensation committee or as one of our directors.

 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer and our Principal Accounting Officer, as well as our other senior management and financial staff. Interested persons may obtain a copy of our Code of Ethics from our website at www.flexiblesolutions.com.

 

19
   

 

We believe our directors benefit us for the following reasons:

 

Name Reason
Daniel B. O’Brien  Long standing relationship with us.
John J. Bientjes  Long standing relationship with us.
Robert Helina  Corporate finance experience.
Dr. Thomas Fyles  Scientific expertise.
Ben Seaman  Younger generation businessman increases our awareness of internet sales and adds value to our audit and compensation committees
David Fynn  Experienced accountant adds value our audit and compensation committees

 

Item 11.Executive Compensation.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table shows in summary form the compensation earned by (i) our Chief Executive Officer and (ii) by each other executive officer who earned in excess of $100,000 during the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2018.

 

                      All     
               Restricted      Other     
           Stock   Options   Annual     
Name and Principal Position 

Fiscal

Year

  

Salary

(1)

  

Bonus

(2)

  

Awards

(3)

  

Awards

(4)

  

Compensation

(5)

   Total 
Daniel B. O’Brien   2018   $898,166                   $898,166 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

   2017   $901,605                   $901,605 

 

(1)The dollar value of base salary (cash and non-cash) earned.

 

(2)The dollar value of bonus (cash and non-cash) earned.

 

(3)During the periods covered by the table, the value of the shares of restricted stock issued as compensation for services to the persons listed in the table.

 

(4)The value of all stock options granted during the periods covered by the table.

 

(5)All other compensation received that we could not properly report in any other column of the table.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company determined that Daniel B. O’Brien, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, was underpaid. Accordingly, the Company increased Mr. O’Brien’s annual salary to twice that which was paid to the highest paid employee of the Company. The Company expects that Mr. O’Brien’s salary for the year ending December 31, 2019 will again be twice the annual salary paid to the Company’s highest paid employee, excluding Mr. O’Brien.

 

20
   

 

Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan

 

In August 2014 we adopted a Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan which authorizes the issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares of our common stock to persons that exercise options granted pursuant to the Plan. Our employees, directors and officers, and consultants or advisors are eligible to be granted options pursuant to the Non-Qualified Plan.

 

The Plan is administered by our Compensation Committee. The Committee is vested with the authority to determine the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of the options, the exercise price and expiration date of the options, and when, and upon what conditions options granted under the Plan will vest or otherwise be subject to forfeiture and cancellation.

 

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 we issued 110,000 options pursuant to the Non-Qualified Plan (2017 – 154,000).

 

Summary

 

The following table shows the weighted average exercise price of the outstanding options granted pursuant to our Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2018, our most recently completed fiscal year.

 

Plan Category  Number of Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
   Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding Securities
Reflected in Column (a))
 
   (a)    (b)    (c) 
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan   660,000   $1.35    751,000 

 

21
   

 

Our Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan has been approved by our shareholders.

 

As of December 31,2018 options to purchase 660,000 shares of our common stock were outstanding under our Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan. The exercise price of these options varies between $0.75 and $1.75 per share and the options expire at various dates between on December 31, 2019 and January 31, 2024.

 

No options were exercised by our executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Director Compensation

 

We reimburse directors for any expenses incurred in attending board meetings. We also compensate directors $5,000 annually for each year that they serve.

 

Our directors received the following compensation in 2018:

 

Name  Paid in Cash   Stock Awards (1)   Option Awards (2) 
John H. Bientjes  $5,000         
Tom Fyles  $5,000         
Ben Seaman  $5,000         
David Fynn  $5,000         

 

(1)The fair value of stock issued for services computed in accordance with ASC 718 on the date of grant.

 

(2)The fair value of options granted computed in accordance with ASC 718 on the date of grant.

 

The terms of outstanding options granted to our directors are shown below:

 

Name  Option Price   No. of Options   Expiration Date
            
John H. Bientjes  $1.05    5,000   December 31, 2019
Robert Helina  $1.00    5,000   December 31, 2018
Robert Helina  $1.05    5,000   December 31, 2019

 

Daniel B. O’Brien was not compensated for serving as a director during 2018.

 

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Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

The following table shows the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 30, 2019 by (i) each stockholder who is known by us to own beneficially more than five percent of our outstanding common stock, (ii) each of our officers and directors, and (iii) by all of our executive officers and directors as a group.

 

   Shares (1)   Ownership
Percentage
 
Daniel B. O’Brien   4,521,900    38.6%
6001 54 Ave.          
Taber, AB          
Canada T1G 1X4          
           
John Bientjes   5,000    0.1%
#1-230 West 13th Street North          
Vancouver, B.C.          
Canada V7M 1N7          
           
Robert Helina   25,000    0.2%
6001 54 Ave.          
Taber, AB          
Canada T1G 1X4          
           
Dr. Thomas Fyles   15,000    0.1%
Box 3065          
Victoria, BC          
Canada V8W 3V6          
           
Ben Seaman   800    0%
Unit 605 5 E. Cordova St.          
Vancouver BC          
Canada V6A 0A5          
           
David Fynn   0    0%
202-2526 Yale Court,          
Abbotsford, BC          
Canada V2S 8G9          
        
All officers and directors as a group (6 persons)   4,567,700    39.0%

 

(1)Includes shares which may be acquired on the exercise of the stock options, all of which were exercisable as of March 30, 2019, listed below.

 

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Name  No. of Options   Exercise
Price
   Expiration Date
John Bientjes   5,000   $1.05   December 31, 2019
              
Robert Helina   5,000   $1.00   December 31, 2018
    5,000   $1.05   December 31, 2019
    5,000   $1.42   December 31, 2021
    5,000   $1.70   December 31, 2022

 

Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, Director Independence.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

MNP, LLP, Chartered Accountants, examined our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

Audit Fees

 

MNP was paid $67,493 and $72,375 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, for professional services rendered in the audit of our annual financial statements and for the reviews of the financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q during these fiscal years.

 

Tax Fees

 

MNP was paid $9,090 and $1,134 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, for professional services rendered for the preparation and filing of our income tax returns for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

All Other Fees

 

MNP was not paid any other fees for professional services during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

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Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies

 

Rules adopted by the SEC in order to implement requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 require public company audit committees to pre-approve audit and non-audit services. Our Audit Committee has adopted a policy for the pre-approval of all audit, audit-related and tax services, and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent auditors. The policy provides for an annual review of an audit plan and budget for the upcoming annual financial statement audit, and entering into an engagement letter with the independent auditors covering the scope of the audit and the fees to be paid. Our Audit Committee may also from time-to-time review and approve in advance other specific audit, audit-related, tax or permissible non-audit services. In addition, our Audit Committee may from time-to-time give pre-approval for audit services, audit-related services, tax services or other non-audit services by setting forth such pre-approved services on a schedule containing a description of, budget for, and time period for such pre-approved services. The policies require our Audit Committee to be informed of each service and the policies do not include any delegation of our Audit Committee’s responsibilities to management. Our Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The member to whom such authority is delegated will report any pre-approval decisions to our Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018 our Audit Committee approved all of the fees paid to MNP. Our Audit Committee has determined that the rendering of all non-audit services by MNP is compatible with maintaining MNP’s independence. During the year ended December 31, 2018, none of the total hours expended on our financial audit by MNP were provided by persons other than MNP’s full-time permanent employees.

 

Item 15.Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

 

Number  Description
3.1  Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant. (1)
3.2  Bylaws of the Registrant. (1)
21.1  Subsidiaries. (2)
23.1  Consent of Independent Accountants.
31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2  Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1  Certification of Principal Executive and Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 and §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

(1)Previously filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form 10-SB filed with the Commission on February 22, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(2)Previously filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the Commission on January 22, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with the requirements of 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.

 

April 1, 2019 Flexible Solutions International, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Daniel B. O’Brien
  Name: Daniel B. O’Brien
  Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature   Title   Date
         

/s/ Daniel B. O’Brien

  President, Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and a Director   April 1, 2019
Daniel B. O’Brien
         
/s/ John H. Bientjes   Director   April 1, 2019
John H. Bientjes        
         
/s/ Robert T. Helina   Director   April 1, 2019
Robert T. Helina        
         
/s/ Thomas Fyles   Director   April 1, 2019
Thomas Fyles        
         
/s/ Ben Seaman   Director   April 1, 2019
Ben Seaman        
         
/s/ David Fynn   Director   April 1, 2019
David Fynn      

 

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