ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Earth Search Sciences, Inc. (ESSI) is a Nevada corporation. We have one majority owned subsidiary, General Synfuels International (GSI).
We did not generate any revenue during fiscal year 2015, have no current business operations and are currently focused on one potential business venture.
We are working with certain investors to develop and employ technology in the extraction of oil and gas from oil shale. During the third quarter of 2008 ESSI acquired General Synfuels International, Inc, owner of the world-wide proprietary rights, patent, technology, construction plans and materials and operational capability for a gasification process to recover the oil and gas from oil shale. GSI has refined the design and begun development of our first plant. Our current plan is to complete a field test of this technology as early as the fourth quarter of 2015 and subsequent commercial development as early as 2016. Additionally we have secured oil shale land in both Wyoming and Colorado.
GSI continues to develop additional patents related to our technology and as part of that process we are exploring a tar sands application. We anticipate the tar sands application to be used internationally.
Exploitation of Oil and Gas from Oil Shale
On August 15th of 2008 ESSI acquired all of the outstanding shares of General Synfuels International, Inc. (GSI), an entity controlled by certain management and directors of ESSI. This transaction was accounted for as an asset purchase due to the fact that GSI was dormant, did not have customers or employees and only held certain proprietary rights, patent, technology and construction plans for a gasification process to recover the oil and gas from oil shale. In addition, the asset was recorded at its historical cost due to the fact that this transaction was between entities under common control. Prior to the acquisition, both entities were controlled by certain members of management. The $5,494,700 value given in the transaction, in excess of the historical cost of the asset was recorded as compensation expense.
ESSI paid the individual GSI Shareholders $5,500,000: 33,333,333 shares of common stock valued at $3,000,000 based on the closing price of ESSI’s stock on the date of the transaction; and $2,500,000 in the form of promissory notes payable to the GSI shareholders in five equal payments of $500,000. On July 9, 2009, the holders of our $2.5 million convertible promissory notes that were issued in connection with the purchase of GSI agreed to exchange their convertible notes for convertible preferred stock with an equal face value. The preferred stock is convertible at $0.08 per share and the entire $2.5 million is convertible into an aggregate 31,250,000 shares of series C preferred shares.
The Series C Convertible Preferred shares contain dividend participation and voting rights on an as converted basis. In addition, the Series C Convertible Preferred shareholders have preferential rights over other classes of stock in the event of liquidation. The Series C Convertible Preferred shares contain a mandatory conversion feature which was triggered on the fifth anniversary of the closing date, or July 8, 2014. These preferred shares are convertible into an aggregate of 31,250,000 common shares.
GSI is currently examining various private oil shale sites in Colorado and Wyoming for a test plant as well as starting the process of applying for a Bureau of Land Management R&D oil shale lease. The first phase is budgeted for approximately $18 million of development cost. The purpose of this phase is to prove certain operating variables.
Other
Employees
As of March 31, 2015, we had one full-time employee.
Available Information
The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains an internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports and financial information filed by us. We maintain an internet site at http://www.earthsearch.com that contains information about our business, markets and technology. Information on our internet site is not incorporated by reference in this report.
Risk Factors That Could Affect Liquidity, Operating Results And Market Price Of Stock
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company headquarters consist of approximately 1,500 square feet of office space in Lakeside, Montana.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On March 23, 2005, we entered into a settlement agreement (2005 Settlement Agreement) with Accuprobe to return an airborne hyperspectral sensor (Probe) and to settle the outstanding obligations under the related capital lease. Under the 2005 Settlement Agreement, we were required to return the Probe on or before August 31, 2005. Due to continuing disputes over various issues, the probe was not returned until 2007. As the Probe was not returned by the August 2005 due date, we were subject to a shipping, handling and disposition fee of $250,000. In addition, we were subject to interest charges that began accruing on September 2, 2005 at an annual rate of prime plus 4%; rent on the probe of $250,000 per year beginning April 10, 2000 with interest on any unpaid rent accruing at a rate of prime plus 2% through August 31, 2005. After August 31, 2005, interest related to the unpaid rent ceased and was replaced with a 5% late fee calculated on the entire balance due at the end of each month.
Because we were unable to reach Accuprobe and make arrangements for the return of the Probe, in January 2007, we shipped the Probe to an acquaintance of Accuprobe with instructions to hold the probe until Accuprobe provided further instructions. We obtained confirmation in December 2007 that Accuprobe had contacted the acquaintance and instructed them to begin certain repairs and calibrations on the probe. As a result of this confirmation, we discontinued accruing rent, interest and late fees on the Probe.
The estimated settlement obligation as of March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $8,686,824.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON STOCK EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(a)
Principal Market or Markets. The Company's common stock trades on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “ESSE”. The range of reported high and low bid quotations for the Company’s common stock, as set forth below, reflect interdealer bid prices, without retail markups, markdowns, commissions, or adjustments as reported in on the OTCBB and do not represent actual transactions.
Quarter Ended
High
Low
June 30, 2013
.02
.00
September 30, 2013
.01
.00
December 31, 2013
.01
.00
March 31, 2014
.02
.00
June 30, 2014
.02
.01
September 30, 2014
.02
.01
December 31, 2014
.01
.00
March 31, 2015
.01
.00
(b)
Approximate Number of Holders of Common Stock. The number of record owners of the Company's $.001 par value common stock at March 31, 2015 was approximately 1,262. This does not include shareholders that hold stock in their accounts at brokers/dealers.
(c)
Dividends. Holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by the Company's Board of Directors. No dividends have been paid with respect to the Company's common stock and no dividends are anticipated to be paid in the foreseeable future.
(d)
In the last three years, the Company has made the following sales of unregistered securities, all of which sales were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 4(2) or as otherwise indicated:
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
(1) Consideration paid for the shares was employee and/or consulting services.
(2) Shares issued for debt consideration.
(3) Consideration paid for Directorship.
(4) Consideration received in a private placement.
Securities authorized for issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth certain information on the Company’s Equity Compensation Plans as of March 31, 2015 See Note 10 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on equity compensation including material terms of options granted that have not been approved by security holders.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with other sections of this Form 10-KSB including Part 1, “Item 1: Business” and Part II, “Item 7: Financial Statements.” Various sections of management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) contain statements that are forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially due to factors discussed in this report, as well as factors not within our control. We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in our expectations.
Our MD&A is provided as a supplement to our audited financial statements to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations.
Results of Operations
We did not generate any revenue during fiscal year 2015, have no current business operations and are currently focused on one potential business venture
General and administrative costs were $888,801 in fiscal year 2015 compared with $685,362 in 2014. This increase was primarily due to increased costs related to the development of GSI’s prototype.
Interest expense was $581,870 in fiscal year 2015 compared to $423,191 in 2014. Our interest expense primarily consists of interest from our notes payable and related party debt.
We recognized a net loss of $1,470,671 in fiscal year 2015 compared with a net loss of $672,769 in 2014. The larger loss is related to write-offs which occurred in 2014 and increased activity in GSI.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At March 31, 2015, we had $15,983 of cash and cash equivalents and a working capital deficit of $22,941,031. During fiscal year 2015, we used $808,803 in operating activities, resulting primarily from payments for salaries and services. Net cash used in operating activities was $487,804 in 2014.
On July 9, 2009, the holders of our $2.5 million convertible promissory notes that were issued in connection with the purchase of GSI agreed to exchange their convertible notes for convertible preferred stock with an equal face value. The preferred stock is convertible at $0.08 cents per share and the entire $2.5 million is convertible into an aggregate 31,250,000 shares of series C preferred shares.
The Series C Convertible Preferred shares contain dividend participation and voting rights on an as converted basis. In addition, the Series C Convertible Preferred shareholders have preferential rights over other classes of stock in the event of liquidation. The Series C Convertible Preferred shares contain a mandatory conversion feature which was triggered on the fifth anniversary of the closing date, or July 8, 2014. These preferred shares are convertible into an aggregate of 31,250,000 common shares.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $600,000 in 2014 as compared to $690,000 in 2014 the slight decrease was due to our ability to raise additional funds with the issuance of our securities.
We do not intend to pay cash dividends to the holders of its common stock and intends to retain future earnings to finance the expansion and development of its business.
As shown in the accompanying financial statements, we incurred losses from operations of $1,470,672 and $685,466 for the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively and we have an accumulated deficit of $80,813,505 and negative working capital of $22,941,031 as of March 31, 2015. These conditions raise substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern. Management is trying to raise additional capital through sales of stock. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.
There can be no assurance that additional capital beyond the amounts currently forecasted will be required or that any such required additional capital will be available on reasonable terms, at such time or times as required by the Company.
Critical Accounting Policies
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We evaluate long-lived assets to determine potential impairment by comparing the carrying amount to the undiscounted estimated future cash flows of the related assets.
We issue stock as compensation to employees and outside consultants for services provided to the company. Employee share-based awards are accounted for in accordance with ASC 718, which requires us to measure the cost of employee services received based on the grant-date fair value of the award. We account for non-employee share-based awards in accordance with ASC 505-50, “Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquisition, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services.”
Instruments are reviewed and evaluated for embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC Topic 815. When applicable, the embedded feature is bifurcated from the host instrument and recorded as a derivative liability at its fair market value. A change in fair value of the derivative liabilities is recorded as a component of income for each reporting period.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
EARTH SEARCH SCIENCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to financial statements.
EARTH SEARCH SCIENCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to financial statements.
EARTH SEARCH SCIENCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Years Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to financial statements.
EARTH SEARCH SCIENCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013
See accompanying summary of accounting policies and notes to financial statements.
EARTH SEARCH SCIENCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Earth Search Sciences, Inc. (“ESSI”) ceased all revenue generating activity during 2007.
We have one majority owned subsidiary, General Synfuels International (GSI). During fiscal year 2014 we dissolved all inactive subsidiaries: Skywatch Exploration, Inc., Polyspectrum Imaging, Inc., Geoprobe, Inc., STDC, Inc, Consolidated Exploration Technologies, Earth Search Resources, Inc., Eco Probe, Inc., ESSI Probe 1 LC, Petro Probe, Inc. and Terranet, Inc.
We did not generate any revenue during fiscal year 2013 and 2014, and have no current business operations.
USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.
FAIR MARKET VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities approximate their carrying amounts in the financial statements.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation on our property and equipment is recognized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from five to ten years.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We evaluate long-lived assets to determine potential impairment by comparing the carrying amount to the undiscounted estimated future cash flows of the related assets.
Intangible valuation impairment is determined using similar processes. The main step is to determine potential impairment by comparing the carrying amount to the undiscounted estimated future cash flows of the related assets.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative instruments are not used to hedge exposures to cash flow, market, or foreign currency risks. Earth Search evaluates all of it financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported as charges or credits to income. For option-based simple derivative financial instruments, Earth Search uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value the derivative instruments at inception and subsequent valuation dates. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is re-assessed at the end of each reporting period.
INCOME TAXES
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to be recovered. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for which it does not consider realization of such assets to be more likely than not.
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
Net loss per common share has been computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Common stock equivalents have not been considered in the diluted net loss per share calculation because their effect on net loss per share is anti-dilutive.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
We issue stock as compensation to employees and outside consultants for services provided to the company. Employee share-based awards are accounted for in accordance with ASC 718, which requires us to measure the cost of employee services received based on the grant-date fair value of the award. We account for non-employee share-based awards in accordance with EITF No. 96-18, “Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquisition, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services.”
For the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, ESSI had no stock option issuances.
INVESTMENTS
For the year ended March 31, 2015 we did not hold any investments.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
We do not expect the adoption of any recently issued accounting pronouncements to have a significant impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 2 - GOING CONCERN
As shown in the accompanying financial statements, we have a negative working capital of $22,941,031 as of March 31, 2015, which raise substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern. Management is trying to raise additional capital through sales of stock. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.
NOTE 3 - ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - RELATED PARTIES
In the past, the Company’s management paid expenses on behalf of company for operation purpose. As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company is indebted to related parties in the amount of $410,511 and $410,511, respectively.
NOTE 4 - NOTES PAYABLE
Notes payable consists of the following:
As of March 31, 2015, our subsidiary General Synfuels International issued 10% promissory notes in the amount of $1,954,000. These notes carry an automatic conversion into equity of GSI equity, at a price equal to 70% of the purchase price per share paid by equity investors, upon an equity financing in GSI of at least $3,000,000. If GSI is sold before conversion occurs an amount of 1.5 times the principal amount becomes due and payable.
For the year ending March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recorded interest expense for notes payable of $581,870 and $423,191, respectively.
NOTE 5 - CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE
Convertible notes payable consist of the following:
As of August 30, 2013, we have $2,753,000 in convertible notes payable. The conversion option allows for a conversion price of $0.08 per common share and includes a reset provision that would lower the conversion rate to 80% of the price received for a share of common stock in any future qualified financing.
NOTE 6 - NOTES PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTIES
We have financed our operations in part by funds received from shareholders. These advances are in the form of unsecured promissory notes and bear interest at rates ranging from 8% to 10%. Stockholder loans totaled $747,946 and $747,946 and accrued interest of $1,042,461 and $1,042,461 for 2015 and 2014, respectively. The principal balance is included in notes to related parties.
During the year, we repaid accrued interest of $0 to the related parties.
NOTE 7 - ACCRUED OFFICERS' COMPENSATION
Accrued compensation consists of the cumulative unpaid compensation due to one corporate officer (Chairman &Chief Executive Officer) and three former corporate officers (Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary). We recorded officer compensation of $250,000 and $250,000 during fiscal 2015 and 2013, respectively, and included these amounts in general and administrative expenses. Accrued officers’ compensation, including accrued interest and taxes, totaled $3,790,788 and $3,540,788 for 2015 and 2014 respectively and is included in accrued expenses.
NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES
ESSI recorded no provision for income taxes in fiscal 2015 and 2014 due to the operating losses incurred from inception to date.
The tax effect of temporary differences between financial reporting and the tax bases of assets and liabilities relate to the following:
At March 31, 2015, deferred tax assets consisted of the following:
At March 31, 2014, deferred tax assets consisted of the following:
The cumulative net operating loss carry-forward is approximately $31,044,868 at March 31, 2015, and will expire in the years 2016 through 2031. The deferred tax asset has been fully reserved because we are unable to anticipate future taxable income to realize the potential benefits of the gross deferred tax asset.
The annual amount of tax loss carry forward, which can be utilized, may be limited due to the substantial changes in the company's ownership as defined by section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Such limitations could result in the expiration of a part or all of the loss carry forwards before their utilization.
NOTE 9 - COMMON STOCK
During fiscal 2015, we issued:
None
During fiscal 2014, we issued:
·
The Company received cash from the issuance of common stock. The Company issued 3,000,000 shares of common stock at $0.01 per share for a total of $40,000.
10,000,000 shares of stock for services valued at $40,000 using the grant-date quoted price of the stock. The 10,000,000 shares vest immediately and therefore $40,000 was expensed during the period.
NOTE 10 - SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
On March 23, 2005, we entered into a settlement agreement with Accuprobe to return an airborne hyperspectral sensor (Probe) and to settle the outstanding obligations under the related capital lease. Under this agreement, we were required to return the Probe on or before August 31, 2005. Due to continuing disputes over various issues, the probe was not returned until 2007. As the Probe was not returned by the August 2005 due date, we were subject to a shipping, handling and disposition fee of $250,000. In addition, we were subject to interest charges that began accruing on September 2, 2005 at an annual rate of prime plus 4%; rent on the probe of $250,000 per year beginning April 10, 2000 with interest on any unpaid rent accruing at a rate of prime plus 2% through August 31, 2005. After August 31, 2005, interest related to the unpaid rent ceased and was replaced with a 5% late fee calculated on the entire balance due at the end of each month.
Because we were unable to reach Accuprobe and make arrangements for the return of the probe, in January 2007, we shipped the probe to an acquaintance of Accuprobe with instructions to hold the probe until Accuprobe provided further instructions. We obtained confirmation in December 2007 that Accuprobe had contacted the acquaintance and instructed them to begin certain repairs and calibrations on the probe. As a result of this confirmation, we discontinued accruing rent, interest and late fees on the probe.
The estimated settlement obligation as of March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $8,686,824.
NOTE 11 - PREFERRED STOCK
On July 9, 2009, we issued 31,250,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock in exchange for $2,500,000 of convertible debt outstanding at that time. Each preferred share is convertible into one share of common at the holder’s option until July 9, 2014, at which time the preferred shares are automatically converted to common stock provided that the company is in compliance with certain terms. Holders of preferred shares have voting rights equal to the equivalent number of common shares and participate in any cash dividends declared by the Board of Directors. In addition, holders of the preferred shares have a preferential right over other classes of stock in the event of liquidation. Based on its characteristics, the preferred shares are reported as equity.
We evaluated the notes conversion features under FASB ASC 470 and determined that the convertible notes were settled with preferred stock and therefore do not meet the criteria for troubled debt restructuring or a modification of debt.
The Series C Convertible Preferred shares contain dividend participation and voting rights on an as converted basis. In addition, the Series C Convertible Preferred shareholders have preferential rights over other classes of stock in the event of liquidation. The conversion feature was evaluated under FASB ASC 815 and because the embedded feature is clearly and closely related to the host contract, it is classified as equity.
NOTE 12 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
In September 2006, the FASB issued ASC 820 which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of ASC 820 were effective January 1, 2008. As defined in ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. The Company classifies fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurement).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy defined by ASC 820 are as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivatives, marketable securities and listed equities.
Level 2 - Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Instruments in this category generally include non-exchange-traded derivatives such as commodity swaps, interest rate swaps, options and collars.
Level 3 - Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.
The following tables set forth assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014. As required by ASC 820, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entity based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
NOTE 13 - NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
On June 7, 2011, the Company sold 104,167 common shares of GSI for $500,000 for 1% non-controlling ownership interest, resulting
in the reclassification of $21,390 from additional paid-in capital to non-controlling interest on that date. During the year ended March 31, 2015, $7,423 of losses were allocated to the non-controlling interest, resulting in non-controlling interest of $4,200 as of March 31, 2014.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A.(T) CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, principally our chief financial officer and chief executive officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report were not effective such that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i.) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. In particular, we have identified the following material weakness of our internal controls:
-
There is an over-reliance upon independent financial reporting consultants for review of critical accounting areas and disclosures and material non-standard transactions.
-
There is a lack of sufficient accounting staff which results in a lack of segregation of duties necessary for a good system of internal control.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) for the company.
In order to ensure whether our internal control over financial reporting is effective, management has assessed such controls for its financial reporting as of March 31, 2014. This assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
In performing this assessment, management has identified the following material weaknesses:
There is an absence of adequate segregation of duties relating to oversight and management of our systems. This resulted primarily from the fact that certain parts of the work of our chief financial officer are not monitored or reviewed. The absence of adequate segregation of duties may have an effect on the systems which we use in the evaluating and processing of certain accounts and areas and in the posting and recording of journal entries into certain accounts, as described below:
o
Financial statements closing process - There was a material weakness in the process of closing and consolidating our financial statements which resulted from the fact that the work of processing the trial balance, evaluating and implementing accounting policies and practices, and drafting the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes is performed by consultants and not reviewed by qualified accountant within our company.
As a result of these material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2013, was not effective based on the criteria set forth by COSO in Internal Control - Integrated Framework. A material weakness in internal control over financial reporting is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Management’s Plan for Remediation of Material Weaknesses
Based on our financial condition, there are limitations to the level of remediation possible. If we restart our operations, management will implement the following plan intended to remediate our ineffectiveness and to strengthen our internal controls over financial reporting:
o
Hire a qualified accounting staff to manage, review and verify the day-to-day accounting and the financial statement close process.
o
Improving the control and oversight of the duties relating to the systems we use in the evaluation and processing of certain accounts and areas in the posting and recording of journal entries into certain accounts. This improvement should include reviews by management of the accounting processes as well as a reorganization of some of the accounting functions.
o
The segregation of duties relating to the processing of accounts and the recording of journal entries into certain accounts.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
We were delinquent in filing of our 2013 10K, 2014 10K, and 10Qs as of June 30, 2013, September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2013 as Management misinterpreted the statutory requirements due to changes in securities laws.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS, CONTROL PERSON AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our officers, directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and Nasdaq. Officers, directors, and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on our review of copies of the Section 16(a) reports filed for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, we believe that all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors, and greater than 10% beneficial owners were complied with.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the executive officers of the Company for fiscal 2014 to the present.
Name
Position
Larry F. Vance
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer/Director
(1)
Effective December 2009, Mr. Larry Vance became Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Certain additional information concerning the individuals named above is set forth below. This information is based on information furnished to us by each individual noted.
Larry F. Vance served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from April 1985 to July 2008 and resumed the CEO position on December 14, 2009. Since April 8, 1995, Mr. Vance has served as Chairman of the Company. Mr. Vance is also a director of the Company and has been a full-time employee of the Company since 1985. Mr. Vance’s training is in business and marketing. He served in a management capacity for the 3M companies, IBM, and Computer Usage Corporation prior to founding the Company.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between or among the directors, executive officers or persons nominated or charged by us to become directors or executive officers.
Involvement In Legal Proceedings
To the best of our knowledge, during the past five years, none of the following occurred with respect to a present or former director or executive officer of the Company: (1) any bankruptcy petition filed by or against such person or any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; (2) any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); (3) being subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of any competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities; and (4) being found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the SEC or the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a code of ethics. The Company will provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of its code of ethics upon written request to our corporate headquarters or request emailed to earthsrch@aol.com.
Board of Directors Meetings and Subcommittees Meetings
Our Board of Directors held several meetings during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. All board actions were completed through unanimous written consents.
Audit Committee and Financial Expert
Our Board of Directors does not have a separate audit committee. The Board has determined that it does not have a member of its Board that qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-B.
To strengthen our controls, during a portion of fiscal year 2009 retained the services of an outside consultant, HF Services LLC to assist with quarterly and annual reviews of our accounting data.
Compensation Committee
As all our executive officers are currently under employment agreements, we do not have a separate compensation committee. At this point, we do not intend to establish a separate compensation committee as this function will be performed by our full Board of Directors.
Nominating Committee
We do not currently have a separate nominating committee as this function is performed by our full Board of Directors.
Shareholder Communication
We communicate regularly with shareholders through press releases, as well as annual and quarterly reports. Our Chief Executive Officer addresses investor concerns on an on-going basis.
Interested parties, including shareholders and other security holders, may communicate directly with our Board of Directors or with individual directors by writing to our Chief Executive Officer at 306 Stoner Loop Road, #6, Lakeside, Montana 59922.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
For information regarding securities authorized for issuance under Equity Compensation Plans, and the equity compensation plan information table see Part II, “Item 5: Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.”
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, all compensation awarded to, paid to or earned by the following type of executive officers for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011: (i)individuals who served as, or acted in the capacity of, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer for the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013; and (ii) our two other most highly compensated executive officers, who together with the principal executive officer are our most highly compensated officers whose salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 with respect to the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and who were employed by us at March 31, 2014.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
(1)
The entire amount of Mr. Vance’s salary was accrued during the fiscal years 2015 and 2014.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
There were no outstanding equity awards held by our officers at March 31, 2015.
Director Compensation
The Company does not currently have any non-employee directors; in fiscal year 2015, no compensation was issued during 2014 or 2015 for serving as a director of the Company.
Employment Contracts
On January 1, 2009, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Larry Vance. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company will pay Mr. Vance an annual salary of $200,000. In the event of termination of Mr. Vance without cause or due to a change in control, the Company will pay Mr. Vance two years of annual salary. Mr. Vance’s options and vesting criteria are described above and in Note 8 to the attached consolidated financial statements. The term of this agreement is four years.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding ownership of the Company’s Common Stock as of March 31, 2015 by each person known by the Company to own beneficially more than five percent of the Common Stock and by all directors and officers and as a group:
___________________________
(1) Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, shares of common stock that an individual or group has a right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants are deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person shown in the table. All shares are held directly with sole voting and investment power unless otherwise indicated.
(2) Includes 4,439 shares held by Universal Search Technology, a private company owned by Mr. Vance.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
None of our directors are independent, as determined under the rules of Nasdaq.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table presents fees, including reimbursements for expenses, for professional audit services.
Policy Related to Board of Directors Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Accounting Firm
As we do not currently have an audit committee, our Board of Directors has a policy of pre-approving all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services, and other services. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. The independent auditors and management are required to periodically report to the Board of Directors regarding the extent of services provided by the independent auditors in accordance with this pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. The Board of Directors may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis.
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1) and (2)
(a)(3)
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
EARTH SEARCH SCIENCES, INC.
By: /s/ Larry Vance
Larry Vance
Chief Executive Officer
Date: June 18, 2015
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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
/s/ Larry Vance
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Larry Vance
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: June 18, 2015