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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
[X] Annual Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998
[ ] Transition Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from _______ to ______
Commission File #0-27832
COMPOST AMERICA HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
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(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
New Jersey 22-2603175
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
3000 Hadley Road, South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080
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(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)
Issuer's telephone number: (908) 668-9335
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
1. Common Shares, no par value
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES NO X
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Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of
Regulation S-B is not contained in this form, and no disclosure WILL 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-KSB
or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB [X].
State the issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year:
$9,259,698
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State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held
by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity
was sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of a
specified date within the past 60 days - $ 26,156,667 (approximate as of July
31, 1998).
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common
equity, as of the latest practicable date.
1. Common Stock - 41,316,847 shares outstanding as at July 31, 1998.
Documents Incorporated By Reference - None
PLEASE ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: Mark Gasarch, Esq.
40 West 57th Street
33rd Floor
New York, New York 10019
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PART I
ITEM 1.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
BACKGROUND
Compost America Holding Company, Inc., ("Company" or "Compost America" or
"CAHC") was incorporated on August 20, 1981 in the State of New Jersey under the
name Alcor Energy and Recycling Systems, Inc. ("Alcor") for the purpose of
designing, constructing, managing and operating resource recovery facilities. On
January 23, 1995 Alcor acquired all of the outstanding shares of Compost America
Company of New Jersey, Ltd. ("CANJ"), which had been incorporated on December
17, 1993 in the State of Delaware for similar purposes, and subsequently changed
its name to Compost America Holding Company, Inc. The Company conducts its
business through development subsidiaries and through its operating company
subsidiaries American Soil, Inc., a New York corporation, incorporated on August
6, 1986, Environmental Protection & Improvement Company, Inc. ("EPIC"), formerly
know as R.J. Longo Construction Company, Inc., a New Jersey corporation
incorporated on February 17, 1971, and GardenLife Sales Company, Inc.,
incorporated in Delaware on March 1, 1996 to handle sales of compost produced by
the Company. The Company has two other wholly-owned subsidiaries, both presently
inactive; Compost America Technologies, Inc., incorporated in Delaware on June
15, 1995 to license certain rights to composting technologies and Philadelphia
Recycling and Composting Company, Inc., incorporated in Pennsylvania on March 8,
1995. The development subsidiaries include, Newark Recycling and Composting
Company, Inc. ("NRCC"), incorporated in Delaware on May 10, 1994, owned 75% by
the Company and 25% by Prince Georges Contractors, Inc., d.b.a. Potomac
Technologies, Inc. ("PTI"), an unaffiliated company, with NRCC itself owning
100% of American Bio-Ag, and three wholly-owned subsidiaries, Monmouth Recycling
and Composting Co., Inc., incorporated in Delaware on May 10, 1994, Chicago
Recycling and Composting Company, Inc. ("CRCC"), incorporated in Delaware on
August 4, 1995, and Gloucester Recycling and Composting Company, Inc.,
incorporated in Delaware on August 15, 1994. The Company also owns 80.1% of
Miami Recycling and Composting Company, Inc. ("MRCC"), incorporated in Delaware
on November 17, 1995, which itself owns all of the outstanding common stock of
Bedminster Seacor Services Miami Corporation ("BSSM" or "Bedminster"), a Florida
corporation which is developing the Miami Composting Project. Unless otherwise
indicated, references to the Company, or Compost America, or CAHC, include the
Company and all of its subsidiaries.
The Company, through its development subsidiaries or their subsidiaries,
WILL construct, manage and own "Organic Recycling Facilities". The primary
technology to be used is composting. Composting is a method of converting the
organic portion of garbage (Municipal Solid Waste -"MSW") and dewatered sewage
sludge ("Biosolids") into a peat moss like product with agronomic benefits.
The Company WILL be paid fees ("tipping fees"), just as landfills and
incinerators are paid, for receiving and processing the MSW and Biosolids.
The Company also WILL receive revenues from the sale of the compost or other
topsoil type products it produces. The Company anticipates that it WILL be
competitive with other waste management options by locating its plants
convenient to urban centers, thus
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eliminating the need to use local transfer stations and reducing the
transportation costs associated with hauling waste to distant out-of-state
landfills. The Company's first two development projects WILL be a fully enclosed
composting facility in Newark, New Jersey ("Newark Composting Project"), and a
fully enclosed composting facility in Dade County, Florida ("Miami Composting
Project").
The Company's executive offices are located at 3000 Hadley Road, South
Plainfield, New Jersey 07080. The Company's telephone number is (908) 668-9335;
fax (908) 668-9392.
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OPERATING SUBSIDIARIES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION & IMPROVEMENT COMPANY, INC.
EPIC was awarded a contract in 1990 to transport and dispose of up to
450,000 tons per year of Biosolids from Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, one
of the largest regional sewage authorities in the United States. In preparation
for handling such volume of Biosolids, EPIC made a substantial investment in the
acquisition of specially designed high-capacity articulated intermodal railroad
cars. In late 1997, EPIC agreed to be acquired by Compost America.
EPIC is in the business of transporting materials by intermodal truck/rail
hauling to land application sites for beneficial use and to landfill sites. Its
fleet of equipment consists of 150 articulated intermodal railcars which are
capable of handling up to six fully loaded containers, 1,300 containers designed
to carry Biosolids and other bulk materials, a fleet of trucks for road
transportation, and toploaders to load and unload containers on/off railcars.
With unit train capability and full railroad interchange approval and authority,
EPIC's railcars can freely move from line to line throughout the US.
EPIC's main loading facility, including some 3,600 feet of rail siding
(4,000 feet of staging track available), is a New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection ("NJDEP") 3,400 tons/day, 24-hour day, seven-day
week permitted site, Brills Yard in Newark, NJ. The site is used to load and
unload containerized material to be shipped to land application sites for
beneficial use and landfills for disposal throughout the country. EPIC's
Brills Yard in Newark, New Jersey, is one of a kind in the New York
metropolitan area and having two rail providers (Norfolk Southern and CSX),
is located within ten miles of the major bridges and tunnels from New Jersey
and Staten Island to New York City. Permitted beneficial use land application
sites are located in Virginia and Colorado.
Transportation of Biosolids and other materials to remote or specialty
purpose disposal sites has become increasingly commonplace in recent years. The
increase in the need to transport such waste is mainly attributable to three
factors: landfills in and around metropolitan areas are either closing and
filling up, restrictions on what can be dumped are being enforced and consistent
with general recycling trends, waste, which can be transformed to other
beneficial uses, are being recycled.
Biosolids, which EPIC transports, have been banned from ocean dumping, and
now must be beneficially reused. In the northeast, the cost of recycling
Biosolids is comparatively high, which allows the Biosolids to be transported to
out of state beneficial use application sites.
EPIC's intermodal transportation system provides a quick, safe, direct,
reliable and cost-effective mode of transporting waste material. Unlike the
method of using trucks or gondolas where material must be handled several times,
EPIC's containers are loaded, sealed, transported, and placed onto rail cars
whereby the material does not have to be handled again until the rail cars reach
their ultimate destination.
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EPIC, with its years of experience, is positioned to contract a share of
the growing market in waste transportation. This is because newer waste
disposal facilities are being located much further away from urban centers,
the centroid of waste generation, and there are nationwide reductions in
landfill capacity and incinerator use in urban areas. In addition to
Biosolids, the Company is presently permitted, insured, and engaged in
transportation services for non-hazardous low level radioactive material,
ash, grit/screenings and municipal solid waste.
Among its clients are: New York City (a 15-year Biosolids contract), Joint
Meeting of Essex and Union Counties, NJ, along with other clients who dispose of
incinerator ash, contaminated soils and municipal solid waste.
AMERICAN SOIL INC.
American Soil, Inc. ("ASI"), an outdoor composting facility located in
Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, has been in operation since
September 7, 1988. Compost America purchased ASI in October 1996, and leases
property from Freehold Township for the operation of the composting facility.
The Company has acquired additional property adjacent to ASI which WILL be used
for expansion.
ASI currently is permitted to compost leaves, grass and source separated
organic waste ("SSOW") including processed food and soiled paper/coated
cardboard waste from supermarkets and produce terminals. ASI has embarked on a
capital improvement plan to upgrade the site in accordance with an NJDEP
Administrative Consent Order issued to the former owner of ASI on August 27,
1993. ASI/Compost America is also negotiating with NJDEP to approve an increase
in processing and storage capacity, simultaneous with other changes pursuant to
NJDEP amendments to the rules governing the operation of recycling centers
promulgated in the New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C. 7:26) and effective
on December 16, 1996.
DEVELOPMENT SUBSIDIARIES
NEWARK RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING FACILITY
NRCC, owned 75% by CAHC and 25% by PTI, is developing the Newark Composting
Project on a 12-acre parcel it purchased in the heavily industrialized section
of Newark, New Jersey. The current construction schedule, subject to change, is
for the completion of permitting, solid waste procurement, construction,
start-up and performance testing leading to commercial operation in 2001.
Significant progress has been made toward securing necessary approvals and
permits. Local, county and state permits have been received to process 640 tons
per day ("TPD") of material with a maximum limit of 340 TPD dewatered Biosolids.
Essex County included the facility in its Solid Waste Management Plan by
approval of the Solid Waste
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Advisory Committee and unanimous vote of the County Freeholders to process up to
1,200 TPD. It is expected that during 1999 NJDEP WILL issue NRCC a permit to
process up to 1,200 TPD of combined SSOW or MSW and Biosolids. The NJDEP has
approved NRCC's air permit for 1200 TPD.
The composting facility design features a large enclosed pre-engineered
building including receiving, processing, storage, shipping, maintenance and
administration areas and five (5) thermally insulated bio-wet mills ("pulping
drums") separate ferrous, non-ferrous, glass and plastic from the organic
fraction which is simultaneously being homogenized and size reduced. The
separated organic fraction is then composted and cured in agitated troughs. The
expansion to 1,200 TPD WILL require only minor additions of equipment, mainly in
rolling stock used to move materials in the tipping and load out areas.
Continuous materials processing is permitted for the project with receiving
limited to six days per week. Current design parameters WILL accommodate the
required level of maintenance and system performance for permitted and proposed
additions to throughput capacity of the facility.
Completion of the permitting and approvals process is predicated on the
project's inclusion in the Essex County Solid Waste Management Plan, and
acceptance of that action by the NJDEP. Unanimous approval from the Essex County
Utility Authority's Solid Waste Advisory Council was received on November 6,
1996. Final approval came from the Essex County Board of Freeholders on December
26, 1996, including endorsement for an expansion of the processing capacity to
1,200 TPD. Attainment of the county-level approval allowed the application to be
forwarded to the NJDEP which in turn accepted the County's action.
The Company anticipates that Biosolids for the Newark Project WILL come
from publicly operated treatment works ("POTW's") facilities operated by various
municipalities and regional authorities. The Company is optimistic that its
procurement efforts targeting the local Biosolids market WILL provide ample
materials to operate the Newark Composting Project at the existing and expanded
capacities. The Company's management anticipates that contracts covering
required quantities of Biosolids WILL be finalized in 1999.
Discussions regarding the procurement of SSOW and MSW are in progress with
schools, cafeterias, super markets, municipalities and haulers. The Company's
management anticipates that contracts covering required quantities of MSW be
finalized in 1999.
MIAMI RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING FACILITY
MRCC is a 80.1% owned subsidiary of CAHC. MRCC's wholly owned subsidiary
Bedminster is developing a composting facility on a 39 acre parcel in
unincorporated Dade County, eight miles northwest of the Miami Civic Center.
Five (5) bio-wet mills and one expansion slot for processing up to 1,100 TPD
of MSW, Biosolids and grit have been included in the design of the facility.
In November 1996, the Company made a payment of $1,000,000 to secure
performance of its obligations under the Restated Agreement with the City of
Miami. Under the terms of that Agreement the commencement date of operations
for its Miami Composting Project was extended to November 1998. On February
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24, 1998 a resolution was proposed and adopted by the City of Miami Commission
granting Bedminster an additional extension through October 20, 2000 if the
Company, (1) agreed to pay the City an amount equal to the City's recycling
costs for each of the two years extension granted; (2) agree that the
$1,000,000 previously deposited with the City by Bedminster to guarantee
Bedminster's performance of its obligations be released into the City's
general fund for the City to use as it deemed necessary; and (3) agree to
post a new performance bond or letter of credit to guarantee the performance
of its obligations under the Contract. While an amendment agreement
memorializing the extension approved by the City in its February 24th
resolution has been signed by the Company, the City has refused to sign the
agreement. Bedminster has filed a lawsuit against the City seeking a judgment
declaring: (1) that the Restated Compost Recycling Agreement of November 30,
1995, as amended by the City's Resolution 98-224 of February 24, 1998
(collectively the "Contract") constitutes a valid and binding contract
between the City and Bedminster; (2) the correct amount of the City's
recycling costs during the term of the two year extension or a fair and
equitable procedure by which that amount shall be calculated; and (3) the
completion date for the composting facility, adjusted to take into account
the period of time that the City is frustrating Bedminster's performance
under the Contract.
Applications for requisite environmental permits have been filed with the
Dade County Department of Environmental Resource Management ("DERM"), the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection ("FDEP") and the Army Corps of
Engineers ("ACOE"), with final action and approvals expected during 1999.
The Amendment to the Restated Compost Recycling Agreement signed by
Bedminster, but not the City, calls for the City to deliver a minimum 150,000
tons per year of MSW at 2,885 tons per week (i.e., a daily average equal to
411 tons) to the Miami Project. An initial disposal fee of $52 per ton is
specified, subject to an escalation that is a function of the Consumer Price
Index (CPI) for Miami-Ft. Lauderdale.
CHICAGO RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING FACILITY
Located in the southern Chicago suburb of Riverdale, the Chicago Recycling
and Composting Facility (the "Chicago Composting Project") is expected to begin
commercial operation in 2001. CRCC a wholly-owned subsidiary of CANJ, is
developing the Chicago Composting Project on a 14.4-acre parcel adjoining the
property of a new 1,500 TPD recyclable materials recovery facility ("MRF").
Company plans are to install three (3) bio-wet mills with expansion slots to
process a state and locally approved processing capacity of 350 TPD of source
separated organic waste and dewatered Biosolids. Local approval has been
received to expand processing capacity to 1,000 TPD.
AMERICAN MARINE RAIL FACILITY
American Marine Rail, LLC ("AMR") is developing a 5,200 TPD solid waste
transfer station in Bronx, New York. AMR also has an option on additional land
adjacent to its site which would allow it to expand its capacity to
approximately 7,500 TPD. When New York City's Fresh Kills Landfill closes as
mandated by City and State of New York requirements the end of 2001, AMR's
facility WILL be capable of receiving waste by barge from New York City's
existing unique marine transfer station system, compacting the waste and
transporting it out of the City by rail. AMR has obtained a long-term landfill
disposal commitment to handle its full capacity of waste, but has the option to
divert a portion of that waste stream to the NRCC composting facility.
AMR submitted its permit application to the State of New York in the Fall
of 1997, and expects permits to be issued before the end of the first quarter of
1999.
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AMR has responded to a Request for Proposals ("RFP") issued by the New York
City Department of Sanitation ("NYCDOS") for a 20-year contract to transport and
dispose of up to 11,700 tons per day of the Department's residential solid
waste. Thirteen respondents were disclosed by the NYCDOS after the RFP and AMR
was 1 of 6 short-listed and interviewed. NYCDOS has subsequently made a
preliminary announcement of its intent to negotiate with three (3) vendors other
than AMR. NYC officials have indicated that a final decision WILL be made early
in 1999. While not chosen as one of the initial three (3) vendors AMR expects to
be chosen as a vendor due to advanced permitting and the elimination of all
trucking offered by its proposal. As of April 1998, AMR had a site under lease
and a permit application submitted.
The Company recently purchased a 33% interest in AMR and has an option to
acquire an additional 33% interest.
THE COMPANY'S PERMITS
The Company believes that the permits it already has acquired, and its now
proven ability to acquire necessary permits, reflects the experience and
expertise of its management in this unique area of the waste business, and, as a
result, provides the Company with an advantage over possible competitors seeking
to enter similar geographic markets. The Company further believes that its
proven procedures in obtaining permits distinguishes itself from other waste
companies which have grown their businesses primarily through acquisitions and
not from grass root development. To date, the Company has acquired or is in the
process of acquiring the following permits for each of its projects:
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NEWARK PROJECT
November 21, 1994--City of Newark grants preliminary approval to build the
facility.
January 30, 1995--City of Newark grants final site plan approval to build the
facility.
September 26, 1995--NJDEP issues air quality regulation permit controlling
emission limits.
October 16, 1995--Application for a Treatment Works Approval for liquid sludge
storage and treatment is filed with NJDEP.
October 25, 1995--NJDEP Division of Water Quality issues a New Jersey Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System permit for a 680 TPD facility. This permit controls
the dewatering, lime stabilization, storage, transfer, composting and
distribution of sludge and organic bulking agent.
November 27, 1995--City of Newark Department of Engineering issues a Soil
Erosion and Sediment Control permit.
February 26, 1996--Company notified that Final Construction Approval has been
authorized by the City of Newark.
August 6 1996--Treatment Works Approval issued.
December 26, 1996--Essex County Solid Waste Plan approval to process up to 1,200
TPD authorized (issued December 30, 1996).
January 1997--Remedial Action Work Plan for site completed. "No Further Action"
letter issued by NJDEP Division of Responsible Party Site Remediation on June
11, 1997 evidencing completion and approval of remedial activities.
February 1997--Phase I Environmental Audit update completed.
April 1, 1997--Air Quality Permit Modification issued to allow the processing of
1200 TPD.
April 29, 1997--Stream Encroachment Waiver issued.
June 4, 1997--Authorization for Freshwater Wetlands Statewide General Permit
issued.
June 4, 1997--Facility accepted in the State of New Jersey Solid Waste Plan for
up to 1200 TPD.
Modifications of NJDEPS permit, Treatment Works Approval and Final Construction
Approval required to process additional tons allowed by air permits modification
and State and County Solid Waste Plan Approvals. Modification's to be filed in
early 1999.
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MIAMI PROJECT
County zoning approvals to construct 285,000 ton per year MSW/sludge
co-composting project in Northwestern Dade County have been received.
A state composting permit has been received.
An extension of time to hook up to the sewer system has been granted by the
Environmental Quality Control Board.
An agreement has been reached with state and federal agencies on a wetland
mitigation plan and cost.
The combined state and county air permit application has been submitted and are
anticipated to be received during the first half of 1999.
Applications for Class IV, Class VI, Management and Storage of Stormwater (all
water management permits), and railroad crossing are to be submitted. Each
permit is anticipated to issued in the first half of 1999.
AMERICAN MARINE RAIL PROJECT
AMR submitted its application for permits to construct a 5,200 ton per day
marine-to-rail transfer station to the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation ("NYS DEC") pursuant to Part 360 and related sections
of the New York State Environmental Conservation Act and an environmental impact
analysis under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act ("SEQR") in
November, 1997, and to the New York City Department of Sanitation ("NYC DOS")
under the New York City Environmental Quality Review Act ("CEQR") in December,
1997. AMR has and continues to have meetings and communications with the
officials and personnel at the NYS DEC and NYC DOS, as well as related agencies.
The NYS DEC and NYC DOS and related agencies have initiated a review and
analysis of the project and the potential environmental impacts. As of July 30,
1998, no issues have been raised which would lead AMR to believe that there WILL
be a determination that the project WILL have no impact on the environment under
SEQR or CEQR, or that there WILL be any impediments to issuance of all
appropriate and necessary permits. However, until permits are issued no
assurance can be given as to the ultimate disposition of the project.
CHICAGO PROJECT
Localapprovals to operate and construct an in-vessel compost facility have been
received from Village of Riverdale, Illinois.
December 1, 1995--Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Land,
issued a construction and development permit for a facility to
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compost 350 tons per day of source separated organics and sewage sludge.
January 14, 1997 --Village of Riverdale approved the Host Community Agreement
and Real Estate Tax Abatement resolution. The Village of Riverdale Engineer
previously had approved the site infrastructure plans.
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PROJECT FINANCING
In December 1997, the Company closed a $90 million New Jersey Economic
Development Authority ("NJEDA") Revenue Bond issue (1-year term) for the Newark
Composting Project. In September 1998, CAHC terminated its relationship with
PaineWebber Incorporated and on December 1, 1998 CAHC signed a financial
advisory agreement with Goldman, Sachs & Co. Thereafter on December 15, 1998,
the $90 million NJEDA Revenue Bond issue was remarketed by Goldman, Sachs & Co.
The funds are available for the commencement of construction for the Newark
Composting Project immediately after the Bonds are converted into long-term
Revenue Bonds during the period March 15, 1999 to June 15, 1999 upon
satisfaction of certain conditions identified in the Bond Indenture. In
addition, the Company anticipates a closing of tax exempt and taxable financings
for the Miami Composting Project in 1999, making funds available for the
commencement of construction for the Miami Project in 1999.
STATE OF THE WASTE INDUSTRY
The quantity of MSW and Biosolids generated in the United States each year
continues to grow while the trends in managing this waste are changing. Landfill
capacity in many urban areas of the country continues to diminish due to the
stricter regulation of Subtitle D of the Federal Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act. Incineration has reached a ceiling in terms of future growth due
to environmental (Clean Air Act) and "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard) concerns
regarding the desirability of additional incinerating capacity and future sites.
Curbside recycling of plastic, glass, aluminum, ferrous and clean paper
materials continues to grow, maturing from source separation regulation to the
common daily practice of over 100,000,000 Americans. The source separation and
recycling of plastic, glass, aluminum and ferrous materials has, in turn,
significantly changed the quality of the remaining organic content, making
composting a more efficient alternative to either incineration or to
landfilling.
The "Ocean Dumping Act" banned the disposal of sewage sludge at sea and has
instead mandated land based use alternatives. Implementation of the "Clean Water
Act" has resulted in dramatic increases in the quantity of clean Biosolids,
creating further recycling (composting) opportunities. The growth of recycling
and composting can be expected to continue as regulatory, environmental and
economic pressures increase. Composting, unlike landfills and incinerators, can
be successfully permitted and built in urban America.
Although the terms MSW, solid waste, garbage and trash are used as general
terms, approximately 80% of these wastes are "organic". Solid waste includes the
following:
MUNICIPAL AND RESIDENTIAL ORGANIC WASTE
sewage sludge
septage
municipal solid waste
leaves
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grass
tree stumps
stable waste
Christmas trees
COMMERCIAL ORGANIC WASTE
meat, fish, fowl processing waste
canning byproducts and residues
restaurant waste
produce processing waste
animal by-products and waste (including paunch manure)
pallets (wood, cardboard)
waxed and coated cardboard
soiled paper
school paper and cafeteria waste
grocery store waste
SOLID WASTE TRENDS
Over $35 billion is spent annually to dispose of waste (mostly in the high
population areas on the East Coast). The present 210,000,000 tons per year of
MSW generated in the U.S. is continuing to grow while disposal options are
decreasing in number and becoming more expensive in urban areas. The number of
landfills decreased from 30,000 in the 1960's to 4,500 in 1995 and is forecasted
to be only 2,500 by the year 2000. Permitting a new landfill is now much more
expensive and difficult than previous due to tougher regulations. It is unlikely
that new landfills WILL ever again be permitted in urban areas where the
generation of organic waste is the greatest. Incinerators are being shut down
and new MSW incinerators are not being developed due to overall higher costs and
more stringent pollution control requirements for burning and for ash disposal,
along with the extreme negative publicity associated with incineration.
The current 100,000,000 tons of Biosolids produced each year is also
increasing due to more stringent water treatment requirements enacted by the
U.S. EPA and the Clean Water Act, rising population and more efficient and
effective treatment removing a greater percentage of solids from the wastewater
stream.
The Federal Ocean Dumping Ban of 1988 prohibited ocean disposal of all
municipal Biosolids after December 31, 1991. As a result, domestic treatment
works, which had been ocean dumping, were forced to develop land based
management strategies, such as composting, which offered the beneficial use for
the Biosolids.
The Part 258 municipal solid waste landfill regulations of 1993 established
minimum requirements for new and existing landfills. These national regulations
put new standards in place for landfill location restrictions, operational
requirements, design standards, groundwater monitoring, corrective action,
closure and post-closure care and financial assurance. The result has been the
closure of open dumps and the upgrading of existing facilities. The Company
believes that this WILL result in higher landfill tipping fees and reduced
capacities in urban areas as substandard facilities must spend money to upgrade,
or close.
The 40 CPR Part 503 regulations of 1993 set national standards for the
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management of Biosolids. These regulations establish the characteristics that
Biosolids must meet for different processes and land application. They also
transform the highest quality Biosolids from a waste material, heavily regulated
by state and federal law, into a beneficial use product that can move freely in
commerce with no regulations beyond the production point. This results in a
level playing field throughout the United States for the distribution of compost
products to end users.
The Federal Clean Water Act of 1977 resulted in substantial funding to
state and local governments through the "Construction Grants Program" to upgrade
domestic treatment works. Through this upgrade, domestic treatment works
advanced beyond primary treatment to add secondary microbial treatment and
chemical tertiary treatment. This resulted in a production of greater quantities
of Biosolids. In addition, under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System permit program, industrial pretreatment resulted in substantially cleaner
Biosolids which are ideal for composting and use as a landscape/manufactured
topsoil product in commerce.
The cessation of Federal Clean Water Act funding to state and local
governments has fueled the movement to privatization for the development of new
capacity for Biosolids management, such as through in-vessel composting
facilities constructed by the Company.
The creation of the National Compost Council by Proctor & Gamble and
environmental groups in 1990 serves as an independent source of unbiased
technical expertise in the composting field. The Council has published
significant literature and guidance on proper composting procedures and serves
as a national clearinghouse of technical information, bringing a high profile
and level of creditability to composting.
The national proliferation of recycling programs throughout the late 1980's
and 1990's have removed the vast majority of inorganic materials from the
municipal waste stream. Nearly every state has adopted voluntary, and in some
cases mandatory, recycling goals. In all cases, initial efforts focused on
newspaper, aluminum cans and glass containers. Many programs have been expanded
to capture plastics, tin/bimetal cans, white goods, household hazardous waste,
waste oil collection, universal waste and pollution prevention programs help
ensure that any materials of concern are managed separate from municipal waste.
The continuing decline of urban centers led to the development, in the
1980's, of an effort to clean up and make use of the property located at the
heart of urban America. These properties are at the center of Biosolids and MSW
generation where cities want to increase their tax base and to generate jobs.
Unlike incinerators and landfills, the development of in-vessel composting
facilities becomes a compatible land use desirable to local governments.
Proximity near the source of waste generations also reduces transportation costs
and provides economies of scale which make in-vessel composting a competitive
desirable waste management method.
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DISPOSAL ALTERNATIVES
INTRODUCTION. Currently, approximately 62% of the solid waste generated in
the United States goes to landfills, 15% goes to energy incinerators, 1% to
conventional incinerators, and 22% is recycled (source: Annual publication - EPA
Characterization of MSW in the USA). These percentages WILL continue to change
due to economic, legal and regulatory trends which emerged in the early 1990's.
SOURCE REDUCTION. Recently, there has been an attempt to emphasize source
reduction. However, source reduction is not a disposal alternative. Rather, it
seeks to reduce the quantity of the disposable wastes at the outset. Packaging
in bulk or leaving grass clippings on the lawn are two examples of proposed
source reduction steps. Source reduction WILL most likely not reduce the amount
of organic compostables available to the Company, since the materials composted
by the Company are not subject to source reduction.
LANDFILLS. The number of landfills in the United States continues to
decline from approximately 30,000 in the 1960's to less than 3,600 today. The
continued reduction in the number of landfills WILL result from a combination of
factors, including increasingly stringent operating and environmental
regulations, renewed enforcement activities and a reluctance on the part of
municipalities to permit new landfills.
This continued closure of existing urban landfills WILL not only have a
significant impact on alternative technologies for disposing of organic solid
waste, but WILL create a pricing floor allowing for the growth of alternative
waste solutions and technologies specifically emphasizing composting. Disposal
costs, including transportation, transfer station fees and landfill tip fees,
are highest along the eastern seaboard.
INCINERATION. A volume reduction option for municipal and commercial waste
is incineration. There are presently less than 160 waste to energy plants in
operation in the United States with a total capacity of approximately 30 million
tons per year. Typical plants range from 400 TPD to 2,000 TPD. Incinerators do
not dispose of waste, they merely reduce the volume of waste going to landfills,
typically by about 90% (75% reduction by weight).
The use of incineration was the result of increase in tipping fees, the
subsidizing of incinerator costs through electrical energy rates, the acceptance
of the technologies combined with operating and performance guarantees by large
credible companies and reductions in local landfill space combined with
pressures by municipalities to cap the escalation of long term MSW disposal
costs.
Local resistance to the development of new incineration plants WILL be a
significant deterrent to the growth of incineration. Additionally, the
subsidizing through electrical energy rates WILL be eliminated.
RECYCLING. Recycling is recognized as a waste recovery strategy whereby
waste materials are beneficially converted into useful products Initially,
recycling included only metals, plastics, glass and some paper. Today recycling
includes "organic materials"; which represent up to eighty percent (80%) of the
MSW stream. Other than paper recycling,
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composting is the only viable method to recycle mixed or commingled organic
waste materials.
THE NATIONAL MARKET
Private composting facilities have the economic benefit of two sources of
income, one for receiving MSW and Biosolids waste and a second for selling the
manufactured compost. The basic composting process has occurred in nature since
the beginning of time. The Company utilizes a proven technology employed in
Europe for decades that hastens the process by providing optimal composting
conditions.
Budget constraints and the elimination of the U.S. EPA's financial grants
programs along with the recent ability to sign long term 10-30 year service
contracts have pushed municipalities to privatize their MSW and Biosolids
management services to reduce costs and increase efficiencies. Compost America
benefits from this industry change toward privatization.
Organic recycling WILL require the use of in-vessel composting facilities
designed to meet all environmental regulations while producing a beneficial use
product (compost) using Biosolids and the organic fraction of MSW as the feed
stock. The demand for organic recycling WILL be driven by higher tipping fees,
reduced local landfill space, higher incinerator costs, recycling mandates and
the overall impact of urban development on a nationwide basis.
The Company believes that the projected increased demand for organic
recycling WILL create the opportunity for the Company to expand its existing
project base from New Jersey, Chicago, Illinois, and Southeast, Florida, into
other major urban areas in the United States. The Company estimates that within
the next ten years there WILL be a significant demand for in-vessel composting
facilities in areas throughout the United States. Furthermore, given the capital
constraints of municipalities, the lack of state or Federal grants or loans, and
the pressing need of rapidly satisfying federal and state environmental
requirements the Company believes that a significant number of composting
facilities can be expected to be privately owned.
THE ENVIRONMENT FOR COMPOSTING IN NEW JERSEY
In 1993, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("NJDEP"),
issued two comprehensive plans governing the strategy for managing New Jersey's
waste through the year 2003. These plans, the "Statewide Sludge Management Plan
Update", and the "Solid Waste Management State Plan Update 1993-2002", together
with Governor Whitman's current updates, are addressing the major problems in
the waste industry in New Jersey. As a result, significant new business
opportunities, principally in the area of recycling and composting, have
developed. Important highlights of these plans include the following:
The state must recycle fifty percent of its MSW by December 31, 1995.
Through calendar year 1993, the State reported having achieved a 40% MSW
recycling.
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New Jersey must cease all waste exports and become one hundred percent
self-sufficient by December 31, 1999. Over the past seven years, new in-state
capacity and increased recycling have reduced exports from four million to two
million tons per year.
Sixty-one (61%) percent of New Jersey's sewage and two million (2,000,000)
tons per year of solid waste which is now exported to other states must be
recycled, beneficially reused or disposed of within the state by December 31,
1999.
Composting is promoted; new incinerators and landfills near population
centers are discouraged.
One hundred sixty-eight (168) landfills, which have been closed, must be
re-vegetated. Over 400 additional sites, which closed prior to the State's
Sanitary Landfill Closure Statute being passed also, may require re-vegetation
in the future.
Source separated food wastes are now exempt from county regulations.
Leaves are banned from landfill disposal or incineration statewide and
grass is a prohibited waste type for acceptance in some State issued incinerator
permits.
The implementation of these policies, along with the enactment of
complementary legislation, has created a fertile environment for the development
of in-vessel composting plants. Therefore the Company has targeted one of its
initial facilities in the State of New Jersey. Elements of the state's solid
waste and sewage sludge management plans include the following:
REGIONALIZATION
The state has moved away from its previous approach which called for each
of the twenty-one counties (and one special district) to develop individual
plans for waste processing. Instead, the NJDEP is encouraging the development of
regional disposal facilities to serve more than one county. This sets the stage
for partnerships in the development of new source separated organics and MSW
composting facilities between counties which currently export waste, as well as
counties using landfills which wish to preserve capacity and counties which
incinerate and wish to reduce emissions (such as SO2 from grass) and improve Btu
values, which generally are diminished by high organic waste content. Promoting
The Development Of The Compost Industry
As a follow up to the development of the solid waste and sludge management
plans, New Jersey's governor issued Executive Order No. 91 in October 1993,
requiring state agencies to purchase recycled products. Specifically, all state
agencies must now utilize compost and soil amendments made from organic
materials in maintenance, landscaping and construction of public lands or
projects. These products shall be used in lieu of other non-recycled products
(i.e., farm topsoil, peat moss and chemical fertilizers). The purpose of this
legislation is to create new high volume end markets for compost, a product made
from recycled materials, so that more private compost facilities WILL be built.
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Waste Hierarchy
The state's solid waste plan is based upon a hierarchy of waste handling
and disposal methods. The waste hierarchy, in order of priority, is as follows:
Source reduction;
Source separation and recycling;
Composting of source separated waste;
Materials recovery systems;
Solid waste composting;
In-state landfilling and regional incineration;
Out-of-the-state landfilling (as a short-term measure only).
The economic, regulatory and legislative environments in New Jersey have
quickly evolved to create a favorable environment for the development of
in-vessel compost plants in the state. In order for the state to achieve its
recycling and waste self-sufficiency goals, the more than $300 million dollars
per year that is presently spent on disposing of waste out of state must be
re-channeled into recycling before the end of the decade. Given that statewide
mandatory recycling has already been in effect in New Jersey for over eight
years, the only realistic way to achieve the state's recycling and
self-sufficiency goals is through source separated organic waste composting.
OTHER KEY FACTORS SUPPORTING THE COMPANY'S PLANS FOR NEW JERSEY
In addition to the policy framework outlined above which is supportive of
developing in-vessel composting systems, a number of other key factors reinforce
the Company's initial efforts to focus on project development in the State of
New Jersey.
Source Separated Organic material is considered a "recyclable commodity" in
New Jersey if destined for composting. It can move as a "product in commerce."
New Jersey has had mandatory recycling in place for eight years and has
achieved a 40% MSW recycling rate. These advanced recycling programs in each
town already have removed a large percentage of inorganic material, such as
glass, aluminum, tin and bimetal cans, and plastics, thereby creating cleaner
organic waste streams.
In terms of pricing, New Jersey has some of the highest tipping fees in the
United States, particularly in the northeastern part of the State surrounding
the Newark project site.
From a disposal standpoint, only three facilities exist in the entire
northeastern region of the State; two mass burn incinerators and one landfill.
The landfill has less than one year of remaining capacity and little chance of
being expanded. All other MSW is exported to out-of-state landfills through
expensive transfer station operations.
Distances to major commercial out-of-state disposal facilities are
significant from most of New Jersey, and especially from its northeastern area.
For example, distances from Newark Landfills in Pennsylvania are 120 to 200
miles round trip. Since distances to commercial out-of-state
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disposal facilities are too great for direct haul transportation from the
northeastern region, the use of expensive transfer stations is required.
Now that waste flow regulations have been eliminated, the nearest
out-of-state disposal facilities are being heavily used beyond permitted and
logistical capabilities leading to long lines, time delay and heightened
regulatory scrutiny by state and local enforcement agencies. Solid waste haulers
are primarily in the "collection" industry. Being able to move quickly in and
out of the Company's Newark facility WILL be of great utility to these haulers,
for whom "time is money."
How that waste flow regulations have been eliminated, demand for the use of
out-of-state landfills has increased which has lead to an increase in tipping
fees. These higher tipping fees WILL be supported by the baseline requirements
of the U.S.E.P.A.'s Part 258 landfill requirements
Most solid waste movement WILL be from northeastern New Jersey and New York
City to points west, bringing it past the Company's New Jersey facilities. The
Company believes there are no other direct competitors possessing both
transportation, composting and marketing capabilities for organic waste at this
time. Additionally, the Company has proven capabilities in permitting urban
sites and successfully obtaining long-term municipal waste contracts. The
Company's management is known as a national leader in the marketing of finished
compost
THE COMPANY'S RESPONSE
INTRODUCTION
The Company believes that the Compost Industry has entered into a period
that should allow for rapid growth. Economic, legal and regulatory factors have
converged to create the impetus for the development of private composting
facilities which convert the organic fraction of MSW and Biosolids into a
beneficial use product called compost. The Company plans to capitalize on this
opportunity by developing company owned composting facilities. The Company
expects that its composting facilities WILL have sufficient resources to assure
the efficient, effective and cost-competitive production of high quality
compost. The Company expects to be able to compete effectively on price with
landfills and incinerators and be environmentally superior and acceptable to
regulators and the public in that the organic fraction of MSW and Biosolids WILL
be recycled into an environmentally safe product (compost).
BUSINESS ACTIVITY
Compost America WILL develop, permit, build and own both in-vessel and
outdoor composting facilities in urban areas where there are significant
quantities of organic waste. As these facilities are built the Company WILL be
paid a tipping fee, measured in dollars per ton, to recycle MSW and Biosolids,
into a beneficial use product called compost. The compost WILL then be sold at a
market driven price to landscapers, growers, farmers, and golf courses as a
second source of revenue. The
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Company expects that the disposal fees or tipping fees that are paid to the
Company, alone WILL be sufficient to cover all projected operating and project
debt service costs of each facility.
Currently, the Company has one operating outdoor facility, three in-vessel
projects in active development, including one (1) in New Jersey, one (1) in
Chicago, Illinois and one (1) in Dade County, Florida. Completion of these
indoor facilities is expected in 2000 and 2001 at an estimated cost of over $200
million. Concurrent to the development of these facilities, the Company is
undertaking an acquisition program. The next phase of the Company's project
development program involves various new projects. Projects from this group WILL
be added to the "active" list once financing for the first three projects is
finalized and key permits and waste processing contracts for the new locations
are submitted.
Each of the in-vessel facilities WILL be established as separate operating
entities, some of which WILL be wholly owned by Compost America. Local partners
who significantly contribute to a project's successful development may earn a
minority equity interest. The facilities WILL be financed through the issuance
of bonds, both tax exempt and taxable status, pursuant to the Federal Tax Code.
Compost America has acquired significant technical experience in both
compost marketing and manufacturing. Principals of Compost America began
operations in 1979 with an initial mission of marketing Biosolids compost
produced by the City of Philadelphia. During the following 19 years these
persons expanded their marketing activities to include the sale of compost
produced by other municipalities along with the development of a broad mix of
compost based products. The Company became the leading marketer of compost in
the United States representing, at that time most of the northeast municipal
Biosolids compost producers.
During this period, over one million cubic yards of compost and compost
products were marketed. Its success was highlighted on the prestigious
nationally syndicated PBS Nova Science Series.
The Company uses a combination of proven technologies currently in use at
composting plants in Europe and the United States. The Company plans to
construct fully enclosed, environmentally sound facilities, each capable of
processing 300 to 1,200 tons per day of varying amounts of organic waste and
Biosolids. Initial efforts have been concentrated in New Jersey, where a
progressive regulatory environment, extensive waste supply and some of the MSW
and Biosolid tipping fees in the United States make it a most attractive market
for the Company to develop composting facilities and where, in Newark, New
Jersey and Miami, Florida, the Company anticipates to commence construction of
its enclosed composting facilities. In Florida, the City of Miami has entered
into a 30 year "put or pay" waste contract with a corporation which the Company
recently acquired, and where the Company, on March 29, 1996, purchased property
for which it had received a state composting permit. In Chicago, a site had been
optioned and a permit application was filed and a Facility Construction and
Development Permit was issued for a composting facility. In January 1998, the
Company acuired in Monmouth County, New Jersey, property on which it WILL expand
its operating outdoor composting facility.
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SUPPORT FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY
Support for composting has been given by such notable organizations as the
Sierra Club, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation and the
Izaak Walton League of America. Environmental organizations all across the
United States have been outspoken proponents of waste reduction and reuse
through recycling and composting. These groups have advocated aggressive source
reduction measures, toxicity reduction programs, landfill bans and progressively
higher recycling targets, including composting. Several of these organizations
have provided letters in support for Compost America's composting initiatives,
which have been submitted to regulatory groups in conjunction with its permit
applications.
TEAMING RELATIONSHIPS
While each of the Company's composting facilities WILL be owned and
operated through a different Company subsidiary, the various projects WILL be
designed, engineered, constructed by "strategic relationship", non-affiliated
entities who are proven leaders in their own core competencies. These strategic
teaming relationships either already have executed teaming agreements with the
Company, or WILL do so shortly. The Company intends to use the same teaming
relationships as it develops its in-vessel composting facilities throughout the
United States. The efforts of all project teaming partners are coordinated
through the Company, and all technology development, siting, permitting, waste
procurement, facility operations, financing and compost marketing WILL be done
by the Company itself "in house." The Company's principal teaming partners at
this time their core competencies are:
Composting Facility Consultant - Robert Tardy & Associates
Biosolids Land Application & Composting - Potomac Technologies Inc
Engineer Consultant Specializing in Composting - D.J. Egarian & Associates
ROBERT TARDY & ASSOCIATES. Robert Tardy is a nationally recognized expert
in compost facility design who directed the research, development and
publication of The United States Composting Council's COMPOST FACILITY OPERATING
GUIDE, which has become a composting industry standard for facility development.
Before starting his own consulting business, Mr. Tardy was Director for
Composting Services for the Solid Waste Management Group of R. W. Beck. He has
significant experience in all aspects of compost facility development, including
planning, conceptual design, technological feasibility, design, procurement,
construction, and start-up. He also has direct plant operations experience as a
result of having managed portions of the operations of the Metropolitan Denver
Sewage Disposal District's Biosolids composting facility.
POTOMAC TECHNOLOGIES. Prince Georges Contractors, Inc. d.b.a Potomac
Technologies Inc ("PTI") has successfully performed many contracts related to
the operation, maintenance and construction of wastewater treatment facilities.
PTI maintains the distinction of being one of the only minority-owned entities
in the United States engaged in the business of managing Biosolids. From 1984 to
1991, PTI successfully
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performed the composting of Biosolids for Washington, D.C. and presently is a
subcontractor to a joint venture under contract with the District of Columbia to
beneficially use approximately 1,000 wet tons per day of Biosolids through land
application. PTI is a 25% equity partner in the Company's Newark Project.
D.J. EGARIAN & ASSOCIATES. Mr. Egarian specializes in full service
professional engineering services for industrial, commercial and public clients,
specializing in wastewater, composting, sludge, solid waste, general utilities
design and general environmental consultation. The firm was awarded the Grand
Award for Engineering Excellence by the N.J. Consulting Engineers Council for
the Cape May County composting project.
DESCRIPTION OF COMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY USED BY THE COMPANY
Compost America's in-vessel composting facilities WILL utilize a basic
three-step process over a 20-40 day period to create high quality compost from
incoming MSW and Biosolids, as follows:
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Deliveries of carbon-rich MSW, and nitrogen-rich Biosolids are unloaded in
an enclosed negative air receiving building (called the "tipping building" or
"tipping floor"), inspected, and loaded into large diameter rotating drums made
of heavy-gauge steel, called "BIO-WET MILLS", for mixing, homogenization and
particle size reduction of the organic material. Compost America uses the best
available in-vessel technology to accelerate the aerobic decomposition of the
organic materials by resident microorganisms.
Recyclable metal, glass containers, plastics and other non-compostable
inorganic items are mechanically screened from material exiting the BIO-WET
MILL, while the remaining finer homogenized organic fraction is transferred into
composting tunnels for active aeration and turning. Critical composting
parameters, including aeration rate, temperature, moisture content, pH and
others, are monitored and adjusted by operations personnel to ensure the
destruction of pathogens and the start of the conversion of organic material
into humus. Additional composting and curing occur in the aerated/agitated
tunnels.
The coarse compost material exiting the aeration tunnels is size separated
again with vibrating and/or rotary screens. The finest fraction is conveyed to
an adjacent building for additional final curing. The soil-like finished product
(humus) is certified and shipped from the plant in bulk tractor-trailers to
designated distributors and end users.
Compost America uses proven composting technology to accelerate the
homogenization process at the same time maximizing the throughput of the waste
materials at its plants. The process separates and recovers the inert
recyclable/residual materials leading to a superior compost
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product. The Company uses existing and proven environmental systems to: (1)
recycle leachate into the composting process; (2) collect and scrub or filter
all process air before venting it to the atmosphere; (3) maintain aerobic
conditions with a system of blowers, air channels and computer feedback. The
utilization these systems is part of the Company's proactive "good neighbor"
policy in each host community.
Compost America is dedicated to incorporating advanced control technology
and systems training of operations personnel to maintain optimal composting
conditions. This policy prolongs the life of the capital equipment, reduces
long-term costs, and simplifies the process of obtaining agency approvals for
facility expansions.
PROCESS DESCRIPTION
The entire composting process for Compost America's in-vessel plants
outlined above takes 20 to 40 days to complete depending on the end users
specifications. The duration of critical pathogen reduction and aesthetic
improvement processes is dictated by individual states in the facilities'
operating permits.
The biological breakdown of organic material during the composting process
results from the actions of bacteria and numerous naturally occurring
microorganisms active at different stages of the process. Peak performance of
microorganisms can be achieved when the set of essential elements, including
supplies of oxygen, nutrients and acidity, are relatively constant. Other
parameters, such as temperature, must be preferentially adjusted to satisfy the
specific needs of the active organisms to achieve peak activity.
COMPOST MARKETING
The Company's management, based upon 19-years experience as a leading
marketer of composted Biosolids Compost, believes that there are enough
potential users in each area where a facility WILL be built to absorb the annual
production of compost for the next 20 years, and beyond.
This is also the opinion expressed in much independent analysis and the
experiences of compost producers across the country. The most extensive compost
use study to date was commissioned by the Procter & Gamble Company for the
Composting Council. It was conducted by Battelle Institute assisted by Ron
Albrecht Associates and concluded that over 500,000,000 tons per year of compost
demand exists in the United States. Practical potential applications for compost
were found to be an order of magnitude greater than the amount of compost that
WILL likely be produced. While approximately 1,000 million cubic yards (500
million tons) of compost could be used annually, only about 100 million cubic
yards (50 million tons) of compost would be produced if all organic wastes were
converted to compost.
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The U. S. EPA in its publication, Organic Materials Management Strategy;
May 1998 expresses a slightly different but compatible view. The EPA concludes
that if all applicable organic materials can be captured for compost, annual
compost production would be 33 million tons per year. The EPA continues to say
that end-uses for compost in agriculture, silviculture, residential, retail,
nursery sod production and landscaping might have a market potential of more
than 1.27 billion tons of finished compost.
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BENEFICIAL QUALITIES OF COMPOST
Compost produced from the breakdown of organic materials provide the
beneficial qualities of:
BUILDING SOIL STRUCTURE. Proper physical structure allows a soil to
breathe. Adding compost helps to loosen packed soil by opening pore spaces that,
like little conduits, transport air and water deep into the soil.
IMPROVING THE CAPACITY OF SOIL TO RETAIN WATER. Compost holds more moisture
than typical soil, which is soaked up like a sponge by the soil/compost mixture
and adheres to the soil granules, thereby enhancing soil resilience to drought.
PREVENTING EROSION. Erosion is normally the end result of a gradual loss of
soil fertility. Compost encourages particle aggregation and retards wind erosion
as the organic components of compost serve as the glue of soil structure.
IMPROVING AERATION. Air enhances soil productivity. Sufficient quantities
of air must be available in the soil matrix to transform minerals into chemical
forms usable by plants. Just as the presence of organic matter enables the soil
aggregate to hold more water, it also supports more pore space and helps prevent
compaction over time.
ACTING AS A FERTILIZER. Naturally occurring macro- and micro-nutrients
along with secondary elements in compost are delivered to the plant for optimum
growth.
NEUTRALIZING HEAVY METAL SOIL TOXINS. Organic matter has a high capacity to
fix heavy metals in soil particle matrix. This ability to retain heavy elements
over extended periods of time, and gradually to release them to the plant, is
one of the most important benefits of organic matter in soils.
ACTING AS AN ACIDITY BUFFER. Compost in the soil matrix helps plants
overcome pH levels that are either too high (alkaline) or too low (acidic).
NEUTRALIZING CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION. Recent studies have documented the
ability of mature compost to neutralize pesticide, herbicide and hydrocarbon
contaminated soils. In a recent project 14,000 tons of explosive laden soils at
an army depot were mixed with specific recipe compost. At the conclusion of the
project over 75% of soil samples indicated that explosives had been mitigated to
below detectable levels. Bio-treatment of chemically contaminated soils are far
less expensive than alternate methods of remediation and produce an end product
which actually has value added compared with landfilling, incineration or
solidification of toxic soils.
HABITAT RESTORATION. "Organic matter in the soils of wetlands in the United
States has decreased steadily over the last three centuries. According to Dr.
Donald Hey, an expert in flood plain management, over 100 million acres of U. S.
wetlands have been drained and our watersheds now contain only about half the
amount of organic matter they contained in the 17th century. As a result, annual
floods have
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worsened, ground water quality has deteriorated, and wildlife diversity has
declined. Compost, with its high organic content, can absorb up to four times
its weight in water and can replace essential organic material in wetlands."1
Studies indicate that use of compost yields superior growth, higher survival
rates and protection from erosion in wetlands areas, areas of reforestation and
renewal of animal habitats.
DISEASE CONTROL IN PLANTS. Compost can control diseases in plants and help
prevent crop losses by competing for nutrients with disease causing plant
pathogens, producing antibiotics as a byproduct of microbial activity, acting as
a direct predator of plant pathogens and stimulating innate disease resistant
genes in plants.
END USES FOR COMPOST
Compost America WILL utilize the services of its wholly owned subsidiary,
GARDENLIFE Sales Company, as the exclusive contractor for the marketing of all
of the compost produced by its facilities and others.
All of the compost produced at Compost America facilities WILL be marketed
for beneficial use to a variety of users including:
Landscape Contractors WILL use compost as a replacement for topsoil, mulch
and peat products in construction and maintenance projects.
Golf Courses WILL use compost for mulch, fairway to dress, general
landscaping and compost mixes for tee construction.
Grounds Superintendents WILL use compost for mulch, general landscaping and
topdressing of athletic fields.
Professional Growers WILL use compost and compost mixes for use in potting
soils.
Garden Centers WILL use compost for mulch, general landscaping, and
manufacturing topsoil.
Topsoil Distributors WILL use compost for use as a component of
"manufactured" topsoil.
Farmers WILL use compost for field application as a source of organic
matter and fertilizer.
Land Reclamation, Landfills, mines and quarries WILL use compost for use as
a soil amendment in closure projects.
FACILITIES SITINGS AND PERMITS
Most aspects of location, construction and operation of composting
facilities are regulated by the states and subject to state and Federal
- ----------
1 INNOVATIVE USES OF COMPOST REFORESTATION, WETLANDS RESTORATION, AND
HABITAT REVITALIZATION; United States Environmental Protection Agency
publication EPA530-1-97-046, October, 1997.
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environmental laws. Obtaining local approvals and state air, water and operating
permits is a detailed and complex process, in many cases taking years to
successfully complete. This is especially true where the compost facility is to
be located in or near urban areas. Representative approvals to be obtained in
most jurisdictions include Local Planning Boards, Zoning Boards, Solid Waste and
Water Disposal Boards, Composting Operation Permits, Air Permits and Building
Permits.
EMPLOYEES
Compost America consists of 64 full-time employees. The breakdown is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Category Employees
- -------- ---------
<S> <C>
Corporate Management 4
Subsidiary Management 4
Project Development Management 1
Operations 54
Compost Marketing 1
</TABLE>
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ITEM 2.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
The Company leases its new 5,500 square feet of executive, finance and
accounting offices at 3000 Hadley Road, South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080, from
an unaffiliated retail agent for $7,862 per month (including utilities).
In December 1995 Newark Recycling and Composting Company, Inc. purchased a
12 acre site in the East Ward of Newark, New Jersey at the convergence of Routes
78, 1, 9 and the New Jersey Turnpike on which the Newark project WILL be
located. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, American Bio-Ag, approximately 300
acres of land is owned in Bowie, Arizona.
On March 29, 1996 the Company purchased 40 acres in northwest Dade County,
Florida, where it plans to commence construction of its Miami compost facility.
The property is strategically located just off the Florida turnpike and the site
has rail access.
On July 19, 1996 Chicago Recycling and Composting Company, Inc., executed
the Third Amendment and Extension of Conditional Agreement of Sale with the
Indian Harbor Belt Railroad Company. This agreement has terminated. However,
based upon conversations between the Company and Indian Harbor Belt Railroad
Company the Company expects to have it reinstated in 1999. The Chicago site is
14 acres and located adjacent to a 1,000 ton per day Material Recovery Facility
("MRF"). The Company along with the MRF owner have made significant site and
infrastructure improvements which when added to the local approvals shall
facilitate the development of the enclosed compost facility. On March 20, 1996
Chicago Recycling and Composting Company, Inc. and Hub Cap City entered into a
lease agreement for the premises located at 13831 Ashland Avenue, Riverdale,
Illinois 60627. The lease is for a term of 36 months beginning on the date
Chicago Recycling and Composting Company, Inc. purchases the property. The lease
WILL automatically renew for a period of three years unless terminated. The
lease payment is $500 per month for a total of $6,000 annually, any renewals to
be on the same terms. On December 31, 1996 the Company's Conditional Agreement
of Sale with the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Company terminated. The Company
believes that it can amend its Agreement a fourth time with Indiana Harbor Belt
Railroad. If the Company is unable to retain the use of this property, it WILL
seek an alternative site with no assurance that it can do successfully.
On October 2, 1996 the Company was assigned a lease commitment with the
Township of Freehold, New Jersey for two parcels of land located in the Township
of Freehold, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey. One parcel consists of
10.462 acres and the second parcel consists of 8.296 acres. The lease is for 5
years with a 5 year option. The cost of the lease is 5% of the audited profits,
net of either state or federal income taxes conducted on the above described
premises or a minimum of $4,000 per year, payable quarterly. The property shall
be used for receiving, processing and composting organic materials, and
wholesale and retail sale of finished horticultural products. Organic materials
shall include yard wastes, processing wastes, paper products and wood chips. The
Company must maintain insurance on the premises. Additionally, the Company
purchased in January 1998, 15-acres of undeveloped land adjacent
29
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to the leased property. This site WILL be used as a storage area for finished
compost and may be later developed as a compost facility, subject to land
approvals and permits from local, state and federal agencies.
EPIC has a 15-year lease with Conrail for their intermodal waste hauling
business. The site is located on Avenue P, Newark, New Jersey off the New Jersey
Turnpike Exit 15E. EPIC's state of the art terminal is a fully licensed NJDEP
intermodal container facility. The Brills Yard facility is permitted for 3,400
TPD with 24-hour service. This facility is completely paved with 24-hour
lighting and 3,600 feet of loading track along with 4,000 feet of "staging"
track available. This staging feature permits a unit train capability at Brills
Yard, a feature which does not exist in many northeast locations. This facility
is a convenient location with easy access to both the NJ turnpike, Route 1 & 9
Interstate 78 and Interstate 80. EPIC has operated from this site since 1991.
EPIC has a long-term lease to operate their business from Conrail. EPIC owns a
40-acre intermodal facility in Tyler, Texas. The Tyler yard operates with 4,000
feet of active track with extensive expansion capabilities. The property has
been improved with perimeter fencing, roads, and a 2000 sq. ft office building.
EPIC acquired a 13.59-acre site located at Carlton, Prowers County, Colorado
adjacent to a rail siding. The site is permitted for accepting Biosolids for
beneficial use. EPIC paid for the modernization of the rail siding which was
required by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. The site was approved by
New York City in accordance with EPIC's long-term contract with the New York
City DEP.
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ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material legal proceedings in which the Company is involved
except as set forth below.
1. Bio-Services, Inc., a New Jersey Corporation, Plaintiff v. Compost
America Holding Company, Inc., a New Jersey Corporation and Monmouth
Recycling and Composting Company, Inc., a Delaware Corporation,
Defendants, filed on September 4, 1998 in the Superior Court of New
Jersey, Chancery Division, Monmouth County, Docket No. MONC 224-28.
This is a claim for alleged breach of contractual obligations, seeking
damages in excess of $300,000, plus interest, expenses and other relief.
The Company has filed an answer denying all liability as asserted in the
Complaint and intends to contest this matter vigorously.
2. Bedminster Seacor Services Miami Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. The City of
Miami, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, Defendant, filed
on September 4, 1998 in the Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit
of Florida, in and for Miami-Dade County Case No. 98-20458 CA-32. This is
an action by Bedminster, a subsidiary of the Company's subsidiary, Miami
Recycling and Composting Company, Inc., seeking a declaration
of its rights and obligations under its Restated Compost Recycling
Agreement to construct and operate a $60 million solid waste composting
facility. Bedminster has filed a lawsuit against the City seeking a
judgment declaring: (1) that the Restated Compost Recycling Agreement of
November 30, 1995, as amended by the City's Resolution 98-224 of
February 24, 1998 (collectively the "Contract") constitutes a valid and
binding contract between the City and Bedminster; (2) the correct amount
of the City's recycling costs during the term of the two year extension
or a fair and equitable procedure by which that amount shall be
calculated; and (3) the completion date for the composting facility,
adjusted to take into account the period of time that the City is
frustrating Bedminster's performance under the Contract. The Company
believes that the City's refusal to recognize the rights and obligations
of Bedminster under this Restated Agreement resulted in the Company's loss
of a previously committed $6.25 million dollar loan from a major national
insurance/engineering company.
The City has moved to dismiss the Complaint. Bedminster has filed a
memorandum of law in opposition to the City's motion. The City's reply
memorandum is due on January 26, 1999. This motion to dismiss, and any
pending discovery motions, will be heard by the Court on February 2,
1999. The case has been set for a non-jury trial the week of July 26,
1999. The Court also has ordered the parties to mediate the case, a
standard procedure in Florida. No date has been set for the mediation
conference.
Bedminster intends to vigorously prosecute this suit, and it is
anticipated that the City intends to vigorously defend this suit and to
deny that the Restated Compost Recycling Agreement was extended, as
claimed by Bedminster. Neither the Company nor Bedminster can predict the
outcome of this litigation at this time.
3. Kaplan Gottbetter & Levenson, LLP and Adam S. Gottbetter, Plaintiffs, vs.
Compost America Holding Company, Inc. Defendant, filed on December 14,
1998 in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.
This is an action alleging breach of a consulting agreement and seeking
compensatory damages in excess of $1,000,000. The Company intends to file
an Answer denying all liability and intends to contest this matter
vigorously.
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ITEM 4.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS - NONE
32
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PART II
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's shares of Common Stock presently are being traded on the
Electronic Bulletin Board of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. under the symbol "CAHC". The following table shows, for the calendar
periods indicated, the range of reported high and low bid quotations for these
shares. Such prices necessarily reflect inter dealer prices, without retail mark
up, mark down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual
transactions.
Quarterly Common Stock Price Range
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH BID LOW BID
-------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
1996/1997:
Quarter ended 7/31.............. $5.50 $4.38
Quarter ended 10/31............. $5.25 $4.13
Quarter ended 1/31.............. $5.00 $3.13
Quarter ended 4/30.............. $3.88 $1.72
1997/1998:
Quarter ended 7/31............ $2.50 $1.13
Quarter ended 10/31........... $4.25 $1.00
Quarter ended 1/31............ $3.69 $1.63
Quarter ended 4/30............ $2.31 $1.31
</TABLE>
As of July 31, 1998, there were approximately 382 holders of record of the
shares of the Company's Common Stock.
To date, the Company has not paid any cash or other dividends on its Common
Stock and does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.
Moreover, the Company's ability to pay dividends on its Common Stock in the
future WILL be limited by preferred stock issuances and may be limited by future
preferred stock issuances or by lenders.
During the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 1998, the Company issued 164,166
shares of its common stock, without registering the securities under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to 7 individuals for services rendered
valued at prices ranging from $1.25 to $1.35 per share. There were no
underwriters involved in the transaction, and no underwriting discounts or
commissions. In light of the small number of purchasers and that all securities
issued were restricted against subsequent transfer, the Company believes that
this issuance of securities was effected under an exemption provided by Section
4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, being sales by an issuer not
involving a public offering.
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ITEM 6.
PLAN OF OPERATION
As of April 30, 1998, the Company had a working capital deficit of $5,728,624
and an accumulated deficit of $23,420,952. Included in the working capital
deficit is $1,642,768 for the current portion of long-term debt and notes
payable. Since April 30, 1998, the Company has received extensions for the
original maturity terms to dates after April 30, 1999 on several accounts
payable, accrued expenses and debt obligations, primarily amounts due to
related parties (who also are shareholders of the Company), and such extended
terms are reflected in the financial statements. In addition, the Company has
incurred losses since its inception and is subject to those risks associated
with companies in the early stages of development. These matters raise
substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company's growth and development strategy will also require the approval
of certain permits from regulatory authorities and substantial financing will
be required to finance construction and development of compost projects, for
working capital and for capital expenditures. The Company expects that
adequate financing will be available to fund the Company's working capital
needs and to fund the required debt payments. However, there is no assurance
that the Company will be able to obtain sufficient debt or equity financing
on favorable terms or at all. If the Company is unable to secure additional
financing, its ability to implement its growth strategy will be impaired and
its financial condition and results of operations are likely to be materially
adversely effected.
As a result of the acquisition of EPIC, a wholly-owned subsidiary, the
Company is no longer considered as a development stage company. For the year
ended April 30, 1998 the Company's consolidated revenues were $9,259,698 and
it had a net loss (prior to preferred stock dividends and accretion on
preferred stock totaling $3,047,178) of $11,618,126. The Company's
consolidated revenues for the previous year ended April 30,1997 were $147,466
and it had a net loss of $5,921,603. EPIC's revenues for the period from the
acquisition date (November 3, 1997) to April 30, 1998 were $8,853,266 and
EPIC had a net loss of $2,780,021 for this period. However, EPIC's income
before interest, income taxes, compensation for stock options, depreciation
and amortization was $1,035,221 for the period. The Company's net loss for
the year ended April 30, 1998 increased from the prior year due primarily to
certain additional expenses related to various professional service
activities which were incurred and additional expenses as a result of the
acquisition of EPIC. Included in the EPIC net loss noted above was
compensation for stock options of $2,320,500 which related to the vested
stock options granted to certain employees of EPIC in connection with
employment agreements entered into as part of the acquisition. In addition,
the EPIC net loss reflects a significant amount of amortization and
depreciation expense totaling $1,950,442 which is due primarily to the
application of purchase accounting and the associated intangible asset
recorded related to the EPIC fifteen year New York City DEP Contract and a
stepup to fair market value for the EPIC property, plant and equipment.
During the year ended April 30,1998, the Company received services from
various professionals and firms in working on several potential financing
transactions, development activities, acquisition related activities,
investor relations, various legal maters, engineering and technical
consulting and other administrative matters which increased from the prior
year. A portion of these services have been capitalized as appropriate,
however, a significant portion of these costs were expensed as incurred.
These services were funded as required with cash, issuance of common stock,
issuance of common stock options or a combination of these funding options.
Interest expense increased over the previous year by $1,252,049 as the
Company increased its debt to finance its ongoing activities during the
current year while carrying the interest cost of the majority of the prior
year loans as well.
Upon the anticipated financial closing of financing for the construction of
the Company's in-vessel composting facilities in Newark, New Jersey and Miami,
Dade County, Florida, it is anticipated that a portion of the previously
financed project costs will be repaid to CAHC, which will be used to fund future
development activities and planned company growth, as well as general and
administrative expenses. The financings should occur when all of the required
permits are obtained, a certain percentage of long-term waste procurement
contracts are executed providing adequate debt coverage ratios, and the final
construction cost contract for these facilities are executed with its general
contractor. It is anticipated that the financing of both the Newark and Miami
Projects can be closed in calendar year 1999. Significant future Company
consolidated revenue generated from in-vessel compost operations is not
anticipated until 2001.
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<PAGE>
In June, 1998 EPIC, closed a collateralized equipment loan in the amount of
$10,000,000 with a national leasing company. The loan was further secured by a
guarantee from the Company. The majority of the loan proceeds were used to
refinance EPIC's existing debt.
In November 1998, the Company and its subsidiary, MRCC, and its wholly
owned subsidiary BSSM, closed a $10,500,000 loan provided by an existing
institutional stockholder of the Company. These funds were applied substantially
to repay MRCC's note and mortgage related to the purchase of the Miami-Dade
County 39-acre compost property in the amount of $4,612,000 and redemption of
the Company's common stock owned by an affiliate of the lender in the amount of
$3,000,000.
Since its inception, the Company has continuously met its liquidity
needs primarily from the proceeds of the sale of its Common and Preferred
Stock, loans made by affiliates, including directors and principal
shareholders, and other unaffiliated individuals and institutions. The
Company, for the past 4 years, has demonstrated its ability to attract
capital when needed to implement its Business Plan. For the period May 1,
1997 through April 30, 1998 the Company secured funding through various
private placements from related and unrelated parties, specifically,
$13,306,144 from the sale of common stock, $10,016,224 from the sale of
Preferred Stock and $5,861,606 from loans. The Company for the fiscal year
ending April 30, 1999 projects a total cash flow requirement of approximately
$28,800,000 to meet current obligations, and provide additional development
capital including ongoing corporate overhead and refinance existing loans.
For the period May 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998 the Company secured
additional funding through various private placements from related and
unrelated parties, specifically, $779,500 from the sale of common stock, and
$22,610,625 from loans (of which $10,000,000 and $10,500,000 are discussed
above) of which $14,612,000 was used to repay existing debt and $3,000,000
was used to repurchase outstanding common shares. The Company expects that
adequate financing will be available to fund the Company's working capital
needs and to fund the required debt payments. The Company does not incur
any significant product research and development expenses, and the Company
does not expect significant changes in its number of employees.
During the past 12 months, the Company has executed two long term (15
year and 10 year) municipal biosolids contracts. Should the Company be
successful issuing its Corporate Revenue Bonds, securing a bank credit
facility and securing certain surety bonding capabilities, it plans to
actively seek to acquire existing related operating businesses that will
continue to strengthen the Company's operating results before the Company
achieves revenue from its operating in-vessel compost facilities.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being written
using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. In other words,
date-sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather
than the year 2000. This could result in system
35
<PAGE>
failures or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including, among
others, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices, or engage
in similar normal business activities.
The Company does not believe that it has material exposure to the Year 2000
issue with respect to its own information systems since its existing systems
correctly define the year 2000. For this reason the Company does not anticipate
that it will incur any significant expense in effecting year 2000 compliance
with regard to its own information system. The Company at present is unable to
predict the extent to which the Year 2000 issue will effect its suppliers, or
the extent to which the Company would be vulnerable to the failure by any of its
suppliers to remediate any Year. 2000 issues on a timely basis. The failure of
of any major supplier to convert its systems on a timely basis or a conversion
that is incompatible with the Company's systems could have a material adverse
effect on the Company
SPECIAL NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Report on Form 10-KSB including, without limitation, Plan of
Operations, contains forward-looking statements which involve risks and
uncertainties. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking
language such as "will likely result", "may", "are expected to", "is
anticipated", "estimate", "believes", "projected" or other similar words. The
Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any
such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks, including, without
limitation, the dependence on a single line of business; the failure to close
proposed financings; rapid technological change; change in permitting and
environmental regulations; inability to attract and retain key personnel; Year
2000 compliance issues; the potential for significant fluctuations in operating
results; and the potential volatility of the Company's common stock.
36
<PAGE>
ITEM 7.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(a) Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 30, 1998
(b) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended April 30,
1998 and April 30, 1997
(c) Consolidated Statements of Redeemable Preferred Stock and Stockholders'
Equity for the fiscal years ended April 30, 1998 and April 30, 1997
(d) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended April 30,
1998 and April 30, 1997
(e) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
37
<PAGE>
ITEM 8.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
On July 20, 1998 Arthur Andersen LLP, Certified Public Accountants replaced
Zeller Weiss & Kahn, LLP Certified Public Accountants as accountants for the
Company by mutual agreement between the Company's Board of Directors and the
resigning accountants. No report on the Company's financial statements issued by
the resigning accountants contained an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion
or was qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting
principles, nor were their any disagreements on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or
procedure.
38
<PAGE>
PART III
ITEM 9.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH
SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Directors and Executive Officers
The following persons were directors and executive officers of the Company
as at December 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION(S)
- --------------------- --- ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Roger E. Tuttle 58 President and Principal Executive
and Principal Financial Officer;
Treasurer; Chairman the Board;
Director
Alfred A. Rattie 44 Vice President - Marketing
Anthony P. Cipollone 35 Controller;
Principal Accounting Officer
Paul Abrahamsen 34 Director
Pasquale J. DiLeo 46 Assistant Secretary; Director
G. Chris Andersen 60 Director
Charles R. Carson 52 Director
Robert J. Longo 56 Director; President of EPIC, Inc.
Peter Petrillo 38 Director
John T. Shea 48 Director
Christopher Smith 34 Director
</TABLE>
The Company's by-laws provide that the Directors of the Company shall serve
until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are
duly appointed and qualified. All officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of
Directors. A Stockholders Agreement and a Director Appointment Agreement among
the Company and certain principal stockholders of the Company requires support
of the election of certain nominees of Wasteco Ventures Limited (currently Peter
Petrillo, John T. Shea and Christopher Smith), of Robert J. Longo (currently
Robert J. Longo) and of Lionhart Global Appreciation Fun, LTD, (currently Paul
Abrahamsen) to the Company's Board of Directors. There are at present three
committees of the board of directors, as follows:
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<PAGE>
AUDIT COMMITTEE - Charles R. Carson (Chairman),
- --------------- Pasquale J. DiLeo (Secretary),
John T. Shea
FINANCE COMMITTEE - G. Chris Andersen (Chairman),
Pasquale J. DiLeo (Secretary),
Charles R. Carson,
John T. Shea,
Roger E. Tuttle
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE - John T. Shea (Chairman),
Charles R. Carson (Secretary),
G. Chris Andersen
ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS -
The Company has established an Advisory Committee which reports to the
Board of Directors. The Advisory Board consists of the following initial
members:
MICHAEL CHERTOFF
Michael Chertoff is a graduate of the London School of Economics, London,
England; Harvard College (A.B., magna cum laude, 1975); and Harvard University
(J.D., magna cum laude, 1978, where he was the Editor, 1976-1978 and Note
Editor, 1977-1978, Harvard Law Review. He served as a Law Clerk to Judge Murray
I. Gufein, U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit, 1978-1979 and Associate Justice
WILLiam J. Brennan, Jr., U.S. Supreme Court, 1979-1980. Mr. Chertoff was an
Assistant United States Attorney; Southern District of New York, 1983-1987,
First Assistant United States Attorney, District of New Jersey, 1987-1990 and
United States Attorney, District of New Jersey, 1990-1994. He served as a
Member, U.S. Attorney General's Advisory Committee of United States Attorney's,
1991-1994. Commissioner, New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, 1995-.
Special Counsel, U.S. Senate Committee to Investigate Whitewater, 1995-1996. He
is a recipient of the Legal Award of the Association of Federal Investigators,
1987; U.S. Department of Justice John Marshall Award for Trial Litigation, 1987;
ADL Distinguished Public Service Award, 1992; and U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services Prosecutive Leadership Award, 1994.
CHRISTOPHER J. DAGGETT
Professional Experience: Chadwick Partners, President, 1996-Present; WILLiam E.
Simon & Sons, L.L.C., Managing Director, 1990-1996; New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection, Commissioner, 1988-1989; U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Regional Administrator, Region 2, 1984-1988; State of New Jersey,
Cabinet Secretary to the Governor, 1983-1984; State of New Jersey, Deputy Chief
of Staff to the Governor, 1982-1983; Public Affairs Consultants, Vice President,
1978-1982; McGill University, Supervisor of the Instructional Development
Service Project, 1974-1977. Education: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA,
Degree of Doctor of Education, May 1977; University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, NC, Degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Interdisciplinary Studies,
May 1972.
CARL D. JONES
Carl D. Jones, a 1963 graduate of Howard University with a B.S. in Civil
Engineering, was the recipient of the Small Business Administration's
Businessman of the Year Award and is the Chairman of the Board of the
District of Columbia's Contractor's Association. Mr. Jones is the Founder,
Chairman and President of three corporations, including Potomac Technologies,
Inc., a sewer sludge recycling company whose primary means of disposal
consists of composting and sub-soil injection for agricultural purposes. He
has designed processes for drying wastewater sludge and making foamed asphalt
from chemical stabilized sewage sludges. Mr. Jones has served as manager for
major construction programs of the District of Columbia's Redevelopment Land
Agency, a half billion dollar construction program which included L'Enfant
Plaza, the Southwest Waterfront Area and the Northwest, Northeast and
Columbia Plaza Urban Renewal Projects.
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<PAGE>
WILLIAM F. TAGGART
WILLiam F. Taggart is the founding principal and current chairman of York
Management Services. With a successful track record in a variety of industries,
Mr. Tagggart and York Management Services have advised and acted as principals
in several successful turnaround opportunities, the most significant of which
are listed below.
Purolator Courier. Serving as president and chief executive officer of
Purolator's flagship U.S. Courier Division, Mr. Taggart re-positioned the
division from losing $5 million per month to breaking even, and later it sold
for nearly three times the company's value from the time he was hired,
representing approximately $150 million additional shareholder value. Kmart
Canada. In June 1997, Mr. Taggart, serving as chairman of the board led an
investor group including Koch Industries and Caisse de Depot et Placement de
Quebec in the acquisition of Kmart Canada (1997 sales-$1.1 billion) from Kmart
Corporation, and in February 1998, sold the company to Hudson's Bay, creating
over $80 million of shareholder value in nine months and providing a return to
the investors in excess of 450%. Cosmetic Center. In December 1998, and
continuing currently, Mr. Taggart acquired The Cosmetic Center from Revlon. The
Cosmetic Center is a leading U.S. retailer of cosmetics, fragrances and related
beauty products, operating 250 stores under two separate divisions - Cosmetic
Center Stores and Prestige Fragrance and Cosmetic Stores.
In addition to Mr. Taggart's business pursuits, he is active in civic and
not-for-profit organizations. For nine years, Mr. Taggart served as commissioner
and treasurer of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. He also served for eight
years as vice chairman of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority,
operator of the Meadowlands Complex. Mr. Taggart is a member of numerous boards.
He currently serves on the Human Rights Advisory Board, Covenant House, and the
Newark Museum.
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
ROGER E. TUTTLE - PRESIDENT, CEO, CHAIRMAN, DIRECTOR
Roger E. Tuttle is the Company's President and Chairman, Chief Executive
and Chief Financial Officer and a Director, and was its founder. He has nineteen
years experience in compost research and in developing marketing programs for
the beneficial use of compost, serving as the President for EarthLife Sales Co.
from 1988 through March 1990, President of Bird Compost Management, Inc. from
April 1990 through March 1992 and of Compost Management, Inc. from March 1992
until it was merged into the Company. Mr. Tuttle was a founding board member of
the Composting Council in Washington, D.C., the industry trade association. He
is a member of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection sludge
management task force, responsible for developing a statewide sludge management
plan, and is a contributor to the United States Environmental Protection Agency
research on beneficial use of organic waste.
41
<PAGE>
Mr. Tuttle has conducted research and developed utilization plans for City
and State Governments on compost quality and use. He has consulted on plant
growth in compost, and has conducted research on mass balances of different
composting configurations. Mr. Tuttle has consulted on the startup of several
in-vessel composting facilities, has conducted a review of active and closed
compost facilities in the United States and has participated in the design and
implementation of programs for compost use for the revegetation of landfills and
strip mines. He is a nationally recognized speaker and has authored or
co-authored manuals and literature for use in the compost industry.
ALFRED A. RATTIE - VICE-PRESIDENT (MARKETING)
Alfred A. Rattie, the Company's Vice-President of Marketing, is responsible
for directing the Company's compost marketing efforts. He has twelve years
experience in compost research and in developing marketing programs for the
beneficial use of compost, serving as the Vice President for EarthLife Sales Co.
from 1988 through March 1990, Vice President of Bird Compost Management, Inc.
from April 1990 through March 1992 and of Compost Management, Inc. from March
1992 until it was merged into the Company. Mr. Rattie is a charter member of New
Jersey SCORE (Statewide Committee for Organic Recycling Education), the
Governor's group formed to address the state's organic waste supply problems.
His expertise has allowed him to develop a working relationship with the New
Jersey Department of Environmental Policy and he has permitted over 25 large
compost use projects within the state. In addition, he has co-authored technical
literature on compost use and is a frequent speaker concerning compost issues.
ANTHONY P. CIPOLLONE, CPA - CONTROLLER
Anthony P. Cipollone is the Company's controller and Chief Accounting
Officer. Mr. Cipollone has extensive accounting experience in the construction
industry and over the past three years, as controller of VRH Construction Corp.,
has worked very closely with the Company and its management before joining the
Company in January 1998. While working with Rosen Schapps Solomon & Co. a public
accounting firm from September 1988 to September 1992, he performed audits,
prepared financial statements and worked closely with client management on a
broad range of financial issues. Mr. Cipollone has a B.S. in Accounting from
Herbert H. Lehman College. Mr. Cipollone also holds an AA degree in Data
Processing from Westchester Community College. He obtained his CPA in 1992.
PASQUALE ("PAT") J. DILEO - ASSISTANT SECRETARY, DIRECTOR
Pasquale ("Pat") J. DiLeo, a Director of the Company, has been the
President of Select Acquisitions, Inc., a holding company, since 1993. From 1989
through 1993 he was the president of Tinton Downs, Inc., a healthcare
development company. From 1988 through 1989, he was Director of Commercial Real
Estate at Merill Lynch Realty. Upon the resignation of the Company's secretary
in June 1998, Mr. DiLeo assumed the position of Assistant Secretary.
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<PAGE>
PAUL ABRAHAMSEN - DIRECTOR
Paul Abrahamsen is the Operations Manager for Lionhart Investments
Limited, London, United Kingdom. He was the Dealing Director for Bridge & Co.
International Broking Ltd. from 1991 to 1998 with accountability for
compiling, maintaining records of, and processing/reconciling equities
transactions from initial trade through disbursement of funds, with an
emphasis on all non-U.S. settlement. Mr. Abrahamsen's career, including his
sixteen years of operations experience, denotes consistent outstanding
performance and a record of achievement in executing responsibilities for a
number of foreign investment/brokerage organizations, often as sole U.S.
contact. His experience includes: Bridge Trading, St. Louis, Missouri, Bridge
& Co., Dealing Director International Broking (H.K.) Ltd., (Purchased from
Ernst & Company International Brokering Ltd.): International
Operations/Settlement Manager, Ernst & Co., 1989 to 1991; International
Operations Manager, Hoenig & Co., 1982 to 1989.
G. CHRIS ANDERSEN - DIRECTOR
G. Chris Andersen is currently a general partner of Andersen, Weinroth &
Co., L.P., a private merchant bank. From 1990-1995, Mr. Andersen was Vice
Chairman and head of International Banking at PaineWebber Incorporated. Prior to
that, Mr. Andersen led the Investment Banking Group at Drexel Burnham as a
Managing Director. In addition, he was also a member of the Board of Directors
of Drexel Burnham and also served on the firm's Underwriting Assistance and
Executive Committees.
Mr. Andersen currently serves on the board of directors of several public
and private companies, including Terex Corporation and the Sunshine Mining
Company both of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and previously
United Waste. He attended the University of Colorado as Joint Honor Scholar
where he received BS in Finance. He also holds an MBA in Business Finance from
Northwestern University and is a Charted Financial Analyst.
CHARLES R. CARSON - DIRECTOR
Charles R. Carson is a principal of Quirk Carson Peppet, Inc. ("QCP") and
became a director of the Company in 1997. QCP was established in 1985 to serve
as investment bankers and management consultants to small and mid-sized
companies (those with annual revenues of approximately $10 million to $200
million) in the environmental/waste management industry. QCP has worked with
numerous clients in the environmental/waste management business segment for over
ten years. Clients include firms operating in the solid waste, hazardous waste,
wastewater treatment, recycling, environmental engineering and consulting, water
and air emission sectors.
In January 1996 QCP and its co-sponsor Sanders Morris Mundy, a Houston
based investment banking firm, closed on a $38 million private equity fund
(Environmental Opportunities Fund, Ltd.) which was created to invest in publicly
and privately held companies operating in the environmental services industry.
The investments targeted by Environmental Opportunities Fund, Ltd. span the full
range of the environmental industry.
Mr. Carson received a B.A. Degree form Hamilton College, served as an
officer in the United States Army and then served Citibank for eight
43
<PAGE>
years, becoming a vice president in charge of an area responsible for major
corporate relationships including those diversified companies. While at
Citibank, he completed the Harvard Business School's Program for Management
Development. He joined City Investing Company in 1978 and became its vice
president and treasurer during his six years at the firm.
ROBERT J. LONGO - DIRECTOR, PRESIDENT OF EPIC, INC.
Robert J. Longo, President and founder of EPIC, Inc., became a director of
the Company when it acquired EPIC, in 1997. Under Mr. Longo's direction, EPIC,
and its affiliated companies have grown from one company doing $500,000 per year
to three separate companies with sales in excess of $40 million. His work
experience includes some of the most complex sewer projects from New York and
Connecticut through Georgia along the eastern seaboard and the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico. Mr. Longo has established an organization that has performed the
installation of water mains and storm and sanitary sewers through both populated
urban areas with hazardous subsurface conditions and in suburban municipalities.
This work has included installing pipe in size from eight-inch through eighty
four-inch diameter, negotiating excavations from two feet through fifty feet in
depth and installation of extensive dewatering systems, work in rock, and
reconstruction of roads.
PETER PETRILLO - DIRECTOR
Peter Petrillo has been a director of Atlantic Express Transportation Group
Inc. since January 1997. He has been a Vice President in the merchant banking
and direct equity investments group at Wafra Investment Advisory Group, Inc.
since January 1995. From January 1991 to December 1994, Mr. Petrillo was a
partner at Claymore Partners Ltd., a strategic and turnaround consulting firm.
He became a Director of the Company in 1997.
JOHN T. SHEA - DIRECTOR
John T. Shea, has been a director of Atlantic Express Transportation Group
Inc. since 1994. Since 1991 he has been responsible for merchant banking and
direct equity investments at Wafra Investment Advisory Group, Inc. From 1984 to
1991, Mr. Shea was responsible for direct equity investments at Lambert Brussels
Capital Corporation. Mr. Shea became a director of the Company in 1997.
CHRISTOPHER R. SMITH - DIRECTOR
Christopher R. Smith was elected a director of Discover Zone, Inc. in
August 1997. He joined Wafra Investment Advisory Group, Inc. in 1992, where he
is a Vice President. From 1990 until 1992, Mr. Smith served as a Vice president
of Kouri Capital Group, Inc., a merchant bank providing, among other things,
privatization advisory services. Prior to joining Kouri Capital Group, Mr. Smith
served as Assistant Vice President of Direct Equity Investment at Lambert
Brussels Capital Corporation and, before that, as a Corporate Loan Officer at
First Union National Bank. Mr. Smith became a director of the Company in 1997.
44
<PAGE>
ITEM 10.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
(b) SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Annual Compensation All
and Fiscal Other Other
Principal Year Annual Long-Term Compen-
Position Ended Salary Bonus Comp. Comp. Sation
- ---------- ------- -------- ----- ------ --------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Roger E. 4/30/98 $350,000 none none none $12,488
Tuttle, 4/30/97 $225,000 none none none none
President, 4/30/96 $ 60,000 none none none none
CEO
Robert J. 4/30/98 $162,500(1) none none none $3,600
Longo, 4/30/97 n/a none none none none
President 4/30/96 n/a none none none none
of EPIC
</TABLE>
(1) Commencing November 3, 1997
(c) OPTIONS/SAR GRANTS TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of %age of
Shares Total
Under- Options
lying Granted
Options in Fiscal Exercise or Base Expiration
Name Granted Year Price Per Share Date
- --------- --------- --------- ---------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
R. Tuttle none n/a n/a n/a
R. Longo 1,500,000 28% $1.00 9/16/02 (1)
</TABLE>
(1) only 500,000 currently vested
(d) Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal
Year-End Option/SAR Value Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Value of
Shares Under Unexercised
Unexercised In-the-Money
Shares Options at Options at
Acquired Value FY-End; Exer/ FY-End; Exer/
Name On Exerc. Realized non-Exer'able Non-Exer'able
- ------------ --------- -------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
R. Tuttle none none 1,209,875 n/a
R. Longo none none 1,500,000 $937,500 (1)
</TABLE>
(1) 500,000 shares ($312,500 value) exercisable, 1,000,000 shares ($625,000
value) non-exercisable
Note: The market price of the Company's common stock as at its April 30, 1998
fiscal year end was $1.625 per share.
45
<PAGE>
(e) LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN ("LTIP") AWARDS TABLE
None of the persons included in (b) above were covered by any plans.
(f) COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
No Director of the Company is compensated for serving as a director.
(g) EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND
CHANGE-IN-CONTROL Arrangements.
None of the persons included in (b) above were covered by any employment
contracts, termination of employment or change-in-control arrangements
other than as set forth in the employment agreement set forth herein.
On May 1, 1997 the Company entered into an amended employment agreement
with its President, Roger E. Tuttle. His agreement provides for employment as
the Company's President through August 1, 2004 at an initial annual salary of
$350,000 (of which $125,000 is not paid until the Company's cash resources allow
payment thereof) with annual increases commensurate with the growth of the
Company, plus a bonus of 5% of the Company's Consolidated Net Income After Taxes
on the first $25,000,000 thereof and 2% thereafter. In addition, Mr. Tuttle also
received options to purchase 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock at
$2.50 per share exercisable through August 1, 2004. In addition, he receives a
one-time bonus of $500,000 when the Company's common shares are accepted for
listing on The NASDAQ Small Cap Stock Market or National Market System.
On November 3, 1997 the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, EPIC, entered
into an employment agreement with Robert J. Longo. His agreement provides for
employment as the President of EPIC, Inc. through September 15, 2002 at an
initial annual salary of $325,000, with increases as per a bonus formula, plus
options to purchase 1,500,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $1.00 per
share exercisable through September 16, 2002, which options vested 500,000
initially, and 200,000 annually commencing September 15, 1998.
(h) REPORT ON REPRICING OF OPTIONS/SARS
None
46
<PAGE>
ITEM 11.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The Company's only class of voting securities is its Common Stock.
The following table sets forth, as of July 31, 1998, all persons known by
the Company to be a beneficial owner of more than five percent of the Company's
Common Stock and the Common Stock ownership in the Company, directly or
indirectly, by each of its directors and executive officers and by all directors
and executive officers of the Company as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount and
Nature of
Name and Address Beneficial Percent of
of Beneficial Owners (1) Ownership Class
- ------------------------ --------- -----
<S> <C> <C>
G. Chris Andersen 2,537,320 (2) 6.0%
821 West Shore Drive
Kinnelon, NJ 07405
(Director)
Charles R. Carson 238,334 (3) 0.6%
70 Mendota Avenue
Rye, NY 10580
(Director)
Anthony P. Cipollone 40,000 *
7 Halley Drive
Pomona, NY 10970
(Controller)
Pasquale J. DiLeo 197,180 (4) *
832 Bay Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08753
(Assistant Secretary, Director)
John B. Fetter 2,718,612 (5) 6.6%
820 Gatemore Road
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Robert J. Longo 4,255,067 (6) 10.2%
71 Roxitichus Road
Mendham, NJ 07945
(Director)
Peter Petrillo 0 0%
243 Peachtree Drive
East Norwich, NY 11732
(Director)
Alfred A. Rattie 565,000 1.4%
29 East Ridge Avenue
Sellersville, PA 18960
(Vice President)
47
<PAGE>
John T. Shea (7) 0%
94 Emily Road
Far Hills, NJ 07931
(Director)
Christopher Smith 0 0%
21 Middlesex Road
Darien, CT 06820
(Director)
Roger E. Tuttle 3,243,384 (8) 7.6%
3105 Gibson Lane
Doylestown, PA 18901
(President, CEO, Treasurer, Director)
Wasteco Ventures Limited 12,183,557 (7) 29.5%
Citco Building, Wickham's Cay
P.O. Box 662
Roadtown, Tortola, BVI
Officers and Directors 11,176,285 (9) 25.2%
As A Group (11 Persons)
</TABLE>
- -------------------
* Less than 1%
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, each person named in the table exercises sole
voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned.
(2) Includes 325,596 shares owned by Andersen Weinroth LP, of which G. Chris
Andersen is a general partner, 1,302,384 shares owned by AW Compost Partners, of
which Andersen Weinroth LP is a general partner. Also includes 300,000 shares
which may be acquired by Mr. G. Chris Andersen within sixty (60) days upon the
exercise of options and 609,340 shares which may be acquired by Andersen
Weinroth LP within sixty (60) days upon the exercise of options.
(3) Includes 238,334 shares which may be acquired by Mr. Carson within sixty
(60) days upon the exercise of options.
(4) Includes 30,000 shares owned directly by Mr. DiLeo and 167,180 shares owned
by Select Acquisitions, Inc., of which Mr. DiLeo is President.
(5) Includes 2,498,612 shares owned by John B. Fetter directly, 100,000 shares
owned by Marilyn S. Fetter, his wife and 120,000 shares owned by various trusts,
of which John B. Fetter is a trustee.
(6) Includes 3,755,067 shares owned by Mr. Longo directly. Also includes 500,000
shares which may be acquired by Mr. Longo within sixty (60) days upon the
exercise of options.
(7) When authorized, on an item-by-item basis, John T. Shea acts as
attorney-in-fact for Wasteco Ventures Limited.
(8) Includes 1,933,509 shares owned by Roger E. Tuttle directly and 100,000
shares owned by Elizabeth Tuttle, his wife. Also includes
48
<PAGE>
1,209,875 shares which may be acquired by Mr. Tuttle within sixty (60) days upon
the exercise of options.
(9) Includes 2,957,549 shares which may be acquired within sixty (60) days upon
the exercise of options and warrants. As at July 31, 1998, the Company had
41,316,847 shares outstanding. An additional 8,011,798 shares were subject to
acquisition within sixty (60) days upon the exercise of options and warrants and
the conversion of notes, for a total of 49,328,645.
49
<PAGE>
ITEM 12.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
On November 3, 1997 the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding
shares of R. J. Longo Construction Co., Inc. of Denville, New Jersey from its
President and sole shareholder, Robert J. Longo, and from the Andrea Longo
Charitable Trust, for approximately $26 million. R. J. Longo Construction Co.,
Inc. then changed its name to Environmental Protection & Improvement Company,
Inc. At the same time, the Company sold to Wasteco Ventures Limited, a British
Virgin Islands company affiliated with Wafra Investment Advisory Group, Inc.,
11,490,609 shares of its common stock, no par value, 130,000 shares of its then
newly created Series A Preferred Stock and 70,000 shares of its then newly
created Series C Preferred Stock for gross proceed of approximately $20 million.
The $26 million purchase price paid to Robert J. Longo and the Andrea Longo
Charitable Trust consisted of the this $20 million in cash, plus the issuance to
Robert J. Longo of 3,447,182 shares of the Company's common stock, 39,000 shares
of its Series A Preferred Stock and 21,000 shares of its Series C Preferred
Stock, collectively valued at $6 million. As a result of these transactions,
Robert J. Longo and three designees and affiliates of Wafra Investment Advisory
Group, Inc., Peter Petrillo, John T. Shea and Christopher Smith, were appointed
to the Company's Board of Directors.
On April 27, 1998 the Company sold to AW Compost Partners, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company, 1,627,980 shares of its common stock and 17,500
shares of its then newly created Series D Preferred Stock for cash of $416,334,
settlement of liabilities due to entities related to AW Compost Partners, LLC
totaling $888,079, a note receivable of $445,587 from American Marine Rail, LLC
and a one-third ownership in American Marine Rail, LLC. G. Chris Andersen, a
Director of the Company, is the Manager and a voting member of AW Compost
Partners, LLC. In consideration of their consenting to the creation of the
Series D Preferred Stock, and in either consideration of the November 3,
transactions, Wasteco Ventures Limited was issued 602,955 shares of the
Company's common stock and Robert J. Longo was issued 180,887 shares of the
Company's common stock.
Employment agreements of Roger E. Tuttle and Robert J. Longo are set forth
in Item 10 above.
Loans to the Company from VRH Construction Corp. and/or its principals
Victor Wortmann, Sr. and Robert E. Wortmann, are set forth in the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 15. Victor Wortmann, Sr. resigned as
Chairman and a Director of the Company on November 3, 1997. Robert E. Wortmann
resigned as Secretary and a Director of the Company on June 15, 1998.
50
<PAGE>
ITEM 13.
EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
a. Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-B
2. Plan of Acquisition,
Reorganization, etc. (1)
3. Articles of Incorporation (1), (2), (3), (4), (7)
and By-Laws
4. Instruments defining the Rights (1), (2), (3), (4), (5)
of Security Holders
9. Voting Trust Agreement (2), (3)
10. Material Contracts (2)
11. Statement re Computation See Note 4 to
of Per Share Earnings Consolidated
Financial Statements
13. Annual or Quarterly Reports none
16. Letter on Change in (6)
Certifying Accountant
18. Letter on Change in none
Accounting Principles
21. Subsidiaries of the see Part I, Item 1,
Registrant Background,
herein
22. Published Report Regarding none
Matters Submitted to Vote
23. Consents of Experts and not applicable
Counsel
24. Power of Attorney none
27. Financial Data Schedule filed electronically
99. Additional Exhibits None
(1) Incorporated by Reference to Registration Statement on Form S-1; File No.
333-1592; effective June 7, 1996
(2) Incorporated by Reference to Report on Form 8-K dated November 3, 1997 and
filed November 17, 1997
(3) Incorporated by Reference to Report on Form 8-K dated December 12, 1997 and
filed December 24, 1997
51
<PAGE>
(4) Incorporated by Reference to Report on Form 8-K dated April 27, 1998 and
filed May 4, 1998
(5) Incorporated by Reference to Report on Form 8-K dated June 15, 1998 and
filed June 19, 1998
(6) Incorporated by Reference to Report on Form 8-K dated July 20, 1998 and
filed July 22, 1998
(7) Incorporated by Reference to Report on Form 8-K dated July 30, 1998 and
filed August 11, 1998
(b) Reports on Form 8-K during the last quarter
1. A report on Form 8-K was filed on May 4, 1998 to report an event
on April 27, 1998, the sale by the Company to AW Compost
Partners, LLC of 1,627,980 shares of its common stock and 17,500
shares of its Series D Preferred Stock. No financial statements
were included in this filing.
52
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
Date: COMPOST AMERICA HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
January 27, 1999 (Registrant)
By: /s/ ROGER E. TUTTLE
Roger E. Tuttle, President and Treasurer,
Principal Executive Officer and Principal
Financial 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.
ROGER E. TUTTLE January 27, 1999 By: /s/ ROGER E. TUTTLE
President and Treasurer, Roger E. Tuttle
Principal Executive and
Principal Financial Officer,
Chairman, Director
ANTHONY P. CIPOLLONE January 27, 1999 By: /s/ ANTHONY P. CIPOLLONE
Controller, Principal Anthony P. Cipollone
Accounting Officer
PASQUALE J. DILEO January 27, 1999 By: /s/ PASQUALE J. DILEO
Assistant Secretary, Pasquale J. DiLeo
Director
PAUL ABRAHAMSEN January 27, 1999 By: /s/ PAUL ABRAHAMSEN
Director Paul Abrahamsen
CHARLES R. CARSON January 27, 1999 By: /s/ CHARLES R. CARSON
Director Charles R. Carson
ROBERT J. LONGO January 27, 1999 By: /s/ ROBERT J. LONGO
Director Robert J. Longo
PETER PETRILLO January 27, 1999 By: /s/ PETER PETRILLO
Director Peter Petrillo
JOHN T. SHEA January 27, 1999 By: /s/ JOHN T. SHEA
Director John T. Shea
CHRISTOPHER SMITH January 27, 1999 By: /s/ CHRISTOPHER SMITH
Director Christopher Smith
53
<PAGE>
Roger E. Tuttle, Pasquale J. DiLeo, Paul Abrahamsen, Charles R. Carson,
Robert J. Longo, Peter Petrillo, John T. Shea and Christopher Smith
constitute a majority of the members of the Registrant's Board of Directors.
54
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Compost America Holding Company, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Compost
America Holding Company, Inc. (a New Jersey corporation) and subsidiaries as
of April 30, 1998, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
redeemable preferred stock and stockholders' equity and cash flows for the
year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Compost America Holding
Company, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 30, 1998, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has a significant working
capital deficit and an accumulated deficit, has incurred losses since its
inception and was in default of certain loan and Preferred stock covenants and
payments on debt that give the lenders and Preferred stockholders certain
rights. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to
continue as a going concern. Further, the Company's growth strategy will require
substantial additional funds. Management plans in regard to these matters are
described in Note 2. The accompanying financial statements do not include any
adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset
amounts or amounts and classifications of liabilities that might result should
the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Philadelphia, Pa.,
January 12, 1999
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
Board of Directors
Compost America Holding Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
South Plainfield, New Jersey
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows of Compost America Holding Company, Inc. and
Subsidiaries for the year ended April 30, 1997. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above, present
fairly, in all material respects the results of its operations, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows of Compost America Holding Company, Inc. and
Subsidiaries for the year ended April 30, 1997, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
Zeller Weiss & Kahn
July 31, 1997
Mountainside, New Jersey
<PAGE>
COMPOST AMERICA HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
APRIL 30, 1998
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 388,956
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $117,422 2,928,027
Prepaid expenses and other 586,172
Deferred income taxes 59,029
-------------
Total current assets 3,962,184
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net 30,340,158
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net 31,678,800
INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE 1,493,872
RESTRICTED PROJECT FUND TRUST ACCOUNT 91,588,125
OTHER ASSETS 235,275
-------------
$ 159,298,414
-------------
-------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 1,552,768
Notes payable 90,000
Accounts payable 2,870,179
Accrued expenses 5,177,861
-------------
Total current liabilities 9,690,808
-------------
LONG-TERM DEBT 14,563,421
-------------
DUE TO RELATED PARTIES 9,009,357
-------------
RESTRICTED PROJECT BONDS PAYABLE 90,000,000
-------------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 8,173,449
-------------
MINORITY INTEREST --
-------------
SERIES A REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK, no par value; 169,000 shares authorized; 169,000 shares
issued and outstanding (liquidation value of $17,350,667) 5,710,521
-------------
SERIES C REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK, no par value; 91,000 shares authorized;
91,000 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation value of $9,987,562) 2,441,927
-------------
SERIES D REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK, no par value; 17,500 shares authorized;
17,500 shares issued and outstanding (liquidation value of $1,750,000) 613,711
-------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 20)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, no par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized
Series B Convertible, 5,000,000 shares authorized; 401,000 shares issued
and outstanding 281,963
Common stock, no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 39,316,578 shares issued and
outstanding 34,248,453
Additional paid in capital 10,154,931
Common stock to be issued, no par value; 320,552 shares to be issued and outstanding 508,325
Accumulated deficit (23,420,952)
Deferred compensation (2,677,500)
-------------
Total stockholders' equity 19,095,220
-------------
$ 159,298,414
-------------
-------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement.
<PAGE>
COMPOST AMERICA HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended April 30
----------------------------
1997 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Net sales $ -- $ 9,259,698
Other 147,466 --
------------ ------------
Total revenues 147,466 9,259,698
------------ ------------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating 10,803 6,205,099
Selling, general and administrative 4,846,464 9,438,693
Depreciation and amortization 161,326 2,572,072
Compensation for stock options -- 2,320,500
------------ ------------
Total operating expenses 5,018,593 20,536,364
------------ ------------
OPERATING LOSS (4,871,127) (11,276,666)
INTEREST EXPENSE, net of interest income of $1,209,604 in 1998 1,166,082 2,418,131
------------ ------------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES (6,037,209) (13,694,797)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT -- 2,076,671
------------ ------------
LOSS AFTER INCOME TAXES (6,037,209) (11,618,126)
MINORITY INTEREST IN LOSS OF CONSOLIDATED
SUBSIDIARIES 129,209 --
LOSS IN EQUITY IN JOINT VENTURE (13,603) --
------------ ------------
NET LOSS (5,921,603) (11,618,126)
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS -- 1,829,742
ACCRETION ON PREFERRED STOCK -- 1,217,436
------------ ------------
NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS $ (5,921,603) $(14,665,304)
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic $ (0.38) $ (0.55)
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Diluted $ (0.38) $ (0.55)
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
<PAGE>
COMPOST AMERICA HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF REDEEMABLE
PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERIES A SERIES C SERIES D
-------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, APRIL 30, 1996 -- $ -- -- $ -- -- $ --
Proceeds from sale of Common stock -- -- -- -- -- --
Common stock issued for acquisition -- -- -- -- -- --
Common stock issued for services -- -- -- -- -- --
Common stock issued for debt repayment -- -- -- -- -- --
Common stock issued for property -- -- -- -- -- --
Net loss -- -- -- -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE, APRIL 30, 1997 -- -- -- -- -- --
Proceeds for acquisition from sale of
Preferred and Common stock, net of
transaction costs 130,000 3,829,077 70,000 1,217,146 -- --
Preferred and Common stock issued for
acquisition 39,000 1,365,000 21,000 525,000 -- --
Preferred and Common stock issued for
investment transaction -- -- -- -- 17,500 612,500
Proceeds from sale of Common stock, net
of transaction costs -- -- -- -- -- --
Common stock issued for property -- -- -- -- -- --
Common stock issued for services -- -- -- -- -- --
Common stock issued for debt repayment -- -- -- -- -- --
Proceeds from sale of Common stock and
Preferred stock, net of transaction
costs -- -- -- -- -- --
Deferred compensation on stock options
granted -- -- -- -- -- --
Amortization of deferred compensation -- -- -- -- -- --
Common stock options granted to
consultants -- -- -- -- -- --
Settlement of stock subscription
receivable -- -- -- -- -- --
Conversion of Preferred stock to note
payable -- -- -- -- -- --
Accretion of Preferred stock -- 516,444 -- 699,781 -- 1,211
Exercise of Common stock options,
including tax benefit -- -- -- -- -- --
Preferred stock dividends -- -- -- -- -- --
Net loss -- -- -- -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE, APRIL 30, 1998 169,000 $ 5,710,521 91,000 $ 2,441,927 17,500 $ 613,711
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
----------------------------------------------------------------------
SERIES B
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL
--------------------------- -------------------------- PAID IN
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, APRIL 30, 1996 -- $ -- 14,522,364 $ 5,841,684 $ --
Proceeds from sale of Common stock -- -- 314,239 737,153 --
Common stock issued for acquisition -- -- 150,000 397,500 --
Common stock issued for services -- -- 2,165,238 2,265,572 --
Common stock issued for debt repayment -- -- 251,000 606,760 --
Common stock issued for property -- -- 305,000 762,500 --
Net loss -- -- -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE, APRIL 30, 1997 -- -- 17,707,841 10,611,169 --
Proceeds for acquisition from sale of
Preferred and Common stock, net of
transaction costs -- -- 11,490,609 10,069,335 1,750,000
Preferred and Common stock issued for
acquisition -- -- 3,447,182 3,705,000 525,000
Preferred and Common stock issued for
investment transaction -- -- 1,627,980 1,953,576 --
Proceeds from sale of Common stock, net
of transaction costs -- -- 955,000 1,907,559 --
Common stock issued for property -- -- 200,000 200,000 --
Common stock issued for services -- -- 2,026,575 1,985,463 --
Common stock issued for debt repayment -- -- 541,478 1,261,338 --
Proceeds from sale of Common stock and
Preferred stock, net of transaction
costs 801,000 908,153 -- 744,822 --
Deferred compensation on stock options
granted -- -- -- -- 4,998,000
Amortization of deferred compensation -- -- -- -- --
Common stock options granted to
consultants -- -- -- -- 2,881,931
Settlement of stock subscription
receivable -- -- -- -- --
Conversion of Preferred stock to note
payable (400,000) (626,190) -- -- --
Accretion of Preferred stock -- -- -- -- --
Exercise of Common stock options,
including tax benefit -- -- 419,080 488,774 --
Preferred stock dividends -- -- 900,833 1,321,417 --
Net loss -- -- -- -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE, APRIL 30, 1998 401,000 $ 281,963 39,316,578 $ 34,248,453 $ 10,154,931
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCK TO BE ISSUED
-------------------------- ACCUMULATED DEFERRED SUBSCRIPTIONS
SHARES AMOUNT DEFICIT COMPENSATION RECEIVABLE TOTAL
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, APRIL 30, 1996 -- $ -- $ (2,834,045) $ -- $ (28,692) $ 2,978,947
Proceeds from sale of Common stock -- -- -- -- -- 737,153
Common stock issued for acquisition -- -- -- -- -- 397,500
Common stock issued for services -- -- -- -- -- 2,265,572
Common stock issued for debt repayment -- -- -- -- -- 606,760
Common stock issued for property -- -- -- -- -- 762,500
Net loss -- -- (5,921,603) -- -- (5,921,603)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE, APRIL 30, 1997 -- -- (8,755,648) -- (28,692) 1,826,829
Proceeds for acquisition from sale of
Preferred and Common stock, net of
transaction costs -- -- -- -- -- 11,819,335
Preferred and Common stock issued for
acquisition -- -- -- -- -- 4,230,000
Preferred and Common stock issued for
investment transaction -- -- -- -- -- 1,953,576
Proceeds from sale of Common stock, net
of transaction costs -- -- -- -- -- 1,907,559
Common stock issued for property -- -- -- -- -- 200,000
Common stock issued for services -- -- -- -- -- 1,985,463
Common stock issued for debt repayment -- -- -- -- -- 1,261,338
Proceeds from sale of Common stock and
Preferred stock, net of transaction
costs -- -- -- -- -- 1,652,975
Deferred compensation on stock options
granted -- -- -- (4,998,000) -- --
Amortization of deferred compensation -- -- -- 2,320,500 -- 2,320,500
Common stock options granted to
consultants -- -- -- -- -- 2,881,931
Settlement of stock subscription
receivable -- -- -- -- 28,692 28,692
Conversion of Preferred stock to note
payable -- -- -- -- -- (626,190)
Accretion of Preferred stock -- -- (1,217,436) -- -- (1,217,436)
Exercise of Common stock options,
including tax benefit -- -- -- -- -- 488,774
Preferred stock dividends 320,552 508,325 (1,829,742) -- -- --
Net loss -- -- (11,618,126) -- -- (11,618,126)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
BALANCE, APRIL 30, 1998 320,552 $ 508,325 $(23,420,952) $ (2,677,500) $ -- $ 19,095,220
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
<PAGE>
COMPOST AMERICA HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended April 30
------------------------------
1997 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $ (5,921,603) $(11,618,126)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities-
Amortization 82,989 1,671,948
Depreciation 78,337 1,130,124
Deferred compensation -- 2,320,500
Deferred income taxes -- (2,076,671)
Loss in equity in joint venture 13,603 --
Stock issued for professional services 1,578,525 1,677,249
Stock options issued for cashless transactions -- 203,824
Stock options issued for services -- 175,050
Shareholder settlement 500,000 --
Loss in equity of minority interest (129,209) --
Settlement of note payable -- 1,035,148
Changes in operating assets and liabilities-
Restricted cash -- (1,588,125)
Accounts receivable, net (26,089) (215,355)
Prepaid expenses and other (142,626) (256,718)
Accounts payable 2,600,837 (1,173,493)
Accrued expenses 191,093 5,539,381
------------ ------------
Net cash used in operating activities (1,174,143) (3,175,264)
------------ ------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (2,710,907) (1,258,142)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (325,000) (19,758,640)
Purchase of customer contract rights (1,000,000) (246,266)
Proceeds from (investment in) joint venture 624,636 (94,130)
------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities (3,411,271) (21,357,178)
------------ ------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes payable 606,050 --
Proceeds from long-term debt 1,885,563 2,833,712
Advances from related parties, net 1,429,650 3,027,894
Repayment of notes payable -- (2,447,879)
Repayment of long-term debt (68,489) (1,043,756)
Deferred financing costs -- (781,203)
Proceeds from sale of Common stock, net 737,154 13,306,144
Proceeds from sale of Series A Preferred stock, net -- 4,338,624
Proceeds from sale of Series B Preferred stock, net -- 1,917,500
Proceeds from sale of Series C Preferred stock, net -- 3,343,766
Proceeds from sale of Series D Preferred stock, net -- 416,334
Proceeds from the exercise of Common stock options -- 2,250
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 4,589,928 24,913,386
------------ ------------
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 4,514 380,944
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 3,498 8,012
------------ ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $ 8,012 $ 388,956
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest expense $ 239,804 $ 1,410,253
Cash paid for income taxes $ -- $ --
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
<PAGE>
COMPOST AMERICA HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BACKGROUND:
Compost America Holding Company, Inc. (the Company), formerly known as Alcor
Energy and Recycling Systems, Inc. (Alcor), was incorporated in New Jersey. The
Company will construct or acquire, manage and own indoor compost manufacturing
plants. Composting is a method of converting the organic portion of municipal
solid waste and sewage sludge into a peat moss like product with agronomic
benefits. The Company will be paid a "tipping fee", just as landfills and
incinerators are paid, for receiving and processing the municipal solid waste
and biosolids. The Company also will receive revenues from the sale of the
compost it produces. The Company anticipates that it will be competitive with
other waste management options by conveniently locating its plants to urban
centers, thus eliminating the need to use local transfer stations and reducing
the transportation costs associated with hauling waste to distant out-of-state
landfills. The Company's first two development projects will be a fully enclosed
composting facility in Newark, New Jersey, which is 75% owned by the Company and
25% owned by Prince George's Contractors, Inc., d/b/a Potomac Technologies,
Inc., and a fully enclosed composting facility in Dade County, Florida, which is
80.1% owned by the Company and 19.9% owned by a local businessman (see Note 10).
The Company was previously considered a development stage company; however, in
November 1997, the Company acquired an operating business, Environmental
Protection and Improvement Company (EPIC) (see Note 5). EPIC is in the business
of transporting biosolids to approved land application sites and transporting
ash, municipal solid waste and contaminated soils to approved landfills by
intermodal truck and/or rail hauling. Substantially all of the Company's
revenues for the year ended April 30, 1998 were generated by EPIC.
2. LIQUIDITY:
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the
Company will continue as a going concern. As of April 30, 1998, the Company had
a working capital deficit of $5,728,624 and an accumulated deficit of
$23,420,952. Included in the working capital deficit is $1,642,768 for the
current portion of long-term debt and notes payable. In addition, as of April
30, 1998, the Company was not in compliance with one of its long-term debt
agreements (see Notes 6 and 21). This loan was repaid with the proceeds from a
new loan in October 1998 (see Note 21) and, as a result, has been classified as
long-term debt as of April 30, 1998. Since April 30, 1998, the Company has
received extensions for the original maturity terms to dates after April 30,
1999 on several accounts payable, accrued expenses and debt obligations,
primarily amounts due to related parties, and such extended terms are reflected
in the financial statements. As more fully discussed in Note 11, the Series A
and Series D Preferred stockholders have certain rights to exchange their shares
of the Company's Preferred and Common stock for the Common stock of EPIC and the
Company's investment in American Marine Rail, LLC. In connection with the
financing
<PAGE>
2
needed for the project costs incurred and the funding of operating expenses, the
Company has incurred indebtedness with relatively short repayment schedules. In
addition, the Company has incurred losses since its inception and is subject to
those risks associated with companies in the early stages of development. The
Company's growth and development strategy will also require the approval of
certain permits from regulatory authorities and substantial financing will be
required to finance construction and development of Compost projects, for
working capital and for capital expenditures.
On October 30, 1998, the Company issued a term note for $10,500,000
(see Note 21) in order to fund the Company's short-term working capital needs
and to repay the Company's debt obligation which was past due as of April 30,
1998. The Company expects that adequate financing will be available to fund
the Company's working capital needs and to fund the required debt payments.
However, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain
sufficient debt or equity financing on favorable terms or at all. If the
Company is unable to secure additional financing, its ability to implement
its growth strategy will be impaired and its financial condition and results
of operations are likely to be materially adversely affected. These matters,
among others, raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue
as a going concern.
3. RISK AND UNCERTAINTIES:
The Company is both a development company and an operating company. The planned
composting facilities are subject to all of the risks inherent in the
establishment of a new business enterprise, including the absence of an
operating history, lack of market recognition for its products and the need to
develop new banking and financial relationships. The Company has not yet
demonstrated an ability to profitably operate any in-vessel compost facilities,
including those of the type proposed to be built by the Company.
The waste management industry in which the Company operates as a processor of
municipal solid waste, sewage sludge and commercial organic waste, is highly
competitive and has been traditionally dominated by several large and well
recognized national and multinational companies with substantially greater
financial resources than those available to the Company. The Company will be
competing with such other companies for a share of the available market and no
assurance can be given that in the future it will be able to obtain an adequate
commercial customer base to implement its operating plan.
The Company's planned operations are subject to substantial regulation by
federal, state and local regulatory authorities. Specific regulations vary by
state and locality. Local siting approvals require differing levels of design
documentation and process definition, usually requiring public approvals in one
or more public hearings. Following local approval, the Company must apply for
and receive air, water, and solid waste and sewage sludge processing permits
from state environmental protection agencies. These permits will generally
include specific limits within which the facilities must operate. In the case of
air and water permits, these include limits on offsite emission and discharge
releases. Compost product composition may also be regulated, requiring continual
monitoring to assure compost product quality. Continued compliance with this
broad federal, state and local
<PAGE>
3
regulatory network is essential and costly. Additionally, there can be no
assurance that additional, more restrictive regulations will not be enacted in
the future or that the Company will be in a position to comply with such new
regulations. Consequently, management is unable to predict the effect upon its
future operations of such regulations except the failure to comply with such
regulations might have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
operations in the future.
There can be no assurances that the Company will be able to obtain the permits
necessary to operate its organic recycling compost manufacturing plants
presently under development. If and when these permits are issued, the Company
must then operate the plants in conformance with the permits. Further,
management is unable to predict the amount of time which will be required to
obtain all necessary permits. Any delays in such process will delay the
Company's ability to begin commercial operations and may have an adverse impact
upon the Company's future operations.
The Company plans to contract for and to process, municipal solid waste and
sewage sludge that meets the Company's specifications. It is possible that some
of the wastes accepted at a company facility may contain contaminants which
could cause environmental damage and result in liabilities. The receipt and
disposal of contaminated wastes could have a materially adverse effect on the
Company and its operations in the future.
4. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated. Investments in 20% to 50% owned affiliates
are accounted for on the equity method.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles 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 amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
amounts could differ from those estimates.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to be
<PAGE>
4
Disposed of," which requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived
assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and
undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than
the assets carrying amount. The Company continually evaluates whether events and
circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of
long-lived assets may warrant revision or the remaining balance may not be
recoverable. As of April 30, 1998, management believes that no revision to the
remaining useful lives or write-down of long-lived assets is required.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Significant improvements are
capitalized and expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense
as incurred. Upon the sale or retirement of these assets, the cost and related
accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is
included in operating results.
Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method based
on the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Building 25 years
Machinery and equipment 5 - 7 years
Leasehold improvements Remaining lease term
</TABLE>
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
April 30,
1998
------------
<S> <C>
Land $ 8,759,561
Building 206,367
Machinery and equipment 12,542,400
Leasehold improvements 253,646
Construction in progress, compost projects 9,803,726
------------
31,565,700
Less- Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,225,542)
------------
$ 30,340,158
------------
------------
</TABLE>
Depreciation and amortization expense was $78,337 and $1,130,124, for the years
ended April 30, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
Construction in progress costs consist of costs incurred for the development of
the Company's composting facilities. These costs include the architectural,
legal, structural and consulting engineering, artist rendering, planning board
approvals and other permitting costs. Upon commencement of operations of a
facility, the costs associated with such project will be depreciated over the
estimated useful life of the facility. In accordance with SFAS No. 34,
"Capitalization of Interest Cost," the Company does not capitalize interest on
<PAGE>
5
construction in progress until the permitting has been obtained and the actual
construction process begins due to the inefficiencies and other factors which
extend the construction period prior to the final permitting. Upon the receipt
of final permitting and the start of the construction process, the Company will
capitalize interest in accordance with SFAS No. 34. As of April 30, 1998 no
interest has been capitalized.
Construction in progress, compost projects consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROJECT AMOUNT
------- ----------
<S> <C>
Newark, New Jersey $5,082,366
Miami, Florida 2,773,798
Chicago, Illinois 784,887
Monmouth, New Jersey 892,551
Gloucester, New Jersey 270,124
----------
$9,803,726
----------
----------
</TABLE>
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line method based on the
estimated lives indicated below. Customer contract rights, deferred financing
costs and lease incentive are being amortized over the life of the respective
contracts or agreements.
Intangible assets consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Estimated April 30,
Life 1998
------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Customer contract rights 15 years $ 30,777,821
Deferred financing costs 1 to 3 years 951,203
Goodwill 20 years 475,085
Lease incentive 7 years 993,361
Other 5 to 20 years 260,368
------------
33,457,838
Less- Accumulated amortization (1,779,038)
------------
$ 31,678,800
------------
------------
</TABLE>
Amortization expense for intangible assets was $82,989 and $1,671,948 for the
years ended April 30, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Tipping fees, the Company's principal source of revenue in the year ended
April 30, 1998, are recognized upon the receipt of the organic waste at the
Company's transfer site. Costs to transport and dispose of the waste are
accrued upon receipt of the waste. The revenue generated from the sale of
compost and soil products will be recognized upon shipment.
<PAGE>
6
INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes." SFAS No. 109 requires the liability method of accounting for deferred
income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities. Deferred tax assets or liabilities at the end of each period are
determined using the tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes are actually
paid or recovered.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of
credit risk are accounts receivable. The Company's customer base principally
comprises companies within the waste disposal industry and municipal
authorities. The Company does not require collateral from its customers.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash
equivalents, restricted project fund trust account, accounts receivable,
accounts payable and debt instruments. The book values of cash and cash
equivalents, restricted project fund trust account, accounts receivable and
accounts payable are considered to be representative of their respective fair
values. None of the Company's debt instruments that are outstanding as of
April 30, 1998 have readily ascertainable market values; however, the carrying
values are considered to approximate their respective fair values. See
Notes 6, 7, 8 and 9 for the terms and carrying values of the Company's various
debt instruments.
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
The Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" as of April 30, 1998. In
accordance with SFAS No. 128, prior period earnings per share amounts have been
restated to conform with SFAS No. 128. SFAS No. 128 requires basic earnings per
share which is computed by dividing reported earnings available to common
stockholders by the weighted average Common shares outstanding and diluted
earnings per share which reflects the dilutive effect of Common stock
equivalents such as stock options and warrants, unless the inclusion would
result in antidilution. Inclusion of the Common stock equivalents in the diluted
net loss per share calculation would be antidilutive and, therefore, such shares
are not included in the calculation.
<PAGE>
7
The net loss and weighted average Common and Common equivalent shares used in
determining the net loss per share are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended April 30
------------------------------
1997 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net loss available for Common stockholders per statements of
operations $ (5,921,603) $(14,665,304)
Preferred stock dividends not declared -- 887,562
------------ ------------
Net loss available for Common stockholders used for basic
and diluted net loss per Common share $ (5,921,603) $(15,552,866)
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Weighted average Common shares outstanding during year 15,781,015 28,135,231
Dilutive effect of Common stock to be issued for preferred stock
dividends not declared -- 151,720
------------ ------------
Weighted average Common and Common equivalent shares
used for basic and diluted net loss per Common share 15,781,015 28,286,951
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
</TABLE>
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 130 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for the
reporting and display of comprehensive income in a set of financial statements.
Comprehensive income is defined as the change in net assets of a business
enterprise during a period from transactions generated from non-owner sources.
It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from
investments by owners and distributions to owners. Management believes that the
adoption of SFAS No. 130 will not have a material impact on the Company's
financial statements.
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS
No. 131 applies to all public companies and is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 131 requires that business segment
financial information be reported in the financial statements utilizing the
management approach. The management approach is defined as the manner in which
management organizes the segments within the enterprise for making operating
decisions and assessing performance. SFAS No. 131 also establishes standards
for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major
customers. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of the
adoption of this pronouncement on the Company's existing disclosures.
In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued
Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up
Activities." SOP 98-5 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
1998. SOP 98-5 provides guidance on the
<PAGE>
8
financial reporting of start-up costs and organization costs. Management
believes that the adoption of SOP 98-5 will not have a material impact on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The following table displays the noncash assets and liabilities that were
consolidated as a result of business acquisitions (see Note 5):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
April 30
------------------------------
1997 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Noncash assets (liabilities):
Accounts receivable, net $ -- $ 2,657,891
Prepaid expenses and other -- 168,519
Property and equipment -- 12,072,753
Intangibles 860,861 29,531,555
Other assets -- 219,250
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (138,361) (1,516,363)
Deferred income taxes -- (10,231,091)
Long-term debt -- (7,023,874)
------------ ------------
Net noncash assets acquired 722,500 25,878,640
Less- Common and Preferred stock issued (397,500) (6,120,000)
------------ ------------
Cash paid, net of cash acquired $ 325,000 $ 19,758,640
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
</TABLE>
The following additional noncash investing and financing activities occurred:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
April 30
-------------------------
1997 1998
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Common stock issued for purchase of property, plant
and equipment $ 762,500 $ 200,000
Common stock issued for consulting services 1,793,822 1,677,249
Common stock issued for compost project costs 471,750 420,914
Common stock issued for investment in joint venture -- 1,953,576
Common stock issued for payment of liability 606,760 --
Conversion of note payable into Common stock -- 1,261,338
Common stock options granted for compost project costs -- 226,939
Common stock options granted on sale of Preferred and
Common stock -- 2,479,942
Common stock issued for deferred financing costs -- 170,000
Common stock options granted for consulting services -- 175,050
Conversion of Preferred stock to note payable -- 1,000,000
Preferred stock issued for investment in joint venture -- 612,500
Mortgage payable for land acquisition -- 794,000
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
9
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications of prior year balances have been made to conform with
the current year classification of such balances.
5. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS:
On November 3, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding Common stock of
EPIC (formerly known as R.J. Longo Construction Co., Inc.) for $26,120,000. EPIC
is in the business of transporting biosolids to approved land application sites
and transporting ash, municipal solid waste and contaminated soils to approved
landfills by intermodal truck and/or rail hauling. The purchase price was paid
in cash of $20,000,000, the issuance of 39,000 shares of the Company's Series A
Preferred Stock valued at $1,365,000, 21,000 shares of the Company's Series C
Preferred Stock valued at $1,050,000 and 3,447,182 shares of the Company's
unregistered Common stock valued at $3,585,000. In addition, in May 1997, the
Company's President transferred 100,000 shares of his personal holdings of the
Company's unregistered Common stock valued at $120,000, on behalf of the
Company, as part of the negotiations of the original letter of intent for the
EPIC acquisition. This transfer of the President's shares was recorded as a
capital contribution as of the date of the transaction based on the closing bid
price per share. The purchase price of $26,706,525, including the related
transaction expenses of $586,525 was allocated to the fair value of the net
assets acquired, with $29,531,555 allocated to customer contract rights under
the purchase method of accounting. In addition, the Stock Purchase Agreement
contains a provision for additional payments based on the future operating
results, as defined, if two specific customer contracts are entered into by EPIC
within a specified period. The cash portion of the purchase price was funded
primarily from proceeds from the sale to one investor of 130,000 shares of the
Company's Series A Preferred stock valued at $3,829,077 (net of expenses of
$720,923), 70,000 shares of the Company's Series C Preferred stock valued at
$1,217,146 (net of expenses of $532,854 and a conversion preference of
$1,750,000 (see Note 11)) and 11,490,609 shares of the Company's unregistered
Common stock valued at $10,069,335 (net of expenses of $1,880,665). The Series A
Preferred stock, Series C Preferred stock and unregistered Common stock amounts
were determined by an appraisal by an independent party.
See Note 11 regarding certain exchange rights for the Series A and Series C
Preferred stock issued as part of the EPIC acquisition.
On October 2, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding Common stock of
American Soil, Inc. for $855,000. American Soil, Inc. is in the business of
composting vegetative waste at a leased site in Freehold, New Jersey. The
purchase price was paid in cash of $325,000 and the issuance of 150,000 shares
of the Company's registered Common stock valued at $397,500. In addition, the
Company has recorded $132,500 of additional purchase price during the year ended
April 30, 1998. The purchase price of $855,000 was allocated to the fair value
of the net assets acquired, with $993,361 allocated to a lease incentive
intangible asset under the purchase method of accounting.
<PAGE>
10
On March 1, 1996, Miami Recycling and Composting Company, Inc. (see Note 10)
acquired all of the outstanding Common stock of Bedminster Seacor Services Miami
Corporation from Bedminster Bioconversion Corporation for $500,000. Bedminster
Seacor Services Miami Corporation was in the early stages of permitting a
composting facility in Miami, Florida. The purchase price was paid with the
issuance of 200,000 shares of the Company's unregistered Common stock and
warrants to purchase 300,000 shares of the Company's unregistered Common stock
at $6.00 per share. The purchase price of $500,000 was allocated to the fair
value of the net assets acquired under the purchase method of accounting. In
addition, Bedminster Bioconversion Corporation is entitled to future payments of
$400,000 upon the financing of the Miami facility, a fee of $200,000 three years
after commencement of operations at the Miami facility and an additional fee of
$200,000 six years after commencement of operations at the Miami facility.
Bedminster Bioconversion Corporation will also receive 20% of the net cash flow,
as defined, from the operation of the Miami facility. In addition, the Company
agreed to an equipment supply agreement for certain solid waste services at the
cost of equipment plus 10% provided that the Company is entitled to utilize
Bedminster Bioconversion Corporation's technology.
The purchase price allocations for the above acquisitions are based on
estimates, available information and certain assumptions and may be revised as
additional information becomes available.
If the EPIC and American Soil, Inc. acquisitions had occurred on May 1,1996,
unaudited pro forma revenues, net loss available to common stockholders and net
loss per share would have been approximately $17,600,000, $10,700,000 and $0.33,
respectively, for the year ended April 30, 1997 and $17,900,000, $16,500,000 and
$0.44, respectively, for the year ended April 30, 1998. The pro forma financial
information does not purport to represent what the Company's results of
operations would have been had the acquisitions in fact occurred on May 1, 1996,
or to project the Company's results of operations for any future period.
<PAGE>
11
LONG-TERM DEBT:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
April 30,
1998
----------
<S> <C>
Mortgage note (including accrued interest of $542,242),
principal payable on April 1, 1998, with interest at 7%
payable on April 1, 1998, secured by certain land. As of
April 30, 1998, the Company was not in compliance with
this note as the principal is past due. This note was
repaid in October 1998 (see Note 21) $ 4,273,113
Note payable in three installments of $200,000 on or before
June 30, 1999 and 2000, respectively, and $194,000 on or
before June 30, 2000, interest at 12%, 8% and 6% per year,
secured by certain land owned by the Company. The interest
is payable annually in the Company's unregistered common
shares beginning at June 30, 1999. The amount of common
shares to be issued will be determined by dividing the
dollar amount of interest payable by the average closing
price of the Company's common shares for the five trading
days prior to the interest payment date 594,000
Promissory note payable, due on May 15, 1999, with interest
payable monthly at 15% per year, secured by certain of the
Company's assets 1,000,000
Convertible promissory note due on November 1, 2000,
interest at 10% per year payable with shares of the
Company's Common stock at a conversion price of $2.50 per
share, secured by certain assets of the Company,
convertible at the lenders option into shares of Series B
Preferred Stock at a conversion rate of $2.50 per share 2,000,000
Convertible debenture due on November 26, 1999, interest at
10% per year payable monthly, 300,000 registered shares of
the Company's Common stock are pledged as collateral,
convertible at the lenders option into shares of Common
stock at a conversion rate equal to 65% of the bid price
for the five days immediately preceding the conversion
date 600,000
Note payable in monthly installments of $69,000 including
interest at 9% per year, repaid on June 17, 1998 with new
financing (see Note 21) 4,810,522
Notes payable in monthly installments of $48,493 including
interest at 9.9% per year, repaid on June 17, 1998 with
new financing (see Note 21) 1,473,538
Note payable in monthly installments of $6,802 including
interest at 8% per year, repaid on June 17, 1998 with new
financing (see Note 21) 227,101
Note payable, no stated maturity date, with interest at
10.5% per year payable at maturity, unsecured 264,871
Note payable due on January 26, 1999, with interest at 8%
per year payable at maturity, secured by certain assets of
the Company 200,000
Notes payable to individuals, due on demand after April
1999, with interest payable on demand after April 1999 at
10% per year, unsecured 174,895
Convertible notes payable to individuals, due in May 1999,
with interest payable at maturity at 9% per year,
unsecured 67,500
Other notes payable 430,649
----------
16,116,189
Less- Current portion (1,552,768)
----------
$ 14,563,421
----------
----------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
12
Maturities of long-term debt as of April 30, 1998 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
April 30
--------
<S> <C>
1999 $ 1,552,768
2000 7,885,010
2001 3,506,785
2002 629,920
2003 522,659
2004 and thereafter 2,019,047
-----------
$16,116,189
-----------
-----------
</TABLE>
7. NOTES PAYABLE:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
April 30,
1998
-------
<S> <C>
Note payable to bank, due on demand, with interest at
9 1/2% per year. This note was repaid in July 1998 $90,000
-------
$90,000
-------
-------
</TABLE>
8. RESTRICTED PROJECT BONDS PAYABLE:
On December 30, 1997, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (the
Authority), issued $90,000,000 of Solid Waste Disposal Facility Revenue Bonds
(the Bonds) to finance the costs of constructing the Company's Newark, New
Jersey composting project. The Bonds were issued with an initial term ending on
the earlier of December 15, 1998 or such earlier date as permitted under the
Bond Agreement and bear interest at a rate of 3.95% per year during the initial
term. During the initial term, First Union National Bank (the Trustee) will hold
the $90,000,000 plus the interest earned in order to provide for payment of
interest to the bondholders during the initial term, and if necessary, the
$90,000,000 is available to pay the principal owed to the bondholders at the end
of the initial term.
On December 15, 1998, the Bonds were remarketed with an initial term ending on
the earlier of June 15, 1999 or such earlier date as permitted under the Bond
Agreement and bear interest at a rate of 3.0% per year during the initial term.
During the initial term, the Trustee will hold the $90,000,000 plus the interest
earned in order to provide for payment of interest to the bondholders during the
initial term, and if necessary, the $90,000,000 is available to pay the
principal owed to the bondholders at the end of the initial term.
The Company must meet certain conditions, as described in the Bond Agreement,
related to the planned construction project at the Newark, New Jersey site prior
to the initial maturity date of June 15, 1999 in order to convert the Bonds to
weekly, term rate or fixed rate Bonds, as described in the Bond Agreement. The
final maturity on these Bonds after the conversion from the initial term will be
December 1, 2022.
<PAGE>
13
Since the initial maturity of the Bonds based on the remarketing is on June 15,
1999, the bonds have been classified in the accompanying balance sheet as a
long-term liability with an offsetting amount, plus interest earned, as a
long-term asset. Management believes that all of the conditions described in the
Bond Agreement will be met prior to the initial maturity date.
9. DUE TO RELATED PARTIES:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Promissory notes payable, including accrued interest and
accounts payable of $1,562,364, to VRH Construction Corp.
(see Note 15), due on the earlier of the financial closing
for the Newark project or May 15, 1999, interest accrues
at 10% per year and is payable upon the date of maturity
for the principal, secured by certain of the Company's
assets $5,686,717
Notes payable to former owner of EPIC, with interest payable
at maturity at 10% per year , secured by certain of the
Company's assets, repaid on June 17, 1998 with new
financing (see Note 21) 1,676,189
Note and advances payable, including accrued interest of
$8,333, to Foundation Systems, Inc. (see Note 15), due on
the earlier of the financial closing for the Newark
project or June 15, 1999, interest accrues at 10% per year
and is payable upon the date of maturity for the
principal, unsecured 521,992
Advances from Select Acquisitions, Inc. (see Note 15), due
on the earlier of the financial closing for the Newark
project or June 15, 1999, interest accrues at 10% per year
and is payable upon the date of maturity for the
principal, unsecured 130,127
Advances, including accrued interest of $8,332 and accrued
salary deferrals of $713,500, from the Company's
President, due on the earlier of the financial closing for
the Newark project or June 15, 1999, interest accrues on
cash advance at 10% per year and is payable upon the date
of maturity for the principal, unsecured 776,832
Deferred salary from an officer, payable on the earlier of
the financial closing for the Newark project or
June 15, 1999 217,500
----------
$9,009,357
----------
----------
</TABLE>
10. MINORITY INTEREST IN CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES:
Newark Recycling and Composting Company, Inc. (Newark Recycling) was
incorporated in 1994 with Compost America Company of New Jersey, Ltd. (a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company) owning 75% and Prince George's Contractors,
Inc., d/b/a Potomac Technologies, Inc., owning 25%. Newark Recycling is in the
business of development, construction and operation of a sewer sludge composting
facility in Newark, New Jersey. The Company has consolidated the financial
statements of Newark Recycling. In addition, Newark Recycling owns 100% of
American BIO-AG Corporation (see Note 19). The
<PAGE>
14
minority shareholder's equity in Newark Recycling has been reduced to zero as a
result of prior years' loss allocations; therefore, the Company has recognized
the entire net loss for Newark Recycling for the year ended April 30, 1998.
Miami Recycling and Composting Company, Inc. (Miami Recycling) was incorporated
in 1995 with the Company owning 80.1% and an outside consultant owning 19.9%.
Miami Recycling is in the business of development, construction and operation of
a sewer sludge composting facility in Miami, Florida. The Company has
consolidated the financial statements of Miami Recycling. The minority
shareholder's equity in Miami Recycling has been reduced to zero as a result of
prior years' loss allocations; therefore, the Company has recognized the entire
net loss for Miami Recycling for the year ended April 30, 1998.
11. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK:
The Company has authorized 25,000,000 shares of Preferred stock (see Note 12) of
which 277,500 have been designated as Redeemable Preferred stock.
The Company has authorized 169,000, 91,000 and 17,500 shares of Series A
Redeemable Preferred Stock (Series A Preferred), Series C Redeemable Preferred
Stock (Series C Preferred) and Series D Redeemable Preferred Stock (Series D
Preferred) (collectively Redeemable Preferred Stock). The Series A, C and D
Preferred is senior to all other equity securities in terms of dividends and
liquidation preferences.
The holders of Series A Preferred are entitled to receive cumulative dividends
of 8% per share per year, which are payable semi-annually on June 30 and
December 31. Through November 3, 1999, dividends on the Series A Preferred are
payable at the Company's option in cash or shares of the Company's Common stock
at a per share price equal to 90% of the average trading price on the dividend
payment date, as defined. After November 3, 1999, dividends on the Series A
Preferred are payable only in cash. The holders of Series C Preferred are
entitled to a non-cumulative dividend of 20% per share per year through May 3,
1999 and of 8% per share per year thereafter. Through May 3, 1999, dividends on
the Series C Preferred are payable at the Company's option in cash or shares of
the Company's Common stock at a per share price equal to 90% of the average
trading price on the dividend payment date, as defined. After May 3, 1999,
dividends on the Series C Preferred are payable semi-annually on June 30 and
December 31 and are payable only in cash. The holders of Series D Preferred are
entitled to receive cumulative dividends of 8% per share per year, which are
payable semi-annually on June 30 and December 31. Through November 3, 1999,
dividends on the Series D Preferred are payable at the Company's option in cash
or shares of the Company's Common stock at a per share price equal to 90% of the
average trading price on the dividend payment date, as defined. After
November 3, 1999, dividends on the Series D Preferred are payable only in cash.
The liquidation value on the Series A Preferred, Series C Preferred and Series D
Preferred is $100 per share plus accrued dividends. The Series A, C and D
Preferred have no voting rights, however, the consent of 66 2/3% of the holders'
approval is required for certain transactions. One of the limitations included
in the Series A and Series C Preferred agreement requires consent for the
issuance of any new series of Preferred stock. The
<PAGE>
15
Company issued 783,842 shares of the Company's unregistered Common stock in
order to obtain the approval from the Series A and Series C Preferred holders
for the issuance of the Series D Preferred stock in April 1998 (see Note 19).
The value of the Company's Common stock issued, totaling $1,058,187, has been
recorded as an additional dividend to the Series A and Series C Preferred
holders. On November 3, 2004, the Company is required to redeem all of the
outstanding shares of Series A Preferred, Series C Preferred and Series D
Preferred at a redemption price per share of $100 plus accrued dividends. The
Series A, C and D Preferred are valued in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheet at the original investment, less transaction expenses, plus the calculated
accretion and accrued dividends. The accretion is being recognized in order to
record the Preferred stock at the per share redemption value as of the
redemption date. In addition, each share of Series A, C and D Preferred stock is
redeemable upon a change in control, as defined.
In addition, the Series A and Series C Preferred agreement contains certain
covenants and restrictions which apply to EPIC including, but not limited to,
restrictions on dividends or intercompany advances to other parties including
the Company, limitations on additional indebtedness and limitations on capital
expenditures.
Accumulated dividends payable as of April 30, 1998 were $450,667 on the Series A
Preferred, $887,562 on the Series C Preferred and $3,938 on the Series D
Preferred based on the Company's determination that the dividends would be paid
in Common stock utilizing the applicable trading price during the period. Since
the Series A dividends are cumulative and management indicated that they will be
paid in Common stock, these dividends are recorded as Common Stock to be Issued
in the accompanying balance sheet.
The Company has the right to redeem the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred
through May 3, 1999 and the shares of Series A and D Preferred at any time for a
redemption price per share of $100 plus accrued dividends. The Series C
Preferred is convertible into Common stock after May 3, 1999 at the holders'
option. Each share of Series C Preferred would be valued at $100 per share and
would be convertible into Common stock at a per share price equal to 80% of the
average trading price for the Company's Common stock on the conversion date, as
defined. The Company has recorded a conversion preference of $1,750,000 in
additional paid-in capital which will be accreted through May 3, 1999. At any
time after November 3, 2000, the Series A, C and D Preferred is exchangeable, at
the holders' option, for 9% Senior Subordinated Notes of the Company due on
November 3, 2004, at the rate of $100 principal amount of such notes for each
share of Preferred stock.
If at any time shares of both the Series A Preferred and Series C Preferred
remain issued and outstanding and the Company is in default of any covenant or
in the default of payments on any debt in excess of $100,000, then at their
option, the holders of Series A Preferred have the right to exchange all of
their shares of Series A Preferred for all the outstanding shares of Common
stock of EPIC. In addition, even if not in default, the holders of the Series A
Preferred have the right to exchange shares of Series A Preferred for all shares
of Common stock of EPIC outstanding during the period from November 1, 1999
through October 31, 2000, but only if all or part of the Series C Preferred is
outstanding. If such exchange is made, all shares of Series C Preferred and the
15,721,633 Common stock shares issued to the
<PAGE>
16
Series A Preferred holders will be returned to the Company (see Note 5). This
option shall be void upon payment in full of the Series C Preferred.
As of April 30, 1998, the Company is not in compliance with certain of its debt
obligations, which would result in the holders of the Series A Preferred having
the right to exchange their shares of the Company's Preferred and Common stock
for the outstanding shares of EPIC. The Company has received a waiver from the
Series A and Series C holders which waives their right, based on the
noncompliance with certain of its debt obligations, to exchange their shares of
Series A Preferred, Series C Preferred and Common stock for the outstanding EPIC
Common stock. Management believes that they will obtain sufficient alternative
financing to redeem the Series C holders prior to November 1, 1999, which as
discussed above is the first date whereby the Series A and Series C Preferred
holders can exercise their exchange right if the Company is not otherwise in
default. Management believes that they will maintain compliance with the other
provisions of the Preferred Stock Agreements until such alternative financing is
obtained. The unaudited condensed financial data included in the Company's
financial statements for EPIC is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
April 30,
1998
---------------
<S> <C>
Cash $ 384,611
Accounts receivable, net 2,897,545
Prepaid expenses 442,686
Note receivable from Compost America Holding Company, Inc. 1,727,923
Deferred tax assets 59,029
Property, plant and equipment, net 11,185,659
Intangible assets, net 28,798,455
Other assets 205,750
---------------
Total assets $ 45,701,658
---------------
---------------
April 30,
1998
---------------
Current portion of long-term debt $ 889,128
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,677,342
Due to related party 1,676,189
Long-term debt 5,622,037
Deferred income taxes 14,170,986
---------------
Total liabilities 24,035,682
---------------
Due to Parent 24,445,997
Retained earnings (deficit) (2,780,021)
---------------
Total stockholder's equity 21,665,976
---------------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity $ 45,701,658
---------------
---------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
17
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
APRIL 30, 1998
<S> <C>
Revenues $ 8,853,266
Operating costs and expenses 7,818,045
Depreciation and amortization expense 1,950,442
Compensation for stock options 2,320,500
Interest expense, net 270,435
Income tax provision (benefit) (726,135)
-----------------
Net income (loss) $ (2,780,021)
-----------------
-----------------
</TABLE>
If at any time shares of all or part of both the Series C Preferred and Series D
Preferred remain issued and outstanding and the Company is in default of any
covenant or in the default of any payments on any debt in excess of $100,000,
then at their option, the holders of Series D Preferred, but if and only if the
holders of the Series C and Series A Preferred holders have exercised their
option to exchange the Series C Preferred and the Series A Preferred for all of
the outstanding Common stock of EPIC, have the right to exchange all of their
shares of the Series D Preferred for all or a portion of the ownership interests
in American Marine Rail, LLC (see Note 19). In addition, even if not in default,
but only if shares of both Series D and Series C Preferred remain outstanding
and the holders of the Series C and Series A Preferred have exercised their EPIC
option (as described in the preceding paragraph), the holders of the Series D
Preferred have the right to exchange shares of the Series D Preferred for
American Marine Rail, LLC ownership interests during the period from November 1,
1999 through October 31, 2000. If such exchange is made by the Series D
Preferred holder for the portion of American Marine Rail, LLC interest received
on April 27, 1998, then the holder must also return the 1,627,980 shares of the
Company's Common stock received on that date.
As previously discussed, as of April 30, 1998, the Company is not in compliance
with certain of its debt obligations and this would result in the holders of the
Series D Preferred having the right to exchange their shares of the Company's
Preferred and Common stock for the Company's 33 1/3% ownership interest in
American Marine Rail, LLC. The Company has received a waiver from the Series D
holder which waives their rights, based on the noncompliance with certain of its
debt obligations, to have the ability to exchange their shares of the Company's
Series D and Common stock for the 33 1/3% ownership interest. As noted above,
management plans to obtain alternative financing to redeem the Series C
Preferred and if the Series C Preferred is redeemed the exchange provision on
the Series D Preferred is no longer valid. Management believes that they will
maintain compliance with the other provisions of the Preferred Stock until such
alternative financing is obtained. The Company's total investment in American
Marine Rail, LLC of $1,493,872 is included in investment in joint venture on the
accompanying balance sheet.
<PAGE>
18
12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
COMMON STOCK
The Company has authorized 100,000,000 shares of Common stock.
During the year ended April 30, 1997, the Company sold 314,239 shares of Common
stock for cash proceeds of $760,717 at per share prices ranging from $1.00 to
$3.00. The Company incurred transaction expenses of $23,564 related to the sales
of Common stock. In addition, the Company issued 150,000 shares of Common stock
for a business acquisition (see Note 5) which were valued at $397,500 or $2.65
per share. The Company also issued 305,000 shares of Common stock for the
purchase of land which were valued at $762,500 or $2.50 per share. The Company
also issued 251,000 shares of Common stock for the repayment of outstanding
liabilities of $606,760. The Company also issued 2,165,238 shares of Common
Stock for services rendered which were valued at $2,265,572, at per share prices
ranging from $.09 to $5.00. These shares were valued based upon the fair value
of the services rendered since that value was more reliably determinable than
the fair value of the Common stock issued.
During the year ended April 30, 1998 the Company issued 11,490,609 shares of
Common stock as part of a combined transaction with the Series A Preferred and
Series C Preferred (see Note 11) which were valued at $11,950,000 or $1.04 per
share. The Company incurred transaction expenses of $1,880,665 related to the
sale of Common stock. These shares were valued by an independent appraiser. The
Company also sold 955,000 shares of Common stock for cash proceeds of $1,907,559
at per share prices ranging from $0.50 to $2.50. Included in the 955,000 shares
of Common stock sold for cash proceeds were two sale transactions with the same
investor, one in August 1997 and one in September 1997, for the sale of 250,000
shares of Common stock from the Company for cash proceeds of $500,000. As part
of these sale transactions, four of the Company's current stockholders (one of
which is the Company's President, one of which is the Company's attorney, one of
which is a Director of the Company, and one of which is an entity whose
President is a Director of the Company) transferred 150,000 and 300,000 shares,
respectively, from their personal holdings of the Company's Common stock to the
new investor on behalf of the Company. These transfers of the existing
stockholders shares were recorded as capital contributions as of the date of
these transactions. In addition, the Company issued 3,447,182 shares of Common
stock for a business acquisition (see Note 5) which were valued at $3,585,000 or
$1.04 per share based on an independent appraisal. In addition, the Company
issued 1,627,980 shares of Common stock in connection with an acquisition of a
joint venture (see Note 20) which were valued at $1,953,576, or $1.20 per share.
The Company also issued 200,000 shares of Common stock for the acquisition of
certain property which were valued at $200,000. The Company also issued 541,478
shares of Common stock which were recorded at $1,261,338 for the repayment of
outstanding liabilities of $600,000. The Company issued 116,991 shares of Common
stock for payment of dividends on Preferred stock which were valued at $263,230.
The Company issued 783,842 shares of Common stock valued at $1,058,187 to obtain
the approval from the Series A and Series C Preferred holders for a new series
of Preferred stock which was recorded as an additional dividend to the Series A
and Series C Preferred holders (see Note 11). The Company also issued 2,026,575
shares of Common
<PAGE>
19
stock for services rendered which were valued at $1,985,463, at per share prices
ranging from $0.50 to $3.06. These shares were valued based upon the fair value
of the services rendered, if reliably determinable, since that value was more
reliably determinable than the fair value of the Common stock issued. If the
fair value of the services rendered was not reliably determinable these shares
were valued based upon the fair value of the Common stock issued.
The Company has committed to two stockholders as part of certain Common stock
grants for asset acquisitions to guarantee a minimum per share price if the
stockholders elect to sell their shares, based on certain limitations as
specified in the agreements. The agreement with one stockholder who holds
200,000 shares of unregistered Common stock includes a guaranteed value of $1.00
per share through April 26, 1998, $2.00 from April 27, 1998 to October 26, 1998
and $2.50 from October 27, 1998 to January 26, 1999. The agreement with the
other stockholder who holds 12,500 shares of unregistered Common stock includes
a guaranteed value of $1.00 per share through May 1998, $2.00 from June 1998 to
November 1998 and $2.50 from December 1998 to February 1999. The Company has
recorded an accrual as of April 30, 1998 for the difference between the minimum
per share prices noted above and the closing bid price per share as of April 30,
1998.
PREFERRED STOCK
The Company has authorized 25,000,000 shares of Preferred stock, of which
5,000,000 shares have been designated as Series B Convertible Preferred stock
(Series B Preferred) and 277,500 shares have been designated as Series A, C and
D Preferred Stock (see Note 11). The Series B Preferred is senior to the Common
stock, but junior to the Series A, C and D Preferred Stock, in terms of
dividends and liquidation preferences. The liquidation value on the Series B
Preferred is $2.50 per share plus accrued dividends.
The holders of Series B Preferred are entitled to receive cumulative dividends
at the rate of one share of Common stock for every ten shares of Series B
Preferred, payable on April 30 of each year. Each share of Series B Preferred is
convertible into one share of Common stock at any time after September 15, 1997,
at the holders' option. The Company has no rights of redemption on the Series B
Preferred. The Series B Preferred has no voting rights.
Accumulated dividends payable on the Series B Preferred as of April 30, 1998
were $57,658 based on the 39,303 shares of Common stock to be issued utilizing
the applicable trading price. These dividends are recorded as Common Stock to be
issued in the accompanying balance sheet.
In July 1997, the Company sold 400,000 shares of Series B Preferred for proceeds
of $867,737, net of transaction expenses of $132,263. As part of this sale
transaction, one of the Company's current stockholders, an entity whose
President is also a Director of the Company, transferred 700,000 shares of the
Company's Common stock from its personal holdings of the Company's Common stock
to this new Series B Preferred stockholder on behalf of the Company (see Notes
20 and 21). In September 1997, the Company sold 400,000 shares of Series B
Preferred for proceeds of $782,738, net of transaction expenses of $217,262. As
part of this sale transaction, one of the Company's current stockholders, an
entity whose
<PAGE>
20
President is also a Director of the Company, transferred 100,000 shares of the
Company's Common stock from its personal holdings of the Company's Common stock
to this new Series B Preferred stockholder on behalf of the Company (see Notes
20 and 21). These transfers of the existing stockholders shares were recorded as
capital contributions as of the dates of the transactions with the total
proceeds from the two sale transactions of $1,650,475, allocated between the
Series B Preferred for $905,653 and Common stock for $744,822, based on the
relative fair values as of the date of the transactions.
In addition, in August 1997, the Company sold 1,000 shares of Series B Preferred
for proceeds of $2,500, or $2.50 per share. On November 3, 1997, 400,000 shares
of the Class B Preferred were converted into a $1,000,000 promissory note (see
Note 7). As part of this conversion the Company recorded an expense of $373,810
for the difference between the net value in the Series B Preferred account and
the promissory note balance.
13. COMMON STOCK WARRANTS AND OPTIONS:
The following table summarizes Common stock warrant activity:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Average
Range of Exercise
Number of Exercise Price Per
Shares Prices Share
--------------- --------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Warrants outstanding at April 30, 1996 933,397 $ 0.83 - 6.00 $ 2.70
Granted 235,598 1.17 - 2.50 1.93
--------------- --------------- -----------
Warrants outstanding at April 30, 1997 and 1998 1,168,995 $ 0.83 - $6.00 $ 2.58
--------------- --------------- -----------
--------------- --------------- -----------
</TABLE>
As of April 30,1998, all of the outstanding Common stock warrants are vested.
The Company adopted an Employee and Consultant Stock and Stock Option Plan (the
Plan) effective on October 1, 1996, whereby, 2,000,000 shares of Common stock
may be granted to key employees and consultants. The Plan is administered by the
Board of Directors. Stock options granted under the Plan are nonqualified
options with an exercise price and vesting terms set by the Board of Directors.
As of April 30, 1998, a total of 1,805,000 Common stock options have been
granted under the Plan.
In addition to the stock options granted under the Plan, the Company has issued
several other individual stock option agreements to various employees and
consultants with vesting terms and exercise prices set by management or the
Board of Directors.
<PAGE>
21
The following table summarizes Common stock option activity:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Average
Range of Exercise
Number of Exercise Price Per
Shares Prices Share
--------------- ----------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Options outstanding at April 30, 1996 2,634,875 $ 2.00 - $9.00 $ 2.51
Granted 1,870,834 2.00 - 5.00 2.73
--------------- ----------------- ------------
Options outstanding at April 30, 1997 4,505,709 2.00 - 9.00 2.62
Granted 5,406,049 0.01 - 6.00 1.89
Exercised (524,960) 0.01 - 6.00 2.86
Canceled (750,000) 3.00 3.00
--------------- ----------------- ------------
Options outstanding at April 30, 1998 8,636,798 $ 1.00 - $9.00 $ 2.05
--------------- ----------------- ------------
--------------- ----------------- ------------
</TABLE>
During the year ended April 30, 1998, one consultant who had options to purchase
300,000 shares of the Company's Common stock completed a cashless exercise
transaction which resulted in the issuance of 194,120 shares of Common stock.
The Company recorded an expense of $203,824 as a result of this transaction,
which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the
accompanying statement of operations.
The following table summarizes information regarding stock options outstanding
at April 30, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
Weighted Weighted
Average Average Weighted
Range of Number Remaining Exercise Number Average
Exercise Outstanding at Contractual Price Per Exercisable at Exercise
Prices April 30, 1998 Life in Years Share April 30, 1998 Price
- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$1.00 - $2.50 7,611,798 3.76 $ 1.80 6,361,798 $ 1.96
3.00 - 5.00 975,000 3.72 3.59 975,000 3.59
9.00 50,000 3.00 9.00 50,000 9.00
</TABLE>
The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees" and the related interpretations in accounting for its
stock option grants. The disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting
for Stock Based Compensation" were adopted by the Company in the year ended
April 30, 1997. Had compensation cost for options granted after December 15,
1995 been determined based upon the fair value of the options at the date of
grant, as prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the Company's pro forma net loss and pro
forma net loss per share would have been as follows:
<PAGE>
22
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended April 30
---------------------------------
1997 1998
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net loss available for common stockholders
used for net loss per Common share (see
Note 4) $ (5,921,603) $ (15,552,866)
Pro forma net loss available for common
stockholders used for net loss per Common
share (8,474,208) (15,943,733)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted (0.38) (0.55)
Pro forma net loss per share, basic and diluted (0.54) (0.56)
</TABLE>
The weighted average fair value of each stock option granted during the years
ended April 30, 1997 and 1998 was $0.90 and $4.27, respectively. As of April 30,
1998, the weighted average remaining contractual life of each stock option
outstanding was 3.7 years. The weighted average remaining contractual life of
each stock option granted during the years ended April 30, 1997 and 1998 was 4.8
and 3.6, respectively. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the
date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
weighted average assumption:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended April 30
---------------------------------
1997 1998
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Risk-free interest rate 6.02% 5.87%
Expected dividend yield -- --
Expected life 4 years 4 years
Expected volatility 50% 50%
</TABLE>
Because additional option grants are expected to be made each year, the above
pro forma disclosures are not representative of pro forma effects on reported
net income or loss for future years.
During the year ended April 30, 1998, the Company granted 2,100,000 stock
options to employees for which the Company has recorded deferred compensation
based upon the difference between the deemed value for accounting purposes of
the Company's Common stock and the exercise price per share on the date of
option grant. The deferred compensation balance will be amortized as
compensation expense over the option vesting periods which range from one to
five years.
In addition, during the year ended April 30, 1998, the Company issued stock
options to various outside consultants for services rendered most of which had
exercise prices in excess of the trading prices on the date of grant. These
stock option grants have been accounted for under the provisions of SFAS No. 123
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the value of the options
recorded as expense, deferred financing costs, project capitalizable costs or
equity related costs, as appropriate.
<PAGE>
23
14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
Certain employees of EPIC are covered by union-sponsored, collectively
bargained, multi-employer pension plans. Contributions are determined in
accordance with the provisions of negotiated labor contracts. Pension expense
for these plans was $21,008 for the period from the date of acquisition of EPIC
(November 3, 1997) to April 30, 1998.
15. OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
The shareholders of VRH Construction Corporation (VRH) are also shareholders of
the Company. The Company has engaged in various transactions with VRH including
advances, notes payable and office leasing. VRH is the construction manager for
the Newark, New Jersey composting facility. A summary of activity with VRH is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
April 30,
1998
----------
<S> <C>
Notes payable to VRH (see Note 9) $4,124,355
Accounts payable to VRH (see Note 9) 443,118
Accrued interest payable to VRH (see Note 9) 1,119,244
Capitalized project costs 194,629
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended April 30
----------------------------
1997 1998
-------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Interest expense $411,720 $321,379
Other -- 99,262
</TABLE>
The Company has acquired all composting projects and technology from Bedminster
Bioconversion, Inc., through Select Acquisitions, Inc., an entity whose
President is also a member of the Company's Board of Directors and a shareholder
of the Company. The Company has various transactions with Select Acquisitions,
Inc. including advances, consulting services and notes payable. A summary of
activity with Select Acquisitions, Inc. is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
April 30,
1998
----------
<S> <C>
Advances from Select Acquisitions, Inc.
(see Note 9) $54,160
Notes payable to Select Acquisitions, Inc.
(see Note 9) 48,900
Accrued interest payable to Select
Acquisitions, Inc. (see Note 9) 27,067
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended April 30
--------------------
1997 1998
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Interest expense $ -- $ 4,738
Other -- 15,000
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
24
The Company has received advances from certain officers (see Note 9). The
Company has also received a loan of $90,000 from Foundation Systems, Inc., an
entity owned by a former officer and current shareholder of the Company (see
Note 9). In addition, the Company has received advances from Foundation Systems,
Inc. for $431,992 (see Note 9).
The Company has received site development and reclamation services related to
the Miami project totaling $690,264 for the year ended April 30, 1998 from
Resource Reclamation, Inc., an entity owned by the individual who owns 19.9% of
Miami Recycling (see Notes 10 and 20). These costs have been capitalized in
construction in progress account as of April 30, 1998. No services were provided
to the Company by Resource Reclamation, Inc. prior to the year ended April 30,
1998.
In addition, the Company has various transactions with several consultants and
service providers who are also minority shareholders of the Company. Management
believes that all of these transactions were conducted on an arms' length basis.
None of these transactions are individually considered material.
In addition to the transfers of personal holdings of Common stock on behalf of
the Company by certain current shareholders discussed in Notes 5, 12 and 20, the
Company's President transferred 100,000 shares of his personal holdings of the
Company's Common stock valued at $275,000 as part of a settlement agreement
related to a mortgage note. This transfer of the President's shares was recorded
as a capital contribution as of the date of the transaction based on the closing
bid price per share. As part of the settlement agreement the Company recorded an
expense of $275,000 related to the value of the shares transferred to the
mortgage note holder.
16. INCOME TAXES:
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended April 30
----------------------------
1997 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Current:
Federal $ -- $ --
State -- --
----------- -----------
Total current benefit -- --
----------- -----------
Deferred:
Federal (1,839,003) (1,741,559)
State (344,813) (335,112)
----------- -----------
Total deferred benefit (2,183,816) (2,076,671)
----------- -----------
Increase in valuation allowance 2,183,816 --
----------- -----------
$ -- $(2,076,671)
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
25
At April 30, 1998, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $15,000,000 which begin to expire in 2008. The Tax Reform Act of
1986 contains provisions that may limit the net operating loss carryforwards
available to be used in any given year in the event of significant changes in
ownership.
The effective tax rate on income before income taxes is reconciled to the
statutory federal income tax rate, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended April 30
-----------------------------------
1997 1998
--------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Statutory federal rate (34.0)% (34.0)%
State income taxes, net of federal
income tax benefit (4.0) (4.0)
Income tax benefit recorded as
part of purchase accounting for EPIC -- 12.6
Deferred compensation not deductible -- 6.9
Other 1.1 3.3
Valuation allowance 36.9 --
--------------- ------------------
-- % (15.2)%
--------------- ------------------
--------------- ------------------
</TABLE>
As of November 3, 1997 (the date on which the EPIC acquisition was completed),
the Company had approximately $5,000,000 of deferred income tax assets for which
a valuation allowance had been established. Based upon the application of
purchase accounting for the EPIC transaction a significant deferred income tax
liability was recorded and, as a result, the valuation allowance on the deferred
income tax asset was no longer required. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes" the impact of the reversal of the valuation
allowance is recorded as part of the EPIC purchase accounting resulting in a
reduction in customer contract rights.
<PAGE>
26
The following is a summary of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
April 30,
1998
------------
<S> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued compensation $ 204,261
Deferred compensation 245,700
Property and equipment 225,658
Provision for bad debts 40,000
Net operating losses 5,586,647
------------
Total deferred tax assets 6,302,266
------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible asset basis differences (11,370,972)
Property and equipment basis differences (3,045,714)
------------
Total deferred tax liabilities (14,416,686)
------------
Net deferred tax (liabilities) $ (8,114,420)
------------
</TABLE>
17. CUSTOMER INFORMATION:
The Company's operations are conducted in one business segment with its
customers located primarily in New York and New Jersey. The following table
summarizes those customers as a percentage of net sales whose net sales are in
excess of 10% of net sales:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
April 30
1998
-----------
<S> <C>
CUSTOMER
----------
A 26%
B 24%
C 16%
D 13%
</TABLE>
In September 1997, EPIC was awarded a 15-year take or pay contract from New York
City for biosolids disposal. The contract requires a minimum volume of 225 tons
per day at an initial rate of $98 per ton, subject to escalation as defined. The
contract became effective on June 22, 1998. The Company was required to obtain a
surety bond as part of the terms of this contract (see Note 21).
18. SUPPLIER CONCENTRATION:
The operations at EPIC are currently dependent upon the use of railroad
facilities and rail transportation from a sole source. The operations at EPIC
have historically not been impacted by this dependence, however, this dependence
involves several risks, including a
<PAGE>
27
potential inability to obtain an adequate alternative supply and reduced control
over pricing, timely performance and quality.
A significant number of employees at EPIC are covered by collective bargaining
agreements with two separate unions. The agreement with one of these unions
expired in March 1997 and the union members are currently working on a
month-to-month basis as the two parties are negotiating a new multi-year
agreement.
19. JOINT VENTURES:
American BIO-AG Corporation was formed in January 1995 as a joint venture to
develop, own or lease, operate and farm biosolids beneficial use land
application sites. The Company, Prince George's Contractors, Inc. d/b/a Potomac
Technologies, Inc., (see Note 10) and an unrelated party each owned equal
one-third of the joint venture. The Company accounted for its investment in the
joint venture on the equity method through June 28, 1996. On June 28, 1996, the
Company and Prince George's Contractors, Inc. d/b/a Potomac Technologies, Inc.
contributed their joint venture interests to Newark Recycling and Composting
Company, Inc. (see Note 10). On the same date, Newark Recycling and Composting,
Inc. acquired the unrelated party's interest in the joint venture and certain
other land application business assets for 305,000 shares of the Company's
restricted Common stock valued at $762,500 and cash of $50,000.
On April 27, 1998, the Company issued 17,500 shares of Series D Preferred
(valued at $612,500) and 1,627,980 shares of Common stock (valued at $1,953,576)
in exchange for cash of $416,334, repayment of loans due to this investor of
$350,000, consulting fees due to this investor of $538,079, a note receivable of
$445,587 from American Marine Rail, LLC and a one-third ownership interest in
American Marine Rail, LLC (valued at $954,155 including transaction expenses of
$138,079). The Preferred stock was valued based on an independent valuation. As
part of this agreement, the Company has assigned 7.5% of their 33 1/3% net cash
flows in equity and net proceeds from sale, as defined, to the investor which
sold the interest to the Company. In addition, the Company has committed to fund
the future expenditures to be incurred for the final approval and development of
the American Marine Rail, LLC operations. The value assigned to the ownership
interest of $1,493,872 (including the note receivable of $445,587, the
transaction expenses of $138,079 and additional expenses previously incurred
related to this joint venture of $94,130) has been included in the investment in
joint venture account on the accompanying balance sheet. Based on the start-up
nature of this venture, there are no material equity accounts and this amount,
with the exception of the note receivable, will be amortized over a 15-year
period. This venture is also owned 30.3% by the individual who currently owns
25% of Newark Recycling. See Note 11 regarding terms for the Series D Preferred.
<PAGE>
28
20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
LEASE OBLIGATIONS
The Company leases office space, land and certain equipment under noncancellable
operating leases. Rent expense under these leases for the years ended April 30,
1997 and 1998 was $67,300 and $270,462, respectively.
Future minimum rental payments as of April 30, 1998 on these leases are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APRIL 30
--------
<S> <C>
1999 $275,614
2000 253,408
2001 121,545
2002 6,000
2003 4,000
Thereafter 4,000
</TABLE>
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Company has employment agreements with certain of its key executives. The
agreements provide for minimum levels of compensation during current and future
years and are subject to adjustment, as defined. In addition, certain of these
agreements provide for a lump sum payment, as defined, upon termination without
cause or upon a change in control.
Under one of these agreements, a portion of the annual salary is deferred until
the Company has positive cash flow, as defined. As of April 30, 1998, there is
$713,500 included in due to related parties related to this salary deferral. In
addition, this agreement includes a provision for the payment of a $500,000
bonus upon the Company's listing on the NASDAQ system.
CONSULTING AGREEMENTS
The Company has a consulting agreement with an individual who owns 19.9% of
Miami Recycling (see Note 10). This consultant will be paid a management fee
equal to 30% of the distributable net income, as defined, from all facilities
developed in Florida. In February 1997, the Company entered into a ten-year
consulting agreement with this individual to provide consulting services in the
management of solid waste and sewer sludge and in business development in
Florida. As part of the consulting agreement, the individual was paid cash of
$250,000, was issued 200,000 shares of the Company's Common stock valued at
$300,000 and was issued options to purchase 500,000 shares of the Company's
Common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share. The total cost of this
agreement has been capitalized as part of the construction in progress account
for the Miami Recycling project. In addition, as part of the negotiation process
for this consulting agreement in February 1997 the Company's President
transferred 200,000 shares of his personal holdings of the
<PAGE>
29
Company's unregistered Common stock on behalf of the Company. In addition, upon
the closing of financing and commencement of operations for composting
facilities in Florida, the consultant will be paid a cash fee and options to
purchase shares of the Company's Common stock at $2.00 per share based on the
terms outlined in the agreement. In addition, the Company has agreed to contract
exclusively with the consultant for trucking services in Florida at negotiated
competitive rates.
The Company has entered into various consulting agreements for investment
banking services, development of land application business, financial consulting
services and project development services for which the consultants receive cash
payments, Common stock or Common stock options in exchange for services
provided. Certain of these consultants will receive future consideration based
upon the completion of certain future events (financings, project approvals,
etc.). Management believes that all of these consulting transactions represent
arms' length charges for the services provided.
MIAMI CONTRACT COMMITMENT
In November 1996, the Company made a payment of $1,000,000 to secure performance
of its obligations under the Restated Compost Recycling Agreement dated November
30, 1995 with the City of Miami (the Restated Agreement). Under the terms of
Restated Agreement the commencement date of operations for its Miami Composting
facility was extended to October 1998. On February 24, 1998, a resolution was
proposed and adopted by the City of Miami Commission granting the Company an
additional extension through October 20, 2000 if the Company agreed to the
additional provisions noted below. The resolution included provisions that the
Company would agree to pay the City an amount equal to the City's recycling
costs for each of the two years of the extension period, agree that the
$1,000,000 previously deposited with the City to guarantee the Company's
performance under the Restated Agreement be released into the City's general
fund for the City's use and posting of a new performance bond or letter of
credit in the amount of $1,000,000 to guarantee the performance of its
obligations under the Restated Agreement. The $1,000,000 previously deposited
payment has been capitalized in customer contract rights as of April 30, 1998.
An amendment agreement including these provisions has been signed by the
Company. The Company was recently notified by the City of Miami Administration
that they refuse to acknowledge the extension agreement. As a result, the
Company has filed suit against the City of Miami in order to protect its rights
under the Miami contract and to secure the extension of the contract pursuant to
the resolution adopted by the Miami City Commission in February 1998.
This suit against the City of Miami related to the Restated Agreement is still
in the discovery stage. The case has been set for a non-jury trial during the
week of July 26, 1999.
CONTRACTUAL DISPUTES
The Company is currently involved in two disputes with third parties whereby the
third parties have filed lawsuits alleging breach of contractual obligations and
have claimed damages of approximately $300,000 and $1,000,000, respectively.
Management plans to vigorously defend itself against these claims and believes
that the recorded liabilities for
<PAGE>
30
these matters as of April 30, 1998 are adequate. Management believes that the
ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect upon the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
COMMON STOCK AND COMMON STOCK OPTIONS
As consideration for the transfer of one of the current stockholders personal
holdings of the Company's Common stock on behalf of the Company (see Note 12),
the Company has committed to issue either Common stock, or Common stock options
or a combination of Common stock and Common stock options to this stockholder.
As of April 30, 1998, the determination of the terms for these new issues has
not been determined. In August and September 1998, the Company issued a total of
800,000 shares of the Company's Common stock as part of this commitment to the
stockholder as reimbursement for the transfer of 800,000 shares of their
personal holdings of the Company's Common stock (see Note 21). Management
believes that no additional Common stock, Common stock options or other future
consideration will be granted to the stockholders who transferred their personal
holdings.
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
In the normal course of business and, as a result of the extensive governmental
regulations of the solid waste industry, the Company periodically may become
subject to various judicial and administrative proceedings involving federal,
state or local agencies. Certain federal and state environmental laws impose
strict liability on the Company for such matters as contamination of water
supplies or the improper disposal of hazardous waste.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
The Company does not carry insurance coverage for environmental liability. In
the event uninsured losses occur, the Company's results of operations and
financial position could be adversely affected.
PAYROLL TAXES
The Company is in arrears for prior and current year's payroll taxes to federal
and state taxing authorities of $173,687, of which $162,698 was from the
acquisition of American Soil, Inc. Interest and penalties have been accrued. The
Company and its officers are at risk for payment of taxes under the trust fund
recovery systems. The Internal Revenue Service can cause liens to be recorded
and judgements to be filed.
LITIGATION
In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to various claims and
legal proceedings. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters is presently
not determinable, management of the Company, after consultation with legal
counsel, does not believe that the resolution of these matters will have a
material effect upon the Company's financial position or results of operations.
<PAGE>
31
21. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
On June 17, 1998, EPIC issued a note for $10,000,000, of which $8,528,586 was
used to repay existing notes, including interest and repayment penalties. The
new note is payable in 36 monthly installments of $215,540 followed by 60
monthly installments of $95,811, which amounts include interest at 10% per year.
The note is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of EPIC and is
guaranteed by the Company. The note agreement contains covenants and
restrictions including, among others, restrictions on the transfer of funds from
EPIC to other entities including the Company and no defaults at EPIC under other
agreements with amounts due in excess of $100,000. The agreement required EPIC
to obtain a line of credit for at least $2,000,000, which was obtained on June
8, 1998. The former owner of EPIC and current President of EPIC has personally
guaranteed the line of credit.
In June 1998, EPIC obtained a $11,800,000 surety bond which was required by the
New York City contract which EPIC obtained in September 1997. As part of the
terms of the surety bond, the former owner and current President of EPIC has
personally guaranteed $3,000,000 on the Company's behalf and in return the
former owner has required that the Company place $1,000,000 of the proceeds from
the $10,000,000 note payable discussed above in an escrow account as security.
The President of EPIC will be compensated on a monthly basis for this personal
guarantee.
Subsequent to year-end, the Company has received written extensions for the
original maturity terms on several accounts payable, accrued expenses and debt
obligations, primarily amounts due from related parties, and such revised terms
have been reflected in the April 30, 1998 financial statements.
On August 30, 1998 and September 15, 1998, the Company issued 700,000 and
100,000 shares, respectively, of the Company's Common stock to an entity which a
current stockholder and Director is an officer, as consideration for the
transfer of the entity's personal holdings of the Company's Common stock on
behalf of the Company (see Notes 12 and 20). In connection with these Common
stock grants the Company recorded an expense of approximately $900,000 based on
the closing bid price per share on the date of the transaction. In connection
with these 800,000 shares of Common stock issued, the Company also granted an
additional 447,376 shares of Common stock to the shareholders who acquired the
Series A, C and D Preferred in the year ended April 30, 1998. These additional
shares of Common stock were granted based on management's representation to
these new investors that they were acquiring a specified percentage ownership in
the Company and since the 800,000 replacement shares related to a transaction
prior to the new investors the additional 447,376 shares of Common stock would
adjust the new investors to the specified percentage ownership. The fair value
of these additional shares will be recorded as a Preferred stock dividend.
Management believes that no additional Common stock or other equity securities
will be issued in the future based on this representation of the specified
percentage ownership.
On October 30, 1998, the Company issued a $10,500,000 note to a company
affiliated with one of the Company's current shareholders and debt holders. The
note bears interest at
<PAGE>
32
10.5% and interest is payable upon the maturity date of the note which is the
lesser of October 30, 2000 or financial closing for the Miami project. The note
agreement includes provisions which restrict the proceeds for specific uses as
follows: $4,612,000 for repayment of the mortgage note in default (see Note 6),
$3,000,000 for the redemption of the Company's common stock owned by an
affiliate of the lender, $440,000 for fees associated with the note payable and
the remainder for general working capital and Miami project expenses. In
connection with this transaction, the conversion of the $200,000 debenture
payable into 159,670 shares of the Company's common stock in September of 1997
was rescinded. As part of this note agreement, the convertible debenture payable
in the amount of $800,000, including the $200,000 rescinded amount, which is
held by an affiliate of the noteholder will be converted into 1,406,593 shares
of the Company's common stock. As noted above, as part of this note agreement
the Company is required to utilize $3,000,000 for the redemption of 1,000,000
shares of the Company's common stock from an affiliate of the noteholder. In
addition, as part of the note agreement the company affiliated with the note
holder has certain rights to convert the 400,000 shares of the Company's Series
B Preferred stock which it currently owns to Common stock on a one for one basis
and then the right to put the Common stock back to the Company at a per share
price of $3.10 as of the maturity date of the note payable. The company
affiliated with the noteholder also has the right to put up to 50% of the shares
of Common stock held as of the note closing date (which is 553,386 shares) back
to the Company at a per share price of $3.20 as of the first anniversary of the
maturity date of the note payable. The Company issued warrants to purchase
1,500,000 shares of the Company's common stock at exercise prices ranging from
$1.00 to $2.25 as part of the note agreement. The note payable bears interest at
10.5% with principal and interest payable on the earlier of two years from the
closing date or the financial closing for the Miami, Florida compost project, as
defined.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE AUDITED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF COMPOST AMERICA HOLDING COMPANY, INC. FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-30-1998
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1998
<CASH> 388,956
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 3,045,449
<ALLOWANCES> 117,422
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 3,962,184
<PP&E> 31,565,700
<DEPRECIATION> 1,225,542
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 159,298,414
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 9,690,808
<BONDS> 104,563,421
8,766,159
281,963
<COMMON> 44,911,709
<OTHER-SE> (26,098,452)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 159,298,414
<SALES> 9,259,698
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 9,259,698
<CGS> 6,205,099
<TOTAL-COSTS> 6,205,099
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 14,331,265
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2,418,131
<INCOME-PRETAX> (13,694,797)
<INCOME-TAX> (2,076,671)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (11,618,126)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (11,618,126)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (.55)
<EPS-DILUTED> (.55)
</TABLE>
