MULT 10-K
Franklin Multisector Income ETF (MULT)
10-K
2023-04-26
For: 2023-01-31
View Original
Added on
August 12, 2026
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
For the fiscal year ended January 31 , 2023
_____________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_____________________________________________
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation incorporation or organization) | Commission File Number | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||||
(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code,
of the principal executive offices)
_____________________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
| Title of each class: | Trading Symbol(s): | Name of each exchange on which registered: | ||||||||||||
| None | ||||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☐ Yes ☑ No
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. ☐ Yes ☑ No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☑ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
☑ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statement incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ☑ | Smaller reporting company | Emerging Growth company | |||||||||||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. ☑ Yes ☐ No
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of Multi Solutions II, Inc. as of July 31, 2022 was approximately $8,871 .
At April 5, 2023, Multi Solutions II, Inc had 1,899,575 shares of common stock outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | |||||||||||
PART I | |||||||||||
Item 1. | Business | ||||||||||
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | ||||||||||
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments | ||||||||||
Item 2. | Properties | ||||||||||
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings | ||||||||||
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | ||||||||||
PART II | |||||||||||
Item 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities; Executive Officers of the Registrant | ||||||||||
Item 6. | |||||||||||
Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | ||||||||||
Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | ||||||||||
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | ||||||||||
Item 9. | Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | ||||||||||
Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures | ||||||||||
Item 9B. | Other Information | ||||||||||
PART III | |||||||||||
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | ||||||||||
Item 11. | Executive Compensation | ||||||||||
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | ||||||||||
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | ||||||||||
Item 14. | |||||||||||
PART IV | |||||||||||
Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules | ||||||||||
Item 16. | Form 10-K Summary | ||||||||||
SIGNATURES | |||||||||||
| EX-31.1 | |||||||||||
| EX-31.2 | |||||||||||
| EX-32.1 | |||||||||||
| EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT | |||||||||||
| EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT | |||||||||||
| EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT | |||||||||||
| EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT | |||||||||||
| EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT | |||||||||||
| EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT | |||||||||||
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PART I
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K discuss future expectations, contain projections of our plan of operation or financial condition or state other forward-looking information. In this annual report on Form 10-K, forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, "could", “estimate”, “expect,” “intend”, “may be,” “objective”, “opportunistically”, “plan”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “prospects”, “seek” or “will be” and similar words or phrases or their negatives. Forward-looking statements involve future risks and uncertainties, there are factors that could cause actual results or plans to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements. The forward-looking information is based on various factors and is derived using numerous assumptions. A reader deciding whether to invest in our securities or not, should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this annual report on Form 10-K. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ from projections include, for example:
•the success or failure of our efforts to implement our plan of operation;
•our ability to obtain financing to implement our plan of operation, including an acquisition or merger, on terms we consider favorable;
•our ability to fund our operating expenses;
•our ability to compete with other companies that have a similar plan of operation;
•the effect of changing economic conditions, including the impact of inflation or an economic recession impacting our plan of operation;
•our ability to meet the other risks as may be described in future filings with the SEC.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. We believe the information contained in this annual report on Form 10-K to be accurate as of the date hereof. Changes may occur after that date. We will not update that information except as required by law in the normal course of our public disclosure practices.
Additionally, the discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
Background of the Issuer
Multi Solutions II, Inc., (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the "Company"), was originally incorporated on July 26, 1982 in New Jersey under the name "Multi Solutions, Inc." Through our subsidiary, Multi Soft II, Inc. ("Multi Soft"), we were engaged in the production, marketing and maintenance of a line of software products consisting of tools for the development of client-server, front-ending, and Internet based applications using a mainframe or an Internet server through 2002 (the "Prior Operations"). In September 2011, we (and Multi Soft) effected a 50 for 1 reverse split and changed our domicile from New Jersey to Florida, as discussed below. As a result of the filing of Articles of Merger with the State of Florida, the reverse split for both Multi Solutions II, Inc. and Multi Soft was effective on September 29, 2011. All shares issued prior to September 29, 2011 have been restated retroactively to reflect the reverse split.
In 1983, we consummated our initial public offering of securities pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-18 (SEC File No. 2-85710-NY) declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 14, 1983 and contemporaneously registered our shares of Common Stock under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (SEC File No. 0-12162). In 2002, we began to discontinue and wind down our Prior Operations and by 2005, our Prior Operations had completely ceased.
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Our Business
Our intended business purpose is to seek the acquisition of, or merger with, an existing company. The acquisition of a business opportunity may be made by purchase, merger, exchange of stock, or otherwise, and may encompass assets or a business entity, such as a corporation, joint venture, or partnership. We have very limited capital, and it is unlikely that we will be able to take advantage of more than one such business opportunity. We intend to seek opportunities demonstrating the potential of long-term growth as opposed to short-term earnings. We will not restrict potential candidate target companies to any specific business, industry or geographical location and, thus, may acquire any type of business. As of the date hereof, we have made no efforts to identify a possible business combination including, but not limited to, not conducting negotiations or entering into a letter of intent with respect to any target business and we have not entered into a letter of intent or any definitive agreement with respect to any target business. If we are unable to locate a suitable entity with which to enter into a business combination, we may invest in passive investments as an alternative to acquiring a business. This may prove to be more suitable, as an alternative, because it will be a non-management control investment.
The analysis of new business opportunities will be undertaken by or under the supervision of our officers and directors. We have not yet considered potential acquisition transactions with any companies, nor, as of this date, have we entered into any definitive agreement with any party. We have unrestricted flexibility in seeking, analyzing and participating in potential business opportunities. Notwithstanding this flexibility, we shall have no duty or obligation to analyze and investigate more than one business opportunity. In our efforts to analyze potential acquisition targets, we will consider a number of factors including, but not limited to, the following:
•Competitive position as compared to other firms of similar size and experience within the industry segment as well as within the industry as a whole;
•Potential for growth, indicated by new technology, anticipated market expansion or new products;
•Capital requirements and anticipated availability of required funds, to be provided by the target business or from operations, through the sale of additional securities, through joint ventures or similar arrangements or from other sources;
•Strength and diversity of management, either in place or scheduled for recruitment;
•The cost of participation by us as compared to the perceived tangible and intangible values and potentials;
•The accessibility of required management expertise, personnel, raw materials, services, professional assistance and other required items; and
•The extent to which the business opportunity can be advanced;
In applying the foregoing factors, none of which will be controlling, management will attempt to analyze all facts and circumstances and make a determination based upon reasonable investigative measures and available data. Management intends to meet personally with management and key personnel of the target business entity as part of its investigation and to utilize written reports and personal investigation in order to evaluate each of the above factors.
Potentially available business opportunities may occur in many different industries, and at various stages of development, all of which will make the task of comparative investigation and analysis of such business opportunities extremely difficult and complex. Due to the limited capital available for investigation, we may not discover or adequately evaluate adverse facts about the opportunity to be acquired.
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Our plans are in the conceptual stage only. There is no relationship between our particular name and our intended business plan. If successful in completing a merger or acquisition, we expect that our name would change to reflect the marketing goals of the business combination.
In evaluating a prospective business combination, we will conduct as extensive a due diligence review of potential targets as possible; however, none of our management are professional business analysts and none are committing their full time to our operations. (See "Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance”.) Potential investors must recognize that due to our management's limited commitment in terms of time to our business, we may not adequately evaluate a potential business opportunity.
We are unable to predict the time as to when, and if we will ever engage in identifying potential merger or acquisition candidates. We anticipate that proposed business ventures will be made available to us through personal contacts of our directors, executive officers and principal shareholders, professional advisors, broker dealers in securities, venture capital personnel, members of the financial community and others who may present unsolicited proposals. In certain cases, we may agree to pay a finder's fee or to otherwise compensate the persons who submit a potential business endeavor in which we eventually participate. Such persons may include our directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of our securities or their “affiliates.” In that event, such fees may become a factor in negotiations regarding any potential venture and, accordingly, may present a conflict of interest for such individuals.
In addition, certain conflicts of interest exist or may develop between us and our officers and directors. Our members of management have other business interests to which they currently devote attention, which include their primary employment and management of another shell reporting company, Multi Soft (See "Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” below). They may be expected to continue to devote their attention to these other business interests although management time should be devoted to our business. In order to minimize potential conflicts of interest which may arise because our directors and officers also serve as the directors and officers of Multi Soft each of our officers and directors has entered into an agreement with us and Multi Soft whereby they have each agreed that Multi Soft shall not analyze or consider any possible business combination opportunities until we have agreed to consummate a business combination.
We expect that when and if we commence our due diligence, it will encompass, among other things, meetings with the target business's incumbent management and inspection of its facilities, as necessary, as well as a review of financial and other information which is made available to us. This due diligence review will be conducted either by our management or by unaffiliated third parties we may engage. Our limited funds and the lack of full-time management will likely make it impracticable to conduct a complete and exhaustive investigation and analysis of a target business before we consummate a business combination. Management decisions, therefore, will likely be made without detailed feasibility studies, independent analysis, market surveys and the like which, if we had more funds available to us, would be desirable. We will be particularly dependent in making decisions upon information provided by the promoters, owners, sponsors or other persons associated with the target business seeking our participation.
The time and costs required to select and evaluate a target business and to structure and complete a business combination cannot presently be ascertained with any degree of certainty. Any costs incurred with respect to the indemnification and evaluation of a prospective business combination that is not ultimately completed will result in a loss to us. Also, substantial fees are often paid in connection with the completion of all types of acquisitions, reorganizations or mergers. These fees are usually divided among promoters or founders or finders, after deduction of legal, accounting and other related expenses, and it is not unusual for a portion of these fees to be paid to members of management or to principal shareholders as consideration for their agreement to retire a portion of the shares of common stock owned by them. Management may actively negotiate or otherwise consent to the purchase of all or any portion of their common stock as a condition to, or in connection with, a proposed reorganization, merger or acquisition. It is not anticipated that any such opportunity will be afforded to other shareholders or that such other shareholders will be afforded the opportunity to approve or consent to any particular stock buy-out transaction. In the event that any such fees are paid, they may become a factor in negotiations regarding any potential acquisition or merger by us, and accordingly, may also present a conflict of interest for such individuals. We have no present arrangements or understandings respecting any of these types of fees or opportunities.
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Our common stock is not publicly traded at this time and we cannot assure that a market will develop or that a shareholder ever will be able to liquidate his investments without considerable delay, if at all. If a market develops, our shares will likely be subject to the rules of the Penny Stock Suitability Reform Act of 1990. The liquidity of penny stock is affected by specific disclosure procedures required by this Act to be followed by all broker-dealers, including but not limited to, determining the suitability of the stock for a particular customer, and obtaining a written agreement from the customer to purchase the stock. This rule may affect the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and may affect the ability of purchasers to sell our securities in any future market.
Form of Acquisition
The manner in which we participate in an opportunity will depend upon the nature of the opportunity, our respective needs and desires and the promoters of the opportunity, and our relative negotiating strength.
It is likely that we will acquire our participation in a business opportunity through the issuance of our common stock or other securities. Although the terms of any such transaction cannot be predicted, it should be noted that in certain circumstances the criteria for determining whether or not an acquisition is a so-called "tax free" reorganization under Section 368(a) (1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") depends upon whether the owners of the acquired business own 80% or more of the voting stock of the surviving entity. If a transaction were structured to take advantage of these provisions rather than other "tax free" provisions provided under the Code, all prior shareholders would in such circumstances retain 20% or less of the total issued and outstanding shares of the surviving entity. Under other circumstances, depending upon the relative negotiating strength of the parties, prior shareholders may retain substantially less than 20% of the total issued and outstanding shares of the surviving entity. This could result in substantial additional dilution to the equity of those persons who were our shareholders prior to such reorganization.
Our present shareholders will likely not have control of a majority of our voting securities following a reorganization transaction. As part of such a transaction, all or a majority of our directors may resign, and one or more new directors may be appointed, without any vote by shareholders.
In the case of an acquisition, the transaction may be accomplished upon the sole determination of management without any vote or approval by shareholders. In the case of a statutory merger or consolidation directly involving us, it will likely be necessary to call a shareholders' meeting and obtain the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding securities. The necessity to obtain such shareholder approval may result in delay and additional expense in the consummation of any proposed transaction and will also give rise to certain appraisal rights to dissenting shareholders. Most likely, management will seek to structure any such transaction so as not to require shareholder approval.
It is anticipated that the investigation of specific business opportunities and the negotiation, drafting and execution of relevant agreements, disclosure documents and other instruments will require substantial management time and attention and substantial cost for accountants, attorneys and others. If a decision is made not to participate in a specific business opportunity, the costs incurred in the related investigation might not be recoverable. Furthermore, even if an agreement is reached for the participation in a specific business opportunity, the failure to consummate that transaction may result in the loss to us of the related costs incurred.
In addition, Form 8-K of the SEC regarding shell companies and transactions with shell companies requires the filing of all information about an acquired company that would have been required to have been filed had any such company filed a Form 10 Registration Statement with the SEC, along with required audited, interim and pro forma financial statements, within four business days of the closing of any such transaction; this may eliminate many of the perceived advantages of these types of transactions. These regulations also limit the use of Form S-8 to a reorganized shell company until the expiration of 60 days from when any such entity is no longer considered to be a shell company. This prohibition could further restrict opportunities for us to acquire companies that may already have stock option plans in place that cover numerous employees. In such an instance, there may be no exemption
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from registration for the issuance of securities in any business combination to these employees, thereby necessitating the filing of a registration statement with the SEC to complete any such reorganization, and incurring the time and expense costs that are normally avoided by reverse reorganizations.
Human Capital
Apart from management, we have no employees. J Bryant Kirkland III, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Deborah A Fasanelli, our Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, are responsible for managing our administrative affairs, including our reporting obligations pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act. We will engage consultants, attorneys and accountants as necessary for us to conduct our business operations and to implement our business plan. Our directors and officers are engaged in outside business activities and anticipate that they devote very limited time to our business. We expect no significant changes in the number of our employees other than such changes, if any, incident to a business combination.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
THIS REPORT CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION RELATING TO US, OUR INDUSTRY AND TO OTHER BUSINESSES.
This report contains forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are based upon the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to our management. When used in this report, the words “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in our forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance upon such forward-looking statements, as our results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth in the following risk factors section and elsewhere in this report. Any such statements are representative only as of the date of this report. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances subsequent to the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except for such updates to this report as are required by federal securities laws and such periodic reports as are required pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Accordingly, you should consider carefully the following risk factors, in addition to the other information with respect to our business contained in this report.
Risks Associated with our Business
OUR BUSINESS WILL HAVE NO REVENUE UNLESS AND UNTIL WE MERGE WITH OR ACQUIRE AN OPERATING BUSINESS.
We have had no recent operating history nor any revenues or earnings from operations since 2005. We will not realize any revenue unless and until we successfully merge with or acquire an operating business.
WE MAY BE SUBJECT TO FURTHER GOVERNMENT REGULATION WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR OPERATIONS.
Although we will be subject to the reporting requirements under the Exchange Act, management believes we will not be subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"), since we will not be engaged in the business of investing or trading in securities. If we engage in business combinations which result in our holding passive investment interests in a number of entities, we could be
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subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act. If so, we would be required to register as an investment company and could be expected to incur significant registration and compliance costs. We have obtained no formal determination from the SEC as to our status under the Investment Company Act and, consequently, violation of the Investment Company Act could subject us to material adverse consequences.
Risks Associated with Business Combinations
OUR BUSINESS IS DIFFICULT TO EVALUATE BECAUSE WE HAVE NO OPERATING BUSINESS AND OUR SHAREHOLDERS WILL NOT KNOW WHAT BUSINESS WE WILL ENTER INTO UNTIL WE CONSUMMATE A TRANSACTION.
There is a risk that we will be unable to consummate a business combination. We have had no recent operating history nor any revenues or earnings from operations since 2005. While we have no significant assets or financial resources, in April 2012 we issued an 11% revolving credit promissory note due December 2025 in favor of Vector in the principal amount of up to $150,000, which was later amended to increase the available amount to $700,000 which we believe provides us with sufficient capital. We will, in all likelihood, sustain operating expenses without corresponding revenues, at least until the consummation of a business combination. This may result in us incurring a net operating loss that will increase continuously until we can consummate a business combination with a profitable business opportunity. We cannot assure you that we can identify a suitable business opportunity and consummate a business combination.
THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO FIND A SUITABLE ENTITY WITH WHICH TO ENTER INTO A BUSINESS COMBINATION TRANSACTION.
We are in a highly competitive market for a small number of business opportunities which could reduce the likelihood of consummating a successful business combination. We will be an insignificant participant in the business of seeking mergers with, joint ventures with and acquisitions of small private and public entities. A large number of established and well-financed entities, including small public companies and venture capital firms, are active in mergers and acquisitions of companies that may be desirable target candidates for us. Nearly all these entities have significantly greater financial resources, technical expertise and managerial capabilities than we do; consequently, we will be at a competitive disadvantage in identifying possible business opportunities and successfully completing a business combination. These competitive factors may reduce the likelihood of us identifying and consummating a successful business combination. There can be no assurance that we will find a suitable entity with which to enter into a business combination transaction even if we do identify a suitable entity for such transaction, there can be no assurance that such entity would enter into such a transaction.
IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER WAYS IN WHICH PRIVATE COMPANIES CAN BECOME PUBLIC OR RAISE CAPITAL, AND BECAUSE OF THE AVAILABILITY OF BLANK CHECK COMPANIES FOR BUSINESS COMBINATION TRANSACTIONS, THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE TERMS OF A POTENTIAL BUSINESS COMBINATION TRANSACTION WOULD BE FAVORABLE TO US.
Even if we find a suitable entity for a business combination transaction and that entity is willing to enter into such a transaction, there can be no assurance that we would be able to complete that transaction on terms which would be favorable to us. Private companies seeking to become public have many options other than a business combination with a blank check company, such as initial public offerings, direct public offerings, Regulation A offerings, public offerings on foreign exchanges, and business combinations with defunct public companies, and have many other options for access to capital other than becoming public, such as private offerings, Regulation S offerings, venture capital, and private equity transactions. The wide range of options available to such companies may result in those companies being able to require favorable terms from a blank check company in a business combination transaction, and may reduce the potential profitability to us of such a business combination transaction. In addition, there are a large number of blank check companies seeking to engage in business combination transactions, and the availability of such companies may result in private companies being able to require favorable
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terms from any particular blank check company in a business combination transaction, which may reduce the potential profitability to us of such a business combination transaction.
OUR FUTURE SUCCESS IS HIGHLY DEPENDENT ON THE ABILITY OF MANAGEMENT TO LOCATE AND ATTRACT A SUITABLE ACQUISITION CANDIDATE.
The nature of our operations is highly speculative. The success of our intended plan of operation will depend to a great extent on the operations, financial condition and management of the identified business opportunity. While management intends to seek business combination(s) with entities having established operating histories, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in locating candidates meeting that criterion. In the event we complete a business combination, the success of our operations may be dependent upon management of the successor firm or venture partner firm and numerous other factors beyond our control.
WE HAVE NO EXISTING AGREEMENT FOR A BUSINESS COMBINATION OR OTHER TRANSACTION AND THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO NEGOTIATE A TRANSACTION THAT WILL BENEFIT OUR SHAREHOLDERS.
We have no arrangement, agreement or understanding with respect to engaging in a merger with, joint venture with or acquisition of, a private or public entity. No assurances can be given that we will successfully identify and evaluate suitable business opportunities or that we will conclude a business combination. Management has not identified any particular industry or specific business within an industry for evaluation. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to negotiate a business combination on favorable terms, and there is consequently a risk that funds allocated to the purchase of our shares will not be invested in a company with active business operations.
MANAGEMENT INTENDS TO DEVOTE ONLY A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TIME TO SEEKING A TARGET COMPANY WHICH MAY ADVERSELY IMPACT OUR ABILITY TO IDENTIFY A SUITABLE ACQUISITION CANDIDATE.
While seeking a business combination, management anticipates devoting very limited time to our affairs. Our officers and directors have not entered into written employment agreements with us and are not expected to do so in the foreseeable future. This limited commitment may adversely impact our ability to identify and consummate a successful business combination.
THERE MAY BE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BETWEEN OUR MANAGEMENT AND OUR NON-MANAGEMENT SHAREHOLDERS.
Conflicts of interest create the risk that management may have an incentive to act adversely to the interests of other shareholders. A conflict of interest may arise between our management's personal pecuniary interests and their fiduciary duty to our shareholders. Further, our management's own pecuniary interest may at some point compromise its fiduciary duty to our shareholders. In addition, our officers and directors are currently and in the future shall be involved with other blank check companies and conflicts may arise in the pursuit of business combinations with such other blank check companies with which they are and may in the future be affiliated. Prospective business opportunities may not be offered to our management or its affiliates prior being offered to us. This preference has been decided by management, however, it may be changed at management's discretion. In the future, after the close of a transaction, we do not anticipate that our current officers and directors will perform services in their current capacity.
In order to minimize potential conflicts of interest which may arise because our directors and officers also serve as the directors and officers of Multi Soft II, Inc. each of our officers and directors has entered into an agreement with us and Multi Soft II, Inc. whereby they have each agreed that Multi Soft II, Inc. shall not analyze or consider any possible business combination opportunities until we have agreed to consummate a business combination.
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WE HAVE NOT CONDUCTED MARKET RESEARCH OR IDENTIFIED ANY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, WHICH MAY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO IDENTIFY A BUSINESS TO MERGE WITH OR ACQUIRE.
We have not conducted market research concerning prospective business opportunities, nor have others made the results of such market research available to us. Our management has not identified any specific business combination or other transactions for formal evaluation by us, such that it may be expected that any such target business or transaction will present such a level of risk that conventional private or public offerings of securities or conventional bank financing will not be available. There is no assurance that we will be able to acquire a business opportunity on terms favorable to us. Decisions as to which business opportunity to participate in will be unilaterally made by our management, which may act without the consent, vote or approval of our shareholders.
WE ARE LIKELY SEEKING TO COMPLETE A BUSINESS COMBINATION THROUGH A "REVERSE MERGER". FOLLOWING SUCH A TRANSACTION WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ATTRACT THE ATTENTION OF MAJOR BROKERAGE FIRMS.
Additional risks may exist because we will assist a privately held business to become public through a “reverse merger.” Securities analysts of major brokerage firms may not provide coverage of our securities because there is no incentive to brokerage firms to recommend the purchase of our common stock. There can be no assurance that brokerage firms will want to conduct any secondary offerings on behalf of our post-merger company in the future.
THE TIME AND COST OF PREPARING A PRIVATE COMPANY TO BECOME A PUBLIC REPORTING COMPANY MAY PRECLUDE US FROM ENTERING INTO A MERGER OR ACQUISITION WITH THE MOST ATTRACTIVE PRIVATE COMPANIES.
Target companies that fail to comply with SEC reporting requirements may delay or preclude an acquisition. Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act require reporting companies to provide certain information about significant acquisitions, including certified financial statements for the company acquired, covering one, two, or three years, depending on the relative size of the acquisition. The time and additional costs that may be incurred by some target entities to prepare these statements may significantly delay or essentially preclude consummation of an acquisition. Otherwise suitable acquisition prospects that do not have or are unable to obtain the required audited financial statements may be inappropriate for acquisition so long as the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act are applicable.
ANY POTENTIAL ACQUISITION OR MERGER WITH A FOREIGN COMPANY MAY SUBJECT US TO ADDITIONAL RISKS.
If we enter into a business combination with a foreign company, we will be subject to risks inherent in business operations outside of the United States. These risks include, for example, currency fluctuations, regulatory problems, punitive tariffs, unstable local tax policies, trade embargoes, risks related to shipment of raw materials and finished goods across national borders and cultural and language differences. Foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, market development, rate of savings, and capital investment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions, and in other respects.
A BUSINESS COMBINATION WILL RESULT IN A CHANGE OF CONTROL AND A CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT.
In conjunction with completion of a business acquisition, it is anticipated that we will issue an amount of our authorized but unissued common stock which represents the majority of the voting power and equity of our common stock, which will result in shareholders of a target company obtaining a controlling interest in us. As a condition of the business combination agreement, our current shareholders may agree to sell or transfer all or a portion of our common stock as to provide the target company with all or majority control. The resulting change in
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control will result in removal of our present officers and directors and a corresponding reduction in or elimination of their participation in any future affairs.
DUE TO THE CONTROL BY MANAGEMENT AND OUR PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDER OF 53.3% OF OUR OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK, OUR NON-MANAGEMENT SHAREHOLDERS WILL HAVE LITTLE POWER TO CHOOSE MANAGEMENT OR IMPACT OPERATIONS.
Management and our principal shareholder currently control and vote an aggregate of 53.3% of our issued and outstanding common stock. Our management consists of J. Bryant Kirkland III, President, CEO and Chairman of our board of directors, Deborah Fasanelli, Secretary, Treasurer, and CFO, and Robert M. Lundgren, director. Mr. Kirkland and Ms. Fasanelli serve as Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance, respectively, of Vector, our majority shareholder, although neither has investment authority or voting control over the securities owned by Vector. Consequently, management, along with our principal shareholder, acting together, have the ability to influence control of our operations and will have the ability to influence or control substantially all matters submitted to shareholders for approval, including:
•Election of the board of directors;
•Removal of directors;
•Amendment to the our articles of incorporation or bylaws; and
•Adoption of measures that could delay or prevent a change in control or impede a merger, takeover or other business combination.
These shareholders will thus have substantial influence over our management and affairs and other shareholders possess no practical ability to remove management or effect the operations of our business. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership by itself may have the effect of impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business consolidation, or discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer for our common stock.
WE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN TAX CONSEQUENCES IN A BUSINESS COMBINATION, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE COST OF A BUSINESS COMBINATION OR DETER THIRD PARTIES FROM ENTERING INTO CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS.
We may not be able to structure our acquisition to result in tax-free treatment for the companies or their shareholders, which could deter third parties from entering into certain business combinations with us or result in being taxed on consideration received in a transaction. Currently, a transaction may be structured so as to result in tax-free treatment to both companies, as prescribed by various federal and state tax provisions. We intend to structure any business combination so as to minimize the federal and state tax consequences to both us and the target entity; however, we cannot guarantee that the business combination will meet the statutory requirements of a tax-free reorganization or that the parties will obtain the intended tax-free treatment upon a transfer of stock or assets. A non-qualifying reorganization could result in the imposition of both federal and state taxes that may have an adverse effect on both parties to the transaction.
OUR SEARCH FOR A BUSINESS COMBINATION, AND ANY TARGET BUSINESS WITH WHICH WE ULTIMATELY CONSUMMATE A BUSINESS COMBINATION, MAY BE MATERIALLY AFFECTED BY THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC.
We may be unable to complete a business combination if continued concerns relating to COVID-19 continues to restrict travel, limit the ability to have meetings with potential investors or the target company’s personnel, vendors and service providers are unavailable to negotiate and consummate a transaction in a timely manner. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our search for a business combination will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. If the disruptions posed by the COVID-19 continue for an extensive period of time, our ability to consummate a business combination, or the operations of a target business in which we ultimately consummate a business combination, may be materially adversely affected.
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Risks Associated with our Common Stock and Liquidity
THERE IS CURRENTLY NO TRADING MARKET FOR OUR COMMON STOCK, AND LIQUIDITY OF SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK IS LIMITED.
Our shares of common stock are not registered under the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction, and accordingly there is no public trading market for our common stock. Further, no public trading market is expected to develop in the foreseeable future unless and until we complete a business combination with an operating business and we thereafter file a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (The "Securities Act"). Therefore, outstanding shares of our common stock cannot be offered, sold, pledged or otherwise transferred unless subsequently registered pursuant to, or exempt from registration under, the Securities Act and any other applicable federal or state securities laws or regulations.
Compliance with the criteria for securing exemptions under federal securities laws and the securities laws of the various states is extremely complex, especially in respect of those exemptions affording flexibility and the elimination of trading restrictions in respect of securities received in exempt transactions and subsequently disposed of without registration under the Securities Act or state securities laws.
WE CANNOT ASSURE YOU THAT FOLLOWING A BUSINESS COMBINATION WITH AN OPERATING BUSINESS, OUR COMMON STOCK WILL BE LISTED ON NASDAQ OR ANY OTHER SECURITIES EXCHANGE AND THEREFORE IT IS POSSIBLE THAT OUR SHAREHOLDERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LIQUIDATE THEIR INVESTMENT IN OUR STOCK AND WE MAY NOT HAVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL AVAILABLE TO COMPANIES TRADING ON THESE EXCHANGES.
Following a business combination, we may seek the listing of our common stock on NASDAQ or the NYSE American. However, we cannot assure you that following such a transaction, we will be able to meet the initial listing standards of either of those or any other stock exchange, or that we will be able to maintain a listing of our common stock on either of those or any other stock exchange.
In 2011, the NASDAQ, NYSE, and NYSE American adopted a “seasoning” requirement for the listing of former reverse merger companies, which includes trading in another market for an adequate period of time at certain minimum price levels, with an adequate number of round lot shareholders and completing SEC filings during this time, although there is an exception to this requirement for firmly underwritten public offerings which generate net proceeds of at least $40 million. We may be unable to comply with seasoning requirements for listing prior to the listing deadline and we may be unable to qualify for the $40 million exception, which could adversely impact our ability to access U.S. stock exchanges. If an active trading market for our shares does not develop, the value and liquidity of our shares will be materially and adversely affected.
After completing a business combination, until our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ or another stock exchange, we expect that our common stock would be eligible to trade on the OTC Bulletin Board, another over-the-counter quotation system, or on the "pink sheets," where our shareholders may find it more difficult to dispose of shares or obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock. In addition, we would be subject to an SEC rule that, if it failed to meet the criteria set forth in such rule, imposes various practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell securities governed by the rule to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. Consequently, such rule may deter broker-dealers from recommending or selling our common stock, which may further affect our common stock's liquidity. This would also make it more difficult for us to raise additional capital following a business combination.
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THERE ARE ISSUES IMPACTING LIQUIDITY OF OUR SECURITIES WITH RESPECT TO THE FACT THAT WE WILL NEED TO FILE A RESALE REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO CREATE LIQUIDITY IN OUR COMMON STOCK.
Since our shares of common stock issued prior to a business combination or reverse merger cannot currently, nor will they for a considerable period of time after we complete a business combination, be available to be offered, sold, pledged or otherwise transferred without being registered pursuant to the Securities Act, we may file a resale registration statement on Form S-1 or some other available form to register for resale such shares of common stock. We cannot control this future registration process in all respects as some matters are outside our control. Even if we are successful in causing the effectiveness of the resale registration statement, there can be no assurances that the occurrence of subsequent events may not preclude our ability to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement. Any of the foregoing items could have adverse effects on the liquidity of our shares of common stock.
WE MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL FINANCING TO MAINTAIN OUR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.
We have no revenues and no cash flow. It is anticipated that the amounts needed to fund the costs associated with the reporting obligations under the Exchange Act, and other administrative costs associated with our corporate existence will be obtained from loans or investments of capital by our shareholders, management and investors. For the years ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, we incurred net losses of $103,850 and $95,692, respectively. General and administrative expenses include customary public company expenses, including outside legal and audit fees, insurance and other related public company costs. We do not expect to generate any revenues unless and until we consummate a successful merger and commence business operations. Our failure to secure additional financing could have a material adverse effect on our ability to pay the legal and audit fees and other administrative costs in order to continue to fulfill our reporting obligations. We do not have any arrangements with any bank or financial institution to secure additional financing and such financing may not be available on terms acceptable and in our best interests, if at all.
OUR NEED FOR CAPITAL WILL CREATE ADDITIONAL RISKS AND CREATE DILUTION TO EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS.
As mentioned above, we will need to raise additional capital in the future, which may be funded from unrelated third party sources, including the incurring of debt and/or the sale of additional equity securities. In addition, we may require additional financing to fund working capital and operating losses in the future should the need arise. The incurrence of debt creates additional financial leverage and therefore an increase in the financial risk of our operations. The sale of additional equity securities will be dilutive to the interests of our current shareholders. In addition, there can be no assurance that such additional financing, whether debt or equity, will be available to us or that it will be available on acceptable commercial terms. Any inability to secure such additional financing on acceptable terms could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results.
WE INTEND TO ISSUE MORE SHARES IN A MERGER OR ACQUISITION, WHICH WILL RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION.
Our Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of a maximum of 200,000,000 shares of common stock and a maximum of 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Any merger or acquisition effected by us may result in the issuance of additional securities without shareholder approval and may result in substantial dilution in the percentage of our common stock held by our then existing shareholders. Moreover, the common stock issued in any such merger or acquisition transaction may be valued on an arbitrary or non-arm's-length basis by our management, resulting in an additional reduction in the percentage of common stock held by our then existing shareholders. Our board of directors has the power to issue any or all of such authorized but unissued shares without shareholder approval. To the extent that additional shares of common stock or preferred stock are issued in connection with a
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business combination or otherwise, dilution to the interests of our shareholders will occur and the rights of the holders of common stock might be materially adversely affected.
OUR DIRECTORS HAVE THE RIGHT TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK.
Our directors, without further action by our shareholders, have the authority to issue shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series and to fix the number of shares, the relative rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences and any other preferences, special rights and qualifications of any such series. Any issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the rights of holders of common stock in that such preferred stock could have priority over the common stock with respect to voting, dividend or liquidation rights. Additionally, any future issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control of the Company without further action by the shareholders and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock.
The issuance of shares of preferred stock, or the issuance of rights to purchase such shares, could be used to discourage an unsolicited acquisition proposal. For instance, the issuance of a series of preferred stock might impede a business combination by including class voting rights that would enable the holder to block such a transaction, or facilitate a business combination by including voting rights that would provide a required percentage vote of the shareholders. Although our board of directors is required to make any determination to issue such stock based on its judgment as to the best interests of shareholders, our board of directors could act in a manner that would discourage an acquisition attempt or other transaction that potentially some, or a majority, of the shareholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which shareholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then market price of such stock. Our board of directors does not at present intend to seek shareholder approval prior to any issuance of currently authorized stock, unless otherwise required by law or stock exchange rules.
WE DO NOT CURRENTLY INTEND TO PAY DIVIDENDS ON OUR COMMON STOCK AND, CONSEQUENTLY, THE ABILITY OF OUR SHAREHOLDERS TO ACHIEVE A RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMON STOCK WILL DEPEND ON APPRECIATION IN THE PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock. Any future dividend payments are within the absolute discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions, business opportunities, anticipated cash needs, provisions of applicable law and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. We anticipate that any funds available for the payment of dividends will be re-invested into the company to further our business strategy. As a result, the success of an investment in our common stock will depend on future appreciation in its value. The price of our common stock may not appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which our shareholders purchased shares. If our common stock does not appreciate in value, investors could suffer losses in their investment in our common stock.
Risks Associated with Blank Check Companies
AS A BLANK CHECK COMPANY UNDER RULE 419 OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, WE WILL HAVE TO COMPLY WITH RULE 419 IN ANY SUBSEQUENT OFFERINGS.
At present, we are a blank check company with no revenues and no specific business plan or purpose other than we intend to seek new business opportunities or to engage in a merger or acquisition with an unidentified company. As a blank check company, if we publicly offer any securities as a condition to the closing of any acquisition or business combination or otherwise, we will have to fully comply with Rule 419 under the Securities Act, the provisions of which apply to every registration statement filed under the Securities Act by a blank check company. Among other things, Rule 419 requires that the blank check company filing such registration statement deposit the securities being offered and proceeds of the offering into an escrow or trust account pending the execution of an agreement for an acquisition or merger. In addition, the registrant is required to file a post effective
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amendment to the registration statement containing the same information as found in a Form 10 registration statement, upon the execution of an agreement for such acquisition or merger. Rule 419 also provides for procedures for the release of the offering funds in conjunction with the post effective acquisition or merger. We have no current plans to engage in any such offerings.
AS A SHELL COMPANY, WE ARE SUBJECT TO MORE STRINGENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
We have no or nominal operations and assets, and pursuant to Rule 405 and Exchange Act Rule 12b-2, we are a shell company. Applicable securities rules prohibit shell companies from using a Form S-8 to register securities pursuant to employee compensation plans. However, the rules do not prevent us from registering securities pursuant to certain other registration statements. Additionally, Form 8-K requires shell companies to provide more detailed disclosure upon completion of a transaction that causes it to cease being a shell company. To the extent we acquire a business in the future, we must file a Current Report on Form 8-K containing the information required in a registration statement on Form 10, within four business days following completion of the transaction together with financial information of the private operating company. In order to assist the SEC in the identification of shell companies, we are also required to check a box on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K indicating that we are a shell company. To the extent that we are required to comply with additional disclosure because we are a shell company, we may be delayed in executing any mergers or acquiring other assets that would cause us to cease being a shell company.
RULE 144 IS NOT GENERALLY AVAILABLE TO HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO RESELL SHARES IN THE FUTURE.
With limited exceptions related to certain shares acquired before we became a “shell company” (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”)), all of our presently outstanding shares of common stock are “restricted securities” as defined under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (“Rule 144”) and may only be resold pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption from registration. Rule 144 generally provides a safe harbor exemption for the resale of restricted securities, provided, however, restricted securities that we issued either while we were a “shell company” or at any time thereafter, can only be resold in reliance on Rule 144 if the following conditions are met:
(1) we have ceased to be a “shell company”;
(2) we are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”);
(3) we filed all reports and material required to be filed under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as applicable, during the preceding twelve months, other than Form 8-K reports; and
(4) at least one year has elapsed from the time we filed the Form 10 type information with the SEC reflecting our status as an entity that is not a “shell company.”
There can be no assurance that we will ever meet these conditions or that holders of our shares of Common Stock will be entitled to rely on Rule 144 for the resale of their shares. This could have a materially adverse effect on the trading market for our shares, if a trading market develops, of which there is no assurance.
OUR SHARES MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE "PENNY STOCK" RULES, FOLLOWING A REVERSE MERGER TRANSACTION, WHICH MIGHT SUBJECT OUR SHAREHOLDERS TO RESTRICTIONS ON MARKETABILITY AND THEY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SELL THEIR SHARES.
If our common stock becomes tradable in the secondary market, we will be subject to the penny stock rules adopted by the SEC that require brokers to provide extensive disclosure to their customers prior to executing trades in penny stocks. These disclosure requirements may cause a reduction in the trading activity of our common stock, which in all likelihood would make it difficult for our shareholders to sell their securities.
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Additional risks may exist since we may assist a privately held business to become public through a "reverse merger." Securities analysts of major brokerage firms may not provide coverage of us since there is no incentive to brokerage firms to recommend the purchase of our common stock. No assurance can be given that brokerage firms will want to conduct any secondary offerings on behalf of our post-merger company in the future. Failure to develop or maintain an active trading market for our common stock will have a generally negative effect on the price of our common stock and our shareholders may be unable to sell their common stock or any attempted sale of such common stock may have the effect of lowering the market price, which could result in a partial or complete loss of their investment.
Penny stocks generally are equity securities with a price of less than $5.00 (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on the NASDAQ system). Penny stock rules require a broker- dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document that provides information about penny stocks and the risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. The broker- dealer must also make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction. These requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity, if any, in the secondary market for a security that becomes subject to the penny stock rules. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by such requirements may discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in our securities, which could severely limit the market price and liquidity of our securities. These requirements may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our common stock and may affect our shareholders' ability to resell our common stock.
OUR AUTHORIZATION OF BLANK CHECK PREFERRED STOCK COULD BE USED TO DISCOURAGE A TAKE-OVER TRANSACTION INVOLVING AN ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CHANGE IN CONTROL OF US OR OUR MANAGEMENT.
Our Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock with designations, rights and preferences to be determined from time to time by our board of directors. Accordingly, our board of directors is empowered, without shareholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting, or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of the common stock. In the event of issuance, the preferred stock could be utilized, under certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company. Although we have no present intention to issue any shares of our authorized preferred stock, there can be no assurance that we will not do so in the future.
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ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
We have no property and do not currently maintain an office or any other facilities. We maintain a mailing address at 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 10th Floor, Miami, Florida 33137, which is the business address of our principal shareholder, Vector Group Ltd., and our President, Mr. Kirkland. We pay no rent for the use of this mailing address. Vector, at no cost to us, provides us with the use of office equipment and administrative services as necessary to conduct our business activities, including the implementation of our business plan. We do not believe that we will need to maintain an office at any time in the foreseeable future in order to carry out our plan of operations described herein.
ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
There are no material pending legal proceedings of which we or any of our property is the subject as of the date of this filing.
ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
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MULTI SOLUTIONS II, INC.
PART II
ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Market Information
In April 2013, our common stock was approved for quotation on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol MUSS, however no established public trading market exists.
Holders
We have approximately 538 shareholders of record of our common stock as of April 5, 2023.
Dividends
We have not declared dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We anticipate that any funds available for payment of dividends will be re-invested to further our business strategy.
Securities Authorized under Equity Compensation Plans
We do not have any equity compensation plans.
ITEM 6.RESERVED.
Reserved.
ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Our principal business objective for the next twelve months and beyond will be to achieve long-term growth potential through a combination with a business, rather than immediate, short-term earnings. Our search for a business opportunity will not be limited to any particular geographical area or industry, including both domestic and international companies.
We have negative working capital, negative shareholders' equity and have not earned any revenues from operations since 2005. However, we have issued an 11% revolving credit promissory note in favor of Vector Group Ltd. ("Vector") in the principal amount of up to $700,000, maturing in December 2025, as amended on June 10, 2022, which we believe provides us with access to sufficient capital for the next twelve months from the issuance of this report. We are currently devoting our efforts to locating merger candidates. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to develop additional sources of capital, locate and complete a merger with another company, and ultimately, achieve profitable operations. Our historical operating results disclosed in this annual report on Form 10-K are not meaningful to our future results.
We do not currently engage in any business activities that provide cash flow. During the next twelve months we anticipate incurring costs associated with being a publicly traded company, including the filing of Exchange Act reports, and we could also incur expenses and expenditures related to: (i) investigating and analyzing business combinations; and (ii) consummating an acquisition. We believe we will be able to meet these costs through amounts, as needed, to be lent by or invested in us by our shareholders, management or other investors.
We may consider acquiring a business which has recently commenced operations, a developing company in need of additional funds for expansion into new products or markets, a company seeking to develop a new product or service, or an established business that may be experiencing financial or operating difficulties and is in need of additional capital. In the alternative, a business combination may involve the acquisition of, or merger with, a company that does not need substantial additional capital, but desires to establish a public trading market for its shares, while avoiding, among other things, the time delays, significant expense, and loss of voting control which may occur in a public offering.
Our management has not had any meaningful discussions with any representative of any other entity regarding a business combination with us. Any target business that is selected may be a financially unstable company or an entity in its early stages of development or growth, including entities without established records of sales or earnings. In that event, we will be subject to numerous risks inherent in the business and operations of financially unstable and early stage or potential emerging growth companies. In addition, we may effect a business combination with an entity in an industry characterized by a high level of risk, and, although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, there can be no assurance that we will properly ascertain or assess all significant risks.
Our management anticipates that we will likely be able to effect only one business combination, due primarily to our limited financing and the dilution of interest for present and prospective shareholders, which is likely to occur as a result of our management's plan to offer a controlling interest to a target business in order to achieve a tax-free reorganization. This lack of diversification should be considered a substantial risk in investing in us, because it will not permit us to offset potential losses from one venture against gains from another.
We anticipate that the selection of a business combination will be complex and extremely risky. Because of general economic conditions, rapid technological advances being made in some industries and shortages of available capital, our management believes that there are firms seeking the perceived benefits of becoming a publicly traded corporation. Such perceived benefits of becoming a publicly traded corporation include, among other things, facilitating or improving the terms on which additional equity financing may be obtained, providing
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liquidity for the principals of and investors in a business, creating a means for providing incentive stock options or similar benefits to key employees, and offering greater flexibility in structuring acquisitions, joint ventures and the like through the issuance of stock. Potentially available business combinations may occur in many different industries and at various stages of development, all of which will make the task of comparative investigation and analysis of such business opportunities extremely difficult and complex.
In order to minimize potential conflicts of interest which may arise because our directors and officers also serve as the directors and officers of Multi Soft II, Inc. each of our officers and directors has entered into an agreement with us and Multi Soft II, Inc. whereby they have each agreed that Multi Soft II, Inc. shall not analyze or consider any possible business combination opportunities until we have agreed to consummate a business combination.
If we consummate a business combination, we will use our best efforts to have our stock quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board (the “OTCBB”), and anticipate that our common stock will be eligible to trade on the OTCBB subsequent to such business combination. Subsequent to such business combination, we may seek the listing of our common stock on any of the several NASDAQ markets or the NYSE American, either immediately after such business combination or sometime in the future. However, in 2011, the NASDAQ, NYSE, and NYSE American adopted a “seasoning” requirement for the listing of former reverse merger companies, which includes trading in another market for an adequate period of time at certain minimum price levels, with an adequate number of round lot shareholders and completing SEC filings during this time, although there is an exception to this requirement for firmly underwritten public offerings which generate net proceeds of at least $40 million. We may be unable to comply with seasoning requirements for listing prior to the listing deadline and we may be unable to qualify for the $40 million exception, which could adversely impact our ability to access U.S. stock exchanges. There can be no assurance that after we consummate a business combination we will be quoted on the OTCBB or be able to meet the initial listing standards of any stock exchange or quotation service, or that we will be able to maintain a listing of our common stock on any of those or any other stock exchange or quotation service. If an active trading market for our shares does not develop, the value and liquidity of our shares will be materially and adversely affected.
.
Results of Operations
Comparison of Years Ended January 31, 2023 and 2022
Revenues. We did not generate revenues for the years ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses for the years ended January 31, 2023 and 2022 were $39,120 and $38,786, respectively. During the years ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, such expenses consisted primarily of professional fees associated with various matters associated with being a publicly traded corporation. These general and administrative expenses are subject to inflationary increases as well as changes in the regulatory environment and may increase in the future. In addition, if we effectuate a merger or other business combination with an operating business, we believe the level of expenses necessary to operate a publicly traded company will increase.
Other Expense. Other expense was $64,730 and $56,906 for the years ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Other expenses for the years ended January 31, 2023 and 2022 related to interest expense on the outstanding balance of the credit facility due December 2025.
Net Loss. Our net loss for the years ended January 31, 2023 and 2022 was $103,850 and $95,692, respectively.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
We do not have any revenues from operations and, absent a merger or other combination with an operating company, or a public or private sale of our equity or debt securities, the occurrence of either of which cannot be assured, we will be dependent upon future loans or equity investments from our present shareholders or management, for which there is no existing commitment. Although we have no present commitment from any such parties to provide funding aside from the credit facility, if we reach the point where we need funds to remain in operation, we will attempt to raise funds from our present shareholders or management in the form of equity or debt. If, in such situation, we are unable to raise funds from those parties, it is likely that our business would cease operations. As of January 31, 2023, we had a cash balance of $13,182, total liabilities of $1,048,311 and a negative working capital balance of $2,367. We believe our cash balance and available borrowing capacity provides us with sufficient capital for the next twelve months from the issuance date of this report.
In April 2012 we entered into an 11% revolving credit promissory note in favor of Vector in the principal amount of up to $700,000, maturing in December 2025, as amended on June 10, 2022. The outstanding principal and interest owed to Vector as of January 31, 2023 was $1,032,762, which included principal of $598,800 and accrued interest of $433,962. We believe this revolving credit arrangement provides us with access to capital sufficient for the next twelve months from the issuance date of this filing. If we later determine that our capital reserves are insufficient, we will either cease operations or we will need to raise additional capital through the issuance of additional shares or through debt. There is no existing commitment to provide additional capital. In such situation, there can be no assurance that we shall be able to receive additional financing, and if we are unable to receive sufficient additional financing upon acceptable terms, it is likely that our business would cease operations.
Discussion of Cash Flows
For the year ended January 31, 2023, net cash and cash equivalents increased by $5,807. Net cash used in operations was $40,194. For the year ended January 31, 2023, no cash was provided by investing activities, and cash provided by financing activities was $46,001.
For the year ended January 31, 2022, net cash and cash equivalents decreased by $1,233. Net cash used in operations was $84,835. For the year ended January 31, 2022, no cash was provided by investing activities, and cash provided by financing activities was $83,602.
Liquidity Sources
We satisfy our cash needs by drawing on the 11% revolving credit promissory note in favor of Vector in the principal amount of up to $700,000, as amended on June 10, 2022. At January 31, 2023, the outstanding principal and interest balance due under the credit facility were $598,800 and $433,962, respectively, for a total of $1,032,762.
We may seek to raise additional capital through the issuance of equity or debt, including loans from related parties, to acquire sufficient liquidity to satisfy our future liabilities. Such additional capital may not be available timely or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Our plans to repay our liabilities as they become due may be impacted adversely by our inability to have sufficient liquid assets to satisfy our liabilities.
Contractual Obligations
As a smaller reporting company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations and therefore are not required to provide the information regarding contractual obligations requested by Item 7.
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Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies
Management has not identified any critical accounting policies.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to income taxes, and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 1 to our financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As a smaller reporting company as defined Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations and therefore are not required to provide the information requested by this Item 7A.
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ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Our Financial Statements and Notes thereto, together with the report thereon of Marcum LLP dated April 26, 2023, are set forth beginning on page F-1 of this annual report.
ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, and, based on their evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) were effective.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on such evaluation, our management concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of January 31, 2023.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management's report in this annual report.
Material Changes in Internal Control
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended January 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
21
PART III
ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our directors and executive officers and additional information concerning them are as follows:
| Name | Age | Positions Held | ||||||
| J. Bryant Kirkland III | 57 | Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and CEO | ||||||
| Deborah A. Fasanelli | 56 | Secretary, Treasurer and CFO | ||||||
| Robert M. Lundgren (1) | 64 | Director | ||||||
(1) Member of the audit committee
J. Bryant Kirkland III has served as our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer since July 2012. From May 2011 until July 2012 he was our Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and a director. Mr. Kirkland has been the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Multi Soft II, Inc. since July 2012, and he was the Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and a director of Multi Soft II, Inc. from May 2011 until July 2012. Mr. Kirkland has served in various financial capacities of Vector (NYSE: VGR) and its subsidiaries since July 1992 and became Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Vector on April 1, 2006. In April 2016, Mr. Kirkland became Senior Vice President of Vector. Mr. Kirkland also serves as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Douglas Elliman Inc. (NYSE:DOUG), the fifth-largest residential real estate brokerage company in the United States. Mr. Kirkland is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the states of Florida, New York, and North Carolina. Mr. Kirkland received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Masters of Business Administration from Barry University. Mr. Kirkland's pertinent experience, qualifications, attributes and skills include financial literacy and expertise and the knowledge and experience he has attained through his service as an executive officer and a director of publicly-traded corporations.
Deborah A. Fasanelli has served as our Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer since July 2012. From July 2006 to April 2016, Ms. Fasanelli has served as the Controller of Vector. In April 2016, Ms. Fasanelli became the Vice President of Finance of Vector. Ms. Fasanelli also served as the Vice President of Finance of Douglas Elliman Inc. Ms. Fasanelli has served as the Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Multi Soft II, Inc. since July 2012. Ms. Fasanelli is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Florida. Ms. Fasanelli holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Florida and has a Masters of Accounting from Florida International University.
Robert M. Lundgren has served as a member of our board of directors since July 2011. Since July 2012, Mr. Lundgren has been a director of Multi Soft II, Inc., a blank check company. Mr. Lundgren has served as Chief Financial Officer of Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay, Florida since January 2010. Mr Lundgren is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Wake Forest University. Mr. Lundgren's pertinent experience, qualifications, attributes and skills include financial literacy and expertise and the knowledge and experience he has attained through his service as an executive officer and a director of publicly-traded corporations.
Our directors and officers devote time to our affairs on an "as needed" basis, but less than 10 hours per month. As a result, the actual amount of time that they will devote to our affairs is unknown and is likely to vary substantially from month to month. Our directors serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are duly elected and have qualified. Officers hold their positions at the pleasure of the board of directors, absent any employment agreement, of which none currently exists or is contemplated. There is no arrangement or understanding between any person pursuant to which any director or officer was or is to be selected as a director or officer, and there is no arrangement, plan or understanding as to whether non-management shareholders will exercise their voting rights to continue to elect directors to our board. There are also no arrangements, agreements
22
or understandings between non-management shareholders that may directly or indirectly participate in or influence the management of our affairs.
There have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments, injunctions, orders or decrees material to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any director, executive officer, promoter or control person of the Company during the past ten years.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors and person who own more than 10% of our common stock to file reports regarding ownership of and transactions in our securities with the SEC and to provide us with copies of those filings. Based solely on our review of the copies received by or a written representation from certain reporting persons we believe that during fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, we believe that all eligible persons are in compliance with the requirements of Section 16(a).
Code of Ethics
Our board of directors has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics which is applicable to our directors, officers and employees, in accordance with applicable federal securities laws and the NASDAQ Rules. Upon written request to our Corporate Secretary, we will provide, without charge, any person with a copy of our code of conduct and ethics.
Corporate Governance
Other than the audit committee, there are no separate committees of the board of directors at this time, and our entire board of directors performs the functions of the compensation committee and the nominating committee.
In July 2012, our board of directors established an audit committee of the board of directors, which is currently comprised of Robert Lundgren, whom is a non-employee member of the board of directors. Mr. Lundgren serves as the chair of the audit committee. Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Lundgren's education and employment experience qualifies him as an audit committee financial expert within the SEC rules and regulations.
ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
None of our current executive officers or our former executive officers who served at the end of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023, including our principal executive officer, received any cash or non-cash compensation from us for their services rendered as executive officers during the past two fiscal years or had outstanding equity awards at year end. We have not entered into employment agreements with our executive officers and their compensation, if any, will be determined at the discretion of our board of directors.
We pay each director an annual retainer of $2,500, payable quarterly, and reimburse the directors for reasonable travel expenses incurred in connection with their activities on our behalf.
The table below summarizes the compensation paid by us to our directors for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023
| Name | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Option Awards ($) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| J. Bryant Kirkland III | $ | 2,500 | — | — | — | $ | 2,500 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Robert M. Lundgren | $ | 2,500 | — | — | — | $ | 2,500 | |||||||||||||||||||
23
It is possible that, after we successfully consummate a business combination with an entity, that entity may desire to employ or retain one or a number of members of our management for the purposes of providing services to the surviving entity.
No retirement, pension, profit sharing, stock option or insurance programs or other similar programs have been adopted by us for the benefit of our employees.
We do not offer retirement benefit plans to our executive officers, nor have we entered into any contract, agreement, plan or arrangement, whether written or unwritten, that provides for payments to a named executive officer at, or in connection with, the resignation, retirement or other termination of a named executive officer, or a change in control of the company or a change in the named executive officer's responsibilities following a change in control. We do not have any standard arrangement for compensation of our directors for any services provided as director, including services for committee participation or for special assignments.
Our board of directors does not have a compensation committee and the entire board of directors performs the functions of a compensation committee. No member of our board of directors has a relationship that would constitute an interlocking relationship with our executive officers or directors or another entity.
ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned as of April 26, 2023 by: (i) those persons or groups known to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock, (ii) each of our current directors and executive officers and (iii) all of our executive officers and directors as a group. The information presented does not reflect the ownership interests of such individuals as a result of the merger transaction described above.
The information is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Except as indicated below, the shareholders listed possess sole voting and investment power with respect to their shares. Except as otherwise indicated in the table below, the business address of each individual or entity is 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33137.
| Shares Beneficially Owned | ||||||||||||||
| Name and Address | Number | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Vector Group Ltd. (1) 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 10th Floor Miami, FL 33137 | 1,012,655 | 53.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Michael Potter Monarch Capital Group LLC 500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2240 New York, NY 10110 | 232,067 | 12.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Robert L. Frome Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP 1325 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10019 | 228,067 | 12.0 | % | |||||||||||
J. Bryant Kirkland III 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 10th Floor Miami, FL 33137 | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Deborah A. Fasanelli 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 10th Floor Miami, FL 33137 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Robert M. Lundgren 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, 10th Floor Miami, FL 33137 | — | — | ||||||||||||
| All Executive Officers and Directors as a group (3 persons) | — | — | % | |||||||||||
24
(1) J. Bryant Kirkland III, our Chairman, President, and CEO, serves as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Vector. However, Mr. Kirkland has no investment authority or voting control over the securities owned by Vector. The other executive officers of Vector are Howard M. Lorber, President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Lampen, Executive Vice President and COO, Marc N. Bell, Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Nicholas P. Anson, President and CEO of Vector's Liggett Group LLC subsidiary, and J. David Ballard, Senior Vice President, Enterprise and Chief Technology Officer. The directors of Vector are Mr. Lorber, Bennett S. LeBow, Henry C. Beinstein, Ronald J. Bernstein, Paul V. Carlucci, Mr. Lampen, Jean E. Sharpe, Barry Watkins and Wilson L. White.
ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Transactions with Related Parties
The following information summarizes transactions we have either engaged in for the past two fiscal years, or propose to engage in, involving our executive officers, directors, more than 5% shareholders, or immediate family members of these persons. These transactions were negotiated between related parties without “arms length” bargaining and, as a result, the terms of these transactions may be different than transactions negotiated between unrelated persons.
We have utilized the mailing address of Vector, our principal shareholder since May 2011, at no cost. J. Bryant Kirkland III, a director and executive officer of ours since May 2011, serves as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Vector. Deborah A. Fasanelli, Secretary, Treasurer and CFO of ours since July 2012, serves as the Vice President of Finance of Vector. Neither Mr. Kirkland nor Ms. Fasanelli has investment authority or voting control over our securities owned by Vector.
In April 2012, we agreed to enter into a credit facility agreement for all amounts paid by Vector on our behalf in excess of $17,500. The credit facility provides in the principal amount of up to $700,000 as amended on June 10, 2022 of financing to us for working capital purposes. Amounts outstanding under the credit facility accrue interest at an annual rate of 11% and mature in December 2025, as amended on June 10, 2022. The outstanding principal and interest balance due under the credit facility was $1,032,762, including accrued interest of $433,962, as of January 31, 2023.
Except as set forth above, there have been no related party transactions, or any other transactions or relationships required to be disclosed.
ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The Audit Committee reviews and approves audit and permissible non-audit services performed by Marcum LLP, as well as the fees charged by Marcum LLP for such services. In accordance with Section 10A(i) of the Securities Exchange Act, before Marcum LLP is engaged to render audit or non-audit services, the engagement is approved by the audit committee. All of the services provided and fees charged by Marcum LLP during the years ended January 31, 2023 and January 31, 2022 were pre-approved by the audit committee.
Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed by Marcum LLP for professional services for the audit of the annual financial statements of the Company, reviews of the financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and review of documents filed with the SEC were $19,570 and $18,000 for the years ended January 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Audit-Related Fees. No fees were billed by Marcum LLP for audit-related professional services during the years ended January 31, 2023 and January 31, 2022.
Tax Fees. No fees were billed by Marcum LLP for tax fees during the years ended January 31, 2023 and January 31, 2022.
25
All Other Fees. No fees were billed by Marcum LLP for other services during the years ended January 31, 2023 and January 31, 2022.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The audit committee has adopted a policy that requires advance approval of all audit, audit-related, tax and other services performed by the independent registered certified public accounting firm. The policy provides for pre-approval by the audit committee of specifically defined audit and non-audit services. Unless the specific service has been previously pre-approved with respect to that year, the audit committee must approve the permitted service before the independent registered certified public accounting firm is engaged to perform it. The audit committee approved all services provided by Marcum LLP.
26
PART IV
ITEM 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Our financial statements and the notes thereto, together with the report thereon of Marcum LLP dated April 26, 2023, appear beginning on page F-1 of this report.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:
All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
EXHIBITS:
(a) The following is a list of exhibits filed herewith as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
| No. | Description | ||||||||||
* 2.1 | Articles of Merger filed with the State of Florida September 23, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Form 10-12G/A dated August 9, 2012). | ||||||||||
* 2.2 | Certificate of Merger filed with the State of New Jersey September 29, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company's Form 10-12G/A dated August 9, 2012). | ||||||||||
* 3.1 | Articles of Incorporation of the Company dated September 21, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 10-12G dated June 18, 2012). | ||||||||||
* 3.2 | Articles of Amendment of the Company dated October 4, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Form 10-12G dated June 18, 2012). | ||||||||||
* 3.3 | By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Form 10-12G dated June 18, 2012). | ||||||||||
* 10.1 | Revolving Credit Promissory Note dated April 23, 2012 by the Company in favor of Vector Group Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-12G dated June 18, 2012). | ||||||||||
* 10.2 | Amendment No. 1 to Revolving Credit Promissory Note by and between Multi Solutions II, Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. dated December 17, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q dated December 17, 2012). | ||||||||||
* 10.3 | Amendment No. 2 to Revolving Credit Promissory Note by and between Multi Solutions II, Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. dated May 7, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-K dated May 13, 2013). | ||||||||||
* 10.4 | Amendment No. 3 to Revolving Credit Promissory Note by and between Multi Solutions II, Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. dated November 22, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q dated November 25, 2013). | ||||||||||
* 10.5 | Amendment No. 4 to Revolving Credit Promissory Note by and between Multi Solutions II, Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. dated December 15, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q dated December 15, 2014). | ||||||||||
* 10.6 | Amendment No. 5 to Revolving Credit Promissory Note by and between Multi Solutions II, Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. dated June 3, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q dated June 3, 2015). | ||||||||||
27
| No. | Description | ||||||||||
* 10.7 | Amendment No. 6 to Revolving Credit Promissory Note by and between Multi Solutions II, Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. dated December 19, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-K dated April 16, 2018). | ||||||||||
* 10.8 | Amendment No. 7 to Revolving Credit Promissory Note by and between Multi Solutions II, Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. dated March 12, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-K dated April 9, 2019). | ||||||||||
* 10.9 | Amendment No. 8 to Revolving Credit Promissory Note by and between Multi Solutions II, Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. dated May 4, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-K dated May 14, 2020). | ||||||||||
| Amendment No. 9 to Revolving Credit Promissory Note by and between Multi Solutions II, Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. dated April 9, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-K dated April 13, 2021). | |||||||||||
| Amendment No. 10 to Revolving Credit Promissory Note by and between Multi Solutions II, Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. dated September 10, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q dated September 14, 2021). | |||||||||||
* 10.12 | Amendment No. 11 to Revolving Credit Promissory Note by and between Multi Solutions II, Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. dated June 10, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q dated June 10, 2022). | ||||||||||
* 10.13 | Agreement Regarding Conflicts of Interest dated August 8, 2012 among the Company, Multi Soft II, Inc., J. Bryant Kirkland III, Deborah Fasanelli, Robert Frome and Robert Lundgren (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-12G/A dated August 24, 2012). | ||||||||||
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||||||||||
| Certification of Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||||||||||
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |||||||||||
| 101.INS | *** | XBRL Instance Document | |||||||||
| 101.SCH | *** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema | |||||||||
| 101.CAL | *** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase | |||||||||
| 101.DEF | *** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase | |||||||||
| 101.LAB | *** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase | |||||||||
| 101.PRE | *** | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase | |||||||||
| * | Incorporated by reference | ||||||||||
| *** | Pursuant to Rule 406T of SEC Regulations S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections. | ||||||||||
ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY
Not applicable.
28
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| Dated: | April 26, 2023 | MULTI SOLUTIONS II, INC. | |||||||||||||||
| By: | /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III | ||||||||||||||||
| Name: | J. Bryant Kirkland III | ||||||||||||||||
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Deborah A. Fasanelli | ||||||||||||||||
| Name: | Deborah A. Fasanelli | ||||||||||||||||
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer | ||||||||||||||||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned directors and officers of Multi Solutions II, Inc. hereby constitute and appoint J. Bryant Kirkland III and Deborah A. Fasanelli, and each of them, with full power to act without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitutions, our true and lawful attorneys-in-fact with full power to execute in our name and behalf in the capacities indicated below, this Annual Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby ratify and confirm all that such attorneys-in-fact, or any of them, or their substitutes shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on April 26, 2023.
| SIGNATURE | TITLE | |||||||||||||
| /s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III | Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and CEO | |||||||||||||
| J. Bryant Kirkland III | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Deborah A. Fasanelli | Secretary, Treasurer and CFO | |||||||||||||
| Deborah A. Fasanelli | ||||||||||||||
| /s/ Robert M. Lundgren | Director | |||||||||||||
| Robert M. Lundgren | ||||||||||||||
29
MULTI SOLUTIONS II, INC.
FORM 10-K FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2023 and 2021
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
| Pages | |||||
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (PCAOB ID No. | |||||
| BALANCE SHEETS AS OF JANUARY 31, 2023 AND 2022 | |||||
| STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2023 AND 2022 | |||||
| STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2023 AND 2022 | |||||
| STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2023 AND 2022 | |||||
| NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | |||||
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Multi Solutions II, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Multi Solutions II, Inc. (the “Company”) as of January 31, 2023 and 2022, the related statements of operations, stockholders’ deficiency and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended January 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of January 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended January 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/ Marcum LLP
Marcum LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2011.
April 26, 2023
1
Multi Solutions II, Inc.
Balance Sheets
| January 31, 2023 | January 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
Cash | $ | $ | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Due to shareholder | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Shareholders' deficiency: | |||||||||||
Preferred stock, | |||||||||||
Common stock, | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total shareholders' deficiency | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' deficiency | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
2
Multi Solutions II, Inc.
Statements of Operations
| Years Ended | |||||||||||
| January 31, 2023 | January 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| REVENUE | $ | $ | |||||||||
| OPERATING EXPENSES: | |||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | |||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | |||||||||||
| LOSS FROM OPERATIONS | ( | ( | |||||||||
| OTHER EXPENSE | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total other expense | ( | ( | |||||||||
| LOSS BEFORE TAXES | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Income tax provision | |||||||||||
| NET LOSS | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
BASIC AND DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING | |||||||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
3
Multi Solutions II, Inc.
Statements of Shareholders' Deficiency
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Amount | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances - February 1, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances - January 31, 2022 | $ | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances - January 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
4
Multi Solutions II, Inc.
Statements of Cash Flows
| Years Ended | |||||||||||
| January 31, 2023 | January 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Increase in accrued interest on due to shareholder | |||||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from debt issuance | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | |||||||||||
| NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH | ( | ||||||||||
| CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR | |||||||||||
| CASH AT END OF YEAR | $ | $ | |||||||||
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | |||||||||||
| Interest paid | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Income taxes paid | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
5
MULTI SOLUTIONS II, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ORGANIZATION
(A) Organization, Basis of Presentation and liquidity
Multi Solutions II, Inc.'s (the "Company") business purpose is to investigate and, if such investigation warrants, acquire a target company or business seeking the perceived advantages of being a publicly held corporation. The Company's business objective for the next 12 months and beyond will be to achieve long-term growth potential through a combination with a business, rather than immediate, short-term earnings. The Company's search for a business opportunity will not be limited to any particular geographical area or industry, including both domestic and international companies.
The Company does not have any revenues from operations and, absent a merger or other combination with an operating company, or a public or private sale of the Company's equity or debt securities, the occurrence of either of which cannot be assured, the Company will be dependent upon future loans or equity investments from the Company's present shareholders or management, for which there is no existing commitment except as disclosed in Note 2. Although the Company has no present commitment from any such parties to provide funding, except as disclosed in Note 2, if the Company reaches the point where the Company needs funds to remain in operation, the Company will attempt to raise funds from the Company's present shareholders or management in the form of equity or debt. If, in such situation, the Company is unable to raise funds from those parties, it is likely that the Company's business would cease operations. As of January 31, 2023, the Company believes it has adequate cash and available borrowing capacity under the credit facility to sustain operations for the next twelve months from the issuance date of this report.
The financial statements are presented and prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
(B) Financial Instruments
(C) Use of Estimates
(D) Cash Equivalents
(E) Loss Per Share
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MULTI SOLUTIONS II, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(F) Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, “Accounting for Income Taxes". It prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attributes for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. As a result, the Company has applied a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold for all tax uncertainties. The guidance only allows the recognition of those tax benefits that have a greater than 50% likelihood of being sustained upon examination by the various taxing authorities. The Company is subject to taxation in the United States.
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized by applying statutory tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences between the financial reporting and tax filing bases of existing assets and liabilities are expected to reverse.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, Management evaluates whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based on Management's evaluation, the net deferred tax asset was offset by a full valuation allowance in all periods presented. The Company's deferred tax asset valuation allowance will be reversed if and when the Company generates sufficient taxable income in the future to utilize the tax benefits of the related deferred tax assets.
The Company classifies penalties and interest, if any, related to income taxes as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations.
(G) New Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Updates to be adopted in the future
Management does not believe that recently issued, but not effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted,
would have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.
SEC Proposed Rules
On March 21, 2022, the SEC proposed rule changes that hat would require registrants to provide certain climate-related information in their registration statements and annual reports. The proposed rules would require information about a registrant's climate-related risks that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on its business, results of operations, or financial condition. The required information about climate-related risks would also include disclosure of a registrant's greenhouse gas emissions, which have become a commonly used metric to assess a registrant's exposure to such risks. In addition, under the proposed rules, certain climate-related financial metrics would be required in a registrant's audited financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the proposed rule changes.
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MULTI SOLUTIONS II, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 2. DUE TO SHAREHOLDER
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MULTI SOLUTIONS II, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3. INCOME TAXES
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
| Years ended January 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Current | |||||||||||
| Federal | $ | $ | |||||||||
| State | |||||||||||
| Deferred | |||||||||||
| Federal | |||||||||||
| State | ( | ||||||||||
| Change in valuation allowance | ( | ||||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before the provision for income taxes. The sources and tax effects of the difference are as follows:
| Years ended January 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Income tax at statutory rate | % | % | |||||||||
| State income taxes, net of federal benefit | |||||||||||
| Expiration of historical NOLs | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Impact of State rate change | |||||||||||
| Change in valuation allowance | ( | ||||||||||
| Total | % | % | |||||||||
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and tax liabilities are as follows:
| January 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Net operating loss | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Gross deferred tax assets: | |||||||||||
| Less: valuation allowance | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net deferred tax asset | $ | $ | |||||||||
As of January 31, 2023 the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of $2,555,888 which may be used to offset future taxable income. $2,090,463 expires through the year 2038, while $465,425 carries over indefinitely. Pursuant to Code Sec. 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards may be limited as a result of a cumulative change in stock ownership of more than 50% over a three year period. The effect of such limitation on the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards has not been determined. Due to changes in control the availability of the net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income may be limited. The tax years for the years ended January 31, 2019 through the current year remain open for federal income tax audits.
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