General
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations
should be read in conjunction with (1) our interim unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements and their explanatory notes included as part
of this quarterly report, and (2) our annual audited consolidated financial
statements and explanatory notes for the year ended April 30, 2021 as disclosed
in our annual report on Form 10-K for that year as filed with the SEC.
"Forward-Looking" Information
This report on Form 10-Q contains various statements that may constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated
thereunder which represent our expectations and beliefs, including, but not
limited to statements concerning the Company's business and financial plans and
prospects and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements about our
expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or
performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. The words
"believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," and other similar
expressions can, but not always, identify forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date such statement was made. We base these forward-looking
statements on our current expectations and projections about future events, our
assumptions regarding these events and our knowledge of facts at the time the
statements are made. These statements by their nature involve substantial risks
and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control, and actual results
may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors. Risks and
uncertainties that could cause our financial performance to differ materially
from our goals, plans, expectations and projections expressed in forward-looking
statements include those set forth in our filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report of
Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2021. Forward-looking statements speak
only as of the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update
forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after
the date the forward-looking statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events. You should consider any forward-looking statements in
light of this explanation, and we caution you about relying on forward-looking
statements.
General Overview
Sparta Commercial Services, Inc. ("Sparta," "we," "us," or the "Company") is a
Nevada corporation with headquarters in New York City, www.spartacommercial.com.
We are a multi-disciplined parent corporation operating across three business
sectors - Financial Services, E-Commerce & Mobile Technology, and Health and
Wellness, (www.spartacommercial.com).
Sparta's roots are in the Powersports industry. The Company provided retail
installment loans and leases through authorized motorcycle dealerships in 33
states, with financing provided by institutional lenders. The Company also
maintained a full underwriting and servicing platform for its portfolio.
Notwithstanding the discontinuance of our initial focus on consumer loans and
leases post Lehman and during the 2008 financial crisis; in 2007, the Company
had introduced a new initiative, Municipal Financing, (www.spartamunicipal.com),
which has financed over 100 jurisdictions to date. Sparta's Municipal Finance
program is also currently available to all nonprofit organizations, institutions
and entities. All nonprofit organizations which adhere to IRS guidelines,
including 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, are eligible. Both public
nonprofits, also known as public charities supported with publicly collected
funds, and private nonprofits, also known as private foundations supported by an
individual or business entity, qualify for the program.
Vehicle History Reports are a staple of Sparta's E-Commerce Technology
subsidiary iMobile Solutions, Inc. Whether a vehicle is intended for business or
recreational use, Sparta's Vehicle History Reports are highly regarded for
accuracy and completeness and have been sold across all 50 states and in 62
countries worldwide. They provide a trusted layer of assurance to vehicle buyers
and are available on Kelley Blue Book, Auto Trader, AllState Insurance and a
range of various dealership websites. They include Cyclechex (Motorcycle History
Reports at www.cyclechex.com), RVchex (Recreational Vehicle History Reports at
www.rvchex.com), CarVINreport (Automobile History Reports at
www.carvinreport.com), and Truckchex (Heavy Duty Truck History Reports at
www.truckchex.com). Consumers, retailers, municipals, nonprofits, auction
houses, banks and insurance companies alike scrutinize title history reports for
the vital information needed and factored into crucial business decisions that
affect the bottom line.
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The Company's E-Commerce and Mobile Technology subsidiary name change to iMobile
Solutions, Inc., from Specialty Reports, Inc., in 2017, signifies its
ever-broadening service offerings in the evolving technology landscape. Under
iMobile App (www.imobileapp.com), the Company provides mobile technology
services, including web and mobile application creation, development and
management for a wide range of businesses in the achievement of their marketing
goals. Our ever-broadening business base of mobile application includes vehicle
dealerships and racetracks, private clubs and country clubs, schools and
entertainment venues, restaurants and grocery stores, as well as various other
merchant types. (www.imobileapp.com/app-gallery). The Company also designs,
launches, maintains and hosts websites for businesses. We provide specific,
tailored action plans for our clients' websites that include services such as
eCommerce, CRM (Customer Relationship Management) development and integration,
ordering system creation and integration, SEO (search engine optimization),
social media marketing, and online reviews to improve their presence online.
Additionally, we offer text messaging services, which supplement business
marketing strategies both to gain and retain brand loyalty among its clients,
customers and investors. Our text messaging platform allows our clients to
easily manage, schedule and analyze text message performance.
Sparta created its subsidiary, New World Health Brands, Inc., in April 2019, on
the heels of the Agriculture Improvement Act (also known as the Farm Bill),
which was signed into law the previous December 20, 2018. Consequently, hemp
(CBD) was removed from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. Company
management recognized the substantial business opportunity that lay ahead in the
rapidly expanding hemp-CBD (cannabidiol) market in the United States. During
2019-2020, we sourced, developed and tested 5 CBD product categories totalling
31 products. We procured premium, domestic-grade, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum,
and THC free hemp, created product packaging and labelling, and implemented
fulfilment to launch an online B to C website: www.newworldhealthcbd.com on
December 21, 2019. Our CBD products are available in full spectrum, broad
spectrum and non-detectable below the legal limit of .3 THC (ND-THC) and come in
capsules, oils, tablets, gel caps, tinctures, salves, creams, lotions, as well
as pet tinctures. We remain watchful of consumer needs, adjusting our product
line offerings either by adding new products, adjusting the potency levels of
existing products or discontinuing still others, as warranted. To ensure the
safety and quality of our products, all CBD product offerings are exclusively
sourced, manufactured and tested at highly accredited testing facilities in the
United States and adhere to strict U.S standards and guidelines. Because of our
high standards, in-depth quality testing and label transparency, consumers know
they can trust us.
Sparta's response to the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic in early 2020 quickly
took shape with thorough investigations into evolving customer trends in health
and wellness. As a result, we expanded New World Health Brands and developed a
new product line of natural dietary supplements. In August 2020, we launched an
online B to C website: www.newworldhealthbrands.com, featuring high quality
dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals, such as, Zinc, Magnesium,
Boron, Iodine, Beetroot Extract, Selenium, Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C and PQQ.
To ensure the safety and quality of our products, all health and wellness
offerings are exclusively sourced and manufactured in the United States and
adhere to strict U.S standards and guidelines. Sparta's commitment to high
standards and transparency are tantamount to being a trusted brand.
Sparta's newest subsidiary, Sparta Crypto, Inc., was established September 25,
2020 and is in the process of completing a proprietary state-of-the-art platform
designed to connect users of widely adopted digital currencies with sellers of
various goods and services. The platform has not launched and the Company can
make no assurances that the described plan will reach implementation. In
addition, the Company has completed and tested a cryptocurrency payment gateway
called SpartaPayIQ, which is functional and was formally announced on March 3,
2022.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of the nine Months Ended January 31, 2022 and 2021
For the nine months ended January 31, 2022, and 2021, we have generated Net
losses of $6,473,220 and 2,507,055 respectively.
Revenues
Revenues totaled $187,103 during the nine months ended January 31, 2022, as
compared to $195,027 during the nine months ended January 31, 2021, a decrease
of $7,924 or 4%, primarily due to revenues from our Information Technology
products declined by $16,068 or 9% offset by increase in our New World health
revenues $8,144 or 81%. Our New World Health Brands continue to have positive
results compared to the previous period primarily due to management efforts in
marketing and promoting the products.
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Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consists of costs and fees incurred to third parties to
construct and maintain mobile apps, as well as fees for subscription services
related to vehicle history reports and cost of goods purchased for New World
Health Brand products. Cost of revenue was $32,551 during the nine months ended
January 31, 2022, as compared to $5 during the nine months ended October 31,
2020. This $53,238 or 39% decline was due to New World Health Brands product
line inventory purchases during the nine months period ending January 31, 2021.
Operating Expenses
General and administrative expenses were $847,017 during the nine months ended
January 31, 2022, compared to $1,163,116 during the nine months ended January
31, 2021, a decrease of $316,099 or 27%, primarily due to the non-cash Black
Scholes $464,718 valuation of options issued to management and directors in the
previous period.
Expenses incurred during the current nine months period consisted primarily of
the following expenses:
January 31, 2022 January 31, 2021
Compensation, option and related cost 452,011 902,650
Accounting, audit and professional fees 50,642 86,461
Consulting Fees 142,884 2,500
Rent and Utilities 67,058 52,814
General office expenses 134,422 118,691
847,017 1,163,116
Other (income) expense
Other (income) expense is comprised primarily of interest and financing costs
$180,750 and related to the net change in fair value of our derivative
liabilities $5,796,163 for the nine months ended January 31, 2022, compared to
net other loss of 1,478,700 for the nine months ended January 31, 2021. The
increase results were primarily from the change in the fair value of our
derivative liabilities.
Net income (loss)
Our net loss attributable to common stockholders for the nine months ended
January 31, 2022, $6,488,628 compared to loss of $2,500,027 primarily due to
loss in valuation of derivative liabilities incurred as of January 31, 2022 of
$5,626,769 while in the nine months period January 31, 2021 loss in valuation of
derivative liabilities was $1,310,307.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of January 31, 2022, we had an accumulated deficit of $71,466,089 and a net
loss for the nine months of $6,488,628. We generated a deficit in cash flow from
operations of $469,506 for the nine months ended January 31, 2022. This deficit
results primarily from our net loss of $6,488,628, offset by noncash expense of
$352,914, amortization of debt discount $40,000, non-cash financing cost
$180,750 and loss in fair value valuation of derivative liabilities $5,626,769
and an increase of $251,611 in accounts payables and accrued expenses.
We met our cash requirements during the period through proceeds from the sale of
stock $407,500 and bank overdraft $29,442.
We do not anticipate incurring significant research and development
expenditures, and we do not anticipate the sale or acquisition of any
significant property, plant or equipment, during the next twelve months. At
January 31, 2022, we had 6 full time employees. If we fully implement our
business plan, we anticipate our employment base may increase during the next
twelve months. As we continue to expand, we will incur additional cost for
personnel. This potential increase in personnel is dependent upon our generating
increased revenues and obtaining sources of financing. There is no guarantee
that we will be successful in raising the funds required or generating revenues
sufficient to fund the potential increase in the number of employees. Our
employees are not represented by a union.
While we have raised capital to meet our working capital and financing needs in
the past, additional financing is required in order to meet our current and
potential future cash flow deficits from operations.
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We continue to seek additional financing, which may be in the form of senior
debt, subordinated debt or equity. We currently have no commitments for
financing that are not at the investor's election. There is no guarantee that we
will be successful in raising the funds required to support our operations.
We estimate that we will need approximately $1,000,000 in addition to our normal
operating cash flow to conduct operations during the next twelve months.
However, there can be no assurance that additional private or public financing,
including debt or equity financing, will be available as needed, or, if
available, on terms favorable to us. Any additional equity financing may be
dilutive to stockholders and such additional equity securities may have rights,
preferences or privileges that are senior to those of our existing common or
preferred stock. Furthermore, debt financing, if available, will require payment
of interest and may involve restrictive covenants that could impose limitations
on our operating flexibility. However, if we are not successful in generating
sufficient liquidity from operations or in raising sufficient capital resources,
on terms acceptable to us, this could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, and we will
have to adjust our planned operations and development on a more limited scale.
The effect of inflation on our revenue and operating results was not
significant. Our operations are located in North America and there are no
seasonal aspects that would have a material effect on our financial condition or
results of operations.
GOING CONCERN ISSUES
The Company's historical losses and the lack of revenues raise substantial
doubts about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. If we are
unable to develop our business, we have to discontinue operations or cease to
exist, which would be detrimental to the value of the Company's common stock. We
can make no assurances that our business operations will develop and provide us
with significant cash to continue operations.
In order to improve the Company's liquidity, the Company's management is
actively pursuing additional financing through discussions with investment
bankers, financial institutions and private investors. There can be no assurance
the Company will be successful in its effort to secure additional financing.
We continue to experience net operating losses. Our ability to continue as a
going concern is subject to our ability to develop profitable operations. We are
devoting substantially all of our efforts to developing our business and raising
capital. Our net operating losses increase the difficulty in meeting such goals
and there can be no assurances that such methods will prove successful.
The primary issues management will focus on in the immediate future to address
this matter include: seeking additional credit facilities from institutional
lenders; seeking institutional investors for debt or equity investments in our
Company; short term interim debt financing: and private placements of debt and
equity securities with accredited investors.
To address these issues, we have engaged a financial advisory firm to advise and
assist us in negotiating and raising capital.
INFLATION
The impact of inflation on the costs of the Company, and the ability to pass on
cost increases to its customers over time is dependent upon market conditions.
The Company is not aware of any inflationary pressures that have had any
significant impact on the Company's operations over the past quarter, and the
Company does not anticipate that inflationary factors will have a significant
impact on future operations.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company does not maintain off-balance sheet arrangements, nor does it
participate in non-exchange traded contracts requiring fair value accounting
treatment.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates
and judgments that affect our reported assets, liabilities, revenues, and
expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our
estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other
assumptions, we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Future events,
however, may differ markedly from our current expectations and assumptions.
While there are a number of significant accounting policies affecting our
financial statements, we believe the following critical accounting policy
involves the most complex, difficult and subjective estimates and judgments.
Revenue Recognition
Information Technology:
During the first quarter of 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from
Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), using the cumulative-effect method. The
new standard requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised
goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to
which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
The adoption did not have an impact in our consolidated financial statements,
other than the enhancement of our disclosures related to our revenue-generating
activities. The Company acts as a principal in its revenue transactions as the
Company is the primary obligor in the transactions.
Revenues from mobile app products are generally recognized upon delivery.
Revenues from History Reports are generally recognized upon delivery / download.
Prepayments received from customers before delivery (if any) are recognized as
deferred revenue and recognized upon delivery.
New World Health Brands ("NWHB"):
Revenues from NWHB products are generally recognized upon delivery.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard
Codification Topic 718 ("ASC 718-10"), which records compensation expense on a
straight-line basis, generally over the explicit service period of three to five
years.
ASC 718-10 requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment
awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the
portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as
expense over the requisite service periods in the Company's Consolidated
Statement of Operations. The Company is using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model as its method of valuation for share-based awards. The Company's
determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant
using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company's stock price as well
as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables.
These variables include but are not limited to the Company's expected stock
price volatility over the term of the awards, and certain other market variables
such as the risk-free interest rate.
Convertible Instruments
The Company evaluates and accounts for conversion options embedded in its
convertible instruments in accordance with professional standards for
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("ASC 815-40").
The Company accounts for convertible instruments (when it has determined that
the embedded conversion options should not be bifurcated from their host
instruments) in accordance with professional standards when "Accounting for
Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features," as those
professional standards pertain to "Certain Convertible Instruments."
Accordingly, the Company records, when necessary, discounts to convertible notes
for the intrinsic value of conversion options embedded in debt instruments based
upon the differences between the fair value of the underlying common stock at
the commitment date of the note transaction and the effective conversion price
embedded in the note. Debt discounts under these arrangements are amortized over
the term of the related debt to their earliest date of redemption. The Company
also records when necessary deemed dividends for the intrinsic value of
conversion options embedded in preferred shares based upon the differences
between the fair value of the underlying common stock at the commitment date of
the note transaction and the effective conversion price embedded in the note.
ASC 815-40 provides that, among other things, generally, if an event is not
within the entity's control could or require net cash settlement, then the
contract shall be classified as an asset or a liability.
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Derivative Liabilities
The Company assessed the classification of its derivative financial instruments
as of January 31, 2022 and April 30, 2021, which consist of convertible
instruments and rights to shares of the Company's common stock, and determined
that such derivatives meet the criteria for liability classification under ASC
815.
ASC 815 generally provides three criteria that, if met, require companies to
bifurcate conversion options from their host instruments and account for them as
freestanding derivative financial instruments. These three criteria include
circumstances in which (a) the economic characteristics and risks of the
embedded derivative instrument are not clearly and closely related to the
economic characteristics and risks of the host contract, (b) the hybrid
instrument that embodies both the embedded derivative instrument and the host
contract is not re-measured at fair value under otherwise applicable generally
accepted accounting principles with changes in fair value reported in earnings
as they occur and (c) a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded
derivative instrument would be considered a derivative instrument subject to the
requirements of ASC 815. ASC 815 also provides an exception to this rule when
the host instrument is deemed to be conventional, as described.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note A to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for a
description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of
adoption and estimated effects on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.
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