Item 1. Business.
Our Company
Vitamin Blue, Inc. (“Vitamin Blue” or the “Company”), was incorporated in Delaware on May 25, 1999, under the name Under The Influence, Inc., our name was changed to Vitamin Blue, Inc., by amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation effective on May 3, 2007. Our principal executive offices are located at 1005 West 18th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 and our telephone number is (949) 645-4592. We are an innovative water boardsports company based in Costa Mesa, California. We design, manufacture and distribute water boardsports wear (boardshorts, t-shirts and fleece jackets) and water boardsports accessories (board bags, paddle bags and rack pads). Our Company is focused on becoming a water boardsports brand of long-term excellence by our commitment to exceeding our customers' expectations in producing products of the highest quality and athletic performance and continuing to develop a good reputation with our retail partners to deliver on time. We are an authentic source for unique, functional and diverse water boardsports products.
In pursuing a strategy of building and maintaining a strong foundation at the core water boardsports market level, we distribute products to surfboard and standup paddleboard manufacturers and surf and standup paddle shops, which they in turn resell to retail customers. Terms of such sales are payment in full for the products within thirty (30) from date of delivery. We intend to leverage this foundation by expanding product offerings and increasing brand penetration into the mainstream. We plan on expanding distribution into specialty stores and department stores. In order to maintain long-term brand awareness we intend to stay true to our water boardsports roots as an authentic source for water boardsports products. We also plan to support competitions through sponsoring athletes in order to create a visible foundation in the water boardsports industry..
Our primary focus is on water boardsports wear and water boardsports accessories. We manufacture most of our water boardsports accessories and nearly all of our water boardsports wear in-house. Only the manufacturing of some board bags and the sewing of board shorts (trunks) are outsourced.
Overview of Our Businesses
We are an innovative water boardsports company based in Costa Mesa, California. We design, manufacture and distribute water boardsports wear and water boardsports accessories. We are focused on becoming a water boardsports brand of long-term excellence by our commitment to exceeding our customers' expectations in producing products of the highest quality and athletic performance and continuing to develop a good reputation with our retail partners to deliver on time. Vitamin Blue is an authentic source for unique, functional and diverse water boardsports products.
In pursuing a strategy of building and maintaining a strong foundation at the core water boardsport market level, we have began the important first step in this strategy by distributing product to surfboard and standup paddleboard manufacturers and surf and standup paddle shops. We intend to leverage this foundation by expanding product offerings and increasing brand penetration into the mainstream. Our product distribution will extend into specialty stores and department stores. In order to maintain long-term brand awareness, Vitamin Blue intends to stay true to its water boardsports roots as an authentic source for water boardsports products by supporting the core of the sport through sponsorship of athletes, competitions and other grassroots activities, thereby maintaining a strong foundation in the water boardsports industry.
We manufacturer most of our water boardsports accessories and nearly all of our water boardsports wear in-house. Only the manufacturing of some board bags and the sewing of board shorts (trunks) are outsourced.
The primary focus of Vitamin Blue is water boardsports wear and water boardsports accessories. The Company began operations in 1999 and is located in Costa Mesa, Orange County, California, the epicenter of boardsports culture.
Vitamin Blue has launched product lines annually beginning in the summer of 2000. The Company has concentrated its sales and marketing efforts throughout California, into northern Baja California (Mexico), Hawaii and Eastern states. Initial distribution has centered on surfboard and standup paddleboard manufacturers and surf and standup paddle shops (the core water boardsports market).
Our strategy is to build brand recognition in the core water boardsports market with the aim of enhancing long-term growth potential. We intend to leverage the brand by expanding product offerings that appeal to boardsport participants and increasing brand penetration into the mainstream to attract those who affiliate themselves with the action sports lifestyle. We plan to extend our distribution to include specialty stores and department stores. Vitamin Blue will maintain its image by staying true to its water boardsports roots through the sponsorship of athletes, competitions, and other grassroots activities.
Industry Overview
Management is of the opinion that the surf industry has shown growth for the previous five years, according to the most recent 2010 Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) Distribution Study (available at http://www.sima.com). Sales are expected to grow steadily over the next several years. Anticipated market growth can be attributed to a number of factors. Outdoor, individual extreme action sports among the general population have become increasingly popular. We believe that much of the increase in popularity is from shifting demographics, as the teenage population grows faster than the rest of the population. Additionally, with the overall population pursuing a more physically active lifestyle, it is not uncommon for an entire family living in or near water communities to engage in water boardsports together. Water boardsports has attracted new comers, from young sons and daughters to middle aged fathers and mothers.
Historically, the most frequent buyers of water boardsports wear and water boardsports accessories were teenage and young adult males. However, in recent years, the market has expanded to include water boardsports wear for teenage girls, women, children and toddlers.
The first evidence of surfing was in 1500 in Hawaii, when Polynesians arrived. Surfing became a well-known sport in 1912, when surf Olympian Duke Kahanamoku introduced the activity around the world. After World War II, surfboards were created from styrofoam, polyester resin and fiberglass. The new materials contributed to the growth of the sport.
In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, surfing grew more popular with television shows like ABC’s Wide World of Sports and movies such as Endless Summer, Gidget and Beach Blanket Bingo. In recent years, surfing has become one of the fastest growing sports in the United States.
In the beginning, the only surfing accessory available was a surfboard. Surfing apparel was extremely bulky and made from inflexible material such as canvas. Early surf manufacturers include, among others, Hang Ten, Birdwell Beach Britches, and Kanvas by Katin. Today’s competitors in the surf industry include Quicksilver, Billabong International, Volcom Inc., and Hurley, a division of Nike. Today, surf companies typically offer a complete line of casual apparel for every season of the year. A line of surfing accessory products is also offered.
We believe that opportunities for growth exist in the water boardsport industry over the next several years due to shifting demographics. For example, the teenage population, or the “Generation Y” group, is growing faster than the rest of the population. We further believe that this group is an important demographic to target because it is a major participant in the action sports, such as surfing, and it has influence on fashion trends for older consumers such as Generation X-ers (persons born between 1965 and 1976) and Baby Boomers (1946 through 1964).
Our Strategy
Our goal is to develop the Vitamin Blue brand into a leader in the water boardsport industry by offering innovative quality products and service, timely delivery, aggressive grassroots marketing and word-of-mouth and digital and print advertising.
The key points of our strategy are the following:
Continue to build a water boardsport brand of long-term excellence for the Vitamin Blue name.
Vitamin Blue management intends to present the water boardsport industry with an excellent image by offering superior quality products and customer service. Branding the Vitamin Blue name and image will involve traditional marketing methods, such as core consumer magazines, trade magazines, trade shows, promotional goods, and sponsorship of top-performing athletes. Also, management will strive to create a positive consumer experience by offering water boardsport products known for their functionality, athletic performance, longevity and value.
Concentrate on Five Main Value Chain Elements: Product, Quality, Image, Distribution, and Delivery.
Product
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The main thrust of Vitamin Blue’s strategy will revolve around the fashion, function and performance of our products. Putting a product on the market that does not perform its function properly can lead to a rapid demise of a company. In order to ensure that all product designs from Vitamin Blue meet the demands for which they are intended, we will use water boardsport enthusiasts to assist in the design of our water boardsport wear and water boardsport accessory products.
Quality
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From the very beginning, Vitamin Blue has made quality a priority. The Company does not intend to be a low-cost producer, but rather a leader in quality. These attributes stem directly from the quality that is built into every pair of board shorts, t-shirt, fleece, board bag, paddle bag, roof rack pads and other items marketed by the Company.
Image
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Vitamin Blue is based on water boardsports, yet none of its revenue comes from boards. Rather, the Company intends to serve both the boardsport participant and those who affiliate themselves with the action sports lifestyle by cultivating the water boardsport image with its uniquely designed and colorful water boardsport wear.
Distribution
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Vitamin Blue is in the process of cultivating a variety of future distribution channels. This includes specialty shops and department stores, which we believe will make our products more available to as many consumers as possible. Currently, we distribute our product through the core distribution channels consisting of surfboard and standup paddleboard manufacturers and surf and standup paddle shops. We do not have any distribution agreements and all sales are final. Typically, all sales to a new customers are “cash on delivery.” Terms of sales for established customers are payment in full for the products within thirty (30) from date of delivery. The recipient owners of the business are responsible for all payments.
Delivery.
We intend to cultivate a variety of distribution channels in order to make our products available to a large group of consumers. However, we do not plan of developing low-end channels such as mass merchandisers and membership club stores, which we believe might diminish the quality and image of our products and brand name. We believe that is difficult to sell product at full price when consumers can purchase it in discount outlets.
The primary distribution efforts will focus on retail outlets in North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico). As the Company continues to successfully grow, future plans are to penetrate Europe with an emphasis on France, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Germany. Finally, Vitamin Blue will continue to build on the success of its expansion by penetrating parts of other markets such as Japan and Australia.
There are three types of retail outlets that Vitamin Blue intends to market to: surfboard and standup paddleboard manufacturers, surf and standup paddle shops, and e-commerce partners.
Surfboard and Standup Paddleboard Manufacturers
This retail outlet generally consists of single shops, where boards are designed, manufactured and marketed. These shops are located in or near water communities. This distribution channel is focused on the central water boardsport market and represents a genuine source for water boardsport accessories. Gaining and maintaining a presence within water boardsport manufacturers is one of the cornerstones to building long-term brand recognition in the core water boardsport market. Among Vitamin Blue’s business relationships are water boardsport manufacturers such as Bing & Jacobs Surfboards, Bark Paddleboards, Infinity Surfboards, Dewey Weber and King’s Paddle Sports. Vitamin Blue distributes water boardsports accessories through direct sales to these stores.
Surf and standup Paddle Shops
This distribution channel typically consists of single to multiple retail outlets, located in or near water communities, focused on the central boardsport market. Surf and Standup Paddle shops are an authentic retail source for complete lines of water boardsport wear and water boardsport accessory products. Gaining and maintaining a presence within this segment is also a cornerstones to building long-term brand recognition in the core water boardsport market. We have established distribution relationships with the following retail outlets:
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Freeline Design (Santa Cruz, California)
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The Frog House (Newport Beach, California)
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Infinity Surfboards (Dana Point, California)
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Legends SUP (Carlsbad, California)
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Hi-Tech Surf Sports (Maui, Hawaii)
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Second Wind Sail and Surf (Maui, Hawaii)
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Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport (Maui, Hawaii)
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Kennedy Surfboards (Woodland Hills, California)
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Malibu Surf Shack, (Malibu, California)
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E.T. Surf (Hermosa Beach, California)
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Spyder (Hermosa Beach, California)
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Icons of Surf (San Clemente, California)
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Encinitas Surfboards (Encinitas, California)
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Nor Easter Surf Shop (Scituate, Massachusetts)
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Air & Speed Surf Shop (Montauk, New York)
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Marsh’s Surf Shop (Atlantic Beach, North Carolina).
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We distribute our complete line of products, from water boardsports wear to water boardsports accessories, through this distribution channel with direct sales to these stores. .
There are two types of retail outlets that Vitamin Blue intends to market to in the future: specialty stores and department stores:
Specialty Stores
Specialty stores are typically single, regional and national outlets generally located throughout North America in shopping centers and shopping malls. This distribution channel emphasizes the mainstream market, those who affiliate themselves with the action sports lifestyle. Specialty store retail outlets are primarily tourist/vacation shops, sporting good stores such as the Sports Chalet, or regional and national retail stores such as Pacific Sunwear of California and Zumiez. We intend to use this type of retail outlet to distribute water boardsports wear with direct sales to these stores.
Department Stores
This type of retail outlet generally has stores located within shopping malls nationwide. Such stores may include Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. This distribution channel also concentrates on the mainstream market, those who affiliate themselves with the action sports lifestyle. Vitamin Blue intends to sell its water boardsports wear through this type of retail outlet.
Delivery
Vitamin Blue has a primary objective to ensure timely delivery of products to retailers. We believe that we have developed a reputation for on-time delivery that allows us to continue developing existing relationships and to cultivate new business relationships with new distributors.
Vitamin Blue believes that continuous focus on these five specific competencies will enable it to gain and maintain a leadership position in the water boardsports industry, as well as make significant inroads into the mainstream clothing industry.
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Continue to Establish and Maintain Longstanding Relationships with Surfboard and Standup Paddleboard Manufacturers and Surf and Standup Paddle Shops and Expand Product Distribution into Specialty Stores and Department Stores.
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Vitamin Blue is currently executing on its strategy to establish business relationships with surfboard and standup paddleboard manufacturers and surf and standup paddle shops thereby enabling the company to raise and maintain awareness of the brand. Our objectives are to secure a market presence at this core level and leverage this strong foundation into the mainstream clothing industry through specialty stores and department stores.
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Continue the Aggressive Grassroots Marketing Strategy.
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To initiate presence in the industry, Vitamin Blue has relied on aggressive grassroots marketing. In addition, the Company sponsors a team of up-and-coming professional water boarsports participants and numerous water boardsports competitions.
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Build the Business Infrastructure Necessary to Support the Company’s Planned Growth.
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Vitamin Blue has developed a business model that can accommodate the exceptional growth and serve its expanding customer base. The Company will continue to invest in its infrastructure by securing intelligent and tenacious management, sales and staff personnel. It is believed that the development of this infrastructure will allow Vitamin Blue to continue to effectively manage its rapidly growing business operations.
Water Boardsports Wear for Men and Women
Product designs are developed to appeal to preferences of active water boardsport enthusiast. Innovative designs, active fabrics, and quality are combined with fashion, functionality and athletic performance. The Company has distinguished its water boardsports wear line with the use of high-quality quick drying fabrics, triple stitching along the seams, Velcro® and Lycra® closing board shorts (trunks).
Vitamin Blue offers T-Shirts made of quality 100% heavy cotton. The shirts are made loose fitting and offered in a variety of colors with various water boardsports graphics depicted. We also offer pullover hooded fleece made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester.
Pullover hooded fleece made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester is also offered.
Water Boardsports Accessories
Included among these products are:
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Board Travel Bags, which offer board protection and can be used daily or for long distance surf trips.
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Water boardsport Gear Travel Bags, which are duffle bags used to carry water boardsports essentials on trips.
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Paddle Bags, which are used to protect paddles.
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Roof-Rack Pads, used on existing car roof racks for board protection and security on daily surf outings.
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Operations and Manufacturing
Vitamin Blue conducts design, marketing, distribution and nearly all manufacturing in-house for all of its products. Our President, Frank D. Ornelas, designs all products distributed and manufactured by Vitamin Blue. Vitamin Blue manufacturing activities and capabilities include cutting, sewing and silk-screening. The sewing of board shorts (trunks) and the manufacturing of some board bags are the only functions outsourced. By outsourcing these two product categories, Vitamin Blue only engages in its core products. We strive to continuously improve the design quality and timely delivery of our products.
Sales and Marketing
The Company’s marketing programs share a coherent vision in promoting its image and products to consumers and wholesale accounts. Key elements of Vitamin Blue’s public relations and advertising efforts include:
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Digital and Print advertising (i.e., Eastern Surf Magazine, Bliss Magazine, Standupzone.com)
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Trade Shows (Surf Expo)
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Industry – Specific events sponsorship (Water Boardsport Contests)
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Competition
We are subject to significant competition that could impact our ability to gain market share, win business and increase the price of our products. We face strong competition from a wide variety of firms, including large, retail box or discount as well as small businesses.
Quicksilver, Inc., (ZQK) a publicly traded company based in Huntington Beach, California, is a manufacturer of surf wear and surfing accessories. The company’s products are carried in surf shops, specialty stores, department stores and its own Boardriders Club stores throughout the world. This company is managed and operated by surfers, and generates approximately $2 billion in sales annually.
Billabong Intl, (AU:BGG) publicly trades on the Australian Stock Exchange, however, it is based in Irvine, California. The company manufactures surf wear and surfing accessories for boys, men, and girls. In 1983, Bob Hurley purchased the licensing rights to market Billabong in North America. He was instrumental in bringing the company to its current level of success. In 1999, Mr. Hurley relinquished the license and began his own company, Hurley. Billabong is run by surfers and generates over $1 billion annually in revenue.
Hurley, based in Costa Mesa, California, manufactures surf wear and surfing accessories for boys, men and girls. The Company is managed and operated by a surfer, Bob Hurley. In February 2002, Hurley was purchased by Nike, Inc. (NKE). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Volcom Inc., (VLMC) a publicly traded company located in Costa Mesa, California, manufactures young men’s and young women’s clothing and accessories. The company’s products are carried in board sports retailers, specialty stores and department stores. Volcom produces over $300 million in sales annually. The company was founded by surfers and is managed by surfers.
Vitamin Blue has taken a very assertive stance and has earned an entry position in the water boardsports industry. By currently distributing its products to surfboard and standup paddleboard manufacturers and surf and standup paddle shops, Vitamin Blue has initiated the steps necessary in building long-term brand awareness. Since 1999 the company has experienced positive sales growth each year.
Government Regulation
We are subject to certain federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting our business and products, particularly those promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Products Safety Commission. These regulations relate principally to product labeling, licensing requirements, product safety and labor and workplace rules. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations may expose us to potential liability and have an adverse effect on our results of operations. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with those currently existing regulations, as well as applicable federal, state and local laws.
Employees
As of December 31, 2012, we had two part-time employees and one full-time employee, Frank D. Ornelas, our President and Chief Executive Officer.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business, industry and common stock are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Any of the following risks, if realized, could materially and adversely affect our revenues, operating results, profitability, financial condition, prospects for future development, growth and overall business, as well as the value of our common stock.
INVESTMENT IN THE COMPANY IS HIGHLY SPECULATIVE, SUBJECT TO NUMEROUS AND SUBSTANTIAL RISKS, MANY OF WHICH ARE BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE COMPANY AND MANY OF WHICH CANNOT BE REASONABLE ASCERTAINED OR QUANTIFIED AT THIS TIME. THE SHARES ARE SUITABLE ONLY AS AN INVESTMENT FOR THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO AFFORD A COMPLETE LOSS OF THEIR INVESTMENT. THEREFORE, PROSPECTIVE SUBSCRIBERS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RISK FACTORS TOGETHER WITH ALL OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT BEFORE DECIDING TO INVEST IN OUR COMMON STOCK.
Any investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Prospective investors should carefully consider the following information about these risks, together with the other information contained in this Report, before they decide whether to buy any shares. If any of the following risks occur, the business, and the results of operations and financial condition, would likely suffer.
We have limited operating history and results; prior losses and no independent operations.
We have a limited operating history that has resulted in operating losses. The accumulated net losses since inception on May 25, 1999 to December 31, 2012 have amounted to $762,146. There can be no assurance as to when or whether we will be able to achieve sustained and growing operating revenues. Or if operating revenues are achieved, there can be no assurance they can be sustained. For additional information please refer to our financial statements with notes that appear elsewhere in this Report.
Risks Related to Our Business
If our operations are not sufficient to sustain our business and possible future expansion, we may have to seek additional funding.
We can give no assurance that a sufficient level of sales will be attained by us in our operations within the foreseeable future, which will enable us to fund our business and undertake our expansion plans. We may face unbudgeted costs, delays and difficulties’ executing our business plan, as is frequently encountered by similarly situated companies. We are aware that there may be changes in economic, regulatory or competitive conditions that may lead to increased costs. All of these factors may culminate in circumstances that could make funds generated by our operations insufficient to fund our cash requirements for the next twelve months and beyond. We may determine that it is in our best interests to expand more rapidly than currently intended, in which case we will need additional financing.
The Company may in the future be required to pursue additional securities offerings publicly or privately to finance unanticipated capital costs and working capital needs and potential expansion. These offerings may be made from time-to-time over an indefinite period and will result in a dilution of the shareholders’ interest prior to the offering. Operations thereafter may depend upon the level of business revenues and the continued availability of investment capital. If operating revenues are insufficient to continue the Company’s operations, additional funds will have to be raised through loans or other financing, and there can be no assurance that any such financing will be obtained on favorable terms, if at all.
The Company shall have the right to issue, in the aggregate, a number of shares equal to the difference between the number of issued and outstanding shares and the number of shares authorized by its Certificate of Incorporation.
Any new issuance of equity stock of the Company will have the effect of diluting the percentage interest of a shareholder for purposes of allocations of equity and distributions.
Additional financing may not be available when needed or may not be available on terms acceptable to us. If additional funds are raised by issuing equity securities, stockholders may incur dilution. If adequate financing is not available, we may be required to delay, scale back or eliminate one or more of our product development programs or otherwise limit the development and marketing of our products, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operation and financial condition.
Our Independent Registered Accountants’ Report states that there is a substantial doubt that we will be able to continue as a going concern.
Our independent registered public accountants, state in their audit report, that the Company does not generate significant revenue, and has negative cash flows from operations, which raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern and appropriateness of using the going concern basis is dependent upon, among other things, additional cash infusion.
Our future operating results are likely to fluctuate.
Our quarterly and annual operating revenues, expenses and operating results may fluctuate due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:
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The timing of orders from, and shipments to, significant customers
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The timing of new product introductions by us or our competitors
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Variations in the mix of products sold by us or our competitors
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The timely payment of our invoices
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Possible decreases in average selling prices of our products in response to competitive pressures
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Market acceptance for new lines of our products
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Fluctuations in general economic conditions
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Due to all of the foregoing factors, we do not believe that period-to-period comparisons of our historical results of operations are indications of future performance. Furthermore, it is possible that in some future quarters our results of operations may fall below the expectations of securities analysis and investors. In such event, the price of our stock, when trading and listed, will likely be materially and adversely affected.
We are and will continue to be dependent upon key personnel.
We depend to a significant extent upon our President, Frank D. Ornelas and we will depend upon new and additional senior management, sales and marketing personnel. The competition for such personnel is intense. Our growth and future success will depend to a large extent on our ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. We do not have employment agreements with our President. The loss of our President or the inability to hire or retain qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect upon our business and operating results. In addition, if we are unable to hire additional personnel as needed, we may not be able to adequately manage our operations or implement our plans for expansion growth. We may not be able to attract and retain the qualified personnel necessary for the development of our business which would have a material adverse effect on our business, products and services and our business operating results, and financial condition.
Our sole officer and director is not covered by an employment contract and he can terminate his relationship with us at any time. He is not subject to non-competition agreements which would survive termination of employment. We do not have “key person” insurance coverage for the loss of any of Mr. Ornelas.
Our operations have been and will continue to be dependent on the efforts of Frank D. Ornelas, our President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Treasurer and the sole member of our Board of Directors; The development of our products and services, as well as the development of improvements to our products and services is dependent on retaining the services of qualified personnel who were involved in the development of our products and services. The loss of key management, the inability to secure or retain such key personnel with unique knowledge of our products and services and the technology and programming employed as part of our products and services, or an inability to attract and retain sufficient numbers of other qualified personnel would adversely affect our business, products, and services and could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our Sole Officer has no experience in managing a public company.
Our sole officer has no previous experience in managing a public company, and we do not have any employees to segregate responsibilities and may be unable to afford increasing our staff or engaging outside consultants or professionals to overcome our lack of employees. During the course of our testing, we may identify other deficiencies that we may not be able to remediate in time to meet the deadline imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for compliance with the requirements of Section 404. In addition, if we fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Moreover, effective internal controls, particularly those related to revenue recognition, are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important to help prevent financial fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our common stock, if a market ever develops, could drop significantly.
We are subject to substantial competition.
We are subject to significant competition that could harm our ability to win business and increase the price pressure on our products. We face strong competition from a wide variety of firms, including large, firms. Most of our competitors have considerably greater financial, marketing and technological resources than we do, which may make it difficult to win new mandates and we may not be able to compete successfully. Certain competitors operate larger facilities and have longer operating histories and presence in key markets, greater name recognition and larger customer bases. As a result, these competitors may be able to adapt more quickly changes in customer requirements. They may also be able to devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of their products. Moreover, we may not have sufficient resources to undertake the continuing research and development necessary to remain competitive.
We expect to make, strategic acquisitions and investments, and these activities involve risks and uncertainties.
In pursuing our business strategies, we continually review, evaluate and consider potential investments and acquisitions. In evaluating such transactions, we are required to make difficult judgments regarding the value of business opportunities, technologies and other assets, and the risks and cost of potential liabilities. Furthermore, acquisitions and investments involve certain other risks and uncertainties, including the difficulty in integrating newly-acquired businesses, the challenges in achieving strategic objectives and other benefits expected from acquisitions or investments, the diversion of our attention and resources from our operations and other initiatives, the potential impairment of acquired assets and the potential loss of key employees of the acquired businesses.
Unanticipated changes in our tax provisions or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could affect our profitability.
We are subject to income taxes in the United States. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Furthermore, changes in domestic or foreign income tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation, could result in higher or lower income tax rates assessed or changes in the taxability of certain sales or the deductibility of certain expenses, thereby affecting our income tax expense and profitability. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. Additionally, changes in the geographic mix of our sales could also impact our tax liabilities and affect our income tax expense and profitability.
Risks Related to our Common Stock
Currently, there is a limited public market for our Common Stock, and there can be no assurance that an active public market will develop or that our common stock will continue to be quoted for trading and, even if quoted, it will probably be subject to significant price fluctuations.
Our common stock is currently traded in the over-the-counter market and included on the OTCBB under the trading symbol “VTMB”. Inclusion on the OTCBB permits price quotations for our shares to be published by that service. However, we do not anticipate a substantial public trading market in our shares in the immediate future. There are no plans, proposals, arrangements or understandings with any person concerning the development of a trading market in any of our securities.
Only companies that report their current financial information to the SEC may have their securities included on the OTCBB. Therefore, we must keep current in our filing obligations with the SEC, including periodic and annual reports and the financial statements required thereby. In the event that we become delinquent in our filings or otherwise lose our status as a "reporting issuer," any future quotation of our shares would be jeopardized.
A number of states require that an issuer's securities be registered in their state or appropriately exempted from registration before the securities are permitted to trade in that state. Presently, we have no plans to register our securities in any particular state. Whether stockholders may trade their shares in a particular state is subject to various rules and regulations of that state.
Because we can issue additional shares of common stock, purchasers of our common stock may incur immediate dilution and may experience further dilution.
We are authorized to issue up to 900,000,000 shares of common stock. At present, there are 575,445,000 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. Our Board of Directors has the authority to cause us to issue additional shares of common stock without consent of any of our stockholders. Consequently, our stockholders may experience more dilution in their ownership of our common stocks in the future. As our officers and directors own a significant percentage of our issued and outstanding common stock, any future sales of their shares may result in a decrease in the price of our common stock and the value of our stockholders’ investments. Our sole officer and director, currently owns 510,050,000 shares of the total issued and outstanding shares of our common stock. Collectively, our sole officer and director owns 88.6% of our total outstanding shares of our common stock.
The possibility of future sales of significant amounts of shares held of our common stock by our officers and directors could decrease the market price of our common stock, if the market does not orderly adjust to the increase in shares of our common stock in the market. In such event, the value of your investment in us will decrease.
Sales of our common stock in reliance on Rule 144 may reduce prices in that market by a material amount.
Most of our outstanding shares of our common stock are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. As restricted securities, those shares may be resold only pursuant to an effective registration statement or pursuant to the requirements of Rule 144 or other applicable exemptions from registration under that Act and as required under applicable state securities laws. Rule 144 provides in essence that an affiliate (i.e., an officer, director, or control person) who has held restricted securities for a prescribed period under certain conditions, may sell every three months, in brokerage transactions, a number of shares that does not exceed 1.0% of the issuer’s outstanding common stock. The alternative average weekly trading volume during the four calendar weeks prior to the sale is not available to our shareholders, as the OTCBB (if and when our common stock is listed thereon) is not an “automated quotation system” and, accordingly, market based volume limitations are not available for securities quoted only on the OTCBB.
Trading in our shares may be restricted because of state securities “Blue Sky” laws which prohibit trading absent compliance with individual state laws.
These restrictions may make it difficult or impossible to sell our common stock in those states. Transfers of our common stock may, also, be restricted under the securities laws promulgated by various states and foreign jurisdictions, commonly referred to as “Blue Sky” laws. Absent compliance with such laws, our common stock may not be traded in such jurisdictions. Because the shares of our common stock registered hereunder have not been registered for resale under the “Blue Sky” laws of any state, the holders of such shares and persons who desire to purchase such shares in any trading market that might develop in the future, should be aware that there may be significant state “Blue Sky” law restrictions upon the ability of investors to sell and purchasers to purchase such shares. These restrictions prohibit the secondary trading our common stock. Investors should consider the secondary market for our securities to be limited.
We may acquire other companies or product lines.
We may pursue acquisitions that could provide new products or businesses. Future acquisitions may involve the use of significant amounts of cash, potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, incurrence of debt or amortization of expenses related to good will and other intangible assets.
In addition, acquisitions involve numerous risks, including:
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Difficulties in the assimilation of the operations, products and personnel of the acquired company.
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The diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns
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Risks of entering markets in which we have no or limited prior experience
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The potential loss of key employees of ours or of the acquired company
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We currently have no commitments with respect to any acquisition. In the event that such an acquisition does occur and we are unable to successfully integrate businesses, products, or personnel that we acquire, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Because our sole officer and director, Frank Ornelas owns 88.6% of our outstanding common stock, investors may find that corporate decisions controlled by Mr. Ornelas are inconsistent with the interests of other stockholders.
Frank Ornelas, our sole officer and director, controls 88.6% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, in accordance with our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, Mr. Ornelas Is able to control who is elected to our Board of Directors and thus could act, or could have the power to act, as our management. Since Mr. Ornelas is not simply a passive investor, but is also our sole officer, his interests as an executive officer may, at times, be adverse to those of passive investors. Where those conflicts exist, our shareholders will be dependent upon Mr. Ornelas exercising, in a manner fair to all of our shareholders his fiduciary duties as an officer or as a member of our Board of Directors. Also, due to his stock ownership position, Mr. Ornelas will have: (i) the ability to control the outcome of most corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, including amendments to our Certificate of Incorporation; (ii) the ability to control corporate combinations or similar transactions that might benefit minority stockholders which may be rejected by Mr. Ornelas to their detriment, and (iii) control over transactions between him and Mr. Ornelas.
Volatility of our stock price could adversely affect stockholders.
The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly as a result of:
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quarterly variations in our operating results;
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cyclical nature of consumer spending;
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interest rate changes;
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changes in the market’s expectations about our operating results;
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our operating results failing to meet the expectation of securities analysts or investors in a particular period;
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changes in financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts concerning our company or the defense industry in general;
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operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us;
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news reports relating to trends in our markets;
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changes in laws and regulations affecting our business;
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material announcements by us or our competitors;
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sales of substantial amounts of common stock by our directors, executive officers or significant stockholders or the perception that such sales could occur;
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general economic and political conditions such as recessions and acts of war or terrorism; and
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other matters discussed in the risk factors.
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Fluctuations in the price of our common stock could contribute to the loss of all or part of an investor’s investment in our company.
We currently do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock and consequently your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment is if the price of common stock appreciates.
We currently do not plan to declare dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any payment of cash dividends will depend upon our financial condition, capital requirements, earnings and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Agreements governing future indebtedness will likely contain restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends. Consequently, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment in the common stock of our company will be if the market price of our common stock appreciates and you sell your common stock at a profit.
In addition, we intend to retain earnings, if any, to provide funds for the implementation of our business plan. We intend not to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, there can be no assurance that holders of our common stock will receive any additional cash, stock or other dividends on their shares of our common stock until we have funds which our Board of Directors determines can be allocated to dividends. Investors that require liquidity should also not invest in our common stock. There is no established trading market and should one develop it will likely be volatile and subject to minimal trading volumes.
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws or Delaware law might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our management and, therefore, depress the trading price of our stock.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could depress the trading price of our common stock by acting to discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or changes in our management that the stockholders of our company may deem advantageous. These provisions:
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provide that only our board of directors shall determine the number of directors and can fill vacancies on the board of directors;
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authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that our board of directors could issue to increase the number of outstanding shares and to discourage a takeover attempt;
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limit the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders;
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Prohibit stockholder action by written consent, which requires all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders;
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provide that the board of directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend, or repeal our bylaws; and
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In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company.
These and other provisions contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws could delay or discourage transactions involving an actual or potential change in control of us or our management, including transactions in which our stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current prices, and may limit the ability of stockholders to remove our current management or approve transactions that our stockholders may deem to be in their best interests and, therefore, could adversely affect the price of our common stock.
Risk Factor Related to Controls and Procedures
If we are unable to develop and maintain an effective system of internal controls, stockholders and prospective investors may lose confidence in the reliability of our financial reporting.
The Company has limited segregation of duties amongst its officers and employees with respect to the Company's preparation and review of the Company's financial statements due to the limited number of employees, which is a material weakness in internal controls. If the Company fails to maintain an effective system of internal controls, it may not be able to accurately report its financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, current and potential stockholders could lose confidence in the Company's financial reporting which could harm the trading price of stock.
The Company and its independent public accounting firm have identified this as a material weakness in the Company's internal controls. The Company intends to remedy this material weakness by hiring additional employees and reallocating duties, including responsibilities for financial reporting, among the employees as soon as there are sufficient resources available. However, until such time, this material weakness will continue to exist.