U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
Annual Report under Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act 1934:
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2006
Commission File Number: 33-9640-LA
AMERICAN BUSINESS CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant in its Charter)
Colorado 90-0249312
(State or other Jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation)
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(502) 410 - 6900
(Registrant's Telephone Number)
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, $.001 par value per share
Registrant's revenues for its most recent fiscal year: $ - 0 -
Market value of common stock held by non-affiliates at March 13, 2007:
$ 349,085
Shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 14, 2007: 69,870,517 shares
Documents incorporated by reference: None.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1. Description of Business 3
Item 2. Description of Property 7
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 7
Item 4. Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 8
PART II
Item 5. Market for our Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and
Small Business Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 8
Item 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation 10
Item 7. Financial Statements 13
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosures 27
Item 8A. Controls and Procedures 27
PART III
Item 9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoter and Control Persons;
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act 28
Item 10. Executive Compensation 30
Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
and Related Stockholder Matters 31
Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 32
Item 13. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 33
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 33
SIGNATURES 34
EXHIBITS 35-37
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PART I
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Business Development
American Business Corporation (f/k/a Logistics Management Resources, Inc.) was incorporated in Colorado in January 1987 under the name Northern Dancer, Inc. In September 1998, in a reverse merger business combination in which we were the survivor, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of U.S. Trucking, Inc., a privately owned Nevada corporation ("Trucking") solely in consideration for an aggregate of 15,877,300 shares of our common stock, no par value per share and changed our name to that of Trucking. Through wholly owned subsidiaries, Trucking was engaged in providing freight transportation services to large corporations and the operation of a regional truckload carrier specializing in the short to medium haul market segments.
By late 2000, in the face of substantial losses, we determined it was in our best interest to cease operations of our unprofitable transportation business. Accordingly, on November 30, 2000, four of our operating subsidiaries that collectively comprised substantially all of the unprofitable business, filed for Chapter 11 protection in the Bankruptcy Court of the Northern District of Florida. Shortly thereafter and principally as a result of our failure to successfully implement a plan of reorganization, the court-appointed Trustee in Bankruptcy converted the case to a Chapter 7 liquidation. Notwithstanding the liquidation of our subsidiaries and the cessation of our transportation business, we did not seek bankruptcy protection. Rather, our management had been working to resolve the settlement or mitigation of the liabilities occasioned by our failed transportation business. Although there can be no assurance of success, our management believes that we will eventually reorganize the Company's affairs and be in a position to complete a business combination with a privately owned company.
In February 2002, our Board of Directors and shareholders approved a change of name to Logistics Management Resources, Inc., and a 1 for 100 reverse split of all shares of our common stock. The reverse split became effective on February 12, 2002. On June 17, 2004, our Board of Directors and shareholders approved a change of name to American Business Corporation and an increase in our authorized Common Stock, $.001 par value, from 200,000,000 to 500,000,000 shares.
The Company is entirely dependent upon Midwest Merger Management, LLC and its affiliates ("Midwest"), the record and beneficial owner of approximately 83.2% of the Company's common and common equivalent shares. Our address is within Midwest's offices at 11921 Brinley Avenue, Louisville, KY 40243, telephone and facsimile numbers (502) 410-6900 and (502) 410-6902, respectively. Our common stock trades on the OTCBB market under the symbol AMBCE.OB. Our transfer agent is Corporate Stock Transfer, Inc., Denver, CO.
Recent Developments
Bankruptcy Proceedings
On August 28, 2006 the Company reported on Form 8-K that it had been served, on August 28, 2006, with notice that three of its creditors filed an Involuntary Petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Court for the Western District
of Kentucky in Louisville, KY on August 23, 2006 (Case Number 06-32184). The Company had 20 days from the date of service to examine the veracity of the claims of the three petitioners, of which one was Midwest, and respond to the Petition before the Bankruptcy Court.
On September 18, 2006, we responded to the Petition acknowledging that we were indebted to the Petitioners. However, the Company has been paying its creditors as agreed or was seeking an agreeable basis for payment with remaining creditors. To that extent, the Company requested the Bankruptcy Court supervision sought by Petitioners be pursuant to Chapter 11 instead of Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. On October 30, 2006, the Bankruptcy Court approved our request.
We plan to vigorously defend our plans to combine with a profitable, privately owned business and have no reason to believe that Midwest's participation in the involuntary petition precludes its continued support of our efforts.
Our Business
Since ceasing our freight transportation services business on November 30, 2000, followed by our December 30, 2003, disposition of our ownership interest therein, we have not had any revenue from operations. During this period we have principally been engaged in seeking to resolve the claims of our creditors. More recently, our management has begun to explore the possibility of seeking a business combination with a privately owned company. Accordingly, and despite the fact that management does not consider us to be a development stage company, it is possible that we could be considered to be a blank check company. As defined in Section 7(b)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), a "blank check" company is an entity that has no specific business plan or purpose or has indicated that its business plan is to engage in a merger or an acquisition with an unidentified company or companies and is issuing "penny stock" securities as defined in Rule 3(a)(51) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). The Securities and Exchange Commission and many states have enacted statutes, rules and regulations limiting the sale of securities of blank check companies.
We intend to identify and negotiate with a business target for the merger of that entity with and into our company. In certain instances, a target company may wish to become our subsidiary or may wish to contribute or sell assets to us rather than to merge. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in identifying or negotiating with any target company. We seek to provide a method for a foreign or domestic private company to become a reporting ("public") company whose securities are qualified for trading in the United States secondary market.
A business combination with a target company will normally involve the transfer to the target company of the majority of our issued and outstanding common stock, and the substitution of our management and board of directors with that of the target company. No assurances can be given that we will be able to enter into a business combination, or, if we do enter into such a business combination no assurances can be given as to the terms of a business combination, or as to the nature of the target company.
Risk Factors
Our business is subject to numerous risk factors, including the following:
No Operating History or Revenue and Minimal Assets. We have had an unprofitable operating history and no revenues or earnings from operations for the last two years. We have no significant assets or financial resources. We will, in all likelihood, incur operating expenses without corresponding revenues, at least until the consummation of a business combination. This may result in us incurring a net operating loss which will increase continuously until we can consummate a business combination with a target company. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify such a target company and consummate such a business combination on acceptable terms or that it will derive any benefit from our net operating loss.
Speculative Nature Of Our Proposed Operations. The success of our proposed plan of operation will depend to a great extent on the operations, financial condition and management of any identified target company. While our management intends to seek business combinations with entities having established operating histories, there can be no assurance that we will be able to identify a candidate satisfying such criteria. In the event we complete a business combination, the success of our operations will be dependent upon management of the target company and numerous other factors beyond our control.
Scarcity of and Competition for Business Opportunities and Combinations. We are and will continue to be an insignificant participant in the business of seeking mergers with and acquisitions of business entities. A large number of established and well-financed entities, including venture capital firms, are active in mergers and acquisitions of companies which may be merger or acquisition candidates for us. Nearly all such entities have significantly greater financial resources, technical expertise and managerial capabilities than we do and, consequently, we will be at a competitive disadvantage in identifying possible business opportunities and successfully completing a business combination. Moreover, we will also compete with numerous other small public companies in seeking merger or acquisition candidates.
Continued Management Control, Limited Time Availability. While seeking a business combination, management anticipates devoting up to twenty (20) hours per month to our business. Our only executive officer, Anthony R. Russo, has not entered into a written employment agreement with us nor is he expected to do so in the foreseeable future. We have not obtained key man life insurance on our sole officer and director. Notwithstanding the limited experience and time commitment of management, loss of the services of Mr. Russo would adversely affect development of our business and its likelihood of consummating a business combination.
Lack of Market Research or Marketing Organization. We have not conducted, nor have others made available to us any market research indicating that demand exists for the transactions contemplated by us. Even in the event demand exists for a merger or acquisition of the type contemplated by us, there can be no assurance we will be successful in completing any such business combination.
Probable Change in Control and Management. A business combination involving the issuance of our common stock will, in all likelihood, result in shareholders of a target company obtaining a controlling interest in us. Any such business combination may require our shareholders to sell or transfer all or a portion of our common stock held by them. The resulting change in control of our company will likely result in removal of our present officers and directors and a corresponding reduction in or elimination of their participation in our future affairs. A change in
control may also materially diminish the Company's ability to recoup any tax savings from the subsequent use of its tax loss carry-forward; see Taxation below.
Reduction of Percentage Ownership Following Business Combination. Our primary plan of operation is based upon the consummation of a business combination with a business entity which, in all likelihood, will result in our issuing securities to shareholders of such business entity. The issuance of previously authorized and unissued shares of our common stock would result in a reduction in the percentage of shares owned by our present shareholders and would most likely result in a change in control of us and a change of our management.
Aspects of Blank Check Offering. We may enter into a business combination with a business entity that desires to establish a public trading market for its shares. A target company may attempt to avoid what it deems to be adverse consequences of undertaking its own public offering by seeking a business combination with us. Such consequences may include, but are not limited to, time delays of the registration process, significant expenses to be incurred in such an offering, loss of voting control to public shareholders or the inability to obtain an underwriter on terms satisfactory to us or the target.
Taxation. Federal and state tax consequences will, in all likelihood, be major considerations in any business combination we may undertake. Currently, such transactions may be structured so as to result in tax-free treatment to both companies, pursuant to 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 company; however, there can be no assurance that such 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 which may have an adverse effect on both parties to the transaction or their respective shareholders. In addition, the change of control that usually occurs in many business combinations may result in the surviving entity's ability to utilize our net operating loss carry forward to be materially limited, see Note 7 to the financial statements.
Requirement of Audited Financial Statements May Disqualify Business Opportunities. Our management will request that any potential business opportunity provide audited financial statements. One or more potential combination candidates may opt to forego pursuing a business combination with us rather than incur the burdens associated with preparing audited financial statements. In such case, we may choose to obtain certain assurances as to the target company's assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses prior to consummating a business combination, with further assurances that an audited financial statement would be provided upon closing of such a transaction in a time frame compliant with the filing requirements for Form 8-K. Closing documents for such a transaction may include representations that the audited financial statements will not materially differ from the representations included in such closing documents.
Our Reorganization Is Dependent Upon Creditor, Shareholder, and Bankruptcy Court Approval. In August 2006, three of the Company's creditors filed an Involuntary Petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Court for the Western District of Kentucky in Louisville, KY. During September 2006, the Company responded to the Petition acknowledging that it was indebted to the Petitioners and requesting that the Bankruptcy Court supervision sought be pursuant to Chapter 11 instead of Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. Although the Bankruptcy Court approved the Company's request on
October 31, 2006, the Company will nonetheless now be required to meet the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code to create a plan of reorganization. Assuming it was able to construct a plan, there further can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain the voting acceptance and meet the other requirements of the Bankruptcy Court needed to successfully confirm its plan.
We Are Economically Dependent Upon Our Principal Common and Preferred Stockholder and Noteholder. Midwest, including its affiliates as described further under Business Development on page 3, is deemed to be the record and beneficial owner of 11,689,729 shares or approximately 16.7% of the issued and outstanding common stock. This percentage is exclusive of: (i) the 450,000 shares of our Series C Preferred Stock owned by Midwest, which have the voting rights of 45,000,000 shares of our common stock; and (ii) 90,000 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock owned by Midwest which are convertible into 900,000 shares of our common stock. Adding the voting rights of Midwest's Series C and A Preferred Stock would increase Midwest's ownership percentage to 49.7%.
Further, the Company defaulted on the previously deferred interest payments and monthly principal payments, due October 1, 2005 and December 1, 2005, respectively, pursuant to Brentwood's 6% Secured Convertible Note causing the entire amount owed to become immediately due and payable. Effective December 31, 2005, Midwest acquired Brentwood's interest in the 6% Secured Convertible Note. If Midwest converted that note into its common share equivalent at December 31, 2006 of 230,014,713 shares, Midwest's ownership of the Company would increase to 83.2%.
Accordingly, we are entirely dependent upon: (1) Midwest providing us with office facilities and management services on favorable terms; (2) the willingness of Midwest to fund virtually all of our settlements with our creditors and our expenses; and (3) our implementation of successful business combination with a profitable operating company. Our future is entirely dependent on management's ability to secure a business combination partner with established profitable operations. In the opinion of management, we would experience material difficulty in replacing the support that has been provided by Midwest.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
We occupy approximately 350 square feet of office space located at 11921 Brinley Avenue, Louisville, KY 40243, that is provided rent free on a month- to-month basis from Midwest. Our current office facilities are adequate for our present needs, and management expects that we will continue this arrangement in the foreseeable future.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Since the initiation of the Bankruptcy Proceedings in August 2006, the automatic stay of the Bankruptcy Code went into effect enjoining all pending matters. The following pre-existing issues have been referred to the Bankruptcy Court for disposition:
We are a defendant in a lawsuit captioned Michael Margolies v. Daniel L. Pixler, W. Anthony Huff and American Business Corporation. The suit was filed in the Supreme Court of New York, New York County on June 28, 2005. In his complaint Margolies claims the defendants entered into an agreement with him in March 2000 pursuant to which we would purchase the assets of American Intermodal Services, Inc., a New Jersey corporation engaged in the
container hauling business ("AIS"), in consideration for the payment of 525,000 shares of our common stock, and the payment to him personally of various commissions based on the revenues our former subsidiary, Gulf Northern Transport, Inc., from former AIS customers. The defendants have denied the material allegations of the complaint and, as Margolies has failed to provide any proof of such an agreement between us and him or AIS, we anticipate a favorable resolution of this dispute. The proceeding is currently in the discovery stage.
In May 2005 we entered into a settlement agreement with Wachovia Bank, NA, settling a $2.85 million judgment Wachovia held against the Company for $150,000, payable $50,000 down and the balance in 12 equal monthly installments. The payments under the settlement were advanced by Midwest through December 31, 2005.
In December 2005 we reached an agreement with Legion Insurance Company's to settle its claims against us in the amount of $1,203,657 for $350,000, payable $100,000 in January 2006, and the balance upon the earlier of August 2008, or a sale of the Company. To date, we have been negotiating with Legion to accept partial payments on the down payment in hope of inducing Midwest to fund, assume, or otherwise guarantee payment of the settlement in full.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Neither during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, nor during the period January 1, 2007 through the filing date of this report did we submit any matter to a vote of shareholders.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR OUR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
(a) Market Information.
Since approximately December 1999, our common stock, our only class of trading securities, has been quoted in the OTCBB under the symbol LMRI (AMBC.PK from June 2004 through December 2005, and AMBCE.OB thereafter). The following table sets forth the range of high and low bid price information for our common stock for each fiscal quarter for the past two fiscal years. High and low bid quotations represent prices between dealers without adjustment for retail mark-ups, mark-downs or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Quarter Ended: Low Bid High Bid ------------------- ------- -------- December 31, 2006 $ 0.004 $ 0.030 September 30, 2006 0.005 0.016 June 30, 2006 0.012 0.080 March 31, 2006 0.003 1.110 December 31, 2005 $ 0.003 $ 0.005 September 30, 2005 0.002 0.015 June 30, 2005 0.007 0.017 March 31, 2005 0.008 0.022 |
Since our shares began trading in the OTCBB, the prices for shares have fluctuated widely. There may be many factors that may explain these variations. We believe that such factors include (a) the demand for our common stock, (b) the number of shares of our common stock available for sale, and (c) changes in the performance of the stock market in general, among others.
In recent years, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have had a substantial effect on the market prices for many small companies such as us, which may be unrelated to the operating performances of the specific companies. Some companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been the objects of securities class action litigation. If we became the object of securities class action litigation, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management's attention and resources and have an adverse effect on our ability to consummate a business combination. In addition, holders of shares of our common stock could suffer substantial losses as a result of fluctuations and declines in the market price of our common stock.
The trading of shares of our common stock is subject to limitations set forth in Rule 15g-9 of the Exchange Act. This rule imposes sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell so-called "penny stocks" to persons other than established customers, accredited investors or institutional investors. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require that a broker or dealer: (i) approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks; and (ii) receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased. In order to approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must: (i) obtain financial information and investment experience and objectives of the person; and (ii) make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and that person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks.
The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form, (i) sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination; and (ii) that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction. Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading, and about commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.
(b) Holders
As of December 31, 2006, the approximate number of holders of record of shares of our Common Stock, $.001 par value per share, our only class of trading securities, was believed by management to be as follows:
Title of Class Number of Record Holders
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Common Stock, $.001 par value 543
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Management believes there are many shareholders whose securities are held in street name at various brokerage houses. The exact number of shareholders is unknown to us.
(c) Dividends.
We have paid no dividends during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005. Other than the requirements of the General Corporation Law of the State of Colorado that dividends be paid out of capital surplus only and that the declaration and payment of a dividend not render us insolvent, there are no restrictions on our present or future ability to pay dividends.
The payment by us of dividends, if any, in the future rests within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend, among other things, upon our earnings, our capital requirements, and our financial condition, as well as other relevant factors.
(d) Stock Option Plan
Our Long Term Incentive Plan implemented in 2004 (the "2004 Plan") replaced our 1999 plan which had no options outstanding as there has been no stock option plan activity since December 2001 and whose remaining outstanding options and warrants expired in 2005. The 2004 Plan allows us to grant options for up to a total of 50,000,000 shares of common stock. Options outstanding become exercisable at the discretion of the Stock Option Committee, which administers the 2004 Plan, and expire 10 years after the grant date. All options granted under the 2004 Plan were exercisable at not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of the grant. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the Plan.
In July 2004, we filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-117661, wherein we registered an aggregate of 50,000,000 shares of our Common Stock, $.001 par value per share, for issuance under our 2004 Plan. In August 2004, we engaged a shareholder relations advisor to aid and assist in our then proposed recapitalization, reorganization and restructuring as a business development company including but not limited to locating and contacting our creditors and shareholders. In connection with retaining his engagement, the consultant was issued an option to purchase 1,500,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.055 per share (the "Initial Option"). The Initial Option was exercised in full in September 2004 in consideration for the consultant's completed services valued by our board at $82,500.
There was no activity under the 2004 Plan since the Initial Option. Accordingly, 48,500,000 shares remain available for future option grants at December 31, 2006.
(e) Audit Committee Expert. Our sole director is an "audit committee expert" as defined in applicable SEC rules. He is not independent.
(f) Code of Ethics. The Board has not adopted a Code of Ethics to deter wrongdoing by corporate officers and promote appropriate behavior by management in carrying out its duties to the Company and its shareholders because we are not engaged in business and have no persons engaged in the type business activity typically sought to be promoted by such a Code.
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION
Plan of Operation
Our plan of operation for the next twelve months is to continue our efforts to identify and merge with a privately held business that wishes to use our publicly-held status to assist it in its access to the capital markets. In this connection, the Company continues to screen potential merger partners consistent with its current objective of merging with a profitable privately- held business. In the interim, our general and administrative activities and office facilities are being provided by Midwest without reimbursement therefore and Midwest has advanced all of the Company's direct expenses as needed. There can be no assurance that Midwest will continue to support the Company for the foreseeable future.
We did not conduct any research and development or selling and marketing activities in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005. Our principal activity is seeking a privately owned business with which to enter into a business combination.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
In preparing financial statements, management is required to select appropriate accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimate included in the financial statements is as follows:
Estimated Liability for Claims and Litigation. In the course of preparing the accompanying financial statements, management has recorded its estimate of the liabilities associated with claims and litigation arising from its discontinued business based upon information available to it including consultation with counsel. As these claims are settled, the actual liability to be paid could differ from those estimates.
Financial Condition
In December 2003, we disposed of 100% of our ownership interest in the freight transportation services business having changed our direction to searching for a business combination partner. At December 31, 2006, we had working capital deficiency of $(34,820,182), and had cumulative losses from operations of $(49,891,284) since inception in 1987. Our ability to attract additional capital and to successfully consummate a business combination with a privately owned entity is entirely dependent upon the cooperation and assistance we receive from Midwest, of which there can be no ongoing assurance.
As a result of the action taken at our June 17, 2004 Special Meeting of Shareholders, we are now authorized to issue up to 500,000,000 shares of our Common Stock; and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $.001 par value per share. At December 31, 2006, there were 69,870,517 shares of our Common Stock and 545,250 shares of our Series A through E preferred stock issued and outstanding. We did not have any material commitments for capital expenditures at December 31, 2006 or 2005.
Results of Operations
(a) Continuing Operations: During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006
("2006"), we reported a loss from continuing operations of $(2,929,664)
compared to $(2,973,554) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 ("2005").
The decrease was principally attributable to a reduction of general and
administrative expenses consistent with the Company's revised focus away from
its failed former operation and toward searching for a new business
combination. As expected, depreciation and amortization, and accrued
interest expense on the Company's indebtedness remained relatively constant
between years. We do not expect sales of any products or service in the
foreseeable future other than those of a potential merger partner.
(b) Discontinued Operations: During 2005, we reported a gain from discontinued operations of $2,702,000 principally as a result the settlement of a $2,852,000 creditor's claim for $150,000 within that period. There was no similar activity in 2006.
(c) As a result of the foregoing, we reported a net loss of $(2,929,664) or $0.04 per share for 2006 compared to a net loss of $(271,554) or $(0.00) per share for 2005 on basic weighted average shares outstanding of 69,870,517 for both periods.
During the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, our continued economic viability was entirely dependent upon: (1) Midwest providing us with office facilities and management services on favorable terms; (2) the willingness of Midwest to fund virtually all of our settlements with our creditors; and (3) our successful business combination with a viable operating company. Our future is entirely dependent on management's ability to secure a business combination partner or establish profitable operations as well as the continued willingness of Midwest to provide funding.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements during the two years ended December 31, 2006, or at any subsequent time through the date of the filing of this report..
Forward Looking Statements
This report includes "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Any
statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions,
expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future
events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as
"expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not
anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain
actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be
taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may
be considered "forward looking statements". Such statements are included,
among other places in this registration statement, in the sections entitled
"Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation," "Description of
Business" and "Description of Property." Forward-looking statements are
based on expectations, estimates and projections at the time the statements
are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause
actual results or events to differ materially from those presently
anticipated. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such
forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that
such expectations will prove to have been correct.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
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Report of Registered Independent Accounting Firm 14
Financial Statements
Balance Sheets 15
Statements of Operations 16
Statements of Stockholders' Deficit 17
Statements of Cash Flows 18
Notes to the Financial Statements 19-27
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Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of American Business Corporation
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of American Business Corporation as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related statements of operations, stockholders' deficit and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Business Corporation as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of its operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders' deficit for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 12 of the notes to the financial statements, the Company incurred an accumulated deficit of $(49,891,284) through December 31, 2006, and as of December 31, 2006 had a working capital deficiency of $(34,820,182). The Company's ability to generate sufficient proceeds from prospective operations or debt or equity arrangements is uncertain. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Mountjoy & Bressler, LLP
Louisville, Kentucky
March 31, 2007
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AMERICAN BUSINESS CORPORATION
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
---------------------
2006 2005
Assets
Current assets
Cash $ 1,263 $ 649
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Total current assets 1,263 649
Equipment, net 6,831 15,939
----------- -----------
Total Assets $ 8,094 $ 16,588
=========== ===========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit
Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses $ 139,376 $ 425,564
Accrued interest 5,306,379 4,433,871
Due to related parties 4,685,333 4,211,671
Notes payable in default 6,311,460 6,311,460
Redeemable Series B, D and E Preferred Stock,
inclusive of accrued premium and penalties
of $11,254,052 and $9,679,052 in 2006 and
2005, respectively 16,504,052 14,929,052
Estimated liability for claims and litigation 1,874,845 1,588,657
----------- -----------
Total Current Liabilities 34,821,445 31,900,275
=========== ===========
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Deficit
Preferred stock, no par value; 10,000,000 shares
authorized, 545,250 shares of series A through
E issued and outstanding in 2006 and 2005 135,076 135,076
Common stock, $.001 par value; 500,000,000 shares
authorized, 69,870,517 shares issued and
outstanding in 2006 and 2005 69,870 69,870
Additional paid-in capital 14,872,987 14,872,987
Accumulated deficit (49,891,284) (46,961,620)
----------- -----------
Total Stockholders' Deficit (34,813,351) (31,883,687)
----------- -----------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit $ 8,094 $ 16,588
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See notes to the financial statements.
AMERICAN BUSINESS CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31,
2006 2005
----------- -----------
Continuing Operations:
Revenue $ -- $ --
----------- -----------
Operating Expenses:
General and administrative 340,063 396,031
Depreciation and amortization 9,108 4,554
Interest expense 2,580,493 2,572,969
----------- -----------
Total Operating Expense 2,929,664 2,973,554
----------- -----------
Operating Loss Before Discontinued Operation (2,929,664) (2,973,554)
Discontinued Operation:
Gain on Settlement of Claim, net of income
tax provision of $ -0- -- 2,702,000
----------- -----------
Net Loss $(2,929,664) $ (271,554)
=========== ===========
Income (Loss) per Common Share -
Basic and Fully Diluted
Loss from Continuing Operations $ (0.04) $ (0.04)
Gain from Discontinued Operation -- 0.04
----------- -----------
Net Income (Loss) per share $ (0.04) $ 0.00
=========== ===========
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding -
Basic and Fully Diluted 69.870,517 69,870,517
=========== ===========
|
See notes to the financial statements.
AMERICAN BUSINESS CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Preferred Stock Additional Total
Series A - E Common Stock Paid-in Accumulated Stockholders'
Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital Deficit Deficit
--------- ------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------------ -----------
Balance,
January 1, 2005 545,250 $135,076 69,870,517 $ 69,870 $14,872,987 $(46,690,066) $(31,612,133)
Net loss - 2005 - - - - - (271,554) (271,554)
------------------ -------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance,
December 31,2005,
Restated 545,250 135,076 69,870,517 69,870 14,872,987 (46,961,620) (31,883,687)
------------------ -------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss - 2006 - - - - - (2,929,664) (2,929,664)
------------------ -------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance,
December 31,2006 545,250 $135,076 69,870,517 $ 69,870 $14,872,987 $(49,891,284) $(34,813,351)
================== ==================== =========== =========== ===========
|
See notes to the financial statements.
AMERICAN BUSINESS CORPORATION
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31,
2006 2005
----------- -----------
Cash flows from Operating Activities -
Loss from continuing operations $(2,929,664) $(2,973,554)
Adjustments to reconcile loss from
continuing operation to net cash used by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 9,108 4,554
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued expenses -- 95,000
Accrued interest 872,508 872,508
Accrued premium and penalties on
preferred stock 1,575,000 1,575,000
----------- -----------
Net cash used in continuing operations (473,048) (426,492)
Gain on discontinued operation -- 2,702,000
Change in estimated liability for claims
and litigation -- (2,852,000)
----------- -----------
Net cash used in Operating Activities (473,048) (576,492)
Cash flows from Investing Activities -
Additions to property -- --
----------- -----------
Net cash used in Investing Activities -- --
----------- -----------
Cash flows from Financing Activities -
Advances from related parties 473,662 570,296
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by Financing Activities 473,662 570,296
----------- -----------
Net change in Cash 614 (6,196)
Cash, beginning of year 649 6,845
----------- -----------
Cash, end of year $ 1,263 $ 649
=========== ===========
|
See notes to the financial statements.
AMERICAN BUSINESS CORPORATION
Notes to the Financial Statements
Note 1 - General and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(A) Nature of Business. American Business Corporation, formerly Logistics Management Resources, Inc., formerly U. S. Trucking, Inc., was incorporated in Colorado under the name Northern Dancer, Inc. in January, 1987 for the purpose of acquiring an operating business. We completed a small public offering in 1988. In September, 1998 we completed a reverse acquisition of U. S. Trucking, Inc., a Nevada corporation that had two operating subsidiaries it had acquired in early 1997.
On November 30, 2000 all four of our operating subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U. S. Bankruptcy Code. These filings were subsequently converted to Chapter 7. We are presently attempting to restructure our liabilities, and to identify and enter into a business combination with a profitable privately owned business.
During 2005, we relocated our corporate headquarters from New York to Louisville, KY. Since August 2006, the Company's affairs have been conducted under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court. (See Note 14).
(B) Basis of Presentation. The accompanying balance sheets and related statements of operations, stockholders' deficit and cash flows at and for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, include the financial activities of our company. Financial activities of former subsidiaries are included in discontinued operation when applicable.
(C) Income (Loss) Per Share. Basic per share income (loss) is computed by dividing net loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Fully diluted per share results are computed by increasing the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year by the common share equivalents of all applicable preferred stock, convertible notes, and options to purchase common shares. Common stock equivalents were not used in the computation of diluted loss per common share, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
(D) Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The fair values of accrued expenses and other short-term obligations approximate their carrying values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments," rates available at balance sheet dates to us are used to estimate the fair value of existing debt.
(E) Income Taxes. We utilize Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
109 ("SFAS 109"), "Accounting for Income Taxes," which requires an asset and
liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes.
The difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and
liabilities is determined annually. Deferred income tax assets and
liabilities are computed for those temporary differences that have future tax
consequences using the current enacted tax laws and rates that apply to the
periods in which they are expected to affect taxable income. In some
situations, SFAS 109 permits the
recognition of expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Valuation allowances are established based upon management's estimate, if necessary. Income tax expense is the current tax payable or refundable for the period plus or minus the net change in the deferred tax assets and liabilities.
(F) Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(H) Property and Equipment. The cost of office equipment is depreciated for financial statement purposes on a straight line basis over 5-7 years. Repairs and maintenance expenditures which do not extend the useful lives of the related assets are expensed as incurred.
(I) Share-Based Payments. Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement (FASB) 123(R), Share-Based Payment was issued in December 2004. This Statement eliminates the alternative to use Opinion 25's intrinsic value method of accounting that was provided in FASB Statement 123 as originally issued. Under Opinion 25, issuing stock options to employees generally resulted in recognition of no compensation costs. Statement 123(R) requires entities to recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. We have revised our accounting policy for share based payments accordingly effective January 1, 2006. Under this revised policy, only new awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after the effective date will be subject to requirements of FAS 123(R). No restatement of prior periods was necessary as there were no options outstanding at the date of adoption.
Note 2 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our material financial instruments for which disclosure of estimated fair value is required by certain accounting standards at December 31, 2006 and 2005, consist of Loans Payable, Convertible Debentures, and Estimated Liability for Claims and Litigation relating to discontinued operations. In the opinion of our management, such items are carried at values that approximate fair value.
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial statements. An example of this measurement process is as follows:
In December 2005 we reached an agreement with Legion Insurance Company's to settle its claims against us in the amount of $1,203,657 for $350,000, payable $100,000 in January 2006, and the balance upon the earlier of August 2008, or a sale of the Company. To date, we have been negotiating with Legion to accept partial payments on the down payment in hope of inducing Midwest to fund, assume, or otherwise guarantee payment of the settlement in full. As we are not certain of Midwest's willingness to underwrite the settlement, we have not recorded its effect in our financial statements at December 31, 2006 or 2005.
These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect such estimates.
Note 3 - Equipment
Equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation, consists of the following at December 31:
2006 2005
----------- -----------
Office equipment $ 22,770 $ 22,770
Accumulated depreciation (15,939) (6,831)
----------- -----------
Total $ 6,831 $ 15,939
=========== ===========
|
Depreciation expense charged to operations was $9,108 and $4,554 in 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Note 4 - Notes Payable in Default
Notes payable consist of the following:
11.5% Convertible debentures in default $ 3,793,460
18% Promissory Notes in default 2,235,000
12% Notes payable in default 283,000
----------
$ 6,311,460
==========
|
Note 5 - Related Party Transactions
Amounts due related parties at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
2006 2005
----------- -----------
Brentwood Capital Corp. ("Brentwood") - 6% Secured
Convertible Note, in default $ 2,300,147 $ 2,167,162
Midwest Merger Management, LLC
and affiliates ("Midwest") 2,385,186 2,044,509
----------- -----------
Total $ 4,685,333 $ 4,211,671
=========== ===========
|
The Company defaulted on the previously deferred interest payments and monthly principal payments, due October 1, 2005 and December 1, 2005, respectively, pursuant to Brentwood's 6% Secured Convertible Note causing the entire amount owed to become immediately due and payable. Effective December 31, 2005, Midwest acquired Brentwood's interest in the 6% Secured Convertible Note.
We are entirely dependent upon Midwest providing us with office facilities and management services on favorable terms, as well as Midwest's willingness to fund virtually all of our settlements with our creditors and our expenses. Our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer is also the Chief Financial Officer and a financial advisor to Midwest.
Note 6 - Estimated Liability for Claims and Litigation from Discontinued Operation
On November 30, 2000, our four operating subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. We are liable as a guarantor on certain indebtedness of our former subsidiaries which has given rise to certain claims and threatened litigation. Resultant estimated liability for claims and litigation amount to $1,874,845 and $1,588,657 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
In May 2005 we entered into a settlement agreement with Wachovia Bank, NA, settling a $2.85 million judgment Wachovia held against the Company for $150,000, payable $50,000 down and the balance in 12 equal monthly installments. The payments under the settlement were advanced by Midwest through December 31, 2005. Accordingly, the effect of the settlement has been reflected at December 31, 2005 as a reduction of our estimated liability for claims and litigation of discontinued operations of $2,852,000, and an increase of our liability to Midwest of $150,000.
In December 2005 we reached an agreement with Legion Insurance Company's to settle its claims against us in the amount of $1,203,657 for $350,000, payable $100,000 in January 2006, and the balance upon the earlier of August 2008, or a sale of the Company. To date, we have been negotiating with Legion to accept partial payments on the down payment in hope of inducing Midwest to fund, assume, or otherwise guarantee payment of the settlement in full. As we are not certain of Midwest's willingness to underwrite the settlement, we have not recorded its effect in our financial statements at December 31, 2005 or 2006.
During 2006, the Company reclassified $286,188 of accrued expenses for which no claims have been made in several years to Estimated Liability for Claims and Litigation from Discontinued Operation in order to more properly categorize those potential obligations.
Note 7 - Income Taxes
For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 we have no income tax provision or benefit.
Our total deferred tax asset and valuation allowance are as follows at December 31:
2006 2005
----------- -----------
Total deferred tax asset $15,000,000 $13,300,000
Less valuation allowance (15,000,000) (13,300,000)
----------- -----------
Net deferred tax asset $ - $ -
=========== ===========
|
At December 31, 2006, we have available approximately $37,600,000 of net operating loss carry forward which may be used to reduce future federal and state taxable income and expire between December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2022. The future benefit of these net operating loss carry forwards may be limited on an annual basis and in total under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code as a result of potential ownership changes contemplated in the Company's plans.
Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies
Effective June 1, 2004, we entered into an informal employment arrangement with our President, Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer requiring the payment of compensation equal to $15,000 per month through February 2005, and $20,000 per month thereafter. On January 1, 2006, the monthly compensation was returned to $15,000 by mutual consent. All of the terms and conditions of this employment, including incentive compensation in cash and/or shares have yet to be finalized.
Our former President and two other guarantors of our obligations have provided guarantees of certain of our obligations and of our former subsidiaries. As a result, on January 30, 1997, and as renewed on May 3, 1999, we entered into an Indemnity Agreement with these three parties, to hold them harmless against any loss or liability related to or arising from us and our former subsidiaries.
Note 9 - Preferred Stock
The components of the Company's Preferred stock, no par value, is as follows:
Shares Stated Value
Series Outstanding Per Share Total
------------ ----------- --------- ---------
A 90,000 $0.000844 $ 76
B 2,000 1,000.00 2,000,000
C 450,000 0.30 135,000
D 950 1,000.00 950,000
E 2,300 1,000.00 2,300,000
---------
5,385,076
Less redeemable Series B, D and E
classified as a liability (5,250,000)
----------- ---------
545,250 $ 135,076
=========== =========
|
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock - On February 1, 1999, we entered into three stock exchange agreements whereby a total of 9,900,000 shares of Common Stock were exchanged for 990,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The value of the shares was determined to be $762 and such amount was deducted from additional paid-in capital. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to ten votes and will vote together with the holders of the Common Stock. Pursuant to this agreement, each share of Series A Preferred Stock may be exchanged for ten shares of Common Stock as follows: one fifth of the shares upon us reporting revenues of $31 million or more for any fiscal year or shorter period in a report filed on Form 10-KSB or any appropriate Securities and Exchange Commission filing; an additional one-fifth if revenues are at or above $41 million; an additional one fifth if revenues are at or above $51 million; an additional one-fifth if revenues are at or above $61 million; and the balance if revenues are at or above $71 million.
On April 26, 2004, we and Midwest Merger Management, LLC ("Midwest"), the sole owner of the Series A Preferred Stock and a majority stockholder of our company, entered into an amendment to the February 1, 1999 stock exchange agreement pertaining to the shares of Series A Preferred Stock wherein we granted Midwest the right to convert its 990,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 9,900,000 shares of our Common Stock on or before December 31, 2005 in consideration for Midwest's best efforts commitment to fund our plan to reorganize our affairs and combine with a profitable owned business. Pursuant to such
amendment Midwest converted 900,000 Series A preferred shares in 2004. The amendment was subsequently ratified at a May 12, 2005, special meeting of shareholders.
Series B Convertible, Redeemable Preferred Stock - During 1999, we sold $2,000,000 of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and issued 2,000 shares. We incurred $185,000 of issuance costs that were deducted from additional paid-in capital. Shares of Series B Convertible, Redeemable Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Common Stock based upon the stated value of $1,000 per share of Preferred Stock divided by the conversion price on the date of conversion. Holders of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock may elect to convert their shares commencing on the earlier of October 28, 1999 or the occurrence of any merger, tender offer, or redemption event. The conversion price is equal to 90% of the average closing bid price for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding the conversion date, not to exceed $2.59 per share. No dividends have been declared from issuance through December 31, 2005. There are also provisions in the security, which allow the holders to redeem their shares upon the occurrence of certain events including the inability of us to issue free trading common stock to the holders because the shares have not been registered under the Securities Act. The Series B shareholders have no voting rights. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive a redemption premium of 12% annually. As a result of the redemption provisions, the stated value of the Series B shares together with accrued redemption premium has been classified as a liability.
Series C Preferred Stock - During 1999, we issued 50,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to existing related party shareholders in exchange for their guaranteeing our debt incurred under the revolving credit agreement. The shares were valued for financial statement purposes at $.30 per share. During 2000 we also issued 200,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to each of Danny L. Pixler, our then Chief Executive and Financial Officer, and the Huff Grandchildren Trust in consideration of those parties' guaranties with respect to more than $13,000,000 of debt obligations of us or our affiliates. Each Series C share carries 100 votes per share on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, but otherwise carries no rights to dividends or other distributions. The holders of Series C Preferred Stock have no liquidation rights and no rights to dividends.
Series D Convertible Preferred Stock - During 1999, we sold $950,000 of Series D Convertible Preferred shares and issued 950 shares. We incurred $150,000 of issuance costs that were deducted from additional paid-in capital. Shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of common stock based on the stated value of $1,000 per share of preferred stock divided by the Fixed Conversion Price of $2.59 per share, subject to adjustment. Holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock may elect to convert their shares commencing the earlier of January 8, 2000 or the occurrence of a merger, tender offer, or redemption event. Holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive a dividend of 12% annually. No dividends have been declared from issuance through December 31, 2005. In addition, the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock have no voting rights. Holders of Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to receive a redemption premium of 12% annually. As a result of the redemption provisions, the stated value of the Series D shares together with accrued redemption premium has been classified as a liability.
Series E Convertible Preferred Stock - During 1999, we sold $2,300,000 of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock and issued 2,300 shares. We incurred $282,900 of issuance costs that were deducted from additional paid-in capital. Shares of Series E Convertible Preferred
Stock are convertible into shares of Common Stock based upon the stated value of $1,000 per share of preferred stock divided by the Fixed Conversion Price of $3.18 per share, subject to adjustment. Holders of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock may elect to convert their shares commencing on the earlier of March 9, 2000, or the occurrence of a merger, tender offer, or redemption event. No dividends have been declared from issuance through December 31, 2006.
Series E Convertible Preferred Stock has no voting rights and is entitled to receive a redemption premium of 12% annually. As a result of the redemption provisions, the stated value of the Series D shares together with accrued redemption premium has been classified as a liability.
Note 10 - Common Stock
At a June 17, 2004 Special Meeting of Shareholders we increased the number of shares of Common Stock we are authorized to issue from 200,000,000 shares to 500,000,000 shares and increasing the par value of our Common Stock from no par value to $.001 per share.
On September 27, 2002, we executed a 6% Secured Convertible Note in favor of Brentwood Capital Corp ("Brentwood") in the amount of $1,731,906 the entire balance of which is convertible into common shares at $.01 per share. On June 17, 2004, an at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders described in Item 1, we amended our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the common shares authorized for issuance to 500,000,000. Effective December 31, 2005, Midwest purchased Brentwood's interest in the 6% Secured Convertible Note.
At December 31, 2006, the principal and accrued interest owed by us pursuant to the terms of the Secured Convertible Note was $2,300,147, which if converted by Midwest, would result in the issuance of 230,014,713 additional common shares.
Note 11 - Stock Option Plan
Our Long Term Incentive Plan implemented in 2004 (the "2004 Plan") replaced our 1999 plan which had no activity since 2001 and whose remaining outstanding options and warrants expired in 2005. A summary of the 1999 plan for the two years ended December 31, 2006 follows:
Weighted Weighted
Options Average Warrants Average
-------- -------- -------- --------
Securities outstanding
January 1, 2005 740,130 $ 2.12 1,622,298 $ 2.72
Securities expired - 2005 (740,130) (2.12)(1,622,298) (2.72)
---------------------------------------
Securities outstanding
December 31, 2005 -- -- -- --
Securities activity - 2006 -- -- -- --
---------------------------------------
Securities outstanding,
December 31, 2006 -- $ -- -- $ --
=======================================
|
The 2004 Plan allows us to grant options for up to a total of 50,000,000 shares of common stock. Options outstanding become exercisable at the discretion of the Stock Option Committee, which administers the 2004 Plan, and expire 10 years after the grant date. All options granted under the 2004 Plan were exercisable at not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of the grant. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the Plan.
In July 2004, we filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-117661, wherein we registered an aggregate of 50,000,000 shares of our Common Stock, $.001 par value per share, for issuance under our 2004 Plan. In August 2004, we engaged a shareholder relations advisor to aid and assist in our then proposed recapitalization, reorganization and restructuring as a business development company including but not limited to locating and contacting our creditors and shareholders. In connection with retaining his engagement, the consultant was issued an option to purchase 1,500,000 shares of our Common Stock at $0.055 per share (the "Initial Option"). The Initial Option was exercised in full in September 2004 in consideration for the consultant's completed services valued by our board at $82,500.
There has been no activity under the 2004 Plan since the Initial Option. Accordingly, 48,500,000 shares were available for future option grants at December 31, 2006 and 2005.
Note 12 - Going Concern
Our financial statements have been presented on the basis that we are a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
As shown in the accompanying financial statements, we have incurred an accumulated deficit of $(49,891,284) through December 31, 2006. In addition, at December 31, 2006, we had a working capital deficiency of $(34,820,182). Our ability to generate sufficient proceeds from prospective operations, debt or equity placements is uncertain. In addition, since August 2006, the Company has been operating under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court (see Note 14). The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern or satisfactorily confirm a plan of reorganization pursuant to bankruptcy Court approval.
Note 13 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes detailed guidance for the financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax positions recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized upon the adoption of FIN 48 and in subsequent periods. FIN 48 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 (our fiscal year 2007) and the provisions of FIN 48 will be applied to all tax positions under Statement No. 109 upon initial adoption. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of this interpretation will be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for the fiscal year. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN 48 to have material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flow.
Note 14 - Bankruptcy Proceedings
On August 29, 2006 the Company reported on Form 8-K that it had been served with notice that three of its creditors filed an Involuntary Petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Court for the Western District of Kentucky in Louisville,
KY on August 23, 2006 (Case Number 06-32184). The Company had 20 days from the date of notice to examine the veracity of the claims of the three petitioners, of which one is Midwest, and respond to the Petition before the Bankruptcy Court.
On September 18, 2006, we responded to the Petition acknowledging that we were indebted to the Petitioners. However, the Company had been paying its creditors as agreed or is seeking an agreeable basis for payment with remaining creditors. To that extent, the Company requested the Bankruptcy Court supervision sought by Petitioners be pursuant to Chapter 11 instead of Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. On October 30, 2006, the Bankruptcy Court approved our request.
The Company plans to vigorously defend its plans to combine with a profitable, privately owned business and has no reason to believe that Midwest's participation in the involuntary petition precludes its continued support of the Company's efforts. The Company contemplates resolving the claims of Midwest and all other creditors in exchange for shares of a newly created common stock pursuant to a Plan of Arrangement that it believes will be acceptable to claimants. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be successful in obtaining the requisite amount of approvals to confirm a Plan under the Bankruptcy Court's supervision.
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 8A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13(a), and 15(d) - (e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon their evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring all required information relating to the Company is included in this report.
Except for the inherent limitations of having a staff of one person, we maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13(a)-15(f) and 15d-15(f) designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
(a) Identify Directors and Executive Officers.
The following table sets forth: (1) names and ages of all persons who presently are and who have been selected as our directors; (2) all positions and offices with us held by each such person; (3) the term or office of each person named as a director; and 4) any period during which he or she has served a such:
Duration and Date Position and Age and
of Expiration of Office with Director
Name Present Term Registrant Since
Anthony R. Russo One year term Chief Executive 64
expiring June 30, Chief Financial February,
2007 Officer, and 2003
Director
|
There is no understanding or arrangement between any directors or any other person or persons pursuant to which such individual, was or is to be, selected as a director or nominee of our company.
Business Experience
Anthony R. Russo, has served as CEO and CFO since June 2004 and as a director
since February 2003. From March 2000 to August 2003, Mr. Russo served as CFO
and a director of Momentum Holdings Corporation, a publicly owned and traded
Delaware corporation with a class of securities registered pursuant to
Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act. In March 2003, Mr. Russo was elected CEO
of Momentum Holdings Corporation. Simultaneously therewith from August 2003
through December 2003, Mr. Russo has served as CEO, CFO, and director of
Edgar Filing.net, Inc., an inactive publicly owned and traded Nevada
corporation with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g)
of the Exchange Act. Additionally from August 2002 until his resignation in
December 2003, Mr. Russo served as CFO and director (since April 2002) of
Certified Services, Inc. a publicly owned and traded Nevada corporation with
a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange
Act. Prior thereto since 1990, Mr. Russo served as co-founder, CEO, and
director of Cartilage Technologies, Inc., a privately owned manufacturer of
dietary supplements headquartered in Elmsford, NY. Prior thereto since 1971,
he served as CEO, CFO and director of Sherwood Corporation, a publicly owned
financial services firm in New York City. In his capacity as CEO, Mr. Russo
often served as a member of the board of directors of several small and
emerging companies including Lloyds Electronics, Inc. (AMEX: LLYD) where he
chaired the Audit Committee and served on the Executive Committee from 1980
to 1985. Prior thereto since 1966, he was a member of the audit staff of
Arthur Andersen LLP in New York City. Mr. Russo received a BBA in accountancy
practice from Pace University in 1967, was licensed as a CPA by the State of
New York in 1969, and received a MA in Business and Policy from the State
University of New York at Saratoga Springs in 2001. Mr. Russo has been a
member of the American and New York Associations of CPA's since 1969; and a
member of the National Association of Corporate Directors since 1998.
Directorship
Except as disclosed in this Item, each of our directors has indicated to us that he is not presently a director in any other registrant with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act or subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of such act or any investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(b) Identification of Certain Significant Employees
We do not presently employ any person as a significant employee who is not an executive officer but who makes or is expected to make a significant contribution to our business.
(c) Family Relationships
No family relationship exists between any of our directors or executive officers.
(d) Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
No event listed in Sub-paragraphs (1) through (4) of Subparagraph (d) of Item 401 of Regulation S-B, has occurred with respect to any of our present executive officers or directors or any nominee for director during the past five years which is material to an evaluation of the ability or integrity of such director or officer.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended, requires our executive officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file with the SEC initial statements of beneficial ownership, reports of changes in ownership and annual reports concerning their ownership, of Common Stock and other of our equity securities on Forms 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. To our knowledge, Danny L. Pixler and Anthony R. Russo our executive officer and director, has complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them during our most recent fiscal year.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
(a) General
(1) through (7) All Compensation Covered. During the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, the aggregate compensation paid to, accrued or set aside for any of our executive officers or directors was $105,000 in 2004, $200,000 in 2005, and $180,000 in 2006.
(b) Summary Compensation Table.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
----------------- ---- ------- ------- ------- ----- ------- ---- -----
Anthony R. Russo, 2004 105,000 - - - - - -
CEO President, 2005 200,000 - - - - - -
and Director 2006 180,000 - - - - - -
(since June 2004)
------- ------- ------ ----- ----- ---- -----
Totals 2004 105,000 - - - - - -
2005 200,000 - - - - - -
2006 180,000 - - - - - -
- - - - - -
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(1) No additional payments were made to our officers and directors for the three years ending December 31, 2006.
(c) Option/SAR Grant Table.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, we made no grants of stock options or freestanding SAR's to any of our executive officers or directors.
(d) Aggregate Option/SAR Exercises and Fiscal Year-End Option/SAR Value Table.
During the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, no stock options or freestanding SAR's were exercised by any of our executive officers or directors.
(e) Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") Awards Table.
During the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, we made no LTIP awards.
(f) Compensation of Directors.
(1) and (2). During the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, none of our directors received any compensation pursuant to any standard or other arrangement.
(g) Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment, and Change in Control Arrangements. (1) and (2).
In June 2004, Anthony R, Russo joined us as President and CEO at a level of compensation equal to $15,000 per month through February 2005, $20,000 per month through December 31, 2005, and $15,000 per month through December 31, 2006. Formal agreement has not yet been reached on Mr. Russo's access to incentive compensation or other benefits. Except for the foregoing, no executive officer of ours was employed pursuant to the terms of an employment agreement with us. No changes in control of our company took place during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
(a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owner. The information is furnished as of December 31, 2006, as to the number of shares of our Common Stock, $.001 par value per share, owned beneficially, or known by us to own beneficially, more than 5% of any class of such security:
Amount and Nature
Name and Address of of Beneficial Percentage
Beneficial Owner Ownership of Class(1)
---------------- ------------- ----------
Midwest Merger Management, LLC
11921 Brinley Avenue
Louisville, KY 40243 57,589,729(2) 49.7%
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(1) Based upon the equivalent of 115,770,517 common shares as follows:
(i) 69,870,517 common shares outstanding; (ii) 900,000 common shares
issuable upon conversion of outstanding shares of Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock, and (iii) 45,000,000 common share voting equivalents
attributable to outstanding shares of Series C preferred stock.
(2) Comprised of: (i) beneficial ownership of 11,689,729 shares of common stock; (ii) 900,000 common shares issuable upon conversion of outstanding shares of Series A Convertible preferred stock, and (iii) 45,000,000 common share voting equivalents attributable to outstanding shares of Series C preferred stock.
(3) Does not include the common share equivalent of the 6% Secured Convertible Note that Midwest acquired from Brentwood effective December 31, 2005 of 230,014,713 shares. If Midwest converted that note into its common shares at December 31, 2006, Midwest's ownership of the Company would increase to 83.2%.
(b) Security Ownership of Management. The following information is furnished as of December 31, 2006, as to the number of shares of our Common Stock, $.001 par value per share owned beneficially by each of our executive officers and directors and by all executive officers and directors as a group:
Amount and Nature
Name and Address of of Beneficial Percentage
Beneficial Owner Ownership of Class(1)
---------------- ------------- ----------
Anthony R. Russo
11921 Brinley Avenue
Louisville, KY 40243 - (2) -%
All Officers and Directors as
a Group of two persons - (2) -%
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(1) Based upon the equivalent of 115,770,517 common shares as follows:
(i) 69,870,517 common shares outstanding, and (ii) 900,000 common shares
issuable upon conversion of outstanding shares of Series A Convertible
preferred stock, and (iii) 45,000,000 common share voting equivalents
attributable to outstanding shares of Series C preferred stock.
(2) Mr. Russo has been the Chief Financial Officer and acts as a financial advisor to Midwest since June 2005. Mr. Russo disclaims any beneficial ownership in Midwest's 57,589,729 common and common equivalent shares of the company owned by Midwest..
(c) Changes in Control.
None.
(d) Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2006, with respect to compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which our common stock is authorized for issuance, aggregated as follows: (i) all compensation plans previously approved by security holders; and (i) all compensation plans not previously approved by security holders.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
Number of securities to Weighted average equity compensation
be issued upon exercise exercise price of plans [excluding
of outstanding options, outstanding options, securities reflected
warrants and rights (a) warrants, and rights (b) in column (a)(c)]
----------------------- ------------------------ -----------------------
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders -- -- --
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders -- -- --
Total -- -- --
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(e) Code of Ethics.
The Company has not adopted a code of ethics during 2006 and 2005 that applies to all employees including its directors , principal executive officers, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The Company has not developed a formal code of ethics primarily due to the limited nature of its activities, including the fact that there is currently only one person involved in its operations.
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Midwest is deemed to be the record and beneficial owner of 11,689,729 shares or approximately 16.7% of the issued and outstanding common stock. This percentage is exclusive of: (i) the 450,000 shares of our Series C Preferred Stock owned by Midwest, which have the voting rights of 45,000,000 shares of our common stock; and (ii) 90,000 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock still owned by Midwest and convertible into 900,000 shares of our common stock. Adding the voting rights of Midwest's Series C Preferred Stock and its remaining Series A Preferred Stock would increase Midwest's ownership percentage to 49.7%.
Further, the Company defaulted on the previously deferred interest payments and monthly principal payments, due October 1, 2005 and December 1, 2005, respectively, pursuant to Brentwood's 6% Secured Convertible Note causing the entire amount owed to become immediately due and payable. Effective December 31, 2005, Midwest acquired Brentwood's interest in the 6% Secured Convertible Note. If Midwest converted that note into its common share equivalent at December 31, 2006 of 230,014,713 shares, Midwest's ownership of the Company would increase to 83.2%.
We are entirely dependent upon: (1) Midwest providing us with office facilities and management services on favorable terms; (2) the willingness of Midwest to fund virtually all of our settlements with our creditors and our expenses; and (3) our implementation of successful business combination with a profitable operating company through Midwest's assistance. There can be no assurance of Midwest's continued support for the foreseeable future.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8K
(a) Exhibits:
Description Location
----------- --------
31.1 Certifications Pursuant to Section 302f Filed electronically herewith
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2 Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of Filed electronically herewith
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
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(b) Reports on Form 8K: During the last quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, we did not file any Reports on Form 8-K.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed by Mountjoy & Bressler, LLP ("M&B"), our current registered independent accountants, for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements for the two years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 and their reviews of the interim financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB during 2006 was $28,500. ($35,500 in 2005)
Audit - Related Fees. There were no fees billed to us by M&B in fiscal year 2006 or 2005 for professional services for assurance and related services reasonably related to their audit or review of our financial statements not reported in the previous paragraph.
Tax Fees. There are no fees billed by M&B for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning services rendered to us during the last two fiscal years.
All Other Fees. Except as indicated above, we were not billed by M&B for any other services during the last two fiscal years.
The engagement of independent accountants to render audit or non-audit services requires the prior approval of our Board of Directors since we do not yet have an audit committee of our Board of Directors.
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of us and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Dated: March 31, 2007
American Business Corporation
By: /s/ Anthony R. Russo
Anthony R. Russo
President, Chief Executive and
Financial Officer, and Director
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EXHIBIT 31.1
AMERICAN BUSINESS CORPORATION
CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Anthony R. Russo, our Chief Executive Officer, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-KSB of American Business Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the periods covered by this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of our operations and cash flows as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for us and I have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to us, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "valuation Date"); and c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on my evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to our auditors and, in lieu of an audit committee, to our board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect our ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for our auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in our internal controls; and
6. I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of my most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Dated: March 31, 2007 /s/ Anthony R. Russo Chief Executive Officer |
I, Anthony R. Russo, our Chief Financial Officer, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-KSB of American Business Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the periods covered by this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, our results of operations and cash flows as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for us and I have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to us, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on my evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation, to our auditors and,
in lieu of an audit committee, to our board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent function): a) all significant deficiencies in the
design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect our
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for our auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in our internal controls; and
6. I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of my most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Dated: March 31, 2007 /s/ Anthony R. Russo Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT 32.2
AMERICAN BUSINESS CORPORATION
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of American Business Corporation on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2007 (the "Report"), the undersigned, in the capacities and on the dates indicated below, each hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Certified Services, Inc.
Dated: March 31, 2007 /s/ Anthony R. Russo Chief Executive Officer Dated: March 31, 2007 /s/ Anthony R. Russo Chief Financial Officer Note: The certification we furnish in this exhibit is not deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section. Registration Statements or other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission shall not incorporate this exhibit by reference, except as otherwise expressly stated in such filing. |