UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
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Title of each class | Trading symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
Markets Group, Inc. | ||||
Markets Group, Inc. |
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Lakeshore prior to the closing of the Business Combination and to the post-combination company and its consolidated subsidiaries following the Business Combination, and “Nature’s Miracle” refers to the business of Nature’s Miracle prior to the Business Combination. This Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) principally describes the business and operations of the Company following the Business Combination, other than the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 and related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Lakeshore prior to the Business Combination. Substantially concurrently with the filing of this Annual Report, we will be filing Amendment No. 1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, initially filed on March 15, 2024, which will include the audited consolidated financial statements of Nature’s Miracle for the year ended December 31, 2024 and related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Interested parties should refer to our Current Report on Form 8-K for more information.
ii
CAUTIONARY NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report contains statements that are forward-looking and as such are not historical facts. This includes, without limitation, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations. These statements constitute projections, forecasts and forward-looking statements, and are not guarantees of performance. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this Annual Report, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. When we discuss our strategies or plans, we are making projections, forecasts or forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the beliefs of, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to, our management.
Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report may include, for example, statements about:
● | our ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination; |
● | the projected financial information, anticipated growth rate and market opportunities of the Company; |
● | our ability to maintain the listing of our shares of common stock on The Nasdaq Global Market and warrants on The Nasdaq Capital Market; |
● | our ability to develop and sell our product offerings and services; |
● | manage risks associated with seasonal trends and the cyclical nature of the agriculture industry; |
● | the potential liquidity and trading of our securities; |
● | our ability to acquire and protect intellectual property; |
● | manage risks associated with our dependence on a small number of outside contract manufacturers; |
● | our ability to respond to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and political unrest and regulatory changes in international markets into which we expand or otherwise operate in; |
● | our ability to enhance future operating and financial results; |
● | our ability to meet future liquidity requirements, which may require us to raise financing in the future; |
● | our ability to retain or recruit, or changes required in, our officers, key employees or directors; |
● | our ability to implement and maintain effective internal controls; and |
iii
● | factors relating to our business, operations and financial performance, including: |
○ | our ability to comply with laws and regulations applicable to our business; |
○ | market conditions and global and economic factors beyond our control; |
○ | our ability to compete in the highly-competitive and evolving agriculture industry; |
○ | our ability to continue to develop new products and innovations; |
○ | our ability to enter into, successfully maintain and manage relationships with partners and distributors; and |
○ | our ability to acquire or make investments in other businesses, patents, technologies, products or services to grow the business, and realize the anticipated benefits therefrom. |
We caution you that the foregoing list may not contain all of the forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report. These forward-looking statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. It is not possible for the management of the Company to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this Annual Report may not occur, and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements in this Annual Report.
The forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report are made only as of the date hereof. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that the future results, levels of activity, performance or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. We do not undertake any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this Annual Report to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in expectations, except as required by law. You should read this Annual Report and the documents that have been filed as exhibits hereto with the understanding that the actual future results, levels of activity, performance, events and circumstances of the Company may be materially different from what is expected.
iv
PART I
Item 1. Business.
Business Overview
We are a growing agriculture technology company providing Controlled Environment Agriculture (“CEA”) hardware products to growers in the CEA industry setting in North America. We provide hardware to design, build and operate various indoor growing settings, including greenhouse and indoor growing spaces. Through our two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Visiontech Group Inc. (“Visiontech”) and Hydroman, Inc. (“Hydroman”), we provide grow lights, grow media products and dehumidifiers to indoor growers in North America. We also arrange energy rebate solutions combined with the supply of LED lights that qualify for energy-saving rebates provided by large Utility companies throughout the U.S. We have also developed fully automated container-sized units that function as indoor vertical farms were five containers can equal the output of 10 acres of farmland. For over 10 years, the Company’s subsidiaries have built industry-recognized brands and developed a robust customer base in the U.S. and Canada. We design, mid-to high end LED and Dehumidifier products, arrange manufacturing overseas and ship to our distribution warehouses in Upland and Chino, California. Grow media is packaged under our private label and imported in bulk from Europe, India and other places. Our products are consistently tested for quality and to meet specifications required by regulatory agencies. We primarily serve the North American market and in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 generated revenues of approximately $9.3 million and incurred a gross loss of approximately $2.8 million as compared to revenues of approximately $8.9 million and a gross loss of $0.9 million in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
The Company plans to expand its business in the field of electric vehicle (EV) distribution. In late 2024, it announced distribution agreements in the Latin American Market. The Company also plans to expand in the data center and Bitcoin mining business. It has signed an agreement to acquire 51% of Future Tech Inc. in Ohio. Through March 2025, the Company has invested $700,000 to help start operations.
CEA refers to an indoor, technology-based approach to cultivating crops under optimal growing conditions. It includes the vertical farming sector and the indoor cultivation of an ever-increasing range of specialty crops for a range of applications from food to health. Vertical farming refers to the use of an artificial light environment instead of sunlight to ensure the healthy and effective growth of plants. Vertical farming was increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic as supply chain disruptions and labor shortages fed fears over global food security. As a result, it has also become a demand driver for hydroponic products, which are used in the farming of plants using soilless growing media and often artificial lighting in a controlled indoor or greenhouse environment.
Through CEA, growers can be more efficient with physical space, water and resources, while enjoying year-round and more rapid growth cycles as well as more predictable and abundant grow yields, when compared to other traditional growing methods.
Acceleration of CEA Indoor Farming Adoption
The commercial agriculture industry is increasingly adopting more advanced agricultural technologies to improve productivity and operations. The benefits of CEA indoor farming include:
● | greater product safety, quality and consistency; |
● | more reliable, climate-agnostic year-round crop supply from multiple, faster harvests per year as opposed to a single, large harvest with outdoor cultivation; |
● | lower risk of crop loss from pests (and subsequently lower need for pesticides) and plant disease; |
● | lower required water and pesticide use compared to conventional farming, offering incremental benefits in the form of reduced chemical runoff and lower labor requirements; and |
● | potentially lower operating expenses from resource-saving technologies such as high-efficiency LED lights, precision nutrient and water systems and automation. |
The implementation of CEA indoor farming continues to increase globally, driven by these factors and growth in fruit and vegetable cultivation, consumer horticulture and the continued adoption of vertical cultivation.
1
Increased Focus on Environmental, Social and Governance Issues
We believe that the growth and change in our end markets are driven in part by various ESG trends aimed at conserving resources and improving the transparency and security of our food supply chain. Overall, indoor farming has superior performance characteristics in terms of selected key ESG performance criteria compared to traditional agriculture:
● | More efficient land usage. Indoor farming can increase crop yields per square foot and reduce the amount of land needed to grow crops. Certain types of greenhouses can yield 20 times the yield per acre than conventional farming, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. |
● | More efficient freshwater usage. Indoor farming allows water to be managed and recycled within a closed-loop system and therefore generally requires less water than traditional outdoor farming. In some cases, indoor farming can grow plants using ten times less water than soil farming, according to the U.S. National Park Service. |
● | Decreased use of fertilizer and pesticides. In indoor farming, there is less demand for pesticide application, and growers can use fewer pesticides and apply pesticides more precisely than in traditional outdoor farming. |
● | Reduced carbon emissions. Indoor farming brings large-scale farming operations closer to the end user, shortening the transport distance for ready-to-use crops. |
● | Reduced food waste. Indoor farming brings food production closer to the end user and makes the time between production and consumption shorter, the product spoilage, damage and waste are reduced. |
● | Chemical runoff prevention. Due to the closed-loop nature of indoor farming systems, it significantly reduces the risk of chemical runoff, which is often more difficult to control in traditional outdoor farming. |
● | Supports organic farming. Indoor farming is ideal for organic farming, and consumer demand for organic farming is increasing. |
COVID-19
The pandemic and outbreaks of COVID-19 have led to significant changes in consumer sentiment and behavior, which has changed the dynamics of the indoor farming industry. COVID-19 has reinforced consumer concerns about food safety and transparency in food production around the world. Indoor farming offers a more sustainable and safer alternative to traditional outdoor farming, bringing food grown closer to where it is finally consumed, thereby reducing supply chain-related risks and food waste. We believe that this increased focus on food security and sustainable sourcing will benefit our industry in the long term.
Our Core Competitive Strengths
Our Products
We are a provider of equipment for the CEA industry in North America. Our suppliers are grow light original equipment manufacturers in Asia, Europe, and North America. To reduce lead time and save logistic time and cost, we may establish a manufacturing and assembling facility in North America for grow lights in the future. Our goal is to provide our consumers with fully integrated end-to-end turnkey solutions for cultivation facilities with an emphasis on cost and efficiency.
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We offer both innovative, branded products supported by a registered trademark, “eFinity,” and distribute third-party products. Our product offerings span grow lights and growing media. The following is a list of some of our market-leading products across key greenhouse products.
(i) | Lighting Products |
a) | LED Fixtures |
Our LED fixtures products are full-spectrum LED and are suitable for full-term plant growth indoor and greenhouse cultivation, from the vegetative stage to the higher-light-requiring bloom and finishing stages all year round.
The explanation of the measurements we used are as follows:
PPF and μmol/s
Photosynthetic Photon Flux (“PPF”) density measures the amount of micromoles of photons striking a square meter per second (“μmol/s”).
Full daylight sun at noon in the summer is around 2,000 μmol/s. What the plants actually need for growing, however, is likely to be much less than that.
μmol/J
The industry standard for measuring grow light efficiency is micromole per joule (“μmol/J”). It means that for every joule of electrical energy (joule = watt * second) a certain number of photon micromoles are produced.
Highly efficient LED grow lights range from 1.5 μmol/j and up, and the number is constantly improving. For high pressure sodium (“HPS”) lights, the numbers are around 1.7 μmol/j.
Product Name | Description of Product | Key Features | Market | |||
eFinity SUPERSTAR S-840W INDOOR LED
|
High light output/low heat generation and ideal spectrum for effective growth throughout the year |
● Full Spectrum LED light fixture for all stages ● PPF 2520 μmol/s ● Efficacy 3.0 μmol/J ● Dimmability from 0 to 100% ● Controllable ● Certified with Electrical Testing Laboratories (“ETL”), and DLC Qualified Products Lists (“DLC”) listed ● 5-year warranty on ballast ● 50,000 hour warranty on LEDs |
North America |
3
Product Name | Description of Product | Key Features | Market | |||
eFinity 2100 PRO 780W 1:1 DIRECT REPLACEMENT GREENHOUSE/INDOOR LED
|
Deep Penetrating 1:1 LED Fixture for Replacing 1000W HPS Lights and Fitting Seamlessly in Existing HPS Layouts for Greenhouses or Indoor Cultivation |
● Full Spectrum LED light fixture for all stages ● PPF 2128 umol/s ● Efficacy 2.8 μmol/J ● Dimmability from 0 to 100% ● Controllable ● Samsung and Osram LED chips ● Certified with ETL, DLC listed ● 5-year warranty on ballast ● 50,000 hour warranty on LEDs
|
North America | |||
eFinity SUPERSTAR GenIII 660W W/ FAR-RED & UVA BOOSTER TO 720W INDOOR LED
|
Versatile Adjustable and High PPF & Efficacy Heavy-Duty Full Spectrum 8-bar Indoor LED Grow Light Fixture with both Far Red and UVA Booster for All Stages |
● Full Spectrum LED light fixture for all stages ● PPF 2088 μmol/s ● Efficacy 2.9 μmol/J ● Certified with the ETL/DLC mark and IP66 rating ● Plug and play installation, high PPF with less heat to help grow better ● Designed for commercial growers, full cycle spectra for rapid growth and complete plant development |
North America |
4
Product Name | Description of Product | Key Features | Market | |||
XT 780 TOPLIGHTING
|
● Compact Design ● Maximizes Sunlight Use ● Energy saving, high efficiency, low maintenance cost ● Light also available with dimmable control ● Hanger design and fast connect plug for easy installation ● 1:1 Replacement HPS |
PPF: μmol/s 2496 Power consumption: W 780 Dimensions: μmol/J 3.2 Efficiency: mm L740*W330*H105 Weight: kg 15.5 Input voltage: VAC 277-480 Power factor: >0.9 Rated Average Lifetime: hrs L90>50000H Ingress protection rating: IP66 Approval marks: DLC, Underwriter Laboratories (“UL”)/CSA Accessories: Hanger Lighting angle: 120° Warranty: 5yr |
North America | |||
XI 150 INTERLIGHT
|
● Aluminum material to dissipate heat ● Patented rotating design with 270 degree manual turn angle IP66 ● Energy saving, high efficiency, low maintenance cost ● Red and blue light can be controlled separately ● Hanger design and fast connect plug for easy installation ● Top light and inter light dual purpose ● The number of serial connections can be customized |
PPF: μmol/s 450 Power consumption: W 150 Efficiency: μmol/J 3.0 Dimensions: mm L2418*W130*H116 Weight: kg 5.45 Input voltage: VAC 300-400 Power factor: >0.9 Rated Average Lifetime: hrs L90>50000H Ingress protection rating: IP66 Approval marks: DLC, UL/CSA Accessories: Hanger/Wirerope Lighting angle: Max.270° Warranty: 5yr |
North America |
b) | HPS and CMH Fixtures |
Our HPS and Ceramic Metal Halide (“CMH”) fixtures function as agricultural artificial lighting and are suitable for flower stages indoor and greenhouse cultivation.
Product Name | Description of Product | Key Features | Market | |||
eFinity BLACK SERIES 1000W DE HPS CLOSED REFLECTOR
|
The Industry’s Defacto Standard HPS Light Fixture for Virtually Every Major Brand |
● Dimmable ● Controllable ● 96% reflection rate w/ replaceable reflector ● Includes 1 efinity high frequency 400V DE bulb which produces 10% to 25% more output than traditional HPS bulbs and is the only DE bulb w/built-in Igniter ● efinity DE bulb warranty: 10,000 hours ● Completely sealed housing w/ RJ11 plug ● 9ft German Wieland power connection |
North America | |||
eFinity BLACK SERIES 315W CMH
|
The Industry’s Highest Efficiency/Lowest Frequency, Daisy-Chainable, Controllable, and Dimmable CMH Grow Light Fixture |
● Daisy chain up 8 units ● Runs GreenPower CDM-T 315W Lamps ● No acoustic resonance ● Low Frequency, High Efficiency electronic ballast ● Lower harmonic distortion ● High output and improved spectrum ● Driver efficiency at full power: 95-96% |
North America |
5
Product Name | Description of Product | Key Features | Market | |||
XT 1000
|
● Compact aluminum housing ● Reflector Design (Alanod Germany) with Miro Silver Design ● Wieland Connector — Easy Plug and Play ● Voltage available — 277V, 347V, 400V and 480V |
● Lamp output: μmol/s 2180 ● Power consumption: W 1040 ● Dimensions: mm L232*W189*602 ● Weight: kg 4.38 ● Input voltage: VAC 277-400 ● Power factor: >0.99 ● Rated Average Lifetime: hrs Lamp:10000H ● Ingress protection rating: IP65 ● Approval marks: UL/CSA,ETL ● Accessories: Hanger ● Lighting angle: 120° ● Warranty: 3yr — Fixtures; 10,000 Hrs Bulbs
|
North America | |||
XTD 1000
|
● Compact aluminum housing ● Reflector Design (Alanod Germany) with Miro Silver Design ● Reflector is easy to remove ● Wieland Connector — Easy Plug and Play ● Voltage available — 277V, 347V, 400V and 480V |
● Lamp output: μmol/s 2180 ● Power consumption: W 1040 ● Dimensions: mm L255*W275.5*H582 ● Weight: kg 4.3 ● Input voltage: VAC 277-400 ● Power factor: >0.99 ● Rated Average Lifetime: hrs Lamp:10000H ● Ingress protection rating: IP65 ● Approval marks: UL/CSA,ETL ● Accessories: Hanger ● Lighting angle: 120° ● Warranty: 3yr — Fixtures; 10,000 Hrs Bulbs |
North America |
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c) | Electronic Ballasts and Control Box |
The purpose of a lighting ballast is to regulate both the line voltage and the current supplied to a light bulb during its several phases of operation. A control box provides the ability to automate control of both the level and the cycle of your lighting fixtures according to the users’ specific needs, while greatly reducing energy consumption.
Product Name | Description of Product | Key Features | Market | |||
eFinity MASTER CONTROLLER LED, HPS, & CMH
|
Two Channel Master Controller with Capacity for up to 75 efinity Fixtures per Channel |
● KEY FEATURES ● Auto-dim at set temperature. ● Auto-shutdown at set temperature. ● Sunrise/sunset period. ● Easy and safe installation. ● Protected against short-circuits. ● Double temperature safety features. ● Suitable for all efinity/Megaphoton HPS/CMH/LED fixtures with controller ports. ● Maximum Number of lighting fixtures: 150 units. |
North America |
(i) | Grow Media Products |
Cultiwool is our main supplier for grow media products. Cultiwool has many years of experience developing rockwool products in the Netherlands and is preferred by some of the largest industrial propagators in the world. We believe that the quality of their newest rockwool cubes is currently the best on the market. Our rockwool cubes feature Cultiwool’s unique Plant COMFORT fibre structure with the following characteristics: Cultiwool Blocks have an optimum air/water ratio for healthy root growth and allow for great continued rooting thanks to the extremely even distribution of water and electrical conductivity. These blocks have an excellent water absorption and (re)saturation rate and feature the exclusive Plant Comfort fibre structure which has a lower density of resistance during rooting with no loss of firmness. All blocks except the 3x3x3 also have the Optiplus feature, which is a unique design on the underside of the block allowing for excess water to drain away easily.
Product Name | Description of Product | Key Features | Market | |||
Cultiwool 6” X 6” X 6”
|
Block Stonewool Cubes with Optidrain, with one hole, Hydroponics Grow Media |
● Superb air to water ratio ● A fibre structure that holds water longer ● Less resistance for the roots to grow in, resulting in stronger roots ● Encourages faster initial rooting ● Guaranteed firmness |
North America |
7
Product Name | Description of Product | Key Features | Market | |||
CULTIWOOL SLAB 6” X 36” X 3”
|
X-fibre slabs are unique for their optimum water distribution and excellent EC-control not only within one slab but also between slabs. This creates a root environment with outstanding control and with far better and much more even growth and root distribution. Slabs are 36” long and are available in several different widths.
|
● Superb air to water ratio ● A fibre structure that holds water longer ● Less resistance for the roots to grow in, resulting in stronger roots ● Encourages faster initial rooting |
North America | |||
Dutch Plantin 5 GALLON GROW BAG
|
OUR GROW BAGS: ● are 100% organic ● have low sodium and chloride levels thanks to our innovative production process ● are stable, so they can be used for many years, even for different crops ● maintain a high air percentage throughout the entire cultivation period ● have excellent moisture-retaining properties ● make bad soil quality and soil diseases a thing of the past ● need a lot less fertilizer than soil ● are easy to irrigate ● allow you to save considerable amounts of fresh water, which is becoming scarcer all over the world ● last but not least, they contribute to a better world |
● Premium. Coco mat made of a layer of coco chips covered with coco pith ● Optima. Mixture of coco pith and coco chips ● Classic. 100% coco pith |
North America |
Experienced Management Team with Proven Track Record
Our management team possesses significant public market experience with a strong track record.
Tie “James” Li is our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He founded Nature’s Miracle, Inc. in 2022 and has served as the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since. From February 2015 to 2022, he was the Founder and Chairman of Early Bird Investment, a private equity firm focused on agriculture, mobile gaming and clean energy. From 2006 to 2015, he was the co-founder, CFO, President and CEO of China Hydroelectric Corporation (“CHC”) which was the largest small hydroelectric company listed on NYSE. He launched China Hydroelectric Corporation in 2006 with three other co-founders and built the company into a NYSE listed company with a market capitalization of over a billion. In 2015, he led the effort to privatize and sell CHC to a public listed utility company. Mr. Li started his career with Citigroup in the investment banking unit in New York City in 1998. He has also worked at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, HypoVereinsbank and Standard & Poor’s. Mr. Li graduated from Columbia University Graduate School of Business in New York with an MBA in 1998. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Brooklyn College. He also attended Beijing University undergraduate program in History. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Certified Public Accountant.
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George Yutuc, our Chief Financial Officer. George has been with the Company since 2023. From 2021 to 2023 he consulted with major private equity firms and a top strategy firm in the field of packaging, single use restaurant supplies, manufacturing in California and evaluating industry targets. From 2019 to 2021 he was CFO of Karat Packaging, a manufacturer and distributor of paper and plastic cups, “to go” boxes and related supplies. The company went from a privately-held $175 million company to a $300 million revenue Nasdaq-listed company during this time. Between 2001 and 2018 he served as CFO or controller in fast-growth companies including EbrokerCenter, Jet Aerospace, ScribeRight and Casestack. From 1996 to 2001, he held key positions as an audit manager, senior manager and director of corporate finance at the CPA firm Deloitte & Touche. George earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has served as a part-time adjunct instructor in Business Acquisitions and Finance at his alma mater from 2005 to 2020.
Zhiyi “Jonathan” Zhang is our President. Mr. Zhang has extensive contacts and a working relationship within the indoor growing community in North America and has over twenty years of experience in the lighting industry. He is the founder of Visiontech, where he worked from 2006 to present. Over the last ten years, Mr. Zhang has built Visiontech and its associated brand “eFinity” as a premier grow light brand in the indoor growing community. He obtained his College Diploma of Maritime Study from Tianjin Maritime College in 1989.
Varto Levon Doudakian is currently our Vice President and a seasoned professional with over twenty years of experience in the agricultural industry. Previously, Mr. Doudakian led the sales team for North American sales and has been responsible for the strategic direction, vision, growth, and performance of the premier grow light brand “eFinity” from 2009 to present. He obtained his College Diploma of technician from Citrus College in 2000.
Logistics Network Throughout North America
Our two wholly owned subsidiaries, Visiontech and Hydroman, are global suppliers of CEA equipment. Through these two subsidiaries, we currently operate though a total of two warehouses in the U.S., and may establish a manufacturing facility in North America in the future.
Our Growth and Productivity Strategies
Through the following strategies, we aim to capitalize on the growth of the market we operate in.
Capitalizing on Rapidly Growing Markets
Our customers benefit from the macroeconomic factors driving the growth of indoor and greenhouse agriculture, including the expanded adoption of indoor and greenhouse agriculture by commercial growers and consumers. As the world’s population grows and urbanizes, indoor and greenhouse agriculture is increasingly being used to meet the demand for food crops. We expect to capitalize on this favorable growth trends by continuing to expand our operations in North America.
Expanding our Branded Product Offering
We currently offer innovative, branded products supported by one registered trademark, “eFinity.” We are expanding the breadth of our product range by continuously developing our own brands. Our branded products provided over 75% of our total revenue in the fiscal year 2021. Our core competency in new product innovation lies in grow lights, and we are strengthening research and development in other product categories to expand the value of our brand portfolio and further improve profit margins.
Sales
Volumes of Sales and Revenues
Our revenues in the years 2024 and 2023 were primarily generated from the sales of our CEA products, through two of our subsidiaries, Hydroman and Visiontech. These products include LED fixtures, DE HPS fixtures, electronic ballast, and greenhouse hardware.
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Customers
Through our subsidiaries, we primarily sell CEA products directly to wholesale CEA distributors who, in turn, supply-sell the products to other wholesalers and retailers across the U.S. and Canada. Below is the revenue generated from our top 5 customers and the percentages compared to our total consolidated revenues, during the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively:
Nature’s Miracle Top 5 Customers for December 31, 2024 and 2023 | ||||||||||||
Sales | Percentage | Total Revenue | ||||||||||
For 2024 | ||||||||||||
Iluminar Lighting | $ | 1,593,926 | 17.21 | % | ||||||||
Elevated Equipment Supply | $ | 1,136,580 | 12.27 | % | ||||||||
What Rebates | $ | 1,112,487 | 12.01 | % | ||||||||
Cannabis Experts | $ | 509,390 | 5.50 | % | ||||||||
Boston Cannabis Co. | $ | 383,441 | 4.14 | % | ||||||||
Top 5 Total for 2024 | $ | 4,735,824 | 51.13 | % | $ | 9,261,583 | ||||||
For 2023 | ||||||||||||
Elevated Equipment Supply | $ | 1,170,660 | 13.11 | % | ||||||||
Green Light Dispensary | $ | 791,927 | 8.87 | % | ||||||||
Beverly Hills View Inc. | $ | 774,928 | 8.68 | % | ||||||||
Ren Farm | $ | 691,018 | 7.74 | % | ||||||||
SAC Project, Inc. | $ | 646,376 | 7.24 | % | ||||||||
Top 5 Total for 2023 | $ | 4,074,909 | 45.64 | % | $ | 8,932,751 |
We have a diverse customer base that includes wholesalers and retailers. We make a significant amount of our sales to a relatively small number of customers. These customers represent an essential part of the distribution chain of our products.
Lighting
We have 30 different product offerings within our lighting product line.
Our leading products in this product line are the eFinity lighting products, which are also our branded products. We believe our eFinity lighting products outperform the competition in terms of efficiency and quality and therefore provide superior reliability and lighting uniformity compared to our competitors. The LED lighting product lines have what we believe is a higher performance level at a lower cost than current leading lighting products from our competitors.
Growing Media
We have two different product offerings within our growing media product lines.
Our leading products in this product line is the Cultiwool product line. Each one of our growing media products enables the agricultural products on which they are used to maximize crop quality and yields.
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Suppliers and Manufacturers
Currently, both our branded products and distributed products are obtained from our suppliers.
As of the date of this prospectus, our branded products are sourced from four different suppliers. Quality control is a critical priority for our team charged with ensuring the supply of the products from our suppliers. We seek to ensure the highest level of quality control for our products through routine factory visits, spot testing, and continual, ongoing supplier due diligence.
Our distributed products are sourced from over twelve different suppliers. We are constantly tracking current and future market trends and reviewing offerings of new suppliers.
Below is a list of our top 5 suppliers and the percentages compared to our total purchases, during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively:
Nature’s Miracle Top 5 Suppliers for December 31, 2024 and 2023 | ||||||||||||
Purchase Amount | Percentage | Total Purchase | ||||||||||
For 2024 | ||||||||||||
American Agricultural Innovation Technology Inc. | $ | 3,946,814 | 53.07 | % | ||||||||
Sustainable Pathways Distribution LLC | $ | 1,656,721 | 22.28 | % | ||||||||
Ushio America INC | $ | 494,682 | 6.65 | % | ||||||||
Tianjin Textile Group Import and Export Inc. | $ | 358,019 | 4.81 | % | ||||||||
ILUMINAR Lighting (V.) | $ | 307,182 | 4.13 | % | ||||||||
Top 5 Total for 2024 | $ | 6,763,418 | 90.94 | % | $ | 7,436,567 | ||||||
For 2023 | ||||||||||||
American Agricultural Innovation Technology Inc. | $ | 2,310,173 | 51.80 | % | ||||||||
Tianjin Textile Group | $ | 1,135,096 | 25.45 | % | ||||||||
Megaphoton | $ | 251,279 | 5.63 | % | ||||||||
Signify North America | $ | 231,584 | 5.19 | % | ||||||||
Begrow Sera Ltd. | $ | 111,012 | 2.49 | % | ||||||||
Top 5 Total for 2023 | $ | 4,039,144 | 90.56 | % | $ | 4,460,029 |
Hydroman had previously entered into a supply agreement with one of our top suppliers, Megaphoton, on May 4, 2020, pursuant to which, Megaphoton provided manufacturing services, design and development services, marketing promotion support services, and consulting services for Hydroman’s all grow lights and other agricultural industry-related supplies products lines. The Megaphoton Supply Agreement expired on May 4, 2023.
On April 24, 2023, we entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Sinoinnovo Technology (Guangdong) Co., Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of China, pursuant to which Nature’s Mircle will source from Sinoinnovo its grow light systems for distribution in the U.S. and Europe. Both companies will also cooperate jointly to set up advanced manufacturing capabilities in China and the U.S.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we usually place orders with our suppliers on an as-needed basis, without entering into long-term supply agreements. Therefore, we cannot assure that we will be able to maintain relationships or establish additional relationships with our suppliers as necessary to support the growth and profitability of our business on economically viable terms. A significant interruption in our supply chains caused by any of the above factors could result in increased costs or delivery delays and decrease our net sales and profitability. If we cannot obtain and maintain a supply source for our products, our business will be materially and adversely affected.
Large Established Distribution Infrastructure
We currently have two warehouses in the U.S. and may establish a manufacturing facility in North America in the future.
All of our products sourced from our suppliers are either transported to our customers directly or to our warehouses first by free on board (“FOB”) shipping. Products shipped from our warehouses to our customers are transported mainly by third party carriers on an as-needed basis. As such, we are subject to damages that may occur to these goods when they are in transit to customers or our warehouses. Should substantial damage incur while goods are in transit, we could experience a significant loss of revenue, inventory and incur significant out of pocket expenses associated with destruction of the damaged goods which could cause a significant loss from operations and reduction in cash flow. We have not obtained insurance coverage for goods, either the ones that are shipped direct import to our customers whose shipping terms are FOB shipping point, or the ones in transit to our warehouses.
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Competition
The industries we operate in are highly competitive and fragmented. We have many competitors of varying sizes, including national wholesale distributors and manufacturers of indoor gardening supplies, as well as smaller regional competitors operating in many of the areas where we compete. Some of our competitors and potential competitors may have greater capital resources, facilities, and product line diversity.
Competitive factors in our industry include product quality, brand awareness, consumer loyalty, product variety, product performance, value, reputation, price, and advertising. We believe that we are currently able to compete effectively on each of these factors.
Government Regulation
Although there are no national government regulations related to the sale of hydroponic equipment, some products included in our growing media lines are subject to certain registration requirements of certain U.S. state regulators and federal regulations. We have obtained or are exempt from the necessary licenses to sell products in our growing media product lines.
Our grow media product line includes organic soils that contain ingredients that require companies that supply us with these products to register the products with certain regulatory agencies. In some jurisdictions, the use and disposal of these products are regulated by various agencies. A decision by a regulatory agency to substantially restrict the use of such products may adversely affect companies that supply us with such regulated products, thereby limiting our ability to sell those products.
Laws and regulations related to the environment, health, and safety impact us in many ways because of the ingredients used in the products included in our growing media products lines. In the U.S., products containing pesticides generally must be registered with the EPA and similar state agencies before they can be sold or used. The failure of one of our partners to obtain or cancel any such registrations, or to withdraw such pesticides from the market, could adversely affect our business, the severity of which will depend on the products involved, whether other products can be substituted, and whether our competitors are similarly affected. The pesticides in our growing media products are either licensed or exempt from such licenses by the EPA, which may be assessed by the EPA as part of its ongoing exposure risk assessment. The EPA may decide that the pesticides in our growing media products will be restricted or not re-registered for use in the U.S. We cannot predict the outcome of any future assessments, if any, by the EPA or the severity of the impact on our business.
In addition, the use of certain pesticide products is regulated by various international, federal, state, provincial, and local environmental and public health agencies. Although we strive to comply with such laws and regulations and have processes in place designed to achieve compliance, we may be unable to prevent violations of these or other laws and regulations from occurring. Even if we are able to comply with all such laws and regulations and obtain all necessary registrations and licenses, the pesticides or other products we apply or use, or the manner in which we apply or use them, could be alleged to cause injury to the environment, to people or to animals, or such products could be banned in certain circumstances.
Intellectual Property
We currently own one registered trademark, “eFinity,” which was first used and in commerce on February 1, 2015 and registered with the United Stated Patent and Trademark Office under Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang’s personal name on January 30, 2018, Serial. No. 87-362,113, subject to a renewal and a filing of declaration of use between every 9th and 10th-year period calculated from the registration date. The mark consists of standard characters without claim to any particular font style, size or color. The trademark is classified as CLASS 9: fluorescent lamp ballasts; lighting ballasts; electrical power distribution and switch management equipment, namely, power distribution panels, electric switches, and electrical controllers. The trademark was assigned to Visiontech, our wholly owned subsidiary, by Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang, pursuant to the Intellectual Property Asset Purchase and Assignment Agreement between Visiontech and Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang dated September 8, 2022. Our branded products under the name “eFinity” provided over 65% of our total revenue in the year 2021.
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Research and Development
We currently do not have any research and development centers yet. However, we plan to invest in research and development to improve our products, manufacturing processes, packaging, and delivery systems in the future.
Human Capital Resources
As of March 31, 2025, we had a total of 14 employees, all of whom are full-time. We also utilize the services of two part-time contractors. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements, and we have had no labor-related work stoppages. We strive to foster an innovative and team-oriented culture and view our human capital resources and initiatives as an ongoing priority.
Our human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and new employees, advisors and consultants. The principal purposes of our equity and cash incentive plans are to attract, retain and reward personnel through the granting of stock-based and cash-based compensation awards, in order to increase stockholder value and the success of our Company by motivating such individuals to perform to the best of their abilities and achieve our objectives.
Seasonality
We experience limited seasonality due to the year-round utilization of indoor farming supplies and products.
Facilities
We have over 36,599 square feet of warehouses under leases in strategic locations, including two warehouses in the U.S. Our headquarters is located in California. We may establish a manufacturing facility in North America in the future.
We believe that our existing facilities are adequate for our needs at this time, although we do plan to open new distribution centers in the future to meet anticipated demand resulting from overall market growth.
Insurance
Our insurance policies currently include policies that cover business owners liability, workers compensation and employers liability, commercial general liability, and commercial property and business personal property risks, protecting us against certain risks of loss consistent with the exposures associated with the nature and scope of our operations. Our policies are generally subject to certain deductibles, limits and policy terms and conditions.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings, which arise, in the ordinary course of business. Except as set forth below or in note 17 to the financial statements included in this annual report, we are currently not party to any material legal proceedings.
On August 29, 2024, Beverly Hills View, Inc.(“BHV”) brought a lawsuit against our subsidiary Visiontech, in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that the lighting products BHV received were not suitable for its cannabis growing operation and claiming damages of $2,500,000. Visiontech cross-complained on November 4, 2024 against BHV. The cross complaint filed is grouped into sections: “Breach of Contract”, “Common Count: Goods Rendered” and “Prayer for Relief”. Breach of Contract section has 14 points, Goods Rendered has 5 points on delivery of lighting equipment, and the third section demands $720,000 in damages and costs of suit, other.
On October 22, 2024, Growterra, LLC (“Growterra”) filed a complaint against the Company and the Company’s chief executive officer in the Court of Common Pleas, Hamilton County, Ohio, alleging that it purchased lighting products from the Company, under which the Company would provide Growterra software, IP, and design documentation related to hydroponic containers and identify Growterra as an additional insured on the Company’s product liability insurance. Growterra alleges the Company failed to perform these obligations. Growterra is alleging breach of contract, fraud, and misappropriation of trade secrets as well as related causes of action. Growterra does not state an amount of damages but is also seeking rescission. The Company has not yet answered.
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Corporate History and Background
Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc. was initially incorporated in the Cayman Islands on February 19, 2021 under the name Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp. (“Lakeshore”). The Company was formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more target businesses. On March 11, 2022, Lakeshore consummated an initial public offering (“IPO”), after which its securities began trading on The Nasdaq Global Market.
On September 9, 2022, Lakeshore, LBBB Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as defined below (the “Merger Sub”), Nature’s Miracle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Nature’s Miracle”), Tie (James) Li, as the representative of the stockholders of Nature’s Miracle and RedOne Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, Lakeshore’s sponsor (the “Sponsor”), acting as the representative of the stockholders of Lakeshore, entered into a Merger Agreement (as amended on June 7, 2023 by Amendment No. 1 and on December 8, 2023 by Amendment No. 2, the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other transactions, on March 11, 2024 (the “Closing Date”), Lakeshore merged with and into LBBB Merger Corp. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation formed for the sole purpose of reincorporating Lakeshore into the State of Delaware (the “Reincorporation”), with the Company surviving, and immediately after the Reincorporation, the Merger Sub merged with and into Nature’s Miracle, with Nature’s Miracle surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger” and, together with the other transactions described in the Merger Agreement, the “Business Combination”). In connection with the Business Combination (the “Closing”), the Company changed its name to “Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc.” (sometimes referred to herein as “New Nature’s Miracle”).
On February 15, 2024, Lakeshore held a special meeting of its stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) in connection with the Business Combination. At the Special Meeting, the Lakeshore stockholders voted to approve the Business Combination with Nature’s Miracle and the other related proposals.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Business Combination, each share of Nature’s Miracle common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time was canceled and automatically converted into the right to receive the applicable pro rata portion of shares of common stock of New Nature’s Miracle, the aggregate value of which was equal to: (a) $230,000,000 minus (b) the estimated Closing Net Indebtedness (as defined in the Merger Agreement) (the “Merger Consideration”). Immediately after giving effect to the Business Combination, there were 26,306,764 issued and outstanding shares of New Nature’s Miracle’s common stock.
Immediately following the Closing, New Nature’s Miracle’s board of directors consisted of five (5) individuals, with four (4) of those individuals being appointed by the former board of directors of Nature’s Miracle, and the remaining individual was appointed by the Sponsor.
As of the Closing Date, New Nature’s Miracle’s post-Closing directors and executive officers and their respective affiliated entities beneficially owned approximately 55.8% of the outstanding shares of common stock of New Nature’s Miracle, and the securityholders of Lakeshore immediately prior to the Closing (which includes the Sponsors and their affiliates) beneficially owned post-Closing approximately 15% of the outstanding shares of common stock of New Nature’s Miracle.
New Nature’s Miracle common stock commenced trading on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NMHI” and its warrants started trading under the ticker symbol “NMHIW” on The Nasdaq Capital Market (the “Capital Market”) on March 11, 2024.
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July 2024 Public Offering
On July 29, 2024, we closed an underwriting public offering for the sale of 5,000,000 units at a public offering price of $0.24 per unit, with each unit consisting of: (i) one share of common stock and (ii) one warrant to purchase one share of common stock, for aggregate gross proceeds of $1.2 million prior to deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses (the “July 2024 Public Offering”). The warrant is immediately exercisable on the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.24 per share and expires five years from the closing date of the offering. EF Hutton LLC (now known as D. Boral Capital LLC) acted as the sole book running manager for the offering.
Business Combination
On February 15, 2024, Lakeshore held a special meeting of its stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) in connection with the Business Combination. At the Special Meeting, the Lakeshore stockholders voted to approve the Business Combination with Nature’s Miracle and the other related proposals.
On the Closing Date, the Company consummated the Business Combination pursuant to the Merger Agreement, in which Lakeshore merged with and into LBBB Merger Corp., a Delaware corporation formed for the sole purpose of reincorporating Lakeshore into the State of Delaware, with the Company surviving, and immediately after the Reincorporation, the Merger Sub merged with and into Nature’s Miracle, with Nature’s Miracle surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Business Combination, each share of Nature’s Miracle common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time was canceled and automatically converted into the right to receive the applicable pro rata portion of shares of the Company common stock, the aggregate value of which was equal to: (a) $230,000,000 minus (b) the estimated Closing Net Indebtedness (as defined in the Merger Agreement). A total of 3% of the Merger Consideration was placed in escrow for post-closing adjustments (if any) to the Merger Consideration, in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement following the Closing. Immediately after giving effect to the Business Combination, there were 26,306,764 issued and outstanding shares of New Nature’s Miracle’s common stock.
In connection with the Business Combination, the Company changed its name to “Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc.”
On January 13, 2025, we received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) indicating that the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) has determined to delist the Company’s securities from Nasdaq based upon the Company’s non-compliance with Listing Rule 5550(b)(1), Nasdaq’s minimum shareholders’ equity rule. As a result of the Panel’s decision, Nasdaq will suspend trading in the Company’s securities effective at the open of trading on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Following suspension of trading on Nasdaq, the Company’s common stock is trading on the OTC Markets Group, Inc.- Pink Market (“OTC”) under its existing symbol, “NMHI.”
Available Information
Our website address is www.Nature-Miracle.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, any amendments to those reports, proxy and registration statements filed or furnished with the SEC, are available free of charge through our website. We make these materials available through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish such materials to, the SEC. The reports filed with the SEC by our executive officers and directors pursuant to Section 16 under the Exchange Act are also made available, free of charge on our website, as soon as reasonably practicable after copies of those filings are provided to us by those persons. These materials can be accessed through the “Investors” section of our website. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this Annual Report.
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Implications of Being a Smaller Reporting Company
We are a “smaller reporting company,” meaning that the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million as of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter and our annual revenue was less than $100 million during our most recently completed fiscal year. We may continue to be a smaller reporting company if either (i) the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250 million or (ii) our annual revenue was less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of our stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700 million as of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter. As a smaller reporting company, we are permitted and intend to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not smaller reporting companies.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). As an emerging growth company, we may benefit from specified reduced disclosure and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include:
● | presentation of only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations in this prospectus; annual report; |
● | reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements; |
● | no non-binding stockholder advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements; |
● | exemption from any requirement of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (i.e., an auditor discussion and analysis); and |
● | exemption from the auditor attestation requirement in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting. |
We may benefit from these exemptions until December 31, 2025 or such earlier time that we are no longer an emerging growth company. We will cease to be an emerging growth company upon the earliest of: (1) December 31, 2025; (2) the first fiscal year after our annual gross revenues are $1.235 billion or more; (3) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities; or (4) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We may choose to benefit from some but not all of these reduced disclosure obligations in future filings. If we do, the information that we provide stockholders may be different than you might get from other public companies in which you hold stock.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We have incurred substantial operating losses since 2022 and there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We have experienced recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operating activities since 2022. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024 we incurred substantial losses as shown in the financial statement section. Our actual revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2024 was approximately $8.9 million and $9.3 million, respectively. Such volume and relatively low gross profit margins are not enough to support high administrative costs relating to our going public and expenses as a public company. We have raised equity capital twice in 2024 but utilized most proceeds towards repayment of debt incurred in the going-public merger, higher corporate costs and paying interest and principal on short-term loans. Due to the negative cash flow, our financial position is under pressure, and may potentially continue to have, an ongoing need to raise additional cash from outside sources to fund our expansion plan and related operations. Successful transition to attaining profitable operations is dependent upon achieving a level of revenues adequate to support our cost structure. In connection with our assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, “Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” management has determined that these conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that these consolidated financial statements are issued. If we are unable to realize our assets within the normal operating cycle of a twelve (12) month period, we may have to consider supplementing our available sources of funds through the following sources:
● | financial support from our related parties and shareholders; |
● | other available sources of financing from banks and other financial institutions; and |
● | equity financing through capital market. |
We can make no assurances that required financings will be available for the amounts needed, or on terms commercially acceptable to us, if at all. If one or all of these events does not occur or subsequent capital raises are insufficient to bridge financial and liquidity shortfall, there would likely be a material adverse effect on us and would materially adversely affect our ability to continue as a going concern.
Our projected revenues for 2023 were $126.9 million, as set forth in the prospective financial information from Nature’s Miracle, Inc.’s management’s projections prepared and provided to the Board of Directors of Lakeshore in connection with Lakeshore’s evaluation of the Business Combination. However, the actual revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 for Nature’s Miracle, Inc., was approximately $9.3 million and $8.9 million, indicating a significant miss in our revenue projection. This substantial deviation from our projections may result in several risks, including:
● | the substantial shortfall in revenue may lead to severe liquidity constraints, impacting our ability to fund operations and meet financial obligations; |
● | reduction in revenue may necessitate pay cuts in key areas (e.g., research and development), marketing and staffing, potentially hindering our growth and competitive position; |
● | missing revenue projections by a large margin may diminish investor confidence, potentially leading to a decline in stock price and making it more difficult to obtain financings in the future; and |
● | significant deviations from projected revenue may trigger increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies, necessitating more stringent reporting and compliance efforts. |
These risks may threaten our operational viability and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our competitors and potential competitors may develop products and technologies that are more effective or commercially attractive than our products, and we may not successfully develop new products or improve existing products or maintain our effectiveness in reaching consumers through rapidly evolving communication vehicles.
Our products compete against national and regional products and private label products produced by various suppliers, many of which are established companies that provide products that perform functions similar to our products. Our competitors may develop or market products that are more effective or commercially attractive than our current or future products. Some of our competitors have substantially greater financial, operational, marketing and technical resources than we do. Moreover, some of these competitors may offer a broader array of products and sell their products at prices lower than ours, and may have greater name recognition. Due to this competition, there is no assurance that we will not encounter difficulties in generating or increasing revenues and capturing market share. In addition, increased competition may lead to reduced prices and/or margins for products we sell. We may not have the financial resources, relationships with key suppliers, technical expertise or marketing, distribution or support capabilities to compete successfully in the future.
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Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to improve our existing products and to develop, manufacture and market new products to meet evolving consumer needs. We cannot be certain that we will be successful in developing, manufacturing and marketing new products or product innovations which satisfy consumer needs or achieve market acceptance, or that we will develop, manufacture and market new products or product innovations in a timely manner. If we fail to successfully develop, manufacture and market new products or product innovations, or if we fail to reach existing and potential consumers, our ability to maintain or grow our market share may be adversely affected, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the development and introduction of new and products and product innovations require substantial research, development and marketing expenditures, which we may be unable to recoup if such new products or innovations do not achieve market acceptance.
Negative economic conditions, specifically in the United States and Canada, could adversely affect our business.
Uncertain global economic conditions could adversely affect our business. Negative global economic trends, particularly in the United States and Canada, such as decreased consumer and business spending, high unemployment levels, reduced rates of home ownership and housing starts, high foreclosure rates and declining consumer and business confidence, pose challenges to our business and could result in declining revenues, profitability and cash flow. Although we continue to devote significant resources to support our marketing, unfavorable economic conditions may negatively affect consumer demand for our products. Our most price-sensitive customers may trade down to lower priced products during challenging economic times or if current economic conditions worsen, while other customers may reduce discretionary spending during periods of economic uncertainty, which could reduce sales volumes of our products in favor of our competitors’ products or result in a shift in our product mix from higher margin to lower margin products.
Our international operations make us susceptible to the costs and risks associated with operating internationally.
We source 100% of our products from suppliers. Our top suppliers include entities in Europe, Asia and North America. We may establish a manufacturing facility in North America in the future. Accordingly, we are subject to risks associated with operating in foreign countries, including:
● | fluctuations in currency exchange rates; |
● | additional costs of compliance with local regulations; |
● | in certain countries, historically higher rates of inflation than in the United States; |
● | changes in the economic conditions or consumer preferences or demand for our products in these markets; |
● | restrictive actions by multi-national governing bodies, foreign governments or subdivisions thereof; |
● | changes in U.S. and foreign laws regarding trade and investment; |
● | less robust protection of our intellectual property and proprietary rights under foreign laws; and |
● | difficulty in obtaining distribution and support for our products. |
In addition, our operations outside the United States are subject to the risk of new and different legal and regulatory requirements in local jurisdictions, potential difficulties in staffing and managing local operations and potentially adverse tax consequences. The costs associated with operating our continuing international business could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in the future.
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As a public reporting company, we are subject to rules and regulations established from time to time by the SEC and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or report them in a timely manner, which could adversely affect our business.
We are a public reporting company subject to the rules and regulations established from time to time by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. These rules and regulations require, among other things, that we establish and periodically evaluate procedures with respect to our internal control over financial reporting. Reporting obligations as a public company are likely to place a considerable strain on our financial and management systems, processes, and controls, as well as on our personnel.
As a public company, we are required to document and test our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) so that our management can certify as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting by the time our second annual report is filed with the SEC and thereafter, which requires us to document and make significant changes to our internal control over financial reporting. As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as well as rules adopted, and to be adopted, by the SEC and Nasdaq, and other applicable securities rules and regulations, which impose various requirements on public companies, including the establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and changes in corporate governance practices. Our management and other personnel need to devote a substantial amount of time to these public company requirements. Moreover, we expect these rules and regulations to substantially increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly. We may need to hire additional legal, accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge and maintain an internal audit function.
Likewise, as a public company, we may lose our status as an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and become subject to the SEC’s internal control over financial reporting management and auditor attestation requirements in the year in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which would occur once we are subject to Exchange Act reporting requirements for 12 months, have filed at least one SEC annual report and the market value of our common equity held by non-affiliates equals or exceeds $700 million as of the end of the prior fiscal year’s second fiscal quarter. If we become subject to the SEC’s internal control reporting and attestation requirements, we might not be able to complete our evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion. In addition, our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of poor design and changes in our business, including increased complexity resulting from any international expansion. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could adversely affect the results of assessments by our independent registered public accounting firm and their attestation reports.
We are continuing to develop and refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we will file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers. We are also continuing to improve our internal control over financial reporting, which includes hiring additional accounting and financial personnel to implement such processes and controls. We expect to incur costs related to implementing an internal audit and compliance function in the upcoming years to further improve our internal control environment.
Our limited operating history in the CEA industry makes it difficult to accurately forecast our future operating results and evaluate our business prospects.
We launched our CEA products sales business in 2019 and have since seen rapid growth. We expect we will continue to grow as we seek to expand our indoor grower customer base and explore new market opportunities. However, due to our limited operating history, our historical growth rate may not be indicative of our future performance. The CEA industry in North America is rapidly evolving due to the constant development of technology and the variety of consumer demand. Our future performance may be more susceptible to certain risks than a company with a longer operating history. Many of the factors discussed below could adversely affect our business and prospects and future performance, including:
● | our ability to maintain, expand and further develop our relationships with indoor growing customers to meet their increasing demand; |
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● | our ability to develop and introduce new CEA products; |
● | the continued growth and development of the CEA industry; |
● | our ability to keep up with the technological developments or new business models of the rapidly evolving CEA industry; |
● | our ability to attract and retain qualified and skilled employees; |
● | our ability to effectively manage our growth; and |
● | our ability to compete effectively with our competitors in the CEA industry. |
We may not be successful in addressing the risks and uncertainties listed above, among others, which may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and future prospects.
Our marketing activities may not be successful.
We plan to invest substantial resources in advertising, consumer promotions and other marketing activities to maintain, extend and expand our customer base. There can be no assurance that our marketing strategies will be effective or that the amount we plan to invest in advertising activities will result in a corresponding increase in sales of our products. If our marketing initiatives are not successful, we will have incurred significant expenses without the benefit of higher revenues.
We typically do not enter into long term contracts with our customers and all the orders are placed on an as-needed base, and any failure to keep the recurring customers or develop new customers could result in a material adverse impact on our financial performance and business prospects.
During the fiscal years 2024 and 2023, we derived a significant percentage of our total revenue from a few customers. Our five largest customers in the fiscal years 2024 and 2023 accounted for 51.13% and 45.64% of our total revenue, respectively. Iluminar Lighting had been our top customer during fiscal year 2024, and Elevated Equipment supply had been our top customer during fiscal year 2023, accounting for 17.21% and 13.11% of our revenue, respectively.
Although we do have recurring customers among our top customers, typically we do not enter into long term contracts with our customers and all the orders are placed on an as-needed base. Any failure in keeping the recurring customers or developing new customers may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
There are a number of factors, including our performance, that could cause the loss of, or decrease in the volume of customers and business from a customer. We cannot assure you that we will continue to maintain the business cooperation with our current customers at the same level, or at all. The loss of customers and business from one or more of the significant customers, could materially and adversely affect our revenue and profit. Furthermore, if any significant customer terminates its relationship with us, we cannot assure you that we will be able to secure an alternative arrangement with a comparable customer in a timely manner, or at all.
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In order to increase our sales and marketing infrastructure, we will need to grow the size of our organization and carefully manage our expanding operations to achieve sustainable growth, and we may experience difficulties in managing this growth.
As we continue to work to expand our business, we will need to expand the size of our employee base for managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial and other resources. Future growth would impose significant added responsibilities on members of management, including the need to identify, recruit, maintain, motivate and integrate additional employees. In addition, our management may have to divert a disproportionate amount of its attention away from our day-to-day activities and devote a substantial amount of time to managing these growth activities. Our future financial performance and our ability to continue to grow our operation and compete in the hydroponics industry effectively will depend, in part, on our ability to effectively manage any future growth.
To achieve increased revenue levels, market our products internationally, complete research and develop future products, we believe that we will be required to periodically expand our operations, particularly in the areas of sales and marketing, research and development, manufacturing, and quality assurance. As we expand our operations in these areas, management will face new and increased responsibilities. To accommodate any growth and compete effectively, we must continue to upgrade and improve our information systems, procedures and controls across our business, as well as expand, train, motivate and manage our work force. Our future success will depend significantly on the ability of our current and future management to operate effectively. Our personnel, systems, procedures and controls may not be adequate to support our future operations. If we are unable to effectively manage our expected growth, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our estimates of the CEA products market opportunity and forecasts of the market growth may prove to be inaccurate, and even if the market in which we compete achieves the forecasted growth, our business could fail to grow at similar rates, if at all.
Market opportunity estimates and growth forecasts, including indoor growing and CEA products markets, are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates that may not prove to be accurate. The variables that go into the calculation of our market opportunity are subject to change over time, and there is no guarantee that any particular number or percentage of customers covered by these market opportunity estimates will purchase our products at all or generate any particular level of revenue for us. Any expansion in our market depends on a number of factors, including the cost and perceived value associated with our products and those of our competitors. Even if the market in which we compete meets the size estimates and growth forecasts, our business could fail to grow at the rate we anticipate, if at all. Our growth is subject to many factors, including success in implementing its business strategy, which is subject to many risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, the forecasts of market growth, should not be taken as indicative of our future revenue or growth prospects.
We occupy our warehouses under long-term leases, and we may be unable to renew our leases at the end of their terms.
Our warehouses are leased for periods ranging from three to five years, with options to renew for specified periods of time. We believe that our future leases will likely also be long-term and have similar renewal options. If we close or stop fully utilizing a warehouse, we will most likely remain obligated to perform under the applicable lease, which would include, among other things, making the base rent payments, and paying insurance, taxes and other expenses on the leased property for the remainder of the lease term. As of December 31, 2024, our future minimum aggregate rental commitments warehouse leases is approximately $0.5 million. Our inability to terminate a lease when we stop fully utilizing a warehouse or exit a market can have a significant adverse impact on our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
In addition, at the end of the lease term and any renewal period for a warehouse, we may be unable to renew the lease without substantial additional cost, if at all. If we are unable to renew our warehouse leases, we may close or relocate a warehouse, which could subject us to construction and other costs and risks, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results. Further, we may not be able to secure a replacement warehouse in a location that is as commercially viable, including access to rail service. Having to close a warehouse, even briefly to relocate, could reduce the sales that such warehouse would have contributed to our revenues.
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Unanticipated changes in our tax provisions, the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities could affect our profitability and cash flows.
We are subject to income and other taxes in the United States federal jurisdiction, various local and state jurisdictions, and one foreign jurisdiction. Our effective tax rate in the future could be adversely affected by changes to our operating structure, changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets (such as net operating losses and tax credits) and liabilities, changes in tax laws and the discovery of new information in the course of our tax return preparation process. In particular, the carrying value of deferred tax assets, which are predominantly related to our operations in the United States, is dependent on our ability to generate future taxable income of the appropriate character in the relevant jurisdiction.
From time to time, tax proposals are introduced or considered by the U.S. Congress or the legislative bodies in local, state and foreign jurisdictions that could also affect our tax rate, the carrying value of our deferred tax assets, or our tax liabilities. Our tax liabilities are also affected by the amounts we charge for inventory, services, licenses and funding. We are subject to ongoing tax audits in various jurisdictions. In connection with these audits (or future audits), tax authorities may disagree with our determinations and assess additional taxes. We regularly assess the likely outcomes of our audits in order to determine the appropriateness of our tax provision. As a result, the ultimate resolution of our tax audits, changes in tax laws or tax rates, and the ability to utilize our deferred tax assets could materially affect our tax provision, net income and cash flows in future periods.
We may require additional financing to achieve our business goals, and a failure to obtain this necessary capital when needed on acceptable terms, or at all, may force us to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our operations and future growth.
The CEA products manufacturing and sales business is extremely capital-intensive and we expect to expend significant resources to complete the build-out of our facilities, if any, scale our production capacity, and develop new products. These expenditures are expected to include costs of constructing and commissioning new facilities, costs associated with marketing, working capital, costs of attracting and retaining a skilled local labor force, and costs associated with research and development in support of future commercial opportunities. As of the date of this annual report, we have not committed any capital towards establishing a manufacturing facility, and we do not have any current plans to build one although we may establish a manufacturing facility in the future.
We expect that our existing cash and credit available under our loan agreements will be sufficient to fund our planned operating expenses, capital expenditure requirements through at least the next 12 months. However, our operating plan may change because of factors currently unknown, and we may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned, through debt financings or other sources, such as strategic collaborations. Such financings may result in dilution to stockholders, imposition of debt covenants and repayment obligations, or other restrictions that may adversely affect our business. In addition, we may seek additional capital due to favorable market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe that we have sufficient funds for current or future operating plans. There can be no assurance that financing will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all. The inability to obtain financing when needed may make it more difficult for us to operate its business or implement our growth plans.
We currently rely on a limited number of distributing centers, and our facility has not been in operation at a commercial capacity yet.
We currently have two warehouses in California as our distribution centers. We may establish a facility in North America in the future for manufacturing and assembling light-emitting diode (“LED”) grow lights and other type of lights products for indoor growing.
Adverse changes or developments affecting our distributing centers could impair our ability to deliver our products across the North American market. Any shutdown or period of reduced production, which may be caused by regulatory noncompliance or other issues, as well as other factors beyond our control, such as severe weather conditions, natural disaster, fire, power interruption, work stoppage, disease outbreaks or pandemics, equipment failure or delay in supply delivery, would significantly disrupt our ability to deliver our products, meet our contractual obligations, and operate our business in a timely manner.
Our ability to accurately forecast future results of operations is limited and subject to a number of uncertainties, including our ability to plan for and model future growth. In future periods, our revenue growth could slow or decline for a number of reasons, including slowing demand for our products, increasing competition, a decrease in the growth of the overall market, or our failure, for any reason, to take advantage of growth opportunities. In addition, operating equipment for CEA products manufacturing and assembling are costly to replace or repair, and our equipment supply chains may be disrupted in connection with pandemics, trade wars or other factors, assuming that we will establish a manufacturing facility in the near future. If any material amount of our machinery were damaged, we would be unable to predict when, if at all, it could replace or repair such machinery or find co-manufacturers with suitable alterative machinery, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. If our assumptions regarding these risks and uncertainties and future revenue growth are incorrect or change, or if we do not address these risks successfully, our operating and financial results could differ materially from our expectations, and our business could suffer.
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If product liability lawsuits are brought against us, we may incur substantial liabilities.
Although there have not been any product liability lawsuits brought against us as of the date of this annual report, we face a potential risk of product liability as a result of any of the products that we offer for sale. For example, we may be sued if any product we sell allegedly causes injury or is found to be otherwise unsuitable during product testing, manufacturing, marketing or sale. Any such product liability claims may include allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design, a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product, negligence, strict liability and a breach of warranties. Claims could also be asserted under state consumer protection acts. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we may incur substantial liabilities. Even successful defense would require significant financial and management resources. Regardless of the merits or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in: (i) decreased demand for products that we may offer for sale; (ii) injury to our reputation; (iii) costs to defend the related litigation; (iv) a diversion of management’s time and our resources; (v) substantial monetary awards to trial participants or patients; (vi) product recalls, withdrawals or labeling, marketing or promotional restrictions; and (vii) a decline in our stock price. Our inability to obtain and retain sufficient product liability insurance at an acceptable cost to protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of products we develop. We do not maintain any product liability insurance. Even if we obtain product liability insurance in the future, we may have to pay amounts awarded by a court or negotiated in a settlement that exceed our coverage limitations or that are not covered by our insurance, and we may not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient capital to pay such amounts.
Our top suppliers are principally located in regions that are subject to earthquakes and other natural and man-made disasters.
Our top suppliers are located in regions susceptible to natural and man-made disasters, such as the United States, the Netherlands, Poland and southern China, which have experienced either severe flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, extreme weather conditions or power loss. If there is a major earthquake or any other disaster in a region where one of our top suppliers is located, the ability of the supplier to respond to our request of products could be severely and negatively influenced. Additionally, the disasters could adversely impact the transportation condition in the region, and our ability to transport products from the supplier to our warehouses in the U.S. could be compromised, which could result in our customers experiencing a significant delay in receiving their CEA products and a decrease in our service levels for a period of time. Any such business interruption could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our reliance on a limited base of suppliers for our products may result in disruptions to our business and adversely affect our financial results.
During the fiscal years 2024 and 2023, the total dollar volume of the transactions between our five largest suppliers and us accounted for 90.94% and 90.56% of our total dollar volume of the transactions between all our suppliers and us, respectively.
Although we continue to expand our suppliers base, we continue to rely on a limited number of suppliers for our products. If we are unable to maintain supplier arrangements and relationships, if we are unable to contract with suppliers at the quantity and quality levels needed for our business, or if any of our key suppliers becomes insolvent or experience other financial distress, we could experience disruptions in production, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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A significant interruption in the operation of our suppliers’ facilities could impact our capacity to produce products and service our customers, which could adversely affect revenues and earnings.
Operations at our suppliers’ facilities are subject to disruption for a variety of reasons, including fire, flooding or other natural disasters, disease outbreaks or pandemics, acts of war, terrorism, government shut-downs and work stoppages. A significant interruption in the operation of our suppliers’ facilities, especially for those products manufactured at a limited number of facilities, could significantly impact our capacity to sell products and service our customers in a timely manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our customer relationships, revenues, earnings and financial position.
If our suppliers are unable to source raw materials in sufficient quantities, on a timely basis, and at acceptable costs, our ability to sell our products may be harmed.
The manufacture of some of our products is complex and requires precise high-quality manufacturing that is difficult to achieve. We may experience difficulties in manufacturing our products on a timely basis and in sufficient quantities.
These difficulties have primarily related to difficulties associated with ramping up production of newly introduced products and may result in increased delivery lead-times and increased costs of manufacturing these products. Our failure to achieve and maintain the required high manufacturing standards could result in further delays or failures in product testing or delivery, cost overruns, product recalls or withdrawals, increased warranty costs or other problems that could harm our business and prospects.
In determining the required quantities of our products and the manufacturing schedule, we must make significant judgments and estimates based on historical experience, inventory levels, current market trends and other related factors. Because of the inherent nature of estimates, there could be significant differences between our estimates and the actual amounts of products we require, which could harm our business and results of operations.
Disruptions in availability or increases in the prices of raw materials sourced by suppliers could adversely affect our results of operations.
We source many of our products from suppliers outside of the United States. The general availability and price of raw materials of those products can be affected by numerous forces beyond our control, including political instability, trade restrictions and other government regulations, duties and tariffs, price controls, changes in currency exchange rates and weather.
A significant disruption in the availability of raw materials sourced by our suppliers for any of our key products could cause increases in the price of products we source from our suppliers, which could adversely affect our ability to manage our cost structure. Market conditions may limit our ability to raise selling prices to offset increases in our product sourcing costs. We may not be able to locate or utilize alternative inputs for certain products in time. For certain inputs, new sources of products may have to be qualified under regulatory standards, which can require additional investment and delay bringing a product to market.
Arbitration proceedings, legal proceedings, investigations and other claims or disputes are costly to defend and, if determined adversely to us, could require us to pay fines or damages, undertake remedial measures, or prevent us from taking certain actions, any of which could adversely affect our business.
In the course of our business, we are, and in the future may be, a party to arbitration proceedings, legal proceedings, investigations and other claims or disputes, which have related and may relate to subjects including commercial transactions, intellectual property, securities, employee relations or compliance with applicable laws and regulations. As discussed below, we are engaged in a lawsuit relating to Megaphoton Supply Agreement.
On August 22, 2023, two separate lawsuits were filed against Nature’s Miracle and two of its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Visiontech Group Inc., a California corporation, and Hydroman Inc., a California corporation (collectively referred to as the “Defendants”) by Megaphoton. Megaphoton, a manufacturer and producer of artificial lighting equipment for use in agriculture and industrial applications, filed the lawsuits against the Defendants in Los Angeles Superior Court, asserting that the Defendants have breached a contract/guarantee agreement by failing to pay a total of $6,857,167, as per the terms of these agreements. Nature’s Miracle believes that there is no merit in the complaint and has filed a counter-suit against Megaphoton in Orange County Court, California, seeking affirmative relief on September 22, 2023. On March 5, 2024, Megaphoton filed requests to dismiss the cases against Hydroman and Visiontech in the Superior Court of Los Angeles.
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We face a significant risk due to ongoing litigation that has the potential to result in future financial obligations, adversely impacting our business and profitability. The outcome of the present legal proceedings may lead to financial liabilities, such as settlements or damages, posing a material threat to our financial condition and cash flow. Moreover, adverse litigation outcomes may harm our reputation, affecting customer trust and investor confidence, thereby influencing market share and brand value. While we are actively managing and addressing the litigation, uncertainties persist, emphasizing the importance of transparency in communication with stakeholders and the implementation of effective risk mitigation strategies.
We may not be able to adequately obtain, maintain, protect or enforce our intellectual property and other proprietary rights that are material to our business.
Our ability to compete effectively depends in part on our rights to our registered trademark “eFinity.” We have not sought to register every one of our trademarks either in the United States or in every country in which such mark is used. Furthermore, because of the differences in foreign trademark laws, we may not receive the same protection in other countries as we would in the United States with respect to the registered trademark we hold. If we are unable to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual property on our trademark, we could suffer a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The steps we take to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual property right may be inadequate and despite our efforts to protect the right, unauthorized third parties, including our competitors, may use our trademark without our permission. In addition, we cannot guarantee that we have entered into confidentiality agreements with each party that has or may have had access to our know-how and trade secrets. Moreover, our contractual arrangements may be breached or otherwise not effectively prevent disclosure of, or control access to, our intellectual property and confidential information or provide an adequate remedy in the event of an unauthorized disclosure. If we are unable to obtain, maintain, protect or enforce our intellectual property right, we could suffer a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Litigation may be necessary to enforce our trademark and protect ourselves against claims by third parties that our products or services infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate their intellectual property rights or proprietary rights. Any litigation or claims brought by us could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and may not be successful, even when our rights have been infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated. Our efforts to enforce our intellectual property right may be met with defenses, counterclaims and countersuits attacking the validity and enforceability of our intellectual property right, and if such defenses, counterclaims or countersuits are successful, we could lose valuable intellectual property right. Additionally, the mechanisms for enforcement of intellectual property right in foreign jurisdictions may be inadequate.
We may be subject to claims that our employees have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their former employers.
Although we try to ensure that our employees do not use the intellectual property and proprietary rights, including proprietary information or know-how, of others in their work for us, we may be subject to claims that we or these employees have used or disclosed intellectual property or proprietary rights, including trade secrets or other proprietary information, of any such employee’s former employer. We are not aware of any threatened or pending claims related to these matters or concerning agreements with our employees, but in the future litigation may be necessary to defend against such claims. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property or proprietary rights or personnel. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.
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Intellectual property disputes could cause us to spend substantial resources and distract our personnel from their normal responsibilities.
Even if resolved in our favor, litigation or other legal proceedings relating to intellectual property claims may cause us to incur significant expenses, and could distract our personnel from their normal responsibilities. In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments, and if securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a substantial adverse effect on the value of our common stock. Such litigation or proceedings could substantially increase our operating losses and reduce the resources available for development activities or any future sales, marketing or distribution activities. We may not have sufficient financial or other resources to adequately conduct such litigation or proceedings. Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of such litigation or proceedings more effectively than we can because of their greater financial resources. Uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of patent and other intellectual property litigation or other proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete in the marketplace.
If our owned trademark is not adequately protected, then we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of interest and our business may be adversely affected.
We regard our owned trademark “eFinity,” as having significant value and as an important factor in the success of our business. Our trademark may be challenged, infringed, circumvented, declared generic or determined to be infringing on or dilutive of other marks. Additionally, at times, competitors may adopt trademarks, trade names or service marks similar to the one we own, thereby impeding our ability to build brand identity and possibly leading to market confusion. In addition, there could be potential trademark, trade name or service mark infringement claims brought against us. Over the long term, if we are unable to establish name recognition based on our trademark, we may not be able to compete effectively and our business may be adversely affected. Our efforts to enforce or protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights related to our trademark may be ineffective and could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Risks Related to Government and Regulation
Certain state and other regulations pertaining to the use of certain ingredients in growing media could adversely impact us by restricting our ability to sell such products.
One of our product lines is growing media products. This product line includes certain products, such as organic soils that contain ingredients that require the companies that provide us with these products to register the product with certain regulators. The use and disposal of these products in some jurisdictions are subject to regulation by various agencies. A decision by a regulatory agency to significantly restrict the use of such products that have traditionally been used in the cultivation of our products could have an adverse impact on those companies providing us with such regulated products, and as a result, limit our ability to sell these products.
Compliance with, or violation of, environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including laws pertaining to the use of pesticides, which are commonly used in grow media products, could result in significant costs that adversely impact our reputation, businesses, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
International, federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations relating to environmental, health and safety matters affect us in several ways in light of the ingredients that are used in products included in our growing media product line. In the United States, products containing pesticides generally must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”), and similar state agencies before they can be sold or applied. Pesticides are commonly used in grow media products. The failure by one of our partners to obtain or the cancellation of any such registration, or the withdrawal from the marketplace of such pesticides, could have an adverse effect on our businesses, the severity of which would depend on the products involved, whether other products could be substituted and whether our competitors were similarly affected. The pesticides we use are either granted a license by the EPA or exempt from such a license and may be evaluated by the EPA as part of its ongoing exposure risk assessment. The EPA may decide that a pesticide we distribute will be limited or will not be re-registered for use in the United States. We cannot predict the outcome or the severity of the effect on our business of any future evaluations, if any, conducted by the EPA.
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In addition, the use of certain pesticide products is regulated by various international, federal, state, provincial and local environmental and public health agencies. Although we strive to comply with such laws and regulations and have processes in place designed to achieve compliance, we may be unable to prevent violations of these or other laws and regulations from occurring. Even if we are able to comply with all such laws and regulations and obtain all necessary registrations and licenses, the pesticides or other products we apply or use, or the manner in which we apply or use them, could be alleged to cause injury to the environment, to people or to animals, or such products could be banned in certain circumstances. The costs of compliance, noncompliance, investigation, remediation, combating reputational harm or defending civil or criminal proceedings, products liability, personal injury or other lawsuits could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, businesses, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Failure to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences.
As a Delaware corporation, we are subject to the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which generally prohibits United States companies from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Some foreign companies, including some that may compete with us, may not be subject to these prohibitions. Corruption, extortion, bribery, pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices may occur from time-to-time in countries in which we conduct our business. However, our employees or other agents may engage in conduct for which we might be held responsible. If our employees or other agents are found to have engaged in such practices, we could suffer severe penalties and other consequences that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
General Risk Factors
We may acquire other greenhouses or other indoor farming manufacturing operations, which may divert our management’s attention and result in additional dilution to our stockholders. We may be unable to integrate acquired businesses and technologies successfully or achieve the expected benefits of such acquisitions.
We may evaluate and consider potential strategic transactions, including acquisitions of greenhouses or other indoor farming manufacturing operations, and other assets in the future.
Any acquisition or business relationship may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. In particular, we may encounter difficulties assimilating or integrating the business strategy, sales plans, technologies, products, distribution channels, personnel, or operations of the acquired companies, particularly if the key personnel of the acquired company choose not to work for us, their facilities are not easily adapted to work with our technology, or we have difficulty retaining the customers of any acquired business due to changes in ownership, management, customers’ experience with the acquired company prior to acquisition, or otherwise. Acquisitions may also disrupt our business, divert our resources, and require significant management attention that would otherwise be available for development of our existing business. Moreover, the anticipated benefits of any acquisition or business relationship may not be realized or we may be exposed to unknown risks or liabilities.
Negotiating these transactions can be time-consuming, difficult, and expensive, and our ability to complete these transactions may often be subject to approvals that are beyond our control. Consequently, these transactions, even if announced, may not be completed. For one or more of these transactions, we may:
● | use cash that we may need in the future to operate our business; |
● | encounter difficulties retaining key employees of the acquired company or integrating diverse facility operations or business cultures; |
● | incur large charges or substantial liabilities; |
● | incur additional debt on terms unfavorable to us or that we are unable to repay; |
● | divert our resources to understand and comply with new jurisdictions if such acquired company is in a new country; and/or; and |
● | become subject to adverse tax consequences, substantial depreciation, or deferred compensation charges. |
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Our success depends on employing a skilled local labor force, and failure to attract and retain qualified employees could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our operations require significant labor, and even if we are able to identify, hire and train our labor force, there is no guarantee that we will be able to retain these employees. Any shortage of labor or lack of regular availability could restrict our ability to operate our facilities profitably, or at all.
In addition, our success and future growth depend largely upon the continued services of our executive officers as well as other key team members. These executives and key team members have been primarily responsible for determining the strategic direction of the business and executing our growth strategy and are integral to our brand, culture and reputation with suppliers and customers in the industry. From time to time, there may be changes in our executive management team or other key team members resulting from the hiring or departure of these personnel. The loss of one or more of executive officers or key team members, or the failure by the executive team and key team members to effectively work together and lead the company, could harm our business. Our earlier growth stage may result in less management depth with less established succession planning than may be found in later-stage companies.
Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
From time to time in the normal course of our business operations, we may become subject to litigation that may result in liability material to our financial statements as a whole or may negatively affect our operating results if changes to our business operation are required. The cost to defend such litigation may be significant and may require a diversion of our resources. There also may be adverse publicity associated with litigation that could negatively affect customer perception of our business, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately found liable. As a result, litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Damage to our reputation or our brand could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We must grow the value of our brand to be successful. We intend to develop a reputation based on the high quality of our products, services and trained personnel, as well as on our particular culture and the experience of our customers with our recommended CEA products solutions. If we do not make investments in areas such as marketing and advertising, as well as personnel training, the value of our brand may not increase or may be diminished. Any incident, real or perceived, regardless of merit or outcome, that adversely affects our brand, such as, but not limited to, accidents from use of our products, or allegations or perceptions of non-compliance or failure to comply with ethical and operational standards, could significantly reduce the value of our brand, expose us to negative publicity, and damage our overall business and reputation.
Members of our Board will have other business interests and obligations to other entities.
None of our independent directors will be required to manage our business as their sole and exclusive function and they may have other business interests and may engage in other activities in addition to those relating to us, provided that such activities do not compete with the business of our Company or otherwise breach their agreements with us. We are dependent on our directors and executive officers to successfully operate our Company, and their other business interests and activities could divert time and attention from operating our business.
Our actual operating results may differ significantly from our guidance.
From time to time, we provide forward looking estimates regarding its future performance that represent our management’s estimates as of a point in time. These forward-looking statements are based on projections prepared by our management. These projections are not prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and neither our independent registered public accountants nor any other independent expert or outside party compiles or examines the projections and, accordingly, no such person expresses any opinion or any other form of assurance on our projections.
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Projections are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while presented with numerical specificity, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control and are based upon specific assumptions with respect to future business decisions and conditions, some of which will change. The principal reason that we provide forward-looking information is to provide a basis for our management to discuss its business outlook with stockholders. Forward-looking statements are necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that some or all of the assumptions of our forward-looking statements will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. Accordingly, our forward-looking statements are only an estimate of what management believes is realizable as of the date of release. Actual results will vary from our forward-looking statements and the variations may be material. In light of the foregoing, investors are urged not to rely upon, or otherwise consider, our guidance in making investment decisions.
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies, it could make our securities less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare our performance to the performance of other public companies.
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act. As such, we are eligible for and intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, including (i) the exemption from the auditor attestation requirements with respect to internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (ii) the exemptions from say-on-pay, say-on-frequency and say-on-golden parachute voting requirements and (iii) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which the market value of the shares of our common stock that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of December 31 of that fiscal year, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of $1.235 billion or more during such fiscal year (as indexed for inflation), (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in the prior three-year period or (iv) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of common stock in Lakeshore’s initial public offering of units, consummated on March 11, 2022. In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the exemption from complying with new or revised accounting standards provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act as long as it is an emerging growth company. An emerging growth company can therefore delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period and, therefore, we may not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. Investors may find our securities less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions, which may result in a less active trading market for our securities.
Risks Related to and Ownership of our Common Stock
The Warrants may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and make it more difficult to effect a business combination.
We have issued Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase shares of common stock. To the extent we issue shares of common stock to effect a future business combination, the potential for the issuance of a substantial number of additional shares upon exercise of the Warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants could make us a less attractive acquisition vehicle in the eyes of a target business. Such warrants, when exercised, will increase the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock and reduce the value of the shares issued to complete the business combination. Accordingly, the Pre-Funded Warrants and Warrants may make it more difficult to effectuate a business combination or increase the cost of acquiring a target business. Additionally, the sale, or even the possibility of a sale, of the shares of common stock underlying the Pre-Funded Warrants and Warrants could have an adverse effect on the market price for our securities or on our ability to obtain future financing. If and to the extent the Pre-Funded Warrants and Warrants are exercised, you may experience dilution to your holdings.
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The Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants are speculative in nature.
Except as otherwise set forth in the Pre-Funded Warrants and Warrants, the Pre-Funded Warrants and Warrants do not confer any rights of common stock ownership on their holders, such as voting rights, but rather merely represent the right to acquire shares of our common stock at a fixed price for a limited period of time. Specifically, commencing upon Warrant Stockholder Approval, holders of the Series A Warrants may exercise their right to acquire the common stock and pay an exercise price of $0.1118 per share, subject to adjustment, from time to time, until the 5 year anniversary from the date of the Warrant Stockholder Approval, after which date any unexercised Series A Warrants will expire and have no further value, and holders of the Pre-Funded Warrants may exercise their right to acquire the common stock and pay an exercise price of $0.0001 per share, subject to adjustment, from time to time, until all of the Pre-Funded Warrants have been exercised; and commencing upon Warrant Stockholder Approval, holders of Series B Warrants may exercise their right to acquire the common stock and pay an exercise price of $0.0001 per share, subject to adjustment, from time to time, until the 2 year anniversary from the date of Warrant Stockholder Approval, after which date any unexercised Series B Warrants will expire and have no further value.
The Warrants may not be exercised until we receive the Warrant Stockholder Approval.
Under Nasdaq listing rules, the Warrants may not be exercised unless and until we obtain the Warrant Stockholder Approval. While we intend to promptly seek stockholder approval, there is no guarantee that the Warrant Stockholder Approval will ever be obtained. If we are unable to obtain the Warrant Stockholder Approval, the Warrants will have substantially less value. In addition, we will incur substantial cost, and management will devote substantial time and attention, in attempting to obtain the Warrant Stockholder Approval.
Since the Pre-Funded Warrants and Warrants are executory contracts, they may have no value in a bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding.
In the event a bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding is commenced by or against us, a bankruptcy court may hold that any unexercised Warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants are executory contracts that are subject to rejection by us with the approval of the bankruptcy court. As a result, holders of the Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants may, even if we have sufficient funds, not be entitled to receive any consideration for their Warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants or may receive an amount less than they would be entitled to if they had exercised their Warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants prior to the commencement of any such bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding.
Stockholders may experience future dilution as a result of this and future equity offerings.
In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock. Investors purchasing our shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing common stockholders, and the price per share at which we sell additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock in future transactions may be higher or lower than the current price per share.
Our stock price may fluctuate significantly.
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate widely, depending on many factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including:
● | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our results of operations due to factors related to our business; |
● | success or failure of our business strategies; |
● | competition and industry capacity; |
● | changes in interest rates and other factors that affect earnings and cash flow; |
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● | our level of indebtedness, our ability to make payments on or service our indebtedness and our ability to obtain financing as needed; |
● | our ability to retain and recruit qualified personnel; |
● | our quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other companies in our industry; |
● | announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions or dispositions; |
● | changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles; |
● | the failure of securities analysts to cover, or positively cover, our common stock; |
● | changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts or our ability to meet those estimates; |
● | the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies; |
● | investor perception of the Company and our industry; |
● | overall market fluctuations unrelated to our operating performance; |
● | results from any material litigation or government investigation; |
● | changes in laws and regulations (including tax laws and regulations) affecting our business; |
● | changes in capital gains taxes and taxes on dividends affecting stockholders; and |
● | general economic conditions and other external factors. |
Low trading volume for our common stock, which may occur if an active trading market does not develop, among other reasons, would amplify the effect of the above factors on stock price volatility.
Should the market price of our shares drop significantly, stockholders may institute securities class action lawsuits against us. A lawsuit against us could cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert the time and attention of our management and other resources.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. Several analysts may cover our stock. If one or more of those analysts downgrade our stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our Company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.
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Our Stock is Trading on the OTC- Pink Market
On January 13, 2025, we received notice from Nasdaq indicating that the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) has determined to delist the Company’s securities from Nasdaq based upon the Company’s non-compliance with Listing Rule 5550(b)(1), Nasdaq’s minimum shareholders’ equity rule. As a result of the Panel’s decision, as of January 15, 2025, our common stock and our warrants are trading on the OTC under its existing symbol, “NMHI” and “NMHIW” respectively.
Since our common stock is trading on the OTC, it could negatively affect us by: (i) reducing the liquidity and market price of our common stock; (ii) reducing the number of investors willing to hold or acquire our common stock, which could negatively impact our ability to raise equity financing; (iii) limiting our ability to use certain registration statements to offer and sell freely tradable securities, thereby limiting our ability to access the public capital markets; and (iv) impairing our ability to provide equity incentives to our employees.
If there is no viable public market for our common stock, you may be unable to sell your shares at or above your purchase price.
Although our common stock is listed on OTC, an active trading market for our shares may not be. You may be unable to sell your shares quickly or at the market price if trading in shares of our common stock is not active. Further, an inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling shares of our common stock and may impair our ability to enter into strategic partnerships or acquire companies or products by using our shares of common stock as consideration.
We may be subject to securities litigation, which is expensive and could divert our management’s attention.
The market price of our securities may be volatile, and in the past companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their securities have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns.
You should consult your own independent tax advisor regarding any tax matters arising with respect to the securities offered in connection with this offering.
Participation in this offering could result in various tax-related consequences for investors. All prospective purchasers of the resold securities are advised to consult their own independent tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the resold securities in their particular situations.
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE RISKS, BUSINESSES ARE OFTEN SUBJECT TO RISKS NOT FORESEEN OR FULLY APPRECIATED BY MANAGEMENT. IN REVIEWING THIS FILING, POTENTIAL INVESTORS SHOULD KEEP IN MIND THAT OTHER POSSIBLE RISKS MAY ADVERSELY IMPACT THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND THE VALUE OF THE COMPANY’S SECURITIES.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
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Item 1C. Cybersecurity.
We acknowledge the increasing importance of cybersecurity
in today’s digital and interconnected world. Cybersecurity threats pose significant risks to the
As a smaller reporting company, we currently do not have formalized cybersecurity measures, a dedicated cybersecurity team or specific protocols in place to manage cybersecurity risks. Our approach to cybersecurity is in the developmental stage, and we have not yet conducted comprehensive risk assessments, established an incident response plan or engaged with external cybersecurity consultants for assessments or services.
Risk Management and Strategy
We are in the process of evaluating our cybersecurity needs and developing appropriate measures to enhance our cybersecurity posture. This includes considering the engagement of external cybersecurity experts to advise on best practices, conducting vulnerability assessments and developing an incident response strategy. Our goal is to establish a cybersecurity framework that is commensurate with our size, complexity and the nature of our operations, thereby reducing our exposure to cybersecurity risks.
In addition, the Board will oversee any cybersecurity
risk management framework and
Despite our efforts to improve our cybersecurity measures, there can be no assurance that our initiatives will fully mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats. The landscape of cybersecurity risks is constantly evolving, and we will continue to assess and update our cybersecurity measures in response to emerging threats.
Item 2. Properties.
We have over 36,599 square feet of warehouses under leases in strategic locations, including two warehouses in the U.S. Our headquarters is located in California.
We believe that our existing facilities are adequate for our needs at this time, although we do plan to open new distribution centers in the future to meet anticipated demand resulting from overall market growth.
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Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings, which arise, in the ordinary course of business. Except as set forth below or in in note 17 to the financial statements included in this annual report, we are currently not party to any material legal proceedings.
In 2022, Megaphoton filed lawsuit in L.A. Superior Court for unpaid invoices. In March 2024, the case was dismissed by plaintiff since it was not qualified to do business in California. Plaintiff refiled in federal court; Company/defendants argue forged signature, fraud and damage with bad product qualities.
In 2023, the Company’s subsidiary Visiontech, filed in Orange County Superior Court against Xenom Vermillion. Defendants are based in Canada, served there. Visiontech is seeking monetary damages to recover price that the defendants agreed to pay. Goods sold to Xenom and Vermillion was at least $455,758.
On March 1, 2024 Vien Le, the former CFO of the Company, filed in San Bernardino Superior Court, a wrongful termination case. Vien Le was employed for approximately 4 weeks in 2024. The Company is vigorously defending amount in dispute is $30,000.
On August 29, 2024, Beverly Hills View, Inc.(“BHV”) brought a lawsuit against our subsidiary Visiontech, in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that the lighting products BHV received were not suitable for its cannabis growing operation and claiming damages of $2,500,000. Visiontech cross-complained on November 4, 2024 against BHV. The cross complaint filed is grouped into sections: “Breach of Contract”, “Common Count: Goods Rendered” and “Prayer for Relief”. Breach of Contract section has 14 points, Goods Rendered has 5 points on delivery of lighting equipment, and the third section demands $720,000 in damages and costs of suit, other.
On October 22, 2024, Growterra, LLC (“Growterra”) filed a complaint against the Company and the Company’s chief executive officer in the Court of Common Pleas, Hamilton County, Ohio, alleging that it purchased lighting products from the Company, under which the Company would provide Growterra software, IP, and design documentation related to hydroponic containers and identify Growterra as an additional insured on the Company’s product liability insurance. Growterra alleges the Company failed to perform these obligations. Growterra is alleging breach of contract, fraud, and misappropriation of trade secrets as well as related causes of action. Growterra does not state an amount of damages but is also seeking rescission. The Company has not yet answered.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information
The Company’s common stock commenced trading on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NMHI” on March 11, 2024, and the Company’s warrants commenced trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “NMHIW” on March 11, 2024.
On January 15, 2025, our shares of common stock and warrants began trading on OTC under the symbol “NMHI” and “NMHIW” respectively.
Holders
There are 445 holders of the Company’s common stock as of April 10, 2025.
Dividend Policy
The Company has not paid any cash dividends on shares of its common stock to date. The payment of any cash dividends in the future will be within the discretion of the Board. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be contingent upon the Company’s revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements, and general financial condition. It is the present intention of Board to retain all earnings, if any, for use in business operations, and accordingly, the Board does not anticipate declaring any dividends in the foreseeable future.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities
October 2024 Private Placement
On October 14, 2024, the Company issued and sold to an investor a promissory note in the principal amount of $101,200 (reflecting a purchase price of $88,000 and an original issue discount of $13,200) (the “October 2024 Private Placement”). The note bears a one-time interest charge of 14% of the principal amount. Accrued, unpaid interest and outstanding principal will be due in ten payments, each in the amount of $11,536.80. The first payment will be due November 15, 2024, with nine subsequent payments due on the 15th of each month thereafter. Only upon occurrence of an event of default under the note, the note will be convertible into common stock at a conversion price equal to 75% multiplied by the lowest trading price for the common stock during the ten trading days prior to the conversion date.
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September 2024 Debt Forgiveness
On September 24, 2024, the Company entered into a trade payable forgiveness agreement with Visiontech (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company), Uninet Global Inc. (“Uninet”), and Nature’s Miracle, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“NMHI (DE)”), relating to the cancellation of a portion of outstanding trade payables owed by Visiontech to Uninet.
Visiontech owed Uninet a trade payable in the amount of $2,713,073 as of June 30, 2024. Pursuant to the trade payable forgiveness agreement, Uninet agreed to cancel the outstanding trade payable of $2,135,573, leaving a remaining balance of $577,500 still payable by Visiontech to Uninet (the “September 2024 Debt Forgiveness”).
Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang, the President, Director, and beneficial owner of approximately 7.7% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, is also the sole owner of Uninet.
September 2024 Private Placement
On September 18, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with a certain investor pursuant to which the Company sold to the investor a convertible promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $107,880 with an original issue discount of $14,880 (the “September 2024 Private Placement”). The offering closed on September 20, 2024.
The note bears a one-time interest charge of 13%. Accrued, unpaid interest and outstanding principal, subject to adjustment, is required to be paid in five payments, with the first payment of $60,952 due on March 15, 2025, and the remaining four payments of $15,238 due on the fifteenth day of each month thereafter (a total payback to the investor of $121,904).
Only upon an event of default under the note, the holder may convert the outstanding unpaid principal amount of the note into shares of common stock of the Company at a discount of 25% of the market price.
August 2024 Private Placement
On August 13, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with a certain investor pursuant to which the investor purchased from the Company a convertible promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $181,700 with an original issue discount of $23,700 (the “August 2024 Private Placement”). The offering closed on August 14, 2024.
The note bears a one-time interest charge of 12%. Accrued, unpaid interest and outstanding principal, subject to adjustment, is required to be paid in ten payments, with the first payment of $20,350.40 due and paid on September 15, 2024, and the remaining nine payments of $20,350.40 due on the fifteenth day of each month thereafter (a total payback to the Purchaser of $203,504.00).
Only upon an occurrence of an event of default under the note, the holder may convert the outstanding unpaid principal amount of the note into shares of common stock of the Company at a discount of 25% of the market price.
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Second July 2024 Private Placement and Termination
On July 17, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with a certain investor pursuant to which the Company sold, in a private placement, a $180,000 convertible note with an original issue discount of $27,500, and a warrant to purchase up to 217,500 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.87 per share. As consideration for entering into the purchase agreement, the Company issued 180,000 shares of common stock to the investor on July 19, 2024.
On July 30, 2024, the note was terminated as a result of the Company’s full payment of the note’s principal amount and accrued interest and other fees in the total amount of $212,400. As a result, all obligations under the note have been satisfied, and the note is no longer outstanding (the “Second July 2024 Private Placement and Termination”).
First July 2024 Private Placement
On July 3, 2024, we entered into four convertible note investment agreements (collectively, the “Investment Agreements”) with certain investors named thereto in a private placement (the “First July 2024 Private Placement”) of the Company’s unsecured convertible notes (“2024 Notes”) for aggregate gross proceeds of $410,000. The 2024 Notes have an interest of 12% per annum, and a maturity date that is six months from the date of issuance. The investors may also choose to convert the accumulated principal amount and interest outstanding on the maturity date to shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.442, subject to adjustments. Pursuant to the Investment Agreements, we are obligated to file a registration statement to register the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the 2024 Notes. Tie (James) Li and Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang agreed to provide unlimited joint and several liability guarantees for the repayment of the 2024 Notes.
Agrify
Agrify Merger Agreement
On May 16, 2024, we entered into the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agrify Merger Agreement”) with NMHI Merger Sub, Inc., one of our wholly owned subsidiaries (“NMHI Merger Sub”), and Agrify Corporation (“Agrify”). The Company, NMHI Merger Sub and Agrify are collectively referred to as the “Parties.” The terms of the Agrify Merger Agreement provides that, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Agrify Merger Agreement, NMHI Merger Sub will merge with and into Agrify (the “Agrify Merger”), with Agrify surviving the Agrify Merger.
On May 19, 2024, the Parties entered into a mutual termination and release agreement (the “Termination Agreement”). Pursuant to the Termination Agreement, the Parties agreed to mutually terminate the Agrify Merger Agreement, subject to the representations, warranties, conditions and covenants set forth in the Termination Agreement. The Termination Agreement contains mutual releases by all Parties thereto, for all claims foreseen or unforeseen, relating to and arising out of, or relating to the Agrify Merger Agreement.
Debt Purchase Agreement
On May 16, 2024, we entered into the Debt Purchase Agreement (the “Debt Purchase Agreement”) with CP Acquisitions, LLC (“CP”) and GIC Acquisition LLC (“GIC”). GIC is owned by Raymond N. Chang, the current Chief Executive Officer of Agrify, and CP is owned by Mr. Chang and by I-Tseng Jenny Chan, a current director of Agrify. The Company, CP, GIC, Mr. Chang and Ms. Chan are collectively referred to as the “Debt Purchase Agreement Parties.”
On May 19, 2024, due to the termination of the Agrify Merger Agreement, the Debt Purchase Agreement Parties entered into a mutual termination and release agreement (the “Debt Purchase Termination Agreement”). Pursuant to the Debt Purchase Termination Agreement, the Debt Purchase Agreement Parties agreed to mutually terminate the Debt Purchase Agreement, subject to the representations, warranties, conditions and covenants set forth in the Debt Purchase Termination Agreement. The Debt Purchase Termination Agreement contains mutual releases by all Debt Purchase Agreement Parties thereto, for all claims foreseen or unforeseen, relating to and arising out of, or relating to the Debt Purchase Agreement.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
None.
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2024 Equity Incentive Plan
On September 1, 2022, the Board of Directors of Lakeshore adopted and approved the Nature’s Miracle, Inc. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2024 Plan”). On February 15, 2024, the shareholders of Lakeshore approved the adoption of the 2024 Plan. The 2024 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock option, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock or equity-related cash-based awards. Directors, officers and other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as others performing consulting or advisory services for the Company, will be eligible for grants under the 2024 Plan. As of April 11, 2024, a total of 2,630,677 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2024 Plan.
EQUITY PLAN INFORMATION
Plan Category: | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights: | Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights: | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance: | |||||||||
2024 Equity Incentive Plan: | ||||||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | - | $ | - | 2,630,677 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | - | - | |||||||||
Total | - | $ | - | 2,630,677 |
Item 6. [Reserved]
None.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere herein. The Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. When used, the words “believe,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “target,” “estimate,” “expect,” and the like, and/or future-tense or conditional constructions (“will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” etc.), or similar expressions, identify certain of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this form. Our actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of several factors.
Historical results may not indicate future performance. Our forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events, are based on assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, including any changes that might result from any facts, events, or circumstances after the date hereof that may bear upon forward-looking statements. Furthermore, we cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this section to “we,” “us,” “our,” and other similar terms refer to Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and VIE.
Reverse recapitalization
Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc., which until March 11, 2024 was known as LBBB Merger Corp. (the “Company”, “we” or “us”) is a company incorporated on August 1, 2022 under Delaware law as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Lakeshore”).
Lakeshore entered into the Merger Agreement with Nature’s Miracle Inc. (“Nature’s Miracle”) and shareholders of Nature’s Miracle and Lakeshore on September 9, 2022, and as amended on June 7, 2023. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the merger will be completed through a two-step process consisting of the reincorporation and the merger. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the merger, each share of Nature’s Miracle common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time was cancelled and automatically converted into the right to receive the applicable pro rata portion of shares of our common stock, the aggregate value of which was equal to: (a) $230,000,000 minus (b) the estimated Closing Net Indebtedness (as defined in the Merger Agreement) (the “Merger Consideration”).
On March 11, 2024, Lakeshore merged with and into the Company for the sole purpose of reincorporating Lakeshore into the State of Delaware (“Reincorporation”). Immediately after the Reincorporation, we consummated the merger resulting in the stockholders of Nature’s Miracle becoming 84.7% stockholders of our Company and our Company becoming the 100% stockholder of Nature’s Miracle. Immediately after giving effect to the merger, there were 26,306,764 issued and outstanding shares of our common stock. The consolidation of our Company and our subsidiaries have been accounted for as Lakeshore is the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes at historical cost and prepared on the basis as if the aforementioned transactions had become effective as of the beginning of the first period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. All share and per share data has been retroactively restated to reflect our current capital structure.
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Reverse Split
On November 18, 2024, the Company filed a certificate of amendment to its amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect a one-for-thirty (1-for-30) reverse split (the “Reverse Split”). The Reverse Split became effective on November 21, 2024. As a result of the Reverse Split, every 30 shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock were automatically converted into one share of common stock, with no change to the par value per share. All share and per share data has been retroactively restated to reflect the current capital structure and the Reverse Split of the Company.
Overview
We are a growing agriculture technology company providing products to indoor growers in a CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture) setting in North America. Our main products are commercial grade LED lights and related equipment designed for indoor growers. For over 10 years, the Company has utilized manufacturing relationships in China to provide quality and cost-efficient products in this space. In the 4th quarter 2024, we renamed a subsidiary to Hydroman Electric Inc. for the purpose of entering electric vehicle (“EV”) market as we aim to distribute EV medium sized trucks to customers in Latin America and also develop indoor growing systems within these EV trucks. In 2024, the Company also started investments in Future Tech Inc., a Bitcoin mining and data center business.
We focus on the greenhouse and cultivation industry and aim at providing integrated greenhouse solutions, including grow lights, dehumidifiers, coco and grow media for vertical farming and multiple growing system. These systems enable year-round cultivation of crops, avoids harsh environments with very cold or hot climate. Many states focused on farming are limited to grow crops are certain months such as Spring to Fall only, and or are too far from production states too have fresh produce year-round. There are cost advantages also as vertical farming systems produces a much higher yield per acre of land. In most cases, water consumption is much lower, up to 90%. Many indoor growers can locate closer to large population centers which can significantly reduce cost of trucking, and lead time whilst reducing carbon emissions as well.
In February 2024 the Company started shipping a new product line of grow containers. These systems are indoor vertical farming units inside a traditional shipping container but equipped with temperature controls, multiple layers of growing space, L.E.D. lights, water controls and other systems. The Company has branded these “Growtainers” and “5 plus 1” representing five grow containers plus one container used as a control unit.
We operate mainly through two subsidiaries in California, Visiontech and Hydroman. Visiontech is known for the brand “eFinity” and provides high-efficiency and high-quality grow lights, grow media, fixtures and other related equipment; Hydroman supplies commercial greenhouse developers and owners with professional lighting technology and equipment. On November 11, 2024, Hydroman, Inc. changed its name to Hydroman Electric Corporation and will focus on business of electric vehicles distribution.
In its first expansion plan, the Company has added additional products to our offering. These include organic and non-organic fertilizers, organic plant growth additives, and dehumidifiers. We have diverse suppliers including from countries such as India, Holland and Turkey. Additional equipment is being considered as well. These are value add components that will help growers increase yield, but more importantly reduce failures and dramatically improve growing environments such. The new products are a natural complement to its our base of LED grow lights.
The Company also seeks to enter the joint ventures in other industry verticals to utilize excess space available for vertical farming.
Trends and Expectations
The following factors have been important to our business, and we expect them to impact our results of operations and financial condition in future periods:
Product and Brand Development
We plan to increase investments in product and brand development. We actively evaluate and pursue acquisitions of product brand names and improvements on existing products. We continue to work with our suppliers in improving lighting products to be both of the highest quality and simultaneously cost effective for the customer. The Company invests in trips abroad to source and partner with manufacturing companies. We expect to develop additional manufacturing relationships and suppliers in Europe in the near future.
The Company is also developing proprietary “all in one” automated and robotic indoor growing systems that are under design and testing phases.
The Company utilizes its vast network in the industry and recent publicity in listing on Nasdaq in acquiring leads for potential partnerships in sourcing, research and development of new product and business acquisitions.
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Regulatory Environment
The importation of LED lighting and distribution of such equipment in the United States and Canada does not require strict government disclosures and technical inspections. The Company obtains local business permits to store in our main warehouses, obtain licenses to resell, and follows guidelines on packaging. Certain utility companies in the U.S. have programs that award rebates to heavy usage customers, some of which are in the indoor farming business. These customers are required to install LED lights with a minimum 50,000 hours life. There is also a performance requirement set by DesignLights Consortium, a non-profit energy improvement agency.
Sourcing
The Company has long-term relationships with suppliers in Asia. Our top three suppliers of LED equipment are American Agricultural Innovation Technology Inc., Solislike-Tech Co., Ltd., Dongguan ZSC Lighting Co., Ltd. Each supplier provides us net 30 to net 90-day terms. The Company has also been approached by established lighting companies based in Japan and Germany. On grow feed, fertilizers and nutrients, our potential suppliers are based in Europe and some in Asia. Our grow container product was jointly developed and manufactured by a company based in Shenzhen, China.
On April 24, 2023, we entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Sinoinnovo Technology (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. (“Sinoinnovo”), a company incorporated under the laws of China, pursuant to which Nature’s Mircle will source from Sinoinnovo its grow light systems for distribution in the U.S. and Europe. Both companies will also cooperate jointly to set up advanced manufacturing capabilities in China and the U.S.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
The following table presents certain combined statement of operations information and presentation of that data as a percentage of change from year to year.
Year Ended December 31, 2024 | Year Ended December 31, 2023 | Variance | ||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 9,261,583 | 8,932,751 | 3.7 | % | |||||||
Cost of revenue | $ | 12,066,778 | 9,881,622 | 22.1 | % | |||||||
Gross loss | $ | (2,805,195 | ) | (948,871 | ) | 195.6 | % | |||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 7,134,120 | 3,158,995 | 125.8 | % | |||||||
Provision for credit losses | $ | 408,569 | 907,021 | (55.0 | )% | |||||||
Goodwill impairment loss | - | 1,023,533 | (100.0 | )% | ||||||||
Loss from operations | $ | (10,347,884 | ) | (6,038,420 | ) | 71.4 | % | |||||
Total other expenses, net | $ | (3,300,356 | ) | (1,081,393 | ) | 205.2 | % | |||||
Loss before income taxes | $ | (13,648,240 | ) | (7,119,813 | ) | 91.7 | % | |||||
Income tax expense | $ | 5,100 | 218,358 | (97.7 | )% | |||||||
Net loss | $ | (13,653,340 | ) | (7,338,171 | ) | 86.1 | % | |||||
Gross loss % of revenues | (30.3 | )% | (10.6 | )% | ||||||||
Net loss % of revenues | (147.4 | )% | (82.2 | )% |
Revenue
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 3.7% to $9,261,583 as compared to $8,932,751 for the year ended December 31, 2024. Revenue increased due to rising customer demand from existing customers and the availability of new product lines that are new to 2024.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had 128 and 142 customers, respectively. Average revenue per customer for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were approximately $78,000 and $63,000, respectively. Our revenue from top 5 customers for the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately $4.7 million compared to approximately $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing an increase of 16%. The higher average sale and increased revenue from top 5 customer are reflective of higher industry demand.
In addition, our staff have been in constant communication with customers on their lighting and indoor farming needs and monitor their plans to replenish old equipment and related components as well us in building new facilities. We also hired a new director of sales in January 2024 plus in March of 2024 hired a new sales representative in northern California and another hired on the east coast.
Also, our principal business is in CEA industry which rapidly expanding due to growing consumer demand for low-environmental-impact food, local food systems, and improved accessibility to high-quality produce with shorter supply chains. In addition, our access to capital market will allow us to expend significant resources to compete, increase our product supply and develop new products and new market. Starting in 2023, the Company has two customers supplying LED lighting to growers that apply to rebate programs with utility companies. Utility companies are incentivizing volume users of electricity to convert to LED lighting by providing rebates. The rebate process can take time to verify and document by Utility companies resulting in payments of 60 to 120 days. The Company believes the credit quality of rebate payers more than offset the risk of long collection turnover of receivables. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company has sold via these programs with total sales to two customers of approximately $1.3 million and nil, respectively.
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Costs of Revenue
Costs of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 22.1% to $12,066,778 as compared to $9,881,622 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Cost of revenue increased primarily due to the increase in revenue, which was in turn primarily driven by higher sales volume of our products due to higher customer demand. The increase was also driven by a rise in inventory impairment, which increased to $2,315,209 for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $1,269,469 in the prior year, primarily due to slow-moving and obsolete inventory.
Gross loss
Gross loss was $2,805,195 for the year ended December 31, 2024 and $948,871 for the years ended December 31, 2023, respectively. The gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2024 decrease to (30.3)% from (10.6)% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease occurred mainly due to the inventory impairment of $2,315,209 resulted from the slow-moving and obsolete inventory of Visiontech and Hydroman.
Excluding the impact of inventory impairment, the gross loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $489,986, with an adjusted gross margin of (5.3)%, compared to an adjusted gross profit and margin of $320,598 and 3.6%, respectively, for the prior year.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 48.2% to $7,542,689 as compared to $5,089,549 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was mainly due to following reasons:
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased 125.8% to $7,134,120 as compared to $3,158,995 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was mainly due to increased compensation expenses provided to executives and key employees and increased professional fees of $1,458,985, which was attributed to increased payroll and compensation expense of $494,906. The Company started its listing on Nasdaq in March 2024 and started paying director’s and officer’s insurance, higher legal costs related to listing and SEC filing activities, additional costs in public relations, increased CPA review fees and outsourced providers. The increase also attributed to the Company’s stock compensation expenses amounted to $1,413,458 for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared with nil for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Pursuant to various agreements and board resolutions, the Company has issued shares as compensation to employees and service providers. In connection with the merger, 3,667 shares were issued as stock compensation, including 333 shares to Charles Jourdan Hausman for his board appointment and 3,334 shares to Darin Carpenter under his employment agreement. Additionally, on March 24, 2024, the board approved stock incentives for key employees, granting 3,334 shares to George Yutuc, 1,667 shares to Kirk Collins, and 1,667 shares to Amber Wang, with a total fair value of approximately $178,000. On August 1, 2024, Darin Carpenter transitioned from Chief Operating Officer to a consultant role, and as part of this agreement, his previously granted 3,334 shares were fully vested, along with a one-month salary payment.
The Company also issued shares for services rendered by external providers. Under an investor relations consulting agreement with MZHCI LLC, 5,000 shares of restricted common stock were granted, with 2,500 shares vesting immediately and the remainder vesting on October 1, 2024, at a fair value of approximately $143,000. Additionally, pursuant to board resolutions, the Company approved share issuances for service-related agreements, including 13,334 shares to Alta Waterford LLC for digital advertising services (valued at $58,000) and 75,757 shares to PX SPAC Capital Inc. for business consulting and advisory services (valued at $200,000). These issuances were made under the 2024 Incentive Plan.
Provision for credit losses
Provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased 55.0% to $408,569 as compared to $907,021 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was mainly because we strengthened our credit risk management practices, including more rigorous customer credit evaluations and improved collection efforts, which resulted in fewer delinquent accounts and reduced the need for additional reserves.
Goodwill impairment loss
Goodwill impairment loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased 100.0% to $0 as compared to $1,023,533 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was mainly because we fully impaired goodwill acquired through Hydroman as it did not bring significant synergy to us to grow our grow light unit as expect in 2023.
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Other Expenses
Other expenses primarily consist of net interest expense and other finance expense related to our loans. Other expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $3,300,356 as compared to other expense of $1,081,393 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was mainly due to the interest expenses increased by $1,454,409 and non-cash finance expense increased by $1,000,000.
Interest expense for the years ended of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $2,301,600 and $847,191, respectively; increased as a result of multiple convertible notes and high interest loans in 2024. Our short-term loans and convertible notes borrowing increased from $608,312 for the year ended December 31, 2023 to $6,113,484 for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Pursuant to a Letter Agreement entered on November 15, 2023, a total of 3,334 shares of our common stock will be issued upon closing of the merger in connection with certain transactions relating to merger including: (i) 1,667 shares to Tie (James) Li and 1,667 shares to Zhiyi, Zhang (or 3,334 shares in the aggregate) in connection with their guarantees of the repayment of the Newtek Loan, which was loaned to a subsidiary of us with the principal amount of $3,700,000; The shares were valued at approximately $1.0 million and was expensed as non-cash finance expenses after consummation of the Merger.
Income Tax Benefit
Our income tax benefit was amounted to $5,100 and $218,358 for the years December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were (0.04)% and (3.07)%, respectively. The effective tax rate differs from the federal and state statutory tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to the valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets from our operating losses.
Net Loss
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $13,653,340 as compared to net loss of $7,338,171 for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing an increase of $6,315,169. The increase in net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year December 31, 2023 was primarily due to increased interest expenses, salaries and compensation expense and stock compensation expense after merger, higher level of legal and accounting costs related to the Nasdaq listing and SEC filings, higher public relations costs.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Sources of Liquidity
In assessing liquidity, we monitor and analyze cash on-hand and operating expenditure commitments. Our liquidity needs are to meet working capital requirements and operating expense obligations. To date, we financed our operations primarily through debt financing from financial institution and related parties. As of December 31, 2024, we had $420,131 in cash which primarily consists of bank deposits, which are unrestricted as to withdrawal and use. Our working capital deficit was approximately $14.6 million as of December 31, 2024.
On February 7, 2025, we entered into a standard merchant cash advance agreement with Wave advance Inc (the “Factor L”). The Company sold $183,750 of its accounts receivable balances on a recourse basis for credit approved accounts. The net purchase price of $107,500 was remitted to us, after the deduction of the total fees of $8,750. We agreed to pay a weekly installment of $13,125 for 14 weeks. The effective interest rate of this agreement was 113.58%. For the period ended February 28, 2025, we paid $41,559 principal of the loan.
On February 11, 2025, we entered into another standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor I. We sold 94,250 of its accounts receivable balances on a recourse basis for credit approved accounts. The net purchase price $61,070 was remitted to the company, after the deduction of the total fees $3,390. We agreed to pay a weekly installment of $6,732 for 14 weeks. The effective interest rate of this agreement was 25.37%. The Company use this loan to pay off $18,125 previous loan with Factor I that dated on February 10, 2025. For the period ended February 25, 2025, we paid $4,362 principal of the loan.
On February 11, 2025, we entered into another standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor K. We sold $147,000 of its accounts receivable balances on a recourse basis for credit approved accounts. The net purchase price $92,605 was remitted to the company, after the deduction of the total fees $7,395. We agreed to pay a weekly installment of $10,500 for 14 weeks. The effective interest rate of this agreement was 96.04%. The Company use this loan to pay off $37,760 previous loan with Factor K that dated on September 30, 2024. For the period ended February 25, 2025, we paid $18,389 principal of the loan.
On February 25, 2025, we entered into another standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor L. We sold $280,770 of its accounts receivable balance on a recourse basis for credit approved accounts. The net purchase price $177,630 was remitted to the company, after the deduction of the total $13,370. We agreed to pay a weekly installment of $17,550 for 16 weeks. The effective interest rate of this agreement was 95.63%. The Company use this loan to pay off $137,500 previous loan with Factor L that dated on February 7, 2025. For the year ended February 28, 2025, we paid $41,558.94 Principal of the loan.
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We have experienced recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operating activities since 2022. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024 we incurred substantial losses as shown in the financial statement section. Our actual revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2024 was approximately $8.9 million and $9.3 million, respectively. Such volume and relatively low gross profit margins are not enough to support high administrative costs relating to our going public and expenses as a public company. We have raised equity capital twice in 2024 but utilized most proceeds towards repayment of debt incurred in the going-public merger, higher corporate costs and paying interest and principal on short-term loans. Due to the negative cash flow, our financial position is under pressure, and may potentially continue to have, an ongoing need to raise additional cash from outside sources to fund our expansion plan and related operations. Successful transition to attaining profitable operations is dependent upon achieving a level of revenues adequate to support our cost structure. In connection with our assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, “Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” management has determined that these conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that these consolidated financial statements are issued. If we are unable to realize our assets within the normal operating cycle of a twelve (12) month period, we may have to consider supplementing our available sources of funds through the following sources:
● | financial support from our related parties and shareholders; |
● | other available sources of financing from banks and other financial institutions; |
● | equity financing through capital market |
We can make no assurances that required financings will be available for the amounts needed, or on terms commercially acceptable to us, if at all. If one or all of these events does not occur or subsequent capital raises are insufficient to bridge financial and liquidity shortfall, there would likely be a material adverse effect on us and would materially adversely affect our ability to continue as a going concern.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern and, accordingly, do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Cash Flows
The following tables set forth our selected consolidated cash flow data for the periods indicated:
For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
US$ | US$ | |||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (5,934,771 | ) | (1,680,128 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (40,000 | ) | (437,087 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 6,173,048 | 1,527,817 | ||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes | 94 | 787 | ||||||
Net change in cash | 198,371 | (588,611 | ) | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, at the beginning of year | 221,760 | 810,371 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, at the end of year | 420,131 | 221,760 |
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $5,934,771 for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was mainly due to our net loss of $13,653,340 with non cash expenses of $1,000,000, stock compensation expenses of $1,413,458, inventory impairment loss of $2,315,209, and other non cash item, including depreciation expense, provision for credit losses, amortization of operating right-of-use asset, amortization of debt issuance cost, and loss on loan extinguishment of $1,073,935. Our cash outflow is also increased from increase in accounts receivable of $1,672,144 due to increased revenue. Our cash outflow is offset by cash inflow of $2,609,342 due to increase from accounts payable as we increased our purchase from vendors and $952,291 decreased in inventory as we used more on hand inventory.
Net cash used in operating activities was $1,680,128 for the year ended December 31, 2023. We had net loss of $7,338,171, our cash outflow from operating cashflow decreased by $2,486,509 as we used more inventory on hand instead of making new purchases offset by decrease of accounts payable as we payoff more vendors using on hand cash.
Investing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash used in investing activities amount to $40,000 which was primarily for loan to Lakeshore of $40,000 prior to the Merger.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in investing activities amount to $437,087 which was primarily for loan to related parties of $570,000, offset by loan repayment from third parties of $132,913.
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Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $6,173,048 for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in net cash provided was primarily a result of net proceeds from short-term loan from third parties of $4,915,984, shares and warrants issued through public offerings of $3,308,953, and convertible notes borrowing of $1,197,500, offset by payments of deferred offering costs of 266,925, repayments on long term loans of $269,119, repayments on short-term loan from third parties of $2,850,239 and repayments on convertible notes of 272,920.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,527,817 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The main reason for the increase in net cash provided was primarily a result of net proceeds from long-term loan borrowing from third parties of $3,338,546, short-term loan borrowing from third parties of $608,312, and short-term loan borrowing from related parties of $773,255, offset by payments of deferred offering costs of $438,932, repayments on long term loans which are mainly our car and mortgage loan of $167,830, repayments on short-term loan from third parties of $1,858,591, and repayments on short term loans from related parties of $700,000. We also obtained $197 from Merger with Lakeshore.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as that term is defined in Item 303 of Regulation S-K) that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In some cases, changes in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from our estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition and results of operations will be affected. We base our estimates on experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We refer to accounting estimates of this type as critical accounting policies, which we discuss further below. While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements, we believe that the following accounting policies are critical to the process of making significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue recognition
We follow Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 Revenue Recognition and recognizes revenue from product sales revenues, net of promotional discounts and return allowances, when the following revenue recognition criteria are met: a contract has been identified, separate performance obligations are identified, the transaction price is determined, the transaction price is allocated to separate performance obligations and revenue is recognized upon satisfying each performance obligation.
We are a growing agriculture technology company providing CEA hardware products to growers in the controlled environment agriculture industry setting in North America. Majority of our products were grow lights and related products for the indoor growing settings. Starting from first quarter of 2024, we also provide indoor grow containers to our customers.
Our contracts with customers where the amounts charged per product is fixed and determinable, the specific terms of the contracts were agreed on by us including payment terms which are typically 30 to 60 days for existing customers and prepaid for most new customers. In certain contracts involving sales to customers that entered into rebate programs who can get rebates with utility companies with utility companies for using LED lighting, payment term ranges from 60 to 120 days.
Our performance obligation is to deliver the products to customers. For indoor grow container products, we also involved in customization of the products to suit customer’s specific needs. The provision of customization and configuration to meet certain technical specification per US market and delivery of product is considered one performance obligation as the services provided are not distinct within the context of the contract whereas the customers can only obtain benefit when the services and products are provided together. At times, we may charge customers shipping and handling for delivery of products, control of goods does not transfer to the customer before shipment, therefore shipping is not a promised service to us and is not considered a separate performance obligation. Any fee charged for shipping would be included in the transaction price for the good.
Transaction prices are mostly fixed. In some contracts, when determining the transaction price, we adjusts consideration for the effects of the time value of money if the timing of payments provides us with a significant benefit of financing. We does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is such that the period between payment by the customers and the transfer of the promised goods or services to the licensees will be one year or less. We had one contract with customer with installment payment terms of up to 16 months. The difference between the contract price and our cash selling price of the same products are recognized as interest income over the term of the payments. Interest income amounted to $0 and $78,385 for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. This contract was terminated on July 12, 2023. For customers that entered into rebate programs with utility companies, transaction price may depend on level of energy saving the products achieved. We estimated the amount of consideration using either the expected value of the most likely amount depending on which method we expects to better predict the amount of consideration to which it will receive with a constraint applied such that a significant reversal of revenue is not probable.
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We transfer the risk of loss or damage upon shipment, therefore, revenue from product sales is recognized at a point in time when control of product transfer to customer and we has no further obligation to provide services related to such product evidenced by customer signing acceptances upon receipt of goods. Return allowances, which reduce product revenue by our best estimate of expected product returns, are estimated using historical experience.
We evaluate the criteria of ASC 606 — Revenue Recognition Principal-Agent Considerations in determining whether it is appropriate to record the gross amount of product sales and related costs, or the net amount earned as commissions. We ship the products according to shipping terms on the purchase order or sales order. Once delivery is complete, we then send an invoice to the customer according to the quantity and price of shipment.
We evaluate the indicators of control in accordance with ASU 2016-08: 1) We are the most visible entity to customers and assumes fulfilment risk and risks related to the acceptability of products, including addressing customer inquiries directly and handling of product returns or refunds directly if any. For grow light products, we have our own brand for marketing. For indoor grow containers products, we are also involved in the design and technical specification of the products to meet requirement in the US market. 2) We assume inventory risk either through storing the products in our own warehouses; or for drop shipments directly from vendors, we take the title from vendors through inspection and acceptance and are responsible for product damage during shipment period prior to acceptance of our customers and are also responsible for product return if the customer is not satisfied with the products. 3) We determine the resale price of the products. 4) We are the party that direct the use of the inventory and can prevent the vendor from transferring the product to a customer or to redirect the products to a different customer, after evaluating the above scenario, we consider ourselves the principal of these arrangements and records revenue on a gross basis.
Payments received prior to the delivery of goods to customers or picked up by the customers are recorded as contract liabilities.
We periodically provide incentive offers to our customers to encourage purchases. Such offers include current discount offers, such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers.
Current discount offers, when accepted by our customers, are treated as a reduction to the transaction price of the related transaction.
Sales discounts are recorded in the period in which the related sale is recognized. Sales return allowances are recorded upon recognizing the related sales.
Inventory
Inventory consists of finished goods ready for sale and is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. We value our inventory using the weighted average costing method. We include a part of cost of goods sold any freight incurred to ship the product from our vendors to warehouses. Outbound freight costs related to shipping costs to customers are considered period costs and reflected in cost of revenue. We regularly review inventory and consider forecasts of future demand, market conditions and product obsolescence.
If the estimated realizable value of the inventory is less than cost, we make provisions in order to reduce our carrying value to our estimated market value. We also review inventory for slow moving and obsolescence and records allowance for obsolescence.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, which is an update to Topic 280, Segment Reporting: Improvements to reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”), which enhances the disclosure required for reportable segments in annual and interim consolidated financial statements, including additional, more detailed information about a reportable segment’s expenses. ASU 2023-07 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024.The Company adopted ASU 2023-07, which was applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. Refer to Note 18 herein for further details regarding this adoption.
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”), which modifies the rules on income tax disclosures to require entities to disclose (1) specific categories in the rate reconciliation, (2) the income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit (separated between domestic and foreign) and (3) income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations (separated by federal, state and foreign). ASU 2023-09 also requires entities to disclose their income tax payments to international, federal, state and local jurisdictions, among other changes. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. ASU 2023-09 should be applied on a prospective basis, but retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Except as mentioned above, we do not believe other recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on our consolidated balance sheets, statements of income and comprehensive income and statements of cash flows.
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Company does not currently have exposure to the foreign exchange risk arising from foreign currency exposures, primarily in relation to the US dollar.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates affect our revenues or the fair value of our financial instruments. Our exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates arises primarily from short-term investments and long-term borrowings. Each of the Company borrowings are subject to fixed interest rates (see Indebtedness above). The Company has no variable rate instruments, and all instruments are subject to fixed interest rates.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to us if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations and arises principally from our receivables from customers. The carrying amounts of financial assets and contract assets represent the maximum credit exposure. We believe we are not exposed to significant credit risk concentration, whether through exposure to individual customers, specific industry sectors and/or regions.
Liquidity Risk
We manage liquidity risk by monitoring cash balances on hand, working capital, and operating cash flows. When operating cash flows are not sufficient to fund the company’s operations, the Company will need to raise additional financing. The Company intends to raise such capital through additional equity and debt raises. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The information required by this item is included in Item 15(A) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), which is designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, including this Report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. These disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management on a timely basis to allow decisions regarding required disclosure.
The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer (“CEO”) and principal financial officer (“CFO”) conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Report and, based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2024 due to material weakness described below.
Item 9A. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on the Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) (2013 Framework). Based on this evaluation under the 2013 Framework, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective December 31, 2024 due to the following material weaknesses:
(i) | a lack of effective risk assessment process; |
(ii) | a lack of effective overall control environment; the Company’s Quickbooks software is adequate to record transactions but not effective to produce advanced reports and monitoring trends for management to control the business environment; with a large number of inventory purchases, shipments and sales, recordation of purchasing or credit granting approvals, signatures at pick up, signatures at delivery and inventory costing is not ideal compared to ERP systems more common to middle market companies. |
(iii) | a lack of controls over monitoring; have not implemented a proposed Acumatica ERP system |
(iv) | a lack of human resources within finance and accounting functions leading to lack of segregation of duties; human resources policies such as signing of employee agreements and verification of pay are not consistently implemented; the company does not conduct regular employee reviews nor brief them regularly about going public issues |
(v) | a lack of information technology control design and operating effectiveness; there is no technology or system manager in-house. The Company relies on outside consultants in the areas of email, cloud storage, laptop or desktop trouble shooting and software issues. |
(vi) | a lack of controls or ineffectively designed controls impacting financial reporting; the Company lacks procedures to ensure accuracy of financial statement balances such as no reconciliation of balances with vendors and customers before closing the books. |
(vii) | an inadequate control over proper revenue recognition and purchase cutoff; |
(viii) | a lack of controls over income tax. |
Following the identification of the material weaknesses and control deficiencies, we plan to continue to take remedial measures including (i) hiring more qualified accounting personnel with relevant U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting experience and qualifications to strengthen the financial reporting function and to set up a financial and system control framework; (ii) implementing regular and continuous U.S. GAAP accounting and financial reporting training programs for our accounting and financial reporting personnel; (iii) engaging an external consulting firm to assist us with assessment of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance requirements and improvement of overall internal control; and (iv) appointing independent directors, establishing an audit committee, and strengthening corporate governance.
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected or that are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
Not applicable.
47
NATURE’S MIRACLE HOLDING INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To:
The Board of Directors and stockholders of
Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc. (formerly LBBB Merger Corp.), its subsidiaries, and variable interest entities.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc.(formerly LBBB Merger Corp.), its subsidiaries, and variable interest entities (collectively the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-years period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Substantial Doubt about the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has experienced recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2024. The company had a working capital deficit as of December 31, 2024. These factors raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are described in Note 2. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Emphasis of Matters
As discussed in Note 1, the company consummated the merger contemplated by the Merger Agreement between the Company and Nature’s Miracle, Inc.. The Merger is considered as a reverse recapitalization. Under this method of accounting, Lakeshore will be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. On the other side, the financial statements of the Company will represent a continuation of the financial statements of Nature’s Miracle, Inc. All share and per share data has been retroactively restated to reflect the current capital structure of the Company.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
F-2
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ WWC, P.C.
Certified Public Accountants
PCAOB ID:
We have served as the Company’s auditor since January 19, 2023.
April 15, 2025
F-3
NATURE’S MIRACLE HOLDING INC., SUBSIDIARIES AND VIE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, | As of December 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
Accounts receivable, net | ||||||||
Accounts receivable - related parties, net | ||||||||
Inventories, net | ||||||||
Prepayments and other current assets | ||||||||
Prepayments - related party | ||||||||
Loans receivable - related parties | ||||||||
Total Current Assets | ||||||||
NON-CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||
Deposits | ||||||||
Right-of-use assets, net | ||||||||
Cost method investment | ||||||||
Property and equipment, net | ||||||||
Deferred offering costs | ||||||||
Total Assets | $ | $ | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Short-term loans | $ | $ | ||||||
Short-term loans - related parties | ||||||||
Current portion of long-term debts | ||||||||
Convertible notes | ||||||||
Accounts payable | ||||||||
Accounts payable - related parties | ||||||||
Other payables and accrued liabilities | ||||||||
Other payables - related parties | ||||||||
Operating lease liabilities - current | ||||||||
Tax accrual | ||||||||
Deferred income - Contract liabilities | ||||||||
Deferred income - Contract liabilities - related party | ||||||||
Total Current Liabilities | ||||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Long-term debts, net of current portion | ||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | ||||||||
Total Non-Current Liabilities | ||||||||
Total Liabilities | ||||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||||||||
SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | ||||||||
Preferred Stock ($ | ||||||||
Common Stock ($ | ||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders’ Deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit | $ | $ |
* |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
NATURE’S MIRACLE HOLDING INC., SUBSIDIARIES AND VIE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For the Year Ended | For the Year Ended | |||||||
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
REVENUE (including related party revenue of $ | $ | $ | ||||||
COST OF REVENUE | ||||||||
GROSS LOSS | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | ||||||||
Provision for credit losses | ||||||||
Goodwill impairment loss | ||||||||
Total operating expenses | ||||||||
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) | ||||||||
Interest expense, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Non cash finance expense | ( | ) | ||||||
Loss on loan extinguishment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Other income (expense) | ( | ) | ||||||
Total other expense, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES | ||||||||
NET LOSS | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | ||||||||
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON STOCK* | ||||||||
Basic and diluted | ||||||||
LOSS PER SHARE | ||||||||
Basic and diluted | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) |
* |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
NATURE’S MIRACLE HOLDING INC., SUBSIDIARIES AND VIE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGE IN STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Preferred stock | Common stock | Additional paid in | Accumulated | Accumulated other comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares* | Amount | capital | Deficit | loss | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE, December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE, December 31, 2023 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares upon the reverse recapitalization | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional shares issued in connection with reverse recapitalization | - | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock compensation expense | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares to be issued for stock compensation | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares and warrants issued through private placement | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares and warrants issued through July public offering | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forgiveness of related party's debt | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares and warrants issued through November public offering | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued through warrants exercises | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued through November Pre-funded warrants exercises | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued through debt-to-equity conversion | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares to be issued for debt-to-equity conversion | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional round up shares issued due to 1-for-30 reverse stock split | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE, December 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) |
* |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
NATURE’S MIRACLE HOLDING INC., SUBSIDIARIES AND VIE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended | For the Year Ended | |||||||
December 31 | December | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation expense | ||||||||
Provision for credit losses | ||||||||
Amortization of operating right-of-use asset | ||||||||
Amortization of debt issuance cost | ||||||||
Deferred taxes benefits | ||||||||
Loss on loan extinguishment | ||||||||
Loss on early termination of right-of-use asset | ||||||||
Loss on disposal of fixed assets | ||||||||
Stock compensation expenses | ||||||||
Non cash finance expense | ||||||||
Goodwill impairment loss | ||||||||
Inventory impairment loss | ||||||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ||||||
Inventories | ||||||||
Prepayments and other current assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Prepayments - related parties | ||||||||
Security deposit | ( | ) | ||||||
Accounts payable | ( | ) | ||||||
Other payables and accrued liabilities | ||||||||
Accrued interest payable - related parties | ||||||||
Operating lease liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Tax accrual | ( | ) | ||||||
Deferred income - Contract liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Loan to related parties | ( | ) | ||||||
Loan to Lakeshore | ( | ) | ||||||
Loan repayment from third parties | ||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Proceeds from the reverse recapitalization | ||||||||
Payments of transaction costs incurred by Lakeshore | ( | ) | ||||||
Repayments of promissory note - related party of Lakeshore | ( | ) | ||||||
Shares and warrants issued through July public offering | ||||||||
Shares and warrants issued through November public offering | ||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of warrants | ||||||||
Payments of deferred offering costs | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Long-term loan borrowing | ||||||||
Repayments on long-term loan | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Short-term loan borrowing from third parties | ||||||||
Repayments on short-term loan from third parties | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Short-term loan borrowing from related parties | ||||||||
Repayments on short-term loan from related parties | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Convertible notes borrowing | ||||||||
Repayments on convertible notes | ( | ) | ||||||
Borrowings from other payables - related parties | ||||||||
Payments on other payables - related parties | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||
EFFECT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE ON CASH | ||||||||
CHANGES IN CASH | ( | ) | ||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year | ||||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year | $ | $ | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||
Cash paid for income tax | $ | $ | ||||||
Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS: | ||||||||
Right of use assets acquired under new operating leases | $ | $ | ||||||
Cost method investment converted from accounts receivable | $ | $ | ||||||
Derecognition of early termination of right-of-use asset | $ | $ | ||||||
Derecognition of early termination of operating lease liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
Reduce of right-of-use asset and operating lease liabilities based on modification | $ | $ | ||||||
Accumulated deficit acquired upon the reverse recapitalization | $ | |||||||
Deferred offering cost converted to APIC upon the reverse recapitalization | $ | $ | ||||||
Loan to related parties offset with other payables per agreement | $ | $ | ||||||
Debt-to-equity conversion | $ | $ | ||||||
Forgiveness of related party's debt | $ | $ |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc., Subsidiaries
and VIE
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 — Nature of business and organization
Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc., which until March 11, 2024 was known as LBBB Merger Corp. (the “Company”, “Nature’s Miracle”) is a company incorporated on August 1, 2022 under Delaware law as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Lakeshore”).
On March 11, 2024, Lakeshore
merged with and into the Company for the sole purpose of reincorporating Lakeshore into the State of Delaware (“Reincorporation”).
Immediately after the Reincorporation, the Company consummated the merger contemplated by the Merger Agreement between the Company and
Nature’s Miracle, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“NMI”), resulting in the stockholders of NMI becoming
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
at the effective time of the Merger, each share of NMI common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time was
canceled and automatically converted into the right to receive the applicable pro rata portion of shares of the Company common stock,
the aggregate value of which was equal to: (a) $
The Merger is considered
as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805-40. Under this method of accounting,
Lakeshore will be treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. This determination is primarily based
on NMI’s stockholders comprise
Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the financial statements of the Company will represent a continuation of the financial statements of NMI with the Merger treated as the equivalent of NMI issuing stock for the net assets of Lakeshore, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of Lakeshore will be stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. Operations prior to the Merger will be presented as those of NMI in financial statements of the Company. The consolidation of the Company and its subsidiaries have been accounted for at historical cost and prepared on the basis as if the aforementioned transactions had become effective as of the beginning of the first period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in accordance with ASC 805-50-45-5.
The Company is a growing agriculture technology company focusing on the greenhouse and cultivation industry and providing products to indoor growers in a CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture) setting in North America.
F-8
Reorganization under NMI
NMI is a holding company incorporated on March 31, 2022 in Delaware. NMI has no substantial operations other than holding all the outstanding share capital of its subsidiaries. NMI, its subsidiaries and variable interest entity (“VIE”).
On June 1, 2022, NMI
entered into the Share Exchange Agreements with the stockholders of Visiontech Group, Inc. (“Visiontech”, a California Company),
resulting in the stockholders of Visiontech becoming
The transaction was accounted
as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with ASC 805. The process of identifying the accounting acquirer began with a consideration
of the guidance in ASC 810-10 related to determining the existence of a controlling financial interest. The general rule provided
by ASC 810-10 is that the party that holds directly or indirectly greater than
On June 1, 2022, NMI
also entered into the Share Exchange Agreements with the stockholders of Hydroman, Inc. (“Hydroman”, a California Company)
to acquire
On July 28, 2022, Nature’s Miracle (California), Inc., (“NMCA”), a California corporation wholly owned by NMI was incorporated. NMCA focuses on greenhouse development services and started providing container grow sales in first quarter of 2024.
On August 18, 2022,
NMI acquired
On August 27, 2021,
Visiontech and Upland 858 LLC (“Upland”), who share common stockholders with Visiontech, entered into a promissory note agreement.
Upland is a special purchase entity set up to purchase and hold a warehouse located in California. Upland promised to pay to Visiontech
the sum of $
On August 27, 2022,
Upland entered into an assignment and assumption of unsecured promissory note with Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang, Vartor Vahe Doudakian and Yang
Wei (collectively “Assignees”). Upland transferred to Assignees all of its right, title, duties, liabilities and obligation
under the promissory note signed by and among Visiontech and Upland on August 27, 2021 in the original principal amount of $
F-9
Recent developments:
On May 10, 2024, NM Data, Inc. (“NM Data”), a Nevada corporation wholly owned by NMI was incorporated. NM Data aimed at entering the data center and Bitcoin mining business.
On October 18, 2024, NM Rebate, Inc. (“NM Rebate”), a California corporation wholly owned by NMI was incorporated. NM Rebate focus on energy rebate solutions combined with the supply of LED lights that qualify for energy-saving rebates provided by large Utility companies throughout the U.S.
On November 11, 2024, Hydroman, Inc. changed its name to Hydroman Electric Corporation and will focus on business of electric vehicles distribution.
On November 18, 2024, the Company filed a certificate
of amendment to its amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect a one-for-thirty (1-for-30) reverse split (the “Reverse
Split”). The Reverse Split became effective on November 21, 2024. As a result of the Reverse Split, every 30 shares of the Company’s
issued and outstanding common stock were automatically converted into
Note 2 — Going concern
In assessing liquidity, the Company monitors and analyzes cash on-hand
and operating expenditure commitments. The Company’s liquidity needs are to meet working capital requirements and operating expense
obligations. To date, the Company financed its operations primarily through cash flows from operations, debt financing from financial
institution and related parties. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had approximately $
F-10
Subsequent to December 31,
2024, the Company obtained approximately $
The Company has experienced recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operating activities since 2022. In addition, the Company had, and may potentially continue to have, an ongoing need to raise additional cash from outside sources to fund its expansion plan and related operations. Successful transition to attaining profitable operations is dependent upon achieving a level of revenues adequate to support the Company’s cost structure. In connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, “Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern,” management has determined that these conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that these consolidated financial statements are issued.
If the Company is unable to realize its assets within the normal operating cycle of a twelve (12) month period, the Company may have to consider supplementing its available sources of funds through the following sources:
● | financial support from the Company’s related parties and stockholders; |
● | other available sources of financing from banks and other financial institutions; |
● | equity financing through capital market. |
The Company can make no assurances that required financings will be available for the amounts needed, or on terms commercially acceptable to the Company, if at all. If one or all of these events does not occur or subsequent capital raises are insufficient to bridge financial and liquidity shortfall, there would likely be a material adverse effect on the Company and would materially adversely affect its ability to continue as a going concern.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern and, accordingly, do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Note 3 — Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies
Basis of presentation
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company’s fiscal year end date is December 31.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, which include its wholly owned subsidiaries and VIE over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the Company has a controlling financial interest or is the primary beneficiary. All transactions and balances among the Company and its subsidiaries and VIE have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Use of estimates and assumptions
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
F-11
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of amounts held as cash on hand and bank deposits.
From time to time, the Company
may maintain bank balances in interest bearing accounts in excess of the $
Prepayments and other current assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets primarily include prepaid expenses paid to product providers, and other deposits. Management regularly reviews the aging of such balances and changes in payment and realization trends and records allowances when management believes collection or realization of amounts due are at risk. Accounts considered uncollectable are written off against allowances after exhaustive efforts at collection are made. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no allowance for doubtful account was recorded.
Accounts receivable, net
Starting from January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU No.2016-13 “Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASC Topic 326”). The Company used a modified retrospective approach, and the adoption does not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements. During the ordinary course of business, the Company extends unsecured credit to its customers. Accounts receivable are stated at the amount the Company expects to collect from customers. An allowance for expected credit loss is recorded in the period in which loss is determined to be probable based on lifetime expected losses considering historical, current, and forecasted conditions. Amounts deem uncollectible are written off against the allowance after all collection efforts have ceased.
Inventory
Inventory consists of finished goods ready for sale and is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The Company values its inventory using the weighted average costing method. The Company’s policy is to include as a part of cost of goods sold any freight incurred to ship the product from its vendors to warehouses. Outbound freight costs related to shipping costs to customers are considered periodic costs and are reflected in cost of revenue. The Company regularly reviews inventory and considers forecasts of future demand, market conditions and product obsolescence.
If the estimated realizable
value of the inventory is less than cost, the Company makes provisions in order to reduce its carrying value to its estimated market value.
The Company also reviews inventory for slow moving inventory and obsolescence and records impairment for obsolescence. During the year
ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, inventory impairment loss amounted to $
Cost method investment
The Company accounts for
investments with less than
F-12
Cost method investment is evaluated for impairment when facts or circumstances indicate that the fair value of the long-term investments is less than its carrying value. An impairment is recognized when a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary. The Company reviews several factors to determine whether a loss is other-than-temporary. These factors include, but are not limited to, the: (i) nature of the investment; (ii) cause and duration of the impairment; (iii) extent to which fair value is less than cost; (iv) financial condition and near-term prospects of the investments; and (v) ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. No event had occurred and indicated that other-than-temporary impairment existed and therefore during the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not record any impairment charges for its investments.
Deposits
Deposit consists of security
deposits for vendors and deposits for acquisition. To maintain a stable supply for goods and build a long-term relationship, the
Company may pay certain amount of funds to its vendors as security deposits which are recorded as non-current assets on the balance sheet
depending on its return date. On November 22, 2024, NM Data entered into an investment agreement to acquire
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at historical cost. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful life of each class of depreciable assets and is computed using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets are as follows:
Useful Life | ||
Machinery and equipment | ||
Computer and peripherals | ||
Trucks and automobiles | ||
Buildings |
The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise retired are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in the statements of operations. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while additions, renewals and betterments, which are expected to extend the useful life of assets, are capitalized.
Deferred offering costs
Deferred offering costs consist primarily of expenses paid to attorneys, consultants, underwriters, and etc. related to its merger transaction. The balance has been offset with the proceeds received after the close of the offering.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration paid of an acquisition over the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiaries at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually, more often when circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. If impairment exists, goodwill is immediately written off to its fair value and the loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed.
The Company reviews the carrying
value of intangible assets not subject to amortization, including goodwill, to determine whether impairment may exist annually or more
frequently if events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an impairment has occurred. The Company has the option
to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform further impairment testing in accordance with ASC 350-20,
as amended by ASU 2017-04. If the Company believes, as a result of the qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that
the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the impairment test described below is required. The Company
compares the fair values of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds
its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, impairment
is recognized for the difference, limited to the amount of goodwill recognized for the reporting unit. Estimating fair value is performed
by utilizing various valuation techniques, with the primary technique being a discounted cash flow. For the year ended December 31, 2024
and 2023, goodwill impairment loss amounted
Fair value measurement
The Company adopted ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands financial statement disclosure requirements for fair value measurements.
F-13
ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) on the measurement date in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. ASC Topic 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques, which is based on whether the inputs into the valuation technique are observable or unobservable. The hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.
Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value. Unobservable inputs are valuation technique inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of an asset or liability. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company measures fair value using valuation techniques that use, when possible, current market-based or independently sourced market parameters, such as interest rates and currency rates.
Fair values of financial instruments
Financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepayments, loan receivable, and other current assets, other payable and accrued liabilities, accounts payable — related parties, short term loans and taxes payable. The Company considers the carrying amount of short-term financial instruments to approximate their fair values because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization. The Company’s long-term debts are measured at amortized cost, no fair value option is elected.
Revenue recognition
The Company follows Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606 Revenue Recognition and recognizes revenue from product sales revenues, net of promotional discounts and return allowances, when the following revenue recognition criteria are met: a contract has been identified, separate performance obligations are identified, the transaction price is determined, the transaction price is allocated to separate performance obligations and revenue is recognized upon satisfying each performance obligation.
The Company is a growing agriculture technology company providing CEA hardware products to growers in the controlled environment agriculture industry setting in North America. Majority of the Company’s products were grow lights and related products for the indoor growing settings. Starting from first quarter of 2024, the Company also provides indoor grow containers to its customers.
The Company’s contracts with customers where the amounts charged per product is fixed and determinable, the specific terms of the contracts were agreed on by the Company including payment terms which are typically 30 to 60 days for existing customers and prepaid for most new customers. In certain contracts involving sales to customers that entered into rebate programs who can get rebates with utility companies for using LED lighting, payment term ranges from 60 to 120 days.
The Company’s performance obligation is to deliver the products to customers. For indoor grow container products, the Company also involved in customization of the products to suit customer’s specific needs. The provision of customization and configuration to meet certain technical specification per US market and delivery of product is considered one performance obligation as the services provided are not distinct within the context of the contract whereas the customers can only obtain benefit when the services and products are provided together. At times, the Company may charge customers shipping and handling for delivery of products, control of goods does not transfer to the customer before shipment, therefore shipping is not a promised service to the Company and is not considered a separate performance obligation. Any fee charged for shipping would be included in the transaction price for the good.
F-14
Transaction prices are mostly
fixed. In some contracts, when determining the transaction price, the Company adjusts consideration for the effects of the time value
of money if the timing of payments provides the Company with a significant benefit of financing. The Company does not assess whether
a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is such that the period between payment by the
customers and the transfer of the promised goods or services to the licensees will be one year or less. The Company had one contract
with customer with installment payment terms of up to 16 months. The difference between the contract price and the Company’s
cash selling price of the same products are recognized as interest income over the term of the payments. Interest income amounted to $
The Company transfers the risk of loss or damage upon shipment, therefore, revenue from product sales is recognized at a point in time when control of product transfer to customer and the Company has no further obligation to provide services related to such product evidenced by customer signing acceptances upon receipt of goods. Return allowances, which reduce product revenue by the Company’s best estimate of expected product returns, are estimated using historical experience.
The Company evaluates the criteria of ASC 606 — Revenue Recognition Principal-Agent Considerations in determining whether it is appropriate to record the gross amount of product sales and related costs or the net amount earned as commissions. The Company ships the products according to shipping terms on the purchase order or sales order. Once delivery is complete, the Company then sends an invoice to the customer according to the quantity and price of shipment.
The Company evaluates the indicators of control in accordance with ASU 2016-08: 1) the Company is the most visible entity to customers and assumes fulfilment risk and risks related to the acceptability of products, including addressing customer inquiries directly and handling of product returns or refunds directly if any. For grow light products, the Company has its own brand for marketing. For indoor grow containers products, the Company is also involved in the design and technical specification of the products to meet requirement in the US market. 2) The Company assumes inventory risk either through storing the products in its own warehouses; or for drop shipments directly from vendors, the Company takes the title from vendors through inspection and acceptance and is responsible for product damage during shipment period prior to acceptance of its customers and is also responsible for product return if the customer is not satisfied with the products. 3) The Company determines the resale price of the products. 4) The Company is the party that directs the use of the inventory and can prevent the vendor from transferring the product to a customer or to redirect the products to a different customer, after evaluating the above scenario, the Company considers itself the principal of these arrangements and records revenue on a gross basis.
The Company’s disaggregate revenue stream by products are summarized below:
For the Years Ended | ||||||||
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Grow light | $ | $ | ||||||
Indoor grow containers | ||||||||
Grow Media and others | ||||||||
Total | $ | $ |
Prepayments received from customers prior to the delivery of goods to customers or picked up by the customers are recorded as contract liability under the account Deferred income — contract liabilities.
F-15
Movements of deferred income — contract liabilities (including related party) consisted of the following as of the date indicated:
As of December 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||
Prepayments from customers | ||||||||
Recognized as revenues | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Ending balance | $ | $ |
The Company periodically provides incentive offers to its customers to encourage purchases. Such offers include current discount offers, such as percentage discounts off current purchases and other similar offers. Current discount offers, when accepted by the Company’s customers, are treated as a reduction to the transaction price of the related transaction.
Sales discounts are recorded in the period in which the related sale is recognized. Sales return allowances are recorded and estimated based on historical returns which were generally immaterial to the Company.
Estimated warranty are immaterial because suppliers provide a warranty period of 1-5 years for all products, varying depending on the product type. After customers provide their purchase invoices and serial numbers for the return products, the factories will issue the replacement products. Additionally, the factories will also bear the corresponding shipping costs, making the company’s warranty expenses negligible.
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue mainly consist of costs for purchases of products and related storage, warehouse rent, outbound freight, delivery fees and payroll related expenses.
Segment reporting
The Company follows ASC 280,
Segment Reporting. The Company’s chief operating decision maker, the Chief Executive Officer, reviews the results of operations
when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing the performance of the Company as a whole and hence, the Company has only
Leases
The Company follows ASC 842 — Leases (“ASC 842”), which requires lessees to record right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and related lease obligations on the balance sheet, as well as disclose key information regarding leasing arrangements.
ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease terms and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company generally uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the estimated rate of interest for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease payments at commencement date. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
F-16
Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their perspective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are recorded, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
As a result of the implementation of certain provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which clarifies the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in tax position, as defined, ASC 740 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of the recognition and measurement related to accounting for income taxes. The Company follows the provisions of ASC 740 and has analyzed filing positions in each of the federal and state jurisdictions where the Company is required to file income tax returns, as well as open tax years in such jurisdictions. The Company has identified the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and the states of Delaware, as its “major” tax jurisdictions.
The Company believes that our income tax filing positions and deductions will be sustained on audit and do not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material change to its financial position. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded pursuant to ASC 740. The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties associated with income-based tax audits is to record such items as a component of income taxes.
Stock-based compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation awards to employees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation”, which requires that stock-based payment transactions with employees be measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instrument issued and recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period.
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation awards to non-employees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 amended by ASU 2018-07. Under FASB ASC Topic 718, stock compensation granted to non-employees has been determined as the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measured and is recognized as an expense as the goods or services are received.
Warrants
The Company evaluates the public and private warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrants’ specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own ordinary shares, among other conditions for equity classification. Pursuant to such evaluation, both public and private warrants are classified in shareholders’ equity.
For issued warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification and issued with debt instruments, the proceeds from the sale of the debt instruments are allocated to the two elements based on the relative fair values of the debt instrument without the warrants and of the warrants themselves at time of issuance. The portion of the proceeds so allocated to the warrants is accounted for as paid-in capital. The remainder of the proceeds is allocated to the debt instrument portion of the transaction at a discount and amortized over the term of the debt instrument using the effective interest rate method.
F-17
Convertible notes
Upon adoption of ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2021, the elimination of the beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) and cash conversion models in ASC 470-20 that requires separate accounting for embedded conversion features in convertible instruments results in the convertible debt instruments being recorded as a single liability (i.e., there is no separation of the conversion feature, and all proceeds are allocated to the convertible debt instruments as a single unit of account). Unless conversion features are derivatives that must be bifurcated from the host contracts in accordance with ASC 815-15 or, in the case of convertible debt, if the instruments are issued with a substantial premium, in the latter case, ASC 470-20-25-13 requires the substantial premium to be attributable to the conversion feature and recorded in additional paid-in capital (APIC).
Commitments and Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to certain contingencies, including legal proceedings and claims arising out of the business that relate to a wide range of matters, such as government investigations and tax matters. The Company recognizes a liability for such contingency if it determines it is probable that a loss has occurred, and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made. The Company may consider many factors in making these assessments including historical and specific facts and circumstances of each matter.
Related party transactions
A related party is generally
defined as (i) any person and or their immediate family hold
Loss per share
Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to holders of common stock by the weighted average number of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted loss per share presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of the potential common stock (e.g., convertible securities, options, and warrants) as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later. Potential common stock that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, which is an update to Topic 280, Segment Reporting: Improvements to reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”), which enhances the disclosure required for reportable segments in annual and interim consolidated financial statements, including additional, more detailed information about a reportable segment’s expenses. ASU 2023-07 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07, which was applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. Refer to Note 18 herein for further details regarding this adoption.
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”), which modifies the rules on income tax disclosures to require entities to disclose (1) specific categories in the rate reconciliation, (2) the income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit (separated between domestic and foreign) and (3) income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations (separated by federal, state and foreign). ASU 2023-09 also requires entities to disclose their income tax payments to international, federal, state and local jurisdictions, among other changes. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. ASU 2023-09 should be applied on a prospective basis, but retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this new guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Except as mentioned above, the Company does not believe other recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, statements of income and comprehensive income and statements of cash flows.
F-18
Note 4 — Variable interest entity
The Company does not have direct ownership in Upland but has been actively involved in their operations and has the power to direct the activities and significantly impact Upland’s economic performance. The Company also bears the risk of losses from Upland. As such, in accordance with ASC 810, Upland is considered variable interest entity (“VIE”) of the Company and the financial statements of Upland was consolidated from the date of control and variable interest existed.
Based on the loan agreement between its creditor and Upland 858 LLC, the loan is a non-recourse debt secured by the assets owned by Upland 858 LLC only and guaranteed by the stockholders of Upland 858 LLC only. Upland 858 LLC’s creditor will have no-recourse to Visiontech which is considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE structure but not the legal owner of Upland 858 LLC:
Accordingly, the accounts of Upland were consolidated in the accompanying financial statements as VIE of Visiontech from January 2022 when Upland acquired the warehouse in California.
The carrying amount of the assets and liabilities are as follows:
As of December 31, 2024 | ||||
Cash | $ | |||
Property and equipment, net | ||||
Total assets | $ | |||
Current portion of long-term debt | $ | |||
Long-term debt, net of current portion | ||||
Accrued expenses | ||||
Intercompany payable to Visiontech | ||||
Total liabilities | $ |
The operating results of VIE included in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows for the period indicated:
For the year ended December 31, 2024 | ||||
Revenue* | $ | |||
Selling, general and administrative | ||||
Interest expense | ||||
Income tax | ||||
Net loss | $ | ( | ) |
* |
F-19
Note 5 — Reverse recapitalization
On March 11, 2024, Lakeshore
merged with and into the Company for the sole purpose of reincorporating Lakeshore into the State of Delaware. Immediately after the Reincorporation,
the Company consummated the merger between the Company and NMI, resulting in the stockholders of NMI becoming
The following table presents the number of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately following the reverse recapitalization:
Common Stock | ||||
Lakeshore’s shares outstanding prior to reverse recapitalization | ||||
Shares issued to private rights | ||||
Conversion of the Lakeshore’s public shares and rights | ||||
Shares issued to service providers | ||||
Shares issued for commitment fee | ||||
Bonus shares issued to investors | ||||
Conversion of NMI’s shares into the Company’s ordinary shares | ||||
Total shares outstanding |
In connection with the reverse
recapitalization, the Company has assumed
In connection with the reverse
recapitalization, the Company raised approximately $
The following table reconcile the elements of the reverse recapitalization to the consolidated statements of cash flows and the changes in shareholders’ equity (deficit):
As of March 11, 2024 | ||||
Funds held in Lakeshore’s trust account | $ | |||
Funds held in Lakeshore’s operating cash account | ||||
Less: amount paid to redeem public shares of Lakeshore’s ordinary shares | ( | ) | ||
Proceeds from the reverse recapitalization | ||||
Less: payments of transaction costs incurred by Lakeshore | ( | ) | ||
Less: repayments of promissory note – related party of Lakeshore’ | ( | ) | ||
Less: notes assumed from Lakeshore | ( | ) | ||
Less: liability assumed from Lakeshore | ( | ) | ||
Less: transaction costs paid by NMI | ( | ) | ||
Add: receivable assumed from Lakeshore | ||||
Net liabilities assumed from issuance of common stock upon the Merger, balance classified to retained deficit | $ | ( | ) |
F-20
Note 6 — Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable consisted of the following as of the date indicated:
As of December 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Accounts receivable | $ | $ | ||||||
Less: allowance for credit losses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Subtotal accounts receivable, net | ||||||||
Accounts receivable - related party | ||||||||
Less: allowance for credit losses – related party | ( | ) | ||||||
Subtotal accounts receivable – related party, net | ||||||||
Total accounts receivable, net | $ | $ |
Provision for credit losses
were $
Movement of allowance:
Movement of allowance for expected credit losses (including related party) consisted of the following as of the date indicated:
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||
Addition | ||||||||
Write-off | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Ending balance | $ | $ |
Note 7 — Loans Receivable
In September 2022, Visiontech
and CGGP, LLC (“CGGP”), a customer who purchased industrial light fixtures, entered into three promissory note agreements
with terms of six months. The total amount of the notes was $
In September 2022, Visiontech
and NewCo Vision, LLC (“NewCo”), a customer who purchased industrial light fixtures, entered into three promissory note agreements
with terms of six months. The total amount of the notes was $
F-21
Note 8 — Cost method investment
Cost method investment consists of the following:
As of December 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||
$ | $ | |||||||
Total | $ | $ |
On April 11, 2023, one
of the Company’s customers, Iluminar Lighting LLC (“Iluminar”) entered into Debt Conversion Agreement with the Company
pursuant to which it will convert $
Note 9 — Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, net consist of the following:
As of December 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Trucks & Automobiles | $ | $ | ||||||
Machinery & Equipment | ||||||||
Building | ||||||||
Land | ||||||||
Subtotal | ||||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total | $ | $ |
Depreciation expense for
the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 amounted to $
Note 10 — Loans payable
Short-term loans:
As of December 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Factor H (1) | $ | $ | ||||||
Factor I (2) | ||||||||
Factor J (3) | ||||||||
Factor K (4) | ||||||||
Jie Zhang (5) | ||||||||
Peng Zhang (6) | ||||||||
RedOne Investment Limited (“RedOne”) (7) | ||||||||
Agile Capital Funding, LLC (8) | ||||||||
ClassicPlan Premium Financing, Inc. (9) | ||||||||
Maximcash Solutions LLC (10) | ||||||||
Total short-term loans | $ | $ |
Short-term loans consist of account receivable factoring agreements, subordinated business loan and third parties loans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
(1) | On October 23, 2023, the Merchants entered into a standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor H. The Company sold $ |
F-22
On May 2, 2024, the Merchants entered
into another standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor H. The Company sold $
On November 18, 2024, the Merchants
entered into another standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor H. The Company sold $
(2) | On August 29, 2024, the Merchants entered into a standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor
I. The Company sold $ |
On December 12, 2024, the Merchants
entered into another standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor I. The Company sold $
(3) |
(4) | On September 30, 2024, the Merchants entered into a standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor
K. The Company sold $ |
F-23
These receivable purchase
agreements were accounted for as secured borrowing under ASC 860 since there is no legal, actual, effective transfer of the receivables
to the Factors. Rather, the Factors only have generally claim against the receivable pools not a particular receivable. The average dollar
amount of the borrowings for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $
(5) |
(6) |
(7) | On February 10, March 28, June 5, June 27, September 22, December 22, 2023 and February 20, 2024, Lakeshore
entered into seven promissory notes with RedOne to which Lakeshore borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $ |
The
balance of $
(8) | On June 6, 2024, the Merchants entered into a subordinated business
loan and security agreement with Agile Capital Funding, LLC and Agile Lending, LLC for the principal amount of $ |
On September 25, 2024, the Merchants
entered into another subordinated business loan and security agreement with Agile Capital Funding, LLC and Agile Lending, LLC for the
principal amount of $
On November 21, 2024, the Merchants
entered into another subordinated business loan and security agreement with Agile Capital Funding, LLC and Agile Lending, LLC for the
principal amount of $
F-24
(9) |
(10) |
The Company also make the following principal payments for the below loans for the year ended December 31, 2023:
On August 31, 2022,
the Merchants entered into a standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor A. Merchants sells to Factor A $
On September 1, 2022,
Visiontech entered into a receivables purchase agreement with another Factor B. Visiontech sold to Factor B $
On October 31, 2022,
Hydroman entered into a receivables purchase agreement with Factor C. Hydroman sold to Factor C $
On October 31, 2022,
Visiontech entered into a future receivable sale and purchase agreement with a capital management institution D at a sale price of $
On November 2, 2022,
Hydroman entered into a receivables purchase agreement with Factor E. Hydroman sold to Factor E $
On November 18, 2022,
the “Merchants” entered into a standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor F. The Company sold to Factor F $
F-25
On November 18, 2022,
the “Merchants” entered into a standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor G. The Company sold to Factor G $
On September 21, 2022,
Hydroman signed a commercial loan with WebBank for the principal amount of $
On September 18, 2022,
Hydroman and ClassicPlan Premium Financing, Inc., entered into a premium financing agreement with a total gross policy premium and related
fees of $
On February 13, 2023,
Hydroman and First Insurance Funding entered into a premium financing agreement with a total gross policy premium and related fees of
$
Interest expenses for short
term loans amounted to $
Short-term loans — related parties: refer to Note 11 Related Party transactions.
Long-term debts:
Long-term debts consist of three auto loans, one building loan, and one secured business loan as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The outstanding amount of
the auto loans were $
Minimum required principal payments towards the Company’s auto loans as of December 31, 2024 are as follows:
Twelve months ended December 31, | Repayment | |||
2025 | $ | |||
2026 | ||||
2027 | ||||
Total | $ |
F-26
The outstanding amount of
the building loan was $
Minimum required principal payments towards the Company’s building loan as of December 31, 2024 are as follows:
Twelve months ended December 31, | Repayment | |||
2025 | $ | |||
2026 | ||||
2027 | ||||
Thereafter | ||||
Total | $ |
The outstanding amount of the secured business loan was $
Minimum required principal payments towards the Company’s secured business loan as of December 31, 2024 are as follows:
Twelve months ended December 31, | Repayment | |||
2025 | $ | |||
2026 | ||||
2027 | ||||
2028 | ||||
Thereafter | ||||
Total | $ |
Interest expenses for long
term loans amounted to $
Note 11 — Convertible notes
The Company entered into a series of convertible note agreements with investors as described below. The Company also determined that the embedded conversions in the notes meets the scope exception to be considered indexed to a reporting’s own stock based on the two-step approach in accordance with ASC 815-40-15 and does not require to be separately accounted for as a derivative. As a result, the Company classified all the convertible notes as a debt instrument in its entirely.
On July 3, 2024, the Company
entered into four convertible note agreements total of $
F-27
On July 17, 2024, the
Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with a certain investor pursuant to which the Company sold, in a private
placement, a $
On August 13, 2024, the Company
entered a securities purchase agreement with 1800 Diagonal Lending LLC (“Diagonal”), in connection with the issuance of a
promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $
On September 18, 2024,
the Company entered into another securities purchase agreement with Diagonal pursuant to which the Company sold to the Diagonal a
convertible promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $
On October 14, 2024, the
Company issued and sold to Diagonal a promissory note in the principal amount of $
On November 18, 2024, the Company signed one convertible note agreement
of $
On December 17, 2024, the
Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with a certain investor pursuant for a $
F-28
On December 12, 2024, the
Company entered into a convertible promissory note with Diagonal in the principal amount of $
Interest expenses in connection
with the convertible notes for the year ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $
Note 12 — Related party transactions
Purchases and accounts payable – related parties:
UniNet Global Inc. (“Uninet”),
a vendor whose stockholder is Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang who is also one of the stockholders and management of the Company, sold certain products
to Visiontech. On September 24, 2024, the Company entered into a trade payable forgiveness agreement with Visiontech, Uninet and NMI,
relating to the cancellation of a portion of outstanding trade payables owed by Visiontech to Uninet. Visiontech owed Uninet a trade payable
in the amount of $
From 2022 to April 2023,
Jinlong (David) Du, the CEO of Megaphoton, was also the Director of NMI and will serve as Director of the Company following the Merger
with Lakeshore. On April 17, 2023, Jinlong Du resigned from his position as a member of the NMI’s board of director and will
not serve as the Company’s director post merger. For the four months ended April 30, 2023, the purchases Visiontech made
from Megaphoton was $
On April 11, 2023, one of the Company’s customers and vendors,
Iluminar Lighting LLC (“Iluminar”) entered into Debt Conversion Agreement with the Company pursuant to which it will convert
$
Revenue and accounts receivable - related party:
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the sales revenue
from Iluminar was $
Prepayments - related party:
As of December 31, 2024 and
2023, the prepayments from Jonathan was $
F-29
Deferred income – contract liabilities - related party:
As of December 31, 2024 and
2023, the deferred income - contract liabilities from Iluminar was $
Other payables — related parties
For the year ended December 31,
2022, Nature’s Miracle Inc. (Cayman) (“NMCayman”), former stockholders of NMI, currently under common control of Mr.
Tie (James) Li, the Company’s CEO, paid a total amount of $
For the year ended December 31,
2021, Yang Wei, former shareholder of the Visiontech and current shareholder of the Company, paid a total amount of $
For the year ended December 31, 2022, Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang,
paid a total amount of $
In September 2024, James
Li paid a total amount of $
For the year ended December
31, 2024, Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc. has an outstanding amount due to Mr. Tie (James) Li for $
For the year ended December 31, 2024, Nature’s Miracle Holding
Inc. has an outstanding amount due to Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang for $
As of December 31, 2024 and
2023, accrued interest expense from related parties, were $
Loan receivable — related parties:
As of December 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Loan to Lakeshore Acquisition II Corp. | $ | $ | ||||||
Total loan receivable – related parties | $ | $ |
On June 8, 2023, the
Company and Lakeshore entered into a promissory note for the principal amount of $
On July 7, 2023, August 10,
2023, September 11, 2023, October 11, 2023 and November 9, 2023, NMI and Lakeshore entered into five promissory notes for the principal
amount of $
On December 7, 2023, January
8, 2024, and February 6, 2024, NMI and Lakeshore entered into three promissory notes pursuant to which Lakeshore borrowed the principal
amount of $
As a result of the Merger, all loans to Lakeshore had been consolidated and eliminated on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Interest income for loan
receivable – related parties amounted to $
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Short-term loans — related parties
As of December 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Zhiyi Zhang (1) | $ | $ | ||||||
Tie Li (2) | ||||||||
NMCayman (3) | ||||||||
Total short-term loans – related parties | $ | $ |
(1) |
(2) | In December 2022, the Company signed two loans with Tie (James) Li, the Company’s CEO, for the total principal amount of $ |
On July 11, 2023, Lakeshore signed one
loan with Tie (James) Li for a principal amount of $
(3) | On January 17, 2023, the Company and NMCayman entered into a loan agreement for the principal amount
of $ |
On January 17, 2023, the Company
and NMCayman entered into a loan agreement for the principal amount of $
On April 1, 2023, NMI and NMCayman
entered into a loan agreement for the principal amount of $
Interest expense for short-term
loan - related parties amounted to $
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Note 13 — Income taxes
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 consisted of the following:
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Income Tax Expense | ||||||||
Current federal tax expense | ||||||||
Federal | $ | $ | ||||||
State | ||||||||
Deferred tax | ||||||||
Federal | ||||||||
State | ||||||||
Total | $ | $ |
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income
tax as well as income tax of state tax jurisdictions.
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Statutory tax rate | ||||||||
Federal | % | % | ||||||
State of California | % | % | ||||||
Permanent difference | ( | )% | ( | )% | ||||
Change in valuation allowance | ( | )% | ( | )% | ||||
Effective tax rate | ( | )% | ( | )% |
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023 the income
tax payable was $
The significant components that comprised the Company’s net deferred taxes are as follows:
As of December 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets/(liabilities) | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Right of use asset | ||||||||
Allowance for credit loss | ||||||||
Inventory impairment | ||||||||
Net operating loss – federal | ||||||||
Less: valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total deferred tax assets/(liabilities) |
The Company’s cumulative net operating loss (“NOL”)
of approximately $
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Note 14 — Equity
Reverse recapitalization
The total number of shares which the Company shall have the authority
to issue is one hundred and one million (
Shares issued in connection with the Company’s Merger on March 11, 2024:
Common Stock | ||||
Lakeshore’s shares outstanding prior to reverse recapitalization | ||||
Shares issued to private rights | ||||
Conversion of the Lakeshore’s public shares and rights | ||||
Shares issued to service providers | ||||
Shares issued for commitment fee | ||||
Bonus shares issued to in connection with Lakeshore loans * | ||||
Bonus shares issued to in connection with NMI loans * | ||||
Conversion of NMI’s shares into the Company’s ordinary shares | ||||
Total shares outstanding |
* | In connection with the Merger, the Company, Lakeshore and NMI further entered into a Letter Agreement on November 15, 2023, a total of |
The shares were valued $
* |
F-33
The Company has paid YA Global
II SPV, LLC, a subsidiary of Yorkville, a structuring fee in the amount of $
Reverse Split
On November 18, 2024, the Company filed a certificate of amendment to its amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect a one-for-thirty (1-for-30) reverse split (the “Reverse Split”). The Reverse Split became effective on November 21, 2024. As a result of the Reverse Split, every 30 shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock were automatically converted into one share of common stock, with no change to the par value per share. All share and per share data has been retroactively restated to reflect the Reverse Split of the Company.
Stock compensation
In connection with the Merger, the Company adopted the Equity Incentive Plan (the “2024 Incentive Plan”).
The 2024 Incentive Plan will provide for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock or equity-related cash-based awards. Directors, officers and other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as others performing consulting or advisory services for the Company, will be eligible for grants under the 2024 Incentive Plan.
The 2024 Incentive Plan provides
for the future issuance of shares of the Company’s Common Stock, representing
Pursuant
to board resolution dated August 23, 2023, the Company is to grant a one-time award of
Pursuant
to board resolution dated September 20, 2023, the Company approved a stock grant to Mr. Darin Carpenter, Chief Operating Officer of the
Company, pursuant to which Mr. Carpenter will be issued
On August 1, 2024, the Company and Darin Carpenter entered into the
mutual termination of employment agreement and intent to transition to project-based work (the “Agreement”), in which it was
agreed that Mr. Carpenter shall resign from his position as Chief Operating Officer of the Company effective as of July 31, 2024. Pursuant
to the Agreement, the Company and Mr. Carpenter agreed that Mr. Carpenter will provide services as a consultant to the Company on a per
project basis as needed. In addition, the Company agreed to fully vest
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Shares award to Mr. Hausman
and Mr. Carpenter per Letter Agreement stated above has a fair value of $
Pursuant to board resolution
dated March 24, 2024, certain key employees were approved for stock incentives including George Yutuc (Chief Financial Officer), Kirk
Collins (Director of Sales), and Amber Wang (Controller). Each can receive shares that vest over time of
On April 2, 2024, the Company
entered into an investor relations consulting agreement with MZHCI LLC (“MZHCI”) pursuant to which MZHCI will provide investor
relations services to the company and the agreement has a term of six months. The Company will pay $
Pursuant to board resolution
dated October 25, 2024, the Company approved the issuance of
Pursuant to board
resolution dated November 18, 2024, the Company approved the issuance of
For the years ended December
31, 2024, the Company recorded stock compensation expenses of $
Shares issued with private placement
On July 19, 2024, the Company
issued a total of
Public Offering
On July 29, 2024, the Company
closed an underwriting public offering for the sale of
On November 7, 2024, the
Company entered into an underwriting agreement with D. Boral Capital LLC as the underwriter, relating to a firm commitment underwritten
public offering of (i)
F-35
Warrants:
Warrants issued prior to reverse recapitalization
In connection with the reverse
recapitalization, the Company has assumed
Each whole warrant entitles
the holder to purchase one ordinary share at a price of $
The Company may redeem the
warrants at a price of $
In addition, if (a) the
Company issues additional ordinary shares or equity-linked securities for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of its
initial business combination at a newly issued price of less than $
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Warrant issued with July convertible notes
On July 17, 2024, the Company
issued a total of
The issuance of the warrants described above were deemed exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act or Regulation D promulgated thereunder in that the issuance of securities were made to an accredited investor and did not involve a public offering. The recipient of such securities represented its intention to acquire the securities for investment purposes only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof.
The total number of these warrant shares is subject to adjustments for stock splits, recapitalizations and reorganizations. If the Company issues or sells any shares of common stock or other securities for a price per share, exercise price, or conversion price, as the case may be, that is less than the current exercise price of the warrant, subject to exceptions, the exercise price of the warrant will be adjusted to match the price per share, exercise price, or conversion price, in the issuance, as applicable.
Series A Warrant issued in July Public offering
On July 29, 2024, the Company
issued a total
The Series A warrant is immediately exercisable on the date of issuance at an exercise price of $
The Series A warrants are exercisable at any time after their original issuance up to the date that is five years after their original issuance. The Series A warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full in immediately available funds for the number of shares of Common Stock subscribed for upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). If a registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of Common Stock underlying the Series A warrants under the Securities Act is not effective or available, the holder may, in its sole discretion, elect to exercise the Series A warrants through a cashless exercise, in which case the holder would receive upon such exercise the net number of shares of Common Stock determined according to the formula set forth in the Series A warrants.
The exercise price per whole
share of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Series A warrants is $
F-37
In November 2024, a total
of
Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants issued in November Public offering
On November 12, 2024, the Company issued a total
The Series A Warrants was
exercisable commencing upon warrant stockholder approval (“Warrant Stockholder Approval”, see define below), have an exercise
price of $
The Series B Warrants was
exercisable commencing upon Warrant Stockholder Approval, will have an exercise price of $
The purchase price of each
Pre-Funded Unit is $
The
exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable under the Series A Warrants are subject to adjustment and the number of shares
of common stock issuable under the Series B Warrants will be determined following the 10th trading day after the date of Warrant Stockholder
Approval (the “Reset Date”), and to be determined pursuant to
Warrant Stockholder Approval. Under Nasdaq listing rules, the Warrants may not be exercised unless and until the Company obtain the approval of its stockholders. While the Company intends to promptly seek stockholder approval, there is no guarantee that the Warrant Stockholder Approval will ever be obtained. If the Company is unable to obtain the Warrant Stockholder Approval, the Warrants may not be exercised and will have substantially less value. In addition, the Company will incur substantial cost, and management will devote substantial time and attention, in attempting to obtain the Warrant Stockholder Approval.
In December 2024, a total
of
F-38
The summary of warrants activity is as follows:
Warrants Outstanding | Common Stock Issuable | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) | |||||||||||||
US$ | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | $ | |||||||||||||||
Converted upon the reverse recapitalization | $ | |||||||||||||||
Granted | $ | |||||||||||||||
Forfeited | $ | - | ||||||||||||||
Exercised | ( | ) | ( | ) | $ | - | ||||||||||
December 31, 2024 | $ |
Note 15 — Concentration of risk
Credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.
As of December 31, 2024 and
2023, $
Accounts receivable is typically unsecured and derived from revenue earned from customers, thereby exposing the Company to credit risk. The risk is mitigated by the Company’s assessment of its customers’ creditworthiness and its ongoing monitoring of outstanding balances. The Company maintains reserves for estimated credit losses, and such losses have generally been within expectations.
Customer and vendor concentration risk
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the major customers of the Company are as below. Iluminar is a related party of the Company since April 11, 2023, as disclosed in Note 12— Related party transactions.
For the year ended December 31, 2024 |
As of December 31, 2024 |
|||||||
Percentage of Revenue |
Percentage of Account Receivable |
|||||||
Customer A | % | % | ||||||
Customer C | % | < |
% | |||||
Iluminar | % | % |
For the year ended December 31, 2023 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Percentage of Revenue | Percentage of Account Receivable | |||||||
Customer C | % | % | ||||||
Customer G | < | % | % | |||||
Customer H | < | % | % | |||||
Customer I | < | % | % | |||||
Iluminar | < | % | % |
F-39
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the major vendors of the Company are as below. Both Megaphoton, Ilumionar and Uninet Global Inc. are related parties of the Company (Megaphoton is no longer a related party of the Company after April 2023), as disclosed in Note 12— Related party transactions, and all purchases from Uninet Global Inc. are products originally manufactured by Megaphoton Inc.
For the year ended December 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2024 | |||||||
Percentage of Purchase | Percentage of Account Payable | |||||||
Vendor A | % | % | ||||||
Vendor C | % | % | ||||||
Iluminar | < | % | < | % | ||||
Megaphoton Inc. | < | % | % |
For the year ended December 31, 2023 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Percentage of Purchase | Percentage of Account Payable | |||||||
Vendor A | % | < | % | |||||
Vendor B | % | < | % | |||||
Megaphoton Inc. | < | % | % | |||||
Uninet Global Inc. | < | % | % |
Note 16 — Lease
The Company follows ASC 842
Leases. The Company has entered into lease agreements for vehicles, offices and warehouses space in California, Pennsylvania and Texas.
$
On January 28, 2021,
Hydroman entered into a lease agreement of the warehouse in Texas. The lease term was from
On April 14, 2021, Hydroman
entered into a lease agreement of the warehouse in Pennsylvania. The lease term was from
On May 15, 2021, Hydroman
entered into a lease agreement of the warehouse in California. The lease term was from
F-40
On September 1, 2022,
Photon Technology Ltd entered into a year-to-year lease agreement for an office located in Canada. The term of the lease commenced on
September 1, 2022. The monthly payment was CAD
On September 21, 2022,
NMI entered into a month-to-month lease agreement for an office located in California. The term of the lease commenced on September 21,
2022. The monthly payment was $
On May 28, 2023, Visiontech
entered into a lease agreement for a vehicle. The leasing term began on May 28, 2023 and will terminate on April 28, 2025 with
a first installment of $
On April 11, 2024, the Company
entered into a lease agreement for an office located in California. The lease term was from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2027. The lease payments
are $
On July 20, 2024, Visiontech
entered into a lease agreement for another vehicle. The leasing term began on September 3, 2024 and will terminate on August 3, 2028 with
a first installment of $
Lease cost | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
Operating lease cost (included in Cost of Revenue and Other Expense in the Company’s Statement of Operations) | $ | $ | ||||||
Other information | ||||||||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities | ||||||||
Weighted average remaining term in years | ||||||||
Average discount rate – operating leases | % | % |
The supplemental balance sheet information related to leases for the period is as follows:
As of December 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Operating leases | ||||||||
Right of use asset | ||||||||
Lease Liability – current portion | ||||||||
Lease Liability – net of current portion | ||||||||
Total operating lease liabilities | $ | $ |
Maturities of the Company’s lease liabilities are as follows:
Twelve months ended September 30, | Operating Lease | |||
2025 | $ | |||
2026 | ||||
2027 | ||||
Thereafter | ||||
Less: Imputed interest/present value discount | ( | ) | ||
Present value of lease liabilities | $ |
F-41
Note 17 — Commitment and Contingencies
The Company may, from time to time, be involved in legal matters arising in the ordinary course of its business. While the Company is not presently subject to any material legal proceedings, there can be no assurance that such matters will not arise in the future or that any such matters in which the Company is involved, or which may arise in the ordinary course of the Company’s business, will not at some point proceed to litigation or that such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
On August 22, 2023, two separate
lawsuits were filed against NMI and two of its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Visiontech Group Inc., a California corporation, and Hydroman
Inc., a California corporation (collectively referred to as the “Defendants”) by Megaphoton. Megaphoton, a manufacturer and
producer of artificial lighting equipment for use in agriculture and industrial applications, filed the lawsuits against the Defendants
in Los Angeles Superior Court, asserting that the Defendants have breached a contract/guarantee agreement by failing to pay a total of
$
On March 1, 2024 NMI was notified of a complaint in San Bernardino Superior Court by Vien Le, its former CFO, who was employed approximately 2 months. The lawsuit claims wrongful discharge, untimely payment of wages and other related items. The Company has retained counsel and believes it will successfully defend against this lawsuit.
On October 22, 2024, Growterra, LLC (“Growterra”) filed a complaint against the Company and the Company’s chief executive officer in the Court of Common Pleas, Hamilton County, Ohio, alleging that it purchased lighting products from the Company, under which the Company would provide Growterra software, IP, and design documentation related to hydroponic containers and identify Growterra as an additional insured on the Company’s product liability insurance. Growterra alleges the Company failed to perform these obligations. Growterra is alleging breach of contract, fraud, and misappropriation of trade secrets as well as related causes of action. Growterra does not state an amount of damages but is also seeking rescission. The Company has not yet answered.
On October 30, 2024, Visiontech
filed a cross-complaint against Beverly Hills View, Inc. (“BHV”) in Los Angeles Superior Court. This action responded to an
initial lawsuit filed by BHV on August 29, 2024, in which BHV claimed that the lighting products received were unsuitable for its cannabis
growing operation and claiming damages of $
On November 22, 2024, NM Data entered into an investment agreement
to acquire
Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) Notification Letters
The Company received various Nasdaq notification
letters for non-compliance on certain continued listing requirements since April 2024. On October 24, 2024, the Company received a notification
letter from with Nasdaq notifying the Company that, as a result of the Company’s failure to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s
continued listing requirements under Nasdaq’s Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(A), requiring the market value of listed securities to be
at least $
NOTE 18 — SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company conducts business as a single operating segment for indoor agriculture technology that provides products to indoor growers which is based upon the Company’s organizational and management structure, as well as information used by the Chief Executive Officer (“CODM”) to allocate resources and other factors. The accounting policies of the segment are the same as those described in Note 3.
F-42
The key measure of segment
profitability that the CODM uses to allocate resources and assess performance is segment profit or loss, as reported on the statements
of operations.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Revenues | $ | $ | ||||||
Less: | ||||||||
Cost of revenues | ||||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||
Salary and benefits expenses | ||||||||
Professional fees | ||||||||
Stock-based compensation | ||||||||
Other selling, general and administrative | ||||||||
Provision for credit losses | ||||||||
Goodwill impairment loss | ||||||||
Other expenses (income): | ||||||||
Interest expense, net | ||||||||
Non cash finance expense | ||||||||
Loss on loan extinguishment | ||||||||
Income taxes | ||||||||
Other segment (income) expense | ( | ) | ||||||
Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) |
Note 19 — Subsequent events
On January 10, 2025, NMI, Hydroman (“Seller) entered into a sales
agreement with One Inc., a corporation based in Ontario, California (“Buyer”). Seller and Buyer agree to a sale price of $
On January 13, 2025, the Company received notice from Nasdaq indicating that the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) has determined to delist the Company’s securities from Nasdaq based upon the Company’s non-compliance with Listing Rule 5550(b)(1), Nasdaq’s minimum shareholders’ equity rule. As a result of the Panel’s decision, Nasdaq suspended trading in the Company’s securities effective at the open of trading on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
On February 7, 2025, the Merchants entered into a standard merchant
cash advance agreement with Wave advance Inc (the “Factor L”). The Company sold $
On February 11, 2025, the Merchants entered into another standard merchant
cash advance agreement with Factor I. The Company sold $
On February 11, 2025, the
Merchants entered into another standard merchant cash advance agreement with Factor K. The company sold $
On February 25, 2025, the Merchant entered into another standard merchant
cash advance agreement with Factor L. The Company sold $
On March 26, 2025 the Company signed a convertible
note with Black Ice Advisors, LLC, face value of the note is $
On April 11, 2025 the Company signed a convertible promissory note
agreement with Big Lake Capital, LLC (“Big Lake” or “Investor”). Big Lake is a related party controlled by Tie
“James” Li, Chairman and CEO of the Company. The agreement calls for up to $
F-43
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Executive Officers and Directors
Upon the consummation of the Business Combination, the following individuals were appointed to serve as executive officers and directors of the Company:
Name | Age | Position | ||
Tie (James) Li | 57 | Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Director | ||
George Yutuc | 60 | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer | ||
Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang | 56 | President and Director | ||
Varto Levon Doudakian | 47 | Vice President | ||
Charles Jourdan Hausman | 54 | Independent Director | ||
H. David Sherman | 77 | Independent Director | ||
Jon M. Montgomery | 76 | Independent Director |
Background of Directors and Executive Officers
Tie (James) Li serves as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company. He founded Nature’s Miracle, Inc. in 2022 and has served as the Company’s Chairman and CEO since. From February 2015 to 2022, he was the Founder and Chairman of Early Bird Investment, a private equity firm focused on agriculture, mobile gaming and clean energy. From 2006 to 2015, he was the co-founder, CFO, President and CEO of China Hydroelectric Corporation (“CHC”) which was the largest small hydroelectric company listed on NYSE. He launched China Hydroelectric Corporation in 2006 with three other co-founders and built the company into a NYSE listed company with a market capitalization of over a billion. In 2015, he led the effort to privatize and sell CHC to a public listed utility company. Mr. Li started his career with Citigroup in the investment banking unit in New York City in 1998. He has also worked at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, HypoVereinsbank and Standard & Poor’s. Mr. Li graduated from Columbia University Graduate School of Business in New York with an MBA in 1998. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Brooklyn College. He also attended Beijing University undergraduate program in History. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Li is qualified to serve on the Board because of his extensive executive experience.
George Yutuc serves as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. George has been with the Company since 2023. From 2021 to 2023 he consulted with major private equity firms and a top strategy firm in the field of packaging, single use restaurant supplies, manufacturing in California and evaluating industry targets. From 2019 to 2021 he was CFO of Karat Packaging, a manufacturer and distributor of paper and plastic cups, “to go” boxes and related supplies. The Company went from a privately-held $175 million company to a $300 million revenue Nasdaq-listed company during this time. Between 2001 and 2018 he served as CFO or controller in fast-growth companies including EbrokerCenter, Jet Aerospace, ScribeRight and Casestack. Prior to 2001, he held key positions as an audit manager, senior manager and director of corporate finance at CPA firm Deloitte & Touche from 1996 to 2001. George earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has served as a part-time adjunct instructor in Business Acquisitions and Finance at his alma mater from 2005 to 2020.
48
Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang serves as President and Director of the Company. Mr. Zhang is also the founder of Visiontech. He has extensive contacts and a working relationship within the indoor growing community in North America. He also has over twenty years of experience in the lighting industry. Over the last ten years, from 2014 until present, he has built Visiontech and its associated brand “eFinity” as a premier grow light brand in the indoor growing community. He obtained his College Diploma of Maritime Study from Tianjin Maritime College in 1989. Mr. Zhang’s history managing and operating Nature’s Miracle, as well as his extensive industry knowledge, qualify him to serve on the board of the Company. Mr. Zhang is qualified to serve on the Board because of his extensive contacts and a working relationship within the indoor growing community in North America.
Varto Levon Doudakian serves as Vice President of the Company. Mr. Doudakian is a seasoned professional with over twenty years of experience in the agricultural industry. Previously, Vic led the sales team for North American sales and has been responsible for the strategic direction, vision, growth, and performance of the premier grow light brand “eFinity” from 2010 until present. He obtained his College Diploma of technician from Citrus College in 2000. Mr. Doudakian’s history managing and operating Nature’s Miracle, as well as his extensive industry knowledge, qualify him to serve as the VP of the Company.
Charles Jourdan Hausman serves as Director of the Company. Mr. Hausman has served as the Chief Executive Officer of K. Mizra, LLC (the “K.Mizra”), which he founded in 2019, from 2019 to the present. Since its founding, K. Mizra has focused on acquiring high-value, high-quality patents with a global reach. Prior to forming K. Mizra, Mr. Hausman specialized in IP enforcement and monetization at a number of companies. Beginning at the Recording Industry Association of America, Mr. Hausman was Deputy Director at the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) where he further expanded the intellectual property rights of movie studios. Following the MPAA, Mr. Hausman worked at Philips Intellectual Property and Standards Group. Following his time at Philips, Mr. Hausman worked as a worldwide program manager for a pool licensing consortium known as One-Red. Following One-Red, Mr. Hausman worked for a Non-Practicing Entity known as Sisvel Group. At Sisvel Group, Mr. Hausman served as President of US operations. Mr. Hausman oversaw the administration of multiple litigations and licensing programs while at Sisvel Group. Mr. Hausman graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management from Tulane University, A.B. Freeman School of Business and a Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law. He is admitted to California Bar Association in 1996. Mr. Hausman’s history of managing, as well as his extensive IP enforcement knowledge, qualify him to serve on the board of the Company.
H. David Sherman, MBA, DBA, CPA serves as Director of the Company. He has been one of Lakeshore’s independent directors since March 2022. He has also been serving as a member of the board of directors of Lakeshore Acquisition I Corp. (Nasdaq: LAAA) from June 2021 to December 6, 2022, the date on which LAAA consummated its initial business combination with ProSomnus Inc.(Nasdaq: OSA). Since 1985, Dr. Sherman has been a professor at Northeastern University, specializing in, among other areas, financial and management accounting, global financial statement analysis and contemporary accounting issues. Since January 2014, Professor Sherman has served as Trustee and Chair of the Finance Committee for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, the oldest English language acting school in the world. Since July 2010, he has also served as a Board member and Treasurer for D-Tree International, a non-profit organization that develops and supports electronic clinical protocols to enable health care workers worldwide to deliver high quality care. Since September 2019, Dr. Sherman has served as an independent board member for Newborn Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:NBAC). Dr. Sherman previously served on the board and as audit committee chair for Dunxin Financial Holdings Ltd. (AMEX:DXF), a financial service company, Kingold Jewelry Inc. (NASDAQ: KGJI), a designer and manufacturer of gold jewelry related products, China HGS Real Estate Inc. (NASDAQ: HGSH), a real estate company, Agfeed Corporation, a manufacturing company of agricultural products, and China Growth Alliance, Ltd., a business acquisition company formed to acquire an operating business in China. Dr. Sherman was previously on the faculty of the Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and also, among other academic appointments, held an adjunct professorship at Tufts Medical School and was a visiting professor at Harvard Business School (2015). From 2004 to 2005, Dr. Sherman was an Academic Fellow at the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Division of Corporate Finance’s Office of Chief Accountant. Dr. Sherman is a Certified Public Accountant and previously practiced with Coopers & Lybrand. Dr. Sherman’s research has been published in management and academic journals including Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, Accounting Review and European Journal of Operations Research. Mr. Sherman’s academic credentials and significant corporate governance and accounting experience qualify him to serve on the board of the Company.
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Jon M. Montgomery serves as Director of the Company. He has been one of Lakeshore’s independent directors since March 2022. Mr. Montgomery is managing director at Meredith Financial Group Inc., a financial management and advisory firm located in New York City. He has served as an independent director of Nuvve Holding Corp. (NVVE.NASDAQ) since March 19, 2021. From 2010 to 2014, he was managing partner at project finance advisory firm AGlobal Partners LLC where he assisted in arranging long-term, limited-recourse financing for private investments in renewable energy, telecommunications, mining & metals, PPPs, and other infrastructure projects in emerging and other international markets. He also advised clients on foreign direct investments, including those utilizing development finance institutions, export credit agencies, and political risk insurers. In addition, Mr. Montgomery has more than 25 years of marketing consulting and market research experience, informing and guiding clients’ branding, communications, segmentation and innovation challenges across a range of industries, particularly in the information technology, telecommunications, financial services, CPG, pharmaceutical, and retail sectors. He is experienced in applying model-based quantitative analysis, particularly choice-based modeling, to solving competitive problems. Previously, from 1996 to 2010, Mr. Montgomery co-founded Hudson Group Inc. in New York, a research-based marketing consultancy. He also held prior positions as executive vice president at Marketing Strategy & Planning Inc./Synovate, and vice president at Hase Schannen Research Associates Inc. Mr. Montgomery holds a M.B.A. from Northeastern University and a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley. Since 2000 he has been Adjunct Faculty in Marketing at the University of Georgia. Mr. Montgomery is well-qualified to serve as a member of the Company board due to his investment banking, structuring and strategic expertise, his contacts in emerging and other international markets and his extensive experience in marketing and market research.
Family Relationships
There are no familial relationships among the Company’s directors and executive officers.
Board Composition
The Company’s business and affairs are organized under the direction of the Board. The Board consists of five members. Tie (James) Li serves as Chairman of the Board. The primary responsibilities of the board of directors are to provide oversight, strategic guidance, counseling, and direction to the Company’s management. The Board will meet on a regular basis and additionally as required.
In accordance with the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the Board will be divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III, with members of each class serving staggered three-year terms. The Company anticipates the directors will be assigned to the following classes:
● | Class I will consist of Charles Jourdan Hausman, whose term will expire at the Company’s 2026 annual meeting of stockholders to be held after consummation of the Business Combination; |
● | Class II will consist of Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang and H. David Sherman, whose terms will expire at the Company’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders to be held after consummation of the Business Combination; and |
● | Class III will consist of Tie (James) Li and Jon M. Montgomery, whose terms will expire at the Company’s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders to be held after consummation of the Business Combination. |
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At each annual meeting of stockholders to be held after the initial classification, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following their election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. This classification of the board of directors of the Company may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in the Company’s control or management.
Director Independence
The Board has consulted, and will consult, with its counsel to ensure that the Board’s determinations are consistent with those rules and all relevant securities and other laws and regulations regarding the independence of directors. Although we are listed in the OTC, we are trying to comply with the Nasdaq listing standards. The Nasdaq listing standards generally define an “independent director” as a person, other than an executive officer of a company or any other individual having a relationship which, in the opinion of the issuer’s board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.
The Board determined that H. David Sherman, Charles Jourdan Hausman and Jon M. Montgomery qualify as independent directors as defined under the listing rules of the Nasdaq, and the Board consists of a majority of independent directors, as defined under the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq Listing Rules relating to director independence requirements. In addition, the Company is subject to the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq relating to the membership, qualifications, and operations of the audit committee, the compensation committee, and the nominating and corporate governance committee, as discussed below.
Board Oversight of Risk
One of the key functions of the Board is informed oversight of its risk management process. The Board does not anticipate having a standing risk management committee, but rather anticipates administering this oversight function directly through the Board as a whole, as well as through various standing committees of the Board that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. In particular, the Board is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure and the Company’s audit committee has the responsibility to consider and discuss the Company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps its management will take to monitor and control such exposures, including guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken. The audit committee also monitors compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Company’s compensation committee also assesses and monitors whether the Company’s compensation plans, policies and programs comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Board Committees
The Company established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. The Board adopted a written charter for each of these committees, which complies with the applicable requirements of current Nasdaq Listing Rules. Copies of the charters for each committee are available on the investor relations portion of Nature’s Miracle’s website. The composition and function of each committee comply with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and all applicable SEC rules and regulations.
Audit Committee
The Company’s audit committee consists of David Sherman, Charles Hausman and Jon Montgomery, with Mr. Sherman serving as the chair of the committee. The Board determined that each member of the audit committee qualifies as an independent direct or under the independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, and the applicable Nasdaq listing requirements and that Mr. Sherman qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K, and which member or members possess financial sophistication, as defined under the rules of Nasdaq.
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The audit committee assists the Board in monitoring the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, its compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and the independence and performance of its internal and external auditors. The audit committee’s principal functions include:
● | reviewing the Company’s annual audited financial statements with management and Nature’s Miracle’s independent auditor, including major issues regarding accounting principles, auditing practices and financial reporting that could significantly affect financial statements; |
● | reviewing quarterly financial statements with management and the independent auditor, including the results of the independent auditor’s reviews of the quarterly financial statements; |
● | recommending to the Board the appointment of, and continued evaluation of the performance of, independent auditors; |
● | approving the fees to be paid to the independent auditor for audit services and approving the retention of independent auditors for non-audit services and all fees for such services; |
● | reviewing periodic reports from the independent auditor regarding the auditor’s independence, including discussion of such reports with the auditor; |
● | reviewing the adequacy of the overall control environment, including internal financial controls and disclosure controls and procedures; and |
● | reviewing with our management and legal counsel legal matters that may have a material impact on financial statements or compliance policies and any material reports or inquiries received from regulators or governmental agencies. |
Compensation Committee
The Company’s compensation committee consists of Charles Hausman, Jon Montgomery and David Sherman, with Mr. Hausman serving as chair of the committee. The Board determined that each member of the compensation committee is “independent” as defined under the applicable Nasdaq requirements and SEC rules and regulations. The compensation committee will meet from time to time to consider matters for which approval by the committee is desirable or is required by law.
The compensation committee is responsible for establishing the compensation of senior management, including salaries, bonuses, termination arrangements, and other executive officer benefits as well as director compensation. The compensation committee also administers the Company’s equity incentive plans. The compensation committee may also, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser and will be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any such adviser. However, before engaging or receiving advice from a compensation consultant, external legal counsel or any other adviser, the compensation committee will consider the independence of each such adviser, including the factors required by the Nasdaq and the SEC.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Company’s nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Jon Montgomery, Charles Hausman and David Sherman, with Mr. Montgomery serving as chair of the committee. The Board determined that each member of the nominating and corporate governance committee is “independent” as defined under the applicable Nasdaq requirements and SEC rules and regulations. The nominating and corporate governance committee will meet from time to time to consider matters for which approval by the committee is desirable or is required by law.
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The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for overseeing the selection of persons to be nominated to serve on the Company’s board of directors. The nominating and corporate governance committee also is responsible for developing a set of corporate governance policies and principles and recommending to the Company’s board of directors any changes to such policies and principles.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a new code of ethics that applies to all of its directors, officers and employees. A copy of the Company’s code of ethics is available on its website. The Company also intends to disclose future amendments to, or waivers of, its code of ethics, as and to the extent required by SEC regulations, on its website.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of the compensation committee was at any time one of Nature’s Miracle’s officers or employees. None of Nature’s Miracle’s executive officers currently serves, or has served during the last completed fiscal year, on the compensation committee or board of directors of any other entity that has one or more executive officers that will serve as a member of the Board or compensation committee.
Shareholder and Interested Party Communications
Stockholders and interested parties may communicate with the Board, any committee chairperson or the non-management directors as a group by writing to the Board or committee chairperson in care of Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc., 3281 E. Guasti Road, Suite 175, Ontario, CA 91761. Each communication will be forwarded, depending on the subject matter, to the Board, the appropriate committee chairperson or all non-management directors.
Limitations of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers
The Delaware General Corporation Law authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate, subject to certain conditions, the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties. The Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation will limit the liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.
The Company proposes to purchase director and officer liability insurance to cover liabilities its directors and officers may incur in connection with their services to the combined company, including matters arising under the Securities Act. The Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws also will provide that the Company will indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The Company’s amended and restated by-laws will further provide that the Company will indemnify any other person whom it has the power to indemnify under Delaware law. In addition, the Company intends to enter into customary indemnification agreements with each of our officers and directors.
There is no pending litigation or proceeding involving any of the Company’s directors, officers, employees or agents in which indemnification will be required or permitted. The Company is not aware of any threatened litigation or proceedings that may result in a claim for such indemnification.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, executive officers or persons controlling the combined company, the Company has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
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Item 11. Executive Compensation
Lakeshore Named Executive Officer and Director Compensation
No executive officer or director of Lakeshore has received any cash compensation for services rendered to the company. No compensation of any kind, including finders, consulting or other similar fees, was paid to any of Lakeshore’s existing initial shareholders, including its directors, or any of their respective affiliates, prior to, or for any services they render in order to effectuate, the consummation of a business combination. However, such individuals may have been reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on Lakeshore’s behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. There is no limit on the amount of these out-of-pocket expenses and there will be no review of the reasonableness of the expenses by anyone other than Lakeshore’s board of directors and audit committee, which includes persons who may seek reimbursement, or a court of competent jurisdiction if such reimbursement is challenged.
Any directors or members of Lakeshore’s management team who remain with the combined company may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the combined company. Any compensation to be paid to Lakeshore’s executive officers or directors will be determined by a compensation committee constituted solely of independent directors.
Lakeshore is not party to any agreements with its executive officers and directors that provide for benefits upon termination of employment.
Nature’s Miracle Named Executive Officer and Director Compensation
This section discusses material components of the compensation programs for Nature’s Miracle’s executive officers who are named in the “Summary Compensation Table” below. In 2024, Nature’s Miracle’s “named executive officers” and their positions were as follows:
● | Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang, current President of Nature’s Miracle, rendered services as Chief Executive Officer to Visiontech in 2022; and |
● | Ti “James” Li, current Chairman and CEO of Nature’s Miracle; |
● | Darin Carpenter, former Chief Operating Officer of Nature’s Miracle; employment ended July 31, 2024. |
● | George Yutuc, current Chief Financial Officer of Nature’s Miracle; and |
● | Varto Levon Doudakian, current VP of Nature’s Miracle. |
This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that are based on Nature’s Miracle’s current plans, considerations, expectations, and determinations regarding future compensation programs.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table contains information pertaining to the compensation of Nature’s Miracle’s named executives for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Name and Position | Year | Salary ($) | Executive Performance Plan Compensation ($) | Commission Plan ($) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||
Ti “James” Li | 2024 | $ | 300,000 | (A) | — | — | $ | 300,000 | ||||||||||
Chairman and CEO | ||||||||||||||||||
Zhiyi “Jonathan” Zhang | 2024 | $ | 250,000 | (A) | — | — | $ | 250,000 | ||||||||||
President | ||||||||||||||||||
Darin Carpenter | 2024 | $ | 250,000 | (B) | — | — | $ | 250,000 | ||||||||||
Chief Operating Officer | ||||||||||||||||||
George Yutuc | 2024 | $ | 250,000 | — | — | $ | 250,000 | |||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer | ||||||||||||||||||
Varto Levon Doudakian | 2024 | $ | 175,000 | — | — | $ | 175,000 | |||||||||||
Vice President | ||||||||||||||||||
Ti “James” Li | 2023 | $ | 300,000 | — | — | $ | 300,000 | |||||||||||
Chairman and CEO | ||||||||||||||||||
Zhiyi “Jonathan” Zhang | 2023 | $ | 250,000 | — | — | $ | 250,000 | |||||||||||
President | ||||||||||||||||||
Darin Carpenter | 2023 | $ | 62,500 | (C) | — | — | $ | 62,500 | ||||||||||
Chief Operating Officer | ||||||||||||||||||
George Yutuc | 2023 | $ | 12,500 | (C) | — | — | $ | 12,500 | ||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||||||||
Varto Levon Doudakian | 2023 | $ | 127,500 | — | — | $ | 127,500 | |||||||||||
Vice President |
(A) | Only partially paid. See “Salaries” discussion section next page. As board members, also entitled to $25,000 per year of board fees. |
(B) | Annual rate. Left July 31, 2024. Partial year only |
(C) | Actual pay based on partial year |
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The following table contains information pertaining to the compensation of Nature’s Miracle’s named executives for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Name and Position | Year | Salary ($) | Executive Performance Plan Compensation ($) | Commission Plan ($) | Total ($) | ||||||||||
Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang | 2022 | 84,000 | N/A | N/A | 84,000 | ||||||||||
CEO of Visiontech | |||||||||||||||
Varto Levon Doudakian | 2022 | 102,000 | N/A | N/A | 102,000 | ||||||||||
VP of Visiontech |
Narrative to Executive Compensation Table
Salaries
Nature’s Miracle’s named executives receive a base salary to compensate them for services rendered to Nature’s Miracle. The base salary payable to each named executive provides a fixed compensation component commensurate with the executive’s skill, experience, role and responsibilities. For 2024, the base salaries for Mr. Li, Mr. Zhang, Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Yutuc and Mr. Doudakian were $300,000, $250,000, $250,000, $250,000 and $175,000, respectively. Actual payments to Mr. Li and Mr. Zhang were $50,000 and $112,000. The rest was accrued in accrued liabilities. Actual payments to Mr. Yutuc amounted to $225,321 vs. $250,000 annual salary due to a voluntary pay reduction from August to November 2024. Actual payments to Mr. Carpenter included 7 months of salary plus one more month based on his separation agreement.
Not shown in the table above is Daphne Huang who served as interim Chief Financial Officer from November to December 2024. She was paid approximately 2 months based on an annual salary rate of $250,000.
Two members of the management team Mr. Li and Mr. Zhang are also members of the board of directors. The annual pay to board members is $25,000 but not paid out for 2024; the total of $50,000 has been accrued in liabilities. The other 3 independent board members were paid $25,000 each in 2024.
Employee Benefits
All of Nature’s Miracle’s eligible employees, including named executives, may participate in its health and benefits plans, including:
● | Medical, dental and vision benefits; |
● | Flexible spending accounts; |
● | Life insurance; |
● | Short and long-term disability insurance. |
The Company has provided stock compensation built into certain employee agreements. Such benefits have been provided to Darin Carpenter (former COO), Yali “Amber” Wang (former controller and long-time employee), George Yutuc (CFO and COO), Kirk Colins (Director of Sales). These employees were provided a vesting of 2 years, 1 year, 2 years and 2 years, respectively for them to earn their shares. Mr. Carpenter’s mutual separation agreement allowed for him to vest immediately on 100,013 shares (pre-reverse stock split).
The Company has leased two vehicles that are utilized by two employees in connection with their work duties. A car, is used by Eric Wang, manager of operations and a truck is utilized by Mr. Doudakian, VP of sales.
Nature’s Miracle believes the aforementioned benefits are necessary and appropriate to providing a competitive compensation package to eligible employees, including named executives.
Employment Agreements
Nature’s Miracle has entered into employment agreements with Tie (James) Li, the CEO, George Yutuc, the CFO and COO, Darin Carpenter, the former COO, and Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang. Mr. Carpenter’s employment has mutually terminated on July 31, 2024 and is no longer in force.
The executives’ employment agreements provide for “at will” employment until terminated by the executive or the Company. The employment agreements may be terminated: by the Company upon death or disability, or with or without cause; by the executive with or without good reason; or terminated by mutual agreement. The Company may, at any time, without notice or remuneration, terminate the employment for cause; executive may terminate the employment with a 1-month prior written notice or a 1-month salary in lieu of notice, or by approval of the board. Mr. Li, Mr. Zhang, and Mr. Yutuc, are entitled to receive an annual base salary of $300,000, $250,000, and $250,000 respectively.
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Nature’s Miracle had previously entered into an employment agreement with Vien Le, our former Chief Financial Officer dated August 2, 2023, pursuant to which Mr. Le was granted options to purchase 236,000 shares of Nature’s Miracle’s common stock. This employment agreement was later terminated by the Company effective October 23, 2023, and the above mentioned options to purchase Nature’s Miracle and any other compensation that Mr. Le was entitled to were thereby terminated and rescinded without further effect.
In addition, a total of 260,000 shares of common stock were issued at the closing of the Business Combination in connection with Nature’s Miracle’s employment agreements, based on a Letter Agreement entered into by certain parties on November 15, 2023. These 260,000 shares include 10,000 shares to be issued to Charles Jourdan Hausman, and 100,000 shares to be issued to Darin Carpenter, 100,000 to George Yutuc, 50,000 to Collins Kirk Arvin who is expected to join as Director of Sales. Shares allocated to Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Arvin and Mr. Yutuc vest subject to a two-year employment period.
On August 1, 2024, the Company and Darin Carpenter entered into the Mutual Termination of Employment Agreement and Intent to Transition to Project-Based Work, in which it was agreed that Mr. Carpenter would resign from his position as Chief Operating Officer of the Company effective as of July 31, 2024. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Carpenter will provide services as a consultant to the Company on a per project basis as needed. In addition, the Company agreed to fully vest 100,013 shares of common stock that was issuable to Mr. Carpenter pursuant to the employment agreement dated as of September 17, 2023, between the Company and Mr. Carpenter.
For fiscal year 2023, Nature’s Miracle did not provide cash compensation or equity grants to its directors, however all of the directors are reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to their services as a member of the Nature’s Miracle board of directors. The Company approved and implemented a non-employee director compensation policy, which provides each independent director with $5,000 director fee per meeting and $25,000 worth of stock award.
Director Compensation
For fiscal year 2023, Nature’s Miracle did not provide cash compensation or equity grants to its directors, however all of the directors are reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to their services as a member of the Nature’s Miracle board of directors. After the merger on March 11, 2024 the Company paid directors quarterly at an annual rate of $25,000.
The Company Executive Officer and Director Compensation Following the Business Combination
The Company intends to develop an executive compensation program and a director compensation program, each of which will be designed to align compensation with the combined company’s business objectives and the creation of stockholder value, while enabling the Company to attract, retain, incentivize and reward individuals who contribute to the long-term success of the combined company.
2024 Incentive Plan
Summary
Shares Available for Issuance. The 2024 Incentive Plan provides for the future issuance of shares of common stock, representing 10% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding following the Business Combination. The 2024 Incentive Plan also provides for an annual increase on January 1 for each of the first ten (10) calendar years during the term of the 2024 Incentive Plan by the lesser of (a) five percent (5%) of all classes of the common stock outstanding on each December 31 immediately prior to the date of increase or (b) such number of shares determined by the Board. Generally, shares of Nature’s Miracle reserved for awards under the 2024 Incentive Plan that lapse or are forfeited will be added back to the share reserve available for future awards. To the extent an Award under the 2024 Incentive Plan is paid out in cash rather than shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of shares available for issuance under the 2024 Incentive Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Award or withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award will become available for future grant or sale under the 2024 Incentive Plan.
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At all times the Company will reserve and keep available a sufficient number of shares as will be required to satisfy the requirements of all outstanding awards granted under the 2024 Incentive Plan. No more than 2,300,000 shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs under the 2024 Incentive Plan.
Stock Options. Stock options granted under the 2024 Incentive Plan may either be incentive stock options, which are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or non-qualified stock options (the “NSOs”), which are not intended to meet those requirements. ISOs may only be granted to employees of Nature’s Miracle and its affiliates, and with respect to Awards granted as ISOs, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which such ISOs are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any parent or subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such Options will be treated as NSOs. Non-qualified options may be granted to employees, directors and consultants of Nature’s Miracle and its affiliates. The Exercise Price of an Option will be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant, and the Exercise Price of any ISO granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder will not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant.
Award agreements for stock options include rules for exercise of the stock options after termination of service. Options may not be exercised unless they are vested, and no option may be exercised after the end of the term set forth in the award agreement. Generally, stock options will be exercisable for three months after termination of service for any reason other than death, disability or cause, and for one year after termination of service on account of death or total and permanent disability, but will not be exercisable if the termination of service was due to cause.
Restricted Stock. Restricted stock is common stock that is subject to restrictions, including a prohibition against transfer and a substantial risk of forfeiture, until the end of a “restricted period” during which the grantee must satisfy certain time or performance-based vesting conditions. If the grantee does not satisfy the vesting conditions by the end of the restricted period, the restricted stock is forfeited. During the restricted period, the holder of restricted stock has the rights and privileges of a regular stockholder, except that generally dividend equivalents may accrue but will not be paid during the restricted period, and the restrictions set forth in the applicable award agreement apply. For example, the holder of restricted stock may vote the restricted shares, but he or she may not sell the shares until the restrictions are lifted.
Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock units are phantom shares that vest in accordance with terms and conditions established by the plan administrator and when the applicable restrictions lapse, the grantee will be entitled to receive a payout in cash, shares or a combination thereof based on the number of restricted stock units as specified in the award agreement. Dividend equivalents may accrue but will not be paid prior to and only to the extent that, the restricted stock unit award vests. The holder of restricted stock units does not have the rights and privileges of a regular stockholder, including the ability to vote the restricted stock units.
Other Stock-Based Awards and Performance-Based Awards. The Plan also authorizes the grant of other types of stock-based compensation including, but not limited to stock appreciation rights and stock bonus awards. The plan administrator may award such stock-based awards subject to such conditions and restrictions as it may determine. We may grant an award conditioned on satisfaction of certain performance criteria. Any dividends or dividend equivalents payable or credited to a participant with respect to any unvested performance-based award will be subject to the same performance goals as the shares or units underlying the performance-based award.
Plan Administration. Plan will be administered by the committee or by the Board acting as the committee. Subject to the general purposes, terms and conditions of the Plan, and to the direction of the Board, the committee will have full power to implement and carry out the Plan, except, however, the Board will establish the terms for the grant of an Award to Non-Employee Directors. Awards granted to Participants who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act must be approved by two or more “non-employee directors” (as defined in the regulations promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act). In accordance with the provisions of the 2024 Incentive Plan, the plan administrator determines the terms of awards, including, which employees, directors and consultants will be granted awards, the number of shares subject to each award, the vesting provisions of each award, the termination or cancellation provisions applicable to awards, and all other terms and conditions upon which each award may be granted in accordance with the 2024 Incentive Plan.
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Corporate Transactions. In the event of a Corporate Transaction any or all outstanding Awards may be (a) continued by the Company, if the Company is the successor entity; or (b) assumed or substituted by the successor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary of the successor corporation, for substantially equivalent Awards. The successor corporation may also issue, as replacement of outstanding Shares of the Company held by the Participant, substantially similar shares or other property subject to repurchase restrictions no less favorable to the Participant. In the event such successor corporation refuses to assume, substitute or replace any Award, then notwithstanding any other provision in the Plan to the contrary, each such Award shall become fully vested and, as applicable, exercisable and any rights of repurchase or forfeiture restrictions thereon shall lapse, immediately prior to the consummation of the Corporate Transaction. Performance Awards not assumed or substituted pursuant to the foregoing shall be deemed earned and vested at 100% of target level, unless otherwise indicated pursuant to the terms and conditions of the applicable Award Agreement.
The Company, from time to time, also may substitute or assume outstanding awards granted by another company, whether in connection with an acquisition of such other company or otherwise, by either; (i) granting an Award under the Plan in substitution of such other company’s award; or (ii) assuming such award as if it had been granted under the Plan if the terms of such assumed award could be applied to an Award granted under the Plan. In the event the Company assumes an award granted by another company, the terms and conditions of such award will remain unchanged. In the event the Company elects to grant a new Option in substitution rather than assuming an existing option, such new Option may be granted with a similarly adjusted Exercise Price. Substitute Awards will not reduce the number of Shares authorized for grant under the 2024 Incentive Plan or authorized for grant to a Participant in a calendar year.
In the event of a Corporate Transaction, the vesting of all Awards granted to Non-Employee Directors will accelerate and such Awards will become exercisable (as applicable) in full prior to the consummation of such event at such times and on such conditions as the Committee determines.
Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time terminate or amend the Plan in any respect, including, without limitation, amendment of any form of Award Agreement or instrument to be executed pursuant to the Plan provided that no amendment requiring stockholder approval that is approved by the Board shall be effective until the approval of the stockholders of the Company is obtained, and provided that a Participant’s award will continue to be governed by the version of the Plan then in effect at the time such Award was granted. No termination or amendment of the 2024 Incentive Plan or any outstanding Award may adversely affect any then outstanding Award without the consent of the Participant, unless such termination or amendment is necessary to comply with applicable law, regulation or rule.
Duration of Plan. The Plan will expire by its terms on February 20, 2034 (ten years from the date the 2024 Incentive Plan is adopted).
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of common stock of the Company as of April 11, 2024 by:
● | each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of common stock of the Company; |
● | each person who is an executive officer or director of the Company; and |
● | all executive officers and directors of the Company, as a group. |
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. A person is a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the security, or “investment power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of the security, or has the right to acquire such powers within 60 days.
The beneficial ownership of shares of common stock is calculated based on 26,306,751 shares of common stock of the Company outstanding as of April 11, 2024.
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Unless otherwise noted in the footnotes to the following table, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to their beneficially owned common stock.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) | Number of Shares Beneficially Owned | Percentage of Shares Beneficially Owned | ||||||
Directors and Named Executive Officers of the Company | ||||||||
Tie (James) Li (Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director) | 431,842 | 8.2 | % | |||||
Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang(2) (President and Director) | 405,130 | 7.7 | % | |||||
Varto Doudakian(2) (Vice President) | 72,163 | 1.38 | % | |||||
David Sherman (Director) | 667 | .01 | % | |||||
Jon Montgomery (Director) | 167 | 0.0 | % | |||||
George Yutuc (Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer) | 1,667 | 0.03 | % | |||||
Charles Jourdan Hausman (Director) | 333 | 0.01 | % | |||||
All Directors and Executive Officers of the Company as a Group (7 Individuals) | 911,969 | 17.41 | % | |||||
2%+ Holders | ||||||||
Wei Yang(3) | 128,588 | 2.45 | % |
* | Less than one percent. |
(1) | Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the individuals is c/o Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc., 3281 E. Guasti Road, Suite 175, Ontario, CA 91761. |
(2) | The business address of each of the individuals is 3281 E. Guasti Road, Suite 175, Ontario, CA 91761. |
(3) | The business address of Wei Yang is 5680 Grove Ave, Delta, BC, Canada V4K 2A9. |
Equity Plan Information
See Part II, Item 5 “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” of this Annual Report.
Changes in Control
See Part I, Item 1 “Business-General” of this Annual Report.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
See Related Party loans below
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Related Party Loans
On May 11, 2021, Lakeshore issued a $300,000 principal amount unsecured promissory note to the Sponsor. On January 31, 2022, Lakeshore issued a $100,000 principal amount unsecured promissory note to the Sponsor. On March 7, 2022, Lakeshore issued a $100,000 principal amount unsecured promissory note to the Sponsor, and Lakeshore had received such amounts as of issuance dates. The notes are non-interest bearing, and due after the date on which the July 2024 Offering would be consummated or Lakeshore determined to abandon the July 2024 Public Offering. On March 11, 2022, the $500,000 loan was converted into part of the subscription of $3,515,000 private placement at a price of $10.00 per unit. The promissory notes were canceled and no amounts were owed under the notes.
On July 11, 2023, Lakeshore entered into two separate loan agreements for an aggregate principal amount of $250,000, on substantially the same terms. The lender of the first loan agreement is Bill Chen, Chief Executive Officer of Lakeshore, who agreed to lend Lakeshore a principal amount of $125,000, and the lender of the second loan agreement is James Li, the Chief Executive Officer of Nature’s Miracle, Inc., the target, in the previously announced proposed business combination with Lakeshore, who agreed to lend Lakeshore a principal amount of $125,000. Pursuant to the loan agreements, the loans are unsecured and do not bear interest; provided that, if the loan is not repaid by the maturity date on November 11, 2023, then the outstanding amount will bear interest at 8% per annum, and will be payable with accrued interest on demand. The loans closed on July 12, 2023. The proceeds of the loans have been used to repay in full Lakeshore’s $250,000 loan pursuant to the loan agreement, dated March 10, 2023, by and between the Company, the lender named therein, and RedOne Investment, and Nature’s Miracle, as guarantors. The loan agreements also provide for the issuance to each lender of 12,500 shares of Class A common stock (or 25,000 shares in the aggregate) of the Company no later than the earlier of (i) the maturity date and (ii) the closing of the planned business combination between Lakeshore and Nature’s Miracle. The loan agreements also provide for customary registration rights for such shares.
As of December 31, 2023, an aggregate principal amount of $370,000 was outstanding and evidenced by unsecured promissory notes issued to RedOne Investment Limited, the Sponsor. On March 11, 2024, the Company, Lakeshore, RedOne Investment Limited and a prior note holder entered into a Service Fees Letter Agreement, in which the repayment of certain debt in the aggregate amount of $430,000 shall be paid to RedOne Investment Limited as follows: (i) the first installment in the amount of $50,000 shall be paid by the Company no later than the first month anniversary of the closing date of the Business Combination; (ii) the second installment in the amount of $150,000 shall be paid by the Company no later than the six month anniversary of the closing date of the Business Combination; and (iii) the third installment in the amount of $230,000 shall be paid by the Company no later than the nine month anniversary of the closing date of the Business Combination. The outstanding and unpaid amount shall bear interest at 8% per annum, commencing on the closing date of the Business Combination, and shall be payable to RedOne, with accrued interest, on the 10th calendar day of each month. The outstanding balance may be prepaid at any time. As of December 31, 2024, the notes had an aggregate principal amount of $430,000 outstanding. The Company made the first installment payment of $50,000 on July 29, 2024. As of the filing date, the notes had an aggregate principal amount of $380,000 outstanding.
On June 8, 2023, Lakeshore issued a non-convertible promissory note (the “June Note”) in the amount of $40,000 to Nature’s Miracle, payable on the earlier of (i) the consummation of the Business Combination; or (ii) December 11, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, the outstanding balance of the June Note was $40,000. This loan has been consolidated and eliminated on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a result of the Merger.
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On June 14, 2023, in connection with the Newtek Loan Agreement, Nature’s Miracle, Nature’s Miracle (California) Inc., a California corporation, Tie (James) Li, Zhiyi Zhang, Upland 858 LLC, a California LLC ( each a “Newtek Guarantor,” and collectively as the “Newtek Guarantors”) entered into a commercial guaranty agreement (the “Newtek Guaranty”) pursuant to which Guarantors guaranteed the payment of the Principal. As a consideration for entering into Newtek Guaranty, Tie (James) Li and Zhiyi Zhang each received 50,000 shares of Nature’s Miracle.
On July 7, 2023, Lakeshore issued a promissory note (the “July Note”) in the amount of $80,000 to Nature’s Miracle payable on the earlier of (i) the consummation of the Business Combination; or (ii) December 11, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, the note had an outstanding balance of $80,000. This loan has been consolidated and eliminated on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a result of the Merger.
On July 11, 2023, Tie (James) Li and Deyin (Bill) Chen lent $125,000 each to Lakeshore. The repayment date for the loans is November 11, 2023. The loans carry 8% interest on an annual basis. Also, Mr. Li and Bill Chen each received 12,500 shares of Class A common stock of the Company in connection with the loans.
On August 10, 2023, Lakeshore issued a convertible promissory note (the “August Note”) in the amount of $80,000 to Nature’s Miracle, payable on the earlier of (i) the consummation of the Business Combination; or (ii) December 11, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, the note had an outstanding balance of $80,000. This loan has been consolidated and eliminated on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a result of the Merger.
On September 11, 2023, Lakeshore issued a promissory note (the “September Note”) in the amount of $80,000 to Nature’s Miracle, payable on the earlier of (i) the consummation of the Business Combination; or (ii) December 11, 2023. This loan had been consolidated and eliminated on the Company’s balance sheet as a result of the Merger.
On October 11, 2023, Lakeshore issued a convertible promissory note (the “October Note”) in the amount of $80,000 to Nature’s Miracle, payable on the earlier of (i) the consummation of the Business Combination; or (ii) December 11, 2023. This loan had been consolidated and eliminated on the Company’s balance sheet as a result of the Merger.
On November 9, 2023, Lakeshore issued a promissory note (the “November Note”) in the amount of $80,000 to Nature’s Miracle, payable on the earlier of (i) the consummation of the Business Combination; or (ii) December 11, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, the note had an outstanding balance of $80,000. This loan has been consolidated and eliminated on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a result of the Merger.
On December 7, 2023, Lakeshore issued an unsecured promissory note (the “December Note”) in the principal amount of $20,000 to Nature’s Miracle, payable on the earlier of (i) the consummation of the Business Combination; or (ii) March 11, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the note had an outstanding balance of $20,000. This loan has been consolidated and eliminated on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a result of the Merger.
On December 8, 2023, Lakeshore entered into a Side Letter to Loan Agreements and Promissory Notes (the “Letter Agreement”) with Nature’s Miracle, Tie (James) Li and Deyin (Bill) Chen. Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, (i) Nature’s Miracle and Lakeshore agree to extend the deadline repayment date of principal amounts that Nature’s Miracle lent to Lakeshore, which was based on the Amendment No. 1 to the Merger Agreement and has an aggregate amount of $440,000, to March 11, 2024; and (ii) Lakeshore, Tie (James) Li and Deyin (Bill) Chen agree to extend the “Repayment Date” (as defined in the Loan Agreements entered into by each party on July 11, 2023 with total principal amount of $250,000) to March 11, 2024 and agree to waive any and all interest and penalties that may have accrued commencing on November 11, 2023. The Company made a payment of $50,000 on July 29, 2024. As of the filing date, the principal amount of the loan agreements is $75,000.
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On January 8, 2024, Lakeshore issued an unsecured promissory note (the “January Note”) in the principal amount of $20,000 to Nature’s Miracle, payable on the earlier of (i) the closing of the business combination and (ii) March 11, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the note had an outstanding balance of $20,000. This loan has been consolidated and eliminated on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a result of the Merger.
On February 6, 2024, Lakeshore issued an unsecured promissory note (the “February Note”) in the principal amount of $20,000 to Nature’s Miracle, payable on the earlier of (i) the closing of the business combination and (ii) March 11, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the note had an outstanding balance of $20,000. This loan has been consolidated and eliminated on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a result of the Merger.
Lakeshore entered into agreements with its officers and directors to provide contractual indemnification in addition to the indemnification provided for in Lakeshore’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.
Other than reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on Lakeshore’s behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations, no compensation or fees of any kind, including finder’s fees, consulting fees or other similar compensation, will be paid to the Sponsor, officers or directors, or to any of their respective affiliates, prior to or with respect to Lakeshore’s initial business combination (regardless of the type of transaction that it is). Lakeshore’s independent directors review on a quarterly basis all payments that were made to the Sponsor, Lakeshore’s officers, directors or Lakeshore’s or their affiliates and are responsible for reviewing and approving all related party transactions as defined under Item 404 of Regulation S-K, after reviewing each such transaction for potential conflicts of interests and other improprieties. Total reimbursement paid to the Sponsor, officers or directors amounted to $43,320 from February 19, 2021 (Inception) to December 31, 2023. The balance amount was nil at December 31, 2023.
After Lakeshore’s initial business combination, members of its management team who remain with the company may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the combined company with any and all amounts being fully disclosed to Lakeshore’s shareholders, to the extent then known, in the tender offer or proxy solicitation materials, as applicable, furnished to Lakeshore’s shareholders. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of distribution of such tender offer materials or at the time of a general meeting held to consider the initial business combination, as applicable, as it will be up to the directors of the post-combination business to determine executive and director compensation.
All ongoing and future transactions between Lakeshore and any member of its management team or his or her respective affiliates will be on terms believed by Lakeshore at that time, based upon other similar arrangements known to the company, to be no less favorable to Lakeshore than are available from unaffiliated third parties. It is Lakeshore’s intention to obtain estimates from unaffiliated third parties for similar goods or services to ascertain whether such transactions with affiliates are on terms that are no less favorable to Lakeshore than are otherwise available from such unaffiliated third parties. If a transaction with an affiliated third party were found to be on terms less favorable to us than with an unaffiliated third party, Lakeshore would not engage in such transaction.
Lakeshore is not prohibited from pursuing an initial business combination with a company that is affiliated with Lakeshore’s initial shareholders, officers or directors. In the event Lakeshore seeks to complete an initial business combination with a target that is affiliated with its initial shareholders, officers or directors, Lakeshore, or a committee of independent directors, would obtain an opinion from an independent investment banking firm or another independent entity that commonly renders valuation opinions that the initial business combination is fair to the company (or shareholders) from a financial point of view.
Lakeshore has entered into a registration rights agreement with respect to the founder shares and Private Units, among other securities.
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Certain Transactions of Nature’s Miracle
Indemnification Agreements
On March 11, 2024, in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, the Company entered into separate indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers. These indemnification agreements provide the directors and executive officers with contractual rights to indemnification and the advancement of certain expenses incurred by each such director or executive officer in any action or proceeding arising out of his or her services as one of the Company’s directors or executive officers.
Registration Rights Agreement
On March 11, 2024, in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination and as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with certain of the Company’s stockholders (the “Subject Parties”) pursuant to which, among other things, the Company agreed to undertake registration obligations in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and certain subsequent related transactions and obligations, including, among other things, preparing and filing of a registration statement and other required documents. The material terms of the Registration Rights Agreement are described on page 200 of the final prospectus and definitive proxy statement dated as of January 31, 2024 (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), in the section entitled “Certain Transactions—Certain Transactions of Nature’s Miracle—Registration Rights Agreement.”
Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement
On March 11, 2024, the Company and each of the Key Management Members entered into non-competition and non-solicitation agreements (the “Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements”), pursuant to which the Key Management Members and their affiliates will agree not to compete with the Company during the two (2)-year period following the Closing and, during such two (2)-year restricted period, not to solicit employees or customers or clients of such entities. The Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements also contain customary non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions. The material terms of the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements are described on page 201 of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section entitled “Certain Transactions—Certain Transactions of Nature’s Miracle—Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement.”
September 2024 Debt Forgiveness
On September 24, 2024,the Company entered into a trade payable forgiveness agreement with Visiontech (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company), Uninet Global Inc. (“Uninet”), and Nature’s Miracle, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“NMHI (DE)”), relating to the cancellation of a portion of outstanding trade payables owed by Visiontech to Uninet.
Visiontech owed Uninet a trade payable in the amount of $2,713,073 as of June 30, 2024. Pursuant to the trade payable forgiveness agreement, Uninet agreed to cancel the outstanding trade payable of $2,135,573, leaving a remaining balance of $577,500 still payable by Visiontech to Uninet (the “September 2024 Debt Forgiveness”).
Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang, the President, Director, and beneficial owner of approximately 18% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, is also the sole owner of Uninet.
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Related Party Transactions Policy
It is anticipated that the Company board of directors will adopt a written Related Party Transactions Policy that sets forth the Company’s policies and procedures regarding the identification, review, consideration and oversight of “related party transactions.” For purposes of the policy only, a “related party transaction” is any financial transaction, arrangement or relationship in which (a) the Company or one of its subsidiaries is a participant, and (b) any Related Person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
A “related party” is a director (including a nominee), senior manager, 5% shareholder, primary business affiliation, and immediate family member of a director or senior manager, or of a 5% shareholder if such shareholder is a natural person, and any individual (other than a tenant or an employee) sharing the household of such person.
The board shall be responsible for the review, approval or ratification of the following related party transactions: any related party transaction in which a director, an immediate family member of a director, a 5% shareholder, or if such 5% shareholder is a natural person, an immediate family member of such 5% shareholder has a material interest. any related party transaction with a value of $1,000,000 or more in which a senior manager or an immediate family member of a senior manager has a material interest. No director shall participate in any discussion or approval of a related party transaction for which he or she or any member of his or her immediate family member is a related person, except that the director shall provide all material information concerning the related party transaction to the board.
Employment of senior managers, certain transactions with other companies, ordinary course transactions, transactions where all shareholders receive proportional benefits, shall be deemed to be pre-approved or ratified, even if the aggregate amount involved exceeds $1,000,000 shall not require review or approval by the board.
The board shall take into account, among other factors it deems appropriate, whether the related party transaction is entered into on terms no less favorable to the Company than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third-party under the same or similar circumstances; the results of an appraisal, if any; whether there was a bidding process and the results thereof; review of the valuation methodology used and alternative approaches to valuation of the transaction; and the extent of the Related Person’s interest in the transaction.
Related Party Policy of the Company
The Company’s code of ethics will require it to avoid, wherever possible, all related party transactions that could result in actual or potential conflicts of interests, except under guidelines approved by the board of directors (or the audit committee). Related-party transactions are defined as any financial transaction, arrangement or relationship in which (a) the Company or one of its subsidiaries is a participant, and (b) any Related Person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A conflict of interest situation can arise when a person takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest may also arise if a person, or a member of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position.
The Company’s board of directors, pursuant to its written related party transactions policy, will be responsible for reviewing and approving related-party transactions to the extent we enter into such transactions. All ongoing and future transactions between the Company and any of its officers and directors or their respective affiliates will be on terms believed by the Company to be no less favorable to it than are available from unaffiliated third parties. Such transactions will require prior approval by the Company’s board of directors. The Company will not enter into any such transaction unless its board of directors determines that the terms of such transaction are no less favorable to the Company than those that would be available to the Company with respect to such a transaction from unaffiliated third parties. Additionally, the Company will require each of our directors and executive officers to complete a directors’ and officers’ questionnaire that elicits information about related party transactions.
These procedures are intended to determine whether any such related party transaction impairs the independence of a director or presents a conflict of interest on the part of a director, employee or officer.
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Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
Audit services provided by WWC, P.C. for fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and December 31,2023 included the examination of the consolidated financial statements of the Company. and services related to periodic filings made with the SEC.
Audit Fees
WWC’s audit fee for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $425,928 and $230,000, respectively. UHY’s audit fee for the years ended December 31, 2023 was $173,751.
Audit-Related Fees
No audit-related fees were incurred for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Tax Fees
No tax fees were incurred for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The aggregate fees billed for the most recently completed fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of our annual financial statements included in this and services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for these fiscal periods were as follows:
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Audit Fees | $ | 425,928 | $ | 403,751 | ||||
Audit-Related Fees(1) | - | - | ||||||
Tax Fees | - | - | ||||||
All Other Fees | - | - | ||||||
Total | $ | 425,928 | $ | 403,751 |
(1) | Fees incurred in conjunction with consents and service performed for various registration statements filed during the year ended December 31, 2024. |
Audit fees consist of fees related to professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements. All other fees relate to professional services rendered in connection with the review of the quarterly financial statements.
Pre-Approval Policy
Our audit committee was formed upon the consummation of our IPO. As a result, the audit committee did not pre-approve all of the foregoing services, although any services rendered prior to the formation of our audit committee were approved by our board of directors. Since the formation of our audit committee, and on a going-forward basis, the audit committee has and will pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services to be performed for us by our auditors, including the fees and terms thereof (subject to the de minimis exceptions for non-audit services described in the Exchange Act which are approved by the audit committee prior to the completion of the audit).
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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits; Financial Statement Schedules.
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report:
1. | Financial Statements: The following Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc. and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm included in Part II, Item 8: |
● | Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023; |
● | Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023; |
● | Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023; |
● | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023; and |
● | Notes to Financial Statements. |
2. | Exhibits: |
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+ | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan. |
† | Annexes, schedules and exhibits to this Exhibit omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request. |
* | Filed herewith. |
** | Furnished herewith and not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc. under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act whether made before or after the date of this Annual Report. |
*** | As previously filed. |
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on April 16, 2025.
NATURE’S MIRACLE HOLDING INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Tie (James) Li | |
Tie (James) Li, Chief Executive Officer |
Name | Position | Date | ||
/s/ Tie (James) Li | Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Board of Directors | April 16, 2025 | ||
Tie (James) Li | (Principal Executive Officer) | |||
/s/ George Yutuc | Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer | April 16, 2025 | ||
George Yutuc | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |||
/s/ Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang | President and Director | April 16, 2025 | ||
Zhiyi (Jonathan) Zhang | ||||
/s/ Charles Jourdan Hausman | Director | April 16, 2025 | ||
Charles Jourdan Hausman | ||||
/s/ H. David Sherman | Director | April 16, 2025 | ||
H. David Sherman | ||||
/s/ Jon M. Montgomery | Director | April 16, 2025 | ||
Jon M. Montgomery |
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