10-K: Arax Holdings Corp. Reports Full Year 2023 Results, Transitioning to Technology Focus
Annual Results
Arax Holdings Corp. reports its full year 2023 results, highlighting a transition into a software and technology holding company with ongoing operations in software and logistics.
Summary
- Arax Holdings Corp. was initially incorporated in 2012 with a plan to sell hot dogs in Mexico, but has since shifted its focus.
- The company was dormant for several years before a custodianship in 2020 led to a change in management and a new direction.
- Arax is now transitioning into a software and technology holding company, with operations providing software and logistics services in South Africa.
- The company has acquired financial licenses in Switzerland and is developing Central Business Digital Currencies.
- Arax is also developing software solutions for the Core Blockchain and evaluating additional software technology acquisitions.
- In December 2022, Arax acquired Core Business Holdings for $18 million through a share swap, bringing in revenue and assets.
- The company's financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2023, show a net loss of $18,543,578, primarily due to an impairment of assets.
- The company's auditors have expressed substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern due to recurring losses and negative cash flows.
Sentiment
Score: 3
Explanation: The document reveals significant financial losses, an auditor's going concern warning, and material weaknesses in internal controls, which are major negative indicators. While there are some positive developments in the company's strategic direction, the financial risks outweigh them.
Positives
- Arax has successfully transitioned into a software and technology holding company.
- The acquisition of Core Business Holdings brought in revenue and assets.
- The company is actively developing software solutions for emerging technologies like blockchain.
- Arax has secured financial licenses in Switzerland, expanding its potential service offerings.
- The company has a continuing business providing software and logistics services in South Africa.
Negatives
- Arax reported a significant net loss of $18,543,578 for the fiscal year 2023.
- The company's auditors have expressed substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
- The company has a significant accumulated deficit of $19,422,584.
- There is an impairment of assets of $18,550,285.
- The company has limited operating history and has not generated revenue since inception.
- The company has material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.
Risks
- The company faces substantial competition in identifying and pursuing business ventures.
- Arax has limited financial and human resources, putting it at a competitive disadvantage.
- The company's ability to implement a viable business strategy is uncertain.
- The company may face challenges due to the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
- The company's lack of diversification poses a substantial risk.
- The company's auditors have expressed substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
- The company has material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.
- The company may be subject to additional laws and regulations that require material expenditures on compliance.
Future Outlook
The company intends to develop its existing software and logistics business in South Africa, expand into other areas, and continue to develop software solutions for the Core Blockchain. Management also intends to explore and identify business opportunities within the U.S., including a potential acquisition of an operating entity.
Management Comments
- Management believes that the best business model for our investors is to pursue business activity in the Life Sciences sector of the United States and possibly internationally.
- Management intends to fund our working capital requirements through a combination of our existing funds and future issuances of debt or equity securities.
- Management believes that the Companys future success is dependent upon its ability to achieve profitable operations, generate cash from operating activities and obtain additional financing.
Industry Context
The company's transition into software and technology aligns with the broader trend of businesses seeking growth in digital and blockchain-related sectors. The company's focus on Central Business Digital Currencies and blockchain software development positions it within a rapidly evolving market.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- Arax's transition from a dormant company to a technology-focused entity is similar to other companies that have pivoted to capitalize on emerging tech trends.
- The company's acquisition of Core Business Holdings for $18 million is a significant move, but the subsequent impairment of assets raises concerns about the valuation process.
- The company's financial performance, with a substantial net loss and accumulated deficit, is worse than many established technology companies.
- The company's auditors' expression of doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern is a serious issue that is not typical for established companies in the technology sector.
- The company's lack of an independent board and audit committee is not in line with best practices for publicly traded companies.
Management Changes
| Role | Previous Person | New Person | Effective Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer | Ockert Cornelius Loubser | Michael Pieter Loubser | 2022-12-16 | Transition of roles within the company |
| Chief Operating Officer | NA | Ockert Cornelius Loubser | 2022-12-16 | Transition of roles within the company |
Corporate Governance
| Change Type | Description | Effective Date | Impact Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audit Committee | The company does not have an audit committee, with the board acting in this capacity. | NA | This is a material weakness in internal control. |
| Independent Directors | The company does not have any independent directors. | NA | This is a material weakness in internal control. |
| Code of Ethics | The company has not adopted a Code of Ethics due to its size and lack of employees. | NA | This is a potential risk for corporate governance. |
Legal Proceedings
- The company is not currently a party to any material litigation or other material legal proceedings.
Related Party Transactions
- Arax Holdings Corp acquired Core Business Holdings for $18,000,000 through a share swap agreement in December 2022.
- Core Business Holdings was a related party, sharing significant common control elements with ARAX.
- An entity controlled by the company's Chairman has advanced an aggregate of $57,756 to the company as of October 31, 2023.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders face significant risks due to the company's financial losses and going concern issues.
- Employees, though currently limited to part-time consultants, may be impacted by the company's financial instability.
- Customers and suppliers may be affected by the company's ability to continue operations.
- Creditors face increased risk due to the company's financial difficulties.
Next Steps
- The company intends to develop its existing software and logistics business in South Africa.
- The company plans to expand into other areas of the world.
- The company will continue to develop software solutions for the Core Blockchain.
- Management intends to explore and identify business opportunities within the U.S., including a potential acquisition of an operating entity.
- The company plans to rectify material weaknesses in internal control by implementing an independent board of directors, establishing written policies and procedures, and hiring additional accounting personnel.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2012-02-23 | Arax Holdings Corp. was incorporated in Nevada. |
| 2020-12-30 | Custodian Ventures LLC was appointed custodian of the Company, and David Lazar was appointed CEO, President, Secretary, CFO, and Chairman. |
| 2021-06-24 | Michael Pieter Loubser became the controlling shareholder, and new management was appointed. |
| 2021-08-31 | Christopher D. Strachan was appointed Chief Financial Officer. |
| 2022-12-13 | The Company entered into an agreement to purchase the assets, software IP, and some liabilities of Core Business Holdings. |
| 2022-12-16 | Michael Pieter Loubser transitioned to CEO and Ockert Cornelius Loubser transitioned to COO. |
| 2023-10-31 | End of the fiscal year for which the report is filed. |
| 2023-12-05 | The Company entered into an agreement to acquire 20% of Undo Studios. |
| 2024-01-05 | The Company launched the Ping Exchange. |
| 2024-04-19 | The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates was approximately $28,490,187. |
| 2024-04-26 | The date of the report, with 127,588,506 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. |
Keywords
software, technology, blockchain, acquisitions, digital currencies, financial licenses, asset impairment, going concern, internal control, related party transactions
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