UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31 2017, 2022

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File No. 000-53754

VYSTAR CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

GEORGIAgeorgia20-2027731

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

101 Aylesbury Rd.725 Southbridge St
Worcester, MA0160901610
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

Registrants telephone number, including area code:866-674-5238(508)791-9114

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
NONENONENONE

NONE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “non-accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company, “and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer ☐Accelerated Filer ☐Non-Accelerated FilerSmaller Reporting Company
Emerging growth Company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No

As of March 29, 2018,June 30, 2022, the aggregate market value of shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant (based upon the closing sale price of such shares on the OTC Market on March 28, 2018)June 30, 2022) was $4,717,746.$5,318,338. See Item 12.

As of March 29, 2018,October 9, 2023, there were 134,307,21812,942,592 shares of the registrant'sregistrant’s common stock outstanding and 13,828 shares of the registrants Series A preferred stock.outstanding.

 

 

Vystar Corporation

Annual Report on Form 10-K

For the Year Ended December 31, 20172022

Table of Contents

Part I
Part I
Item 1.Business4
Item 1ARisk Factors96
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments1211
Item 2.Properties1211
Item 3.Legal Proceedings1211
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures12
Part II
Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities12
Item 6.Selected Financial Data14
Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations14
Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk1820
Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data1820
Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure1921
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures1921
Item 9B.Other Information1922
Part III
Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance2022
Item 11.Executive Compensation2325
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters2526
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence2728
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services2830
Part IV
Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules3031
Item 16.Form 10K Summary3234
Signatures3335

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain oral and written statements made by Vystar Corporation about future events and expectations, including statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Report”) contain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ( the(the “Securities Act”), that involve risks and uncertainties. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe-harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. In some cases, forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “may” and similar expressions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Report or the statement. All of these forward-looking statements are based on information available to us at this time, and we assume no obligation to update any of these statements. Actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those identified in “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere. We urge you to review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this Report, and those detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), that attempt to advise you of the risks and factors that may affect our future results. We qualify any forward-looking statements entirely by these cautionary factors.

The above-mentioned risk factors are not all-inclusive. Given these uncertainties and that such statements, speak only as of the date made; you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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PART I

ITEM 1.BUSINESS

Products and ServicesOverview

Natural Rubber Latex

Vystar Corporation (“Vystar”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”,“we,” “us,” or “our”) is the creator and exclusive owner of the innovativebased in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Company uses patented technology to produce Vytex®a line of innovative air purifiers, which destroy viruses and bacteria through the use of ultraviolet light. In addition, Vystar manufactures and sells reduced allergen natural rubber latex used primarily in various bedding products.

Vystar has a majority ownership in Murida Furniture Co., Inc. dba Rotmans Furniture, formerly one of the largest independent furniture stores in the U.S.

Company Background

In May of 2018, Vystar acquired substantially all of the assets of UV Flu Technologies, Inc. (formerly traded on the OTC under the ticker UVFT), whose patented ViraTech™ UV light air purification technology destroys greater than 99% of airborne bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms and virtually eliminates concentrations of odors and volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”) and created the RxAir division.

The RxAir product line includes:

RXair™ Residential Filterless Air Purifier
RX400 ™ U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) cleared Class II Filterless Air Purifier
RX3000™ Commercial FDA cleared Class II Air Purifier

RxAir promotes a healthy lifestyle improving the quality of life of each and every customer. Independently tested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and FDA-certified laboratories, the RxAir has been proven to destroy greater than 99% of bacteria and viruses and reduce concentrations of odors and VOCs. The RxAir uses high-intensity germicidal UV lamps that destroy bacteria and viruses instead of just trapping them, setting it apart from ordinary air filtration units. RxAir units are sold online at www.RxAir.com and are available through multiple third-party distributors. RxAir® and ViraTech ® are registered trademarks of Vystar Corporation.

Vystar is the exclusive creator of Vytex Natural Rubber Latex (“NRL”). The Vytex Division, a multi-patented, all-natural, raw material that contains our global multi-patented technology that reduces antigenic and total proteinsignificantly reduced levels of the proteins found in natural rubber latex products to virtually undetectable levels.and can be used in over 40,000 products. Vytex NRL our “ultra-low protein”is a 100% renewable resource, environmentally safe, “green” and fully biodegradable. Vystar is working with manufacturers across a broad range of consumer and medical products bringing Vytex NRL to market in adhesives, gloves, balloons, condoms, other medical devices and natural rubber latex has been introduced throughoutfoam mattresses, toppers, and pillows.

In April of 2018, Vystar acquired the worldwide marketplace that uses NRL or latex substitutes as a raw material for end products. Natural rubber latex or latex substitutes are used in an extensive rangeassets of products including balloons, textiles, footwear and clothing (threads), adhesives, foams (mattresses, pillows, mattress toppers, etc.NHS Holdings, LLC (“NHS”), furniture (foam and adhesives), carpet, paints, coatings, protective equipment, sporting equipment, and, especially health care products such as condoms, surgical and exam gloves, among others. Our challenge has been that a manufacturer’s conversion to move into direct product offerings made from Vytex® latex. NHS was the useexclusive U.S. distributor of standard latex or synthetic raw material to Vytex NRL involves a protracted sales cycle ranging from eighteen to thirty-six months. We have seen that same cycle apply to the newest version of Vytex NRL, a dry rubber sampling targeted for the tire and tubing industries. Additionally, in the past, our primary method of distribution was via toll manufacturing. We now have several licensing agreements in place for global distribution that have allowed us to focus on and transition to sales and marketing with a technical oversight.

Natural rubber latex is an agricultural product produced from the sap of the rubber tree,Hevea brasiliensis. In presentations at the 5th World Elastomer Conference held in Dusseldorf, Germany during early March 2018 it was noted that there was a slowing growth rate in global NR consumption and it was predicted demand would fall over the next two years. The numbers 1 and 2 producers (Thailand and Indonesia) had a modest fall in production while Malaysia, China and India showed a large negative gap between output and capacity mainly based on current low prices. Vietnam continues at 85 to 95% capacity. There is a huge natural rubber capacity surplus until the early 2030s and prices will remain flat through 2025. With growing substitution of synthetics, that an uptick in prices may not occur and based on the pricing of synthetics the market share competition may weigh more to synthetics.

Substantially all the latex processors are in Southeast Asia, India, Africa and Latin America and are owned by local groups or large multinational corporations. This future demand is awakening interest in other areas of the world where the climate is suitable, particularly in Guatemala, where focus now shifts to certifications from the Forestry Stewardship Council and Rainforest Alliance, as a specialty latex. In addition to the resurgence of Central and South America inVystar’s Vytex® natural rubber latex production, countries such as Vietnam, Cambodiafoam to manufacturers for use in over 200 home furnishings products, including mattresses, toppers, pillows and Cameroon have launched major effortsupholstery, sold through multiple channels.

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In May of 2019, Vystar acquired the assets of Fluid Energy Conversion Inc. (“FEC”), primarily consisting of its patent on the Hughes Reactor, which has the ability to meetcontrol, enhance, and focus energy in flowing liquids and gases. Vystar intends to use this technology to enhance the needseffectiveness of Vystar’s RxAir purification system to destroy airborne pathogens while decreasing the cost and size of Vystar’s RxAir units.

In July of 2019, Vystar acquired 58% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Murida Furniture Co., Inc. dba Rotmans Furniture (“Rotmans”), formerly one of the largest independent furniture retailers in the U.S. Rotmans sold a broad line of residential furniture and decorative accessories and served customers throughout the New England region. The acquisition enabled Vystar to capitalize on the infrastructure already in place at Rotmans for accounting, retail sales facilities and staff, customer service, warehousing, and delivery. Rotmans closed its showroom at the end of 2022.

In December of 2020, Vystar selected Corrie MacColl Limited, a subsidiary of global liquid natural rubber latex market. Vietnamsupply chain manager Halcyon Agri, as its exclusive global partner for all aspects of product market development and distribution of patented Vytex deproteinized latex.

Competition

RxAir

The residential air purification market is now a major processorhighly fragmented competitive business. Vystar competes with a large number of our Vytex NRLcompanies on many factors including price, quality, innovation, reputation, distribution and several trial runspromotion.

Furniture Store

Rotmans closed in December 2022. The retail sale of the specialty offerings discussed below that are in place for manufacturer trials and we now have two producers in Guatemala, onehome furnishings is a highly competitive business. There has been growth in the trial phase.

Our initial product portfolio included Vytex NRL in high ammonia (HA)e-commerce channel both from internet only retailers and low ammonia (LA) formulations. New specialized formulations are projected to come to market over the next year with trials in ultra-low ammonia, pre-vulcanized and low nitrosamine versions currently taking place. Vystar has used its technology to work with customers to solve production issues and provide themthose with a point of difference and guidance as research using Vytex has headed into directions previously thought to be off-limits to natural rubber latex. It appears to be the removal of the vast majority of the proteins, the carotenoids and the non-rubbers that affords Vytex NRL this opportunity.

Board of Directors Member and Research & Development Director Ranjit K. Matthan, Ph.D., revealed ongoing developments in the formulation of Vytex NRLbrick-and-mortar presence. We also competed with reduced or no ammonia and nitrosamines at the International Latex Conference (ILC) session titled “Advances in Environmentally Friendly Ultra Low Protein Natural Rubber Specialty Latices” on August 12, 2015. The significant advances in aluminum hydroxide-treated Vytex NRL properties and applications are potential game-changers for the issues of volatile organic content and nitrosamines for some critical latex products, such as balloons, catheters, condoms, and other medical devices,numerous individual retail stores as well as enabling cleanerchains in our immediate geographic area. Mass merchants and more sustainable work environments. The expanded Vystarcertain department stores also have limited furniture product grades make it applicable in a wider range of latex products with the advantage of improved environmental impact through reduced leachables/extractables. The advances deliver a simplified, sustainable, totally safe raw material that Vystar can offer for several applications without reservations about nitrosamines. Vystar has initiated a scale up to lab production of all three newer versions of Vytex NRL and has commenced a sample fulfillment mode with a significant manufacturer of women’s intimate apparel who is in the final testing stages of two of the grades (no ammonia and ultra-low ammonia) as possible replacements of their current raw materials.offerings.

 Recently at the Nuremberg Toy Show (Speilwarenmesse) Vytex NRL was a targeted product for manufacturers of balloons, masks, etc. On the main page of the European Balloons and Party Council web site is a Yahoo video still plus a recent press release that discusses the benefits of Vytex NRL in items such as balloons. As there is a new proposal for limits on protein content of balloons by virtue of an EN listing, Vytex has now gone in to full prevulcanized testing to start the sampling process in selected areas based on manufacturing needs.


Over the course of several years, our technical groups have presented technical papers of varying topics that still hold relevance. Vytex NRL is produced at the latex processor level and can be integrated into the current processing environments without additional capital equipment investment. The protein removal and modification process that leads to Vytex NRL allows manufacturers to lower manufacturing costs with the benefit of reduced protein levels. Reduced leaching times and resulting reductions in energy, water and material handling consumption can lead to realized cost savings.

Also, “Eco-Friendly Manufacturing of High Performance Latex using Ultra Low Antigenic Protein Latex” reviewed some of the learnings Vystar had made since commercializing Vytex NRL. Among these discoveries were: improved air and helium retention in balloons; reduced leaching needs for some dipped products; truer colors for dyed dipped products (such as balloons); and low latex odor in foams, which has now led to unique research into areas previously considered off-limits to NRL. Vystar published and presented a paper, “Further Development of Vytex® Natural Rubber Latex Leads to Strong Niche Market Advances”, that added additional learnings related to slow release (memory) foam formulations and other technical improvements helping customers solve their new product development challenges.

Vystar has transitioned from toll manufacturing agreements to licensing agreements that eliminate the need to maintain a costly infrastructure along with the other investment and regulatory compliance costs to develop and operate a processing or manufacturing facility. All of these costs are or will be borne by our manufacturing and distribution contractors and/or customers. This means we must show the NRL producers and product manufacturers the economic value proposition of including Vytex NRL in their product lines, hence the technical paper presentations we have made and continue to make. In addition, as an all-natural raw material, Vytex NRL puts the main component in gloves and other products back in the environmentally friendly arena.

To implement our licensing model, in March 2010 we signed a licensing agreement with Pica de Hule Natural, a division of Grupo Agroindustrial de Occidente (“Occidente”), located in Guatemala. Occidente is the largest processor of natural rubber latex in Latin America and the largest exporter serving more than 15 countries. Under the agreement, Occidente will manufacture, sell and market Vytex NRL throughout Latin America as well as supply Vytex NRL to North America and Europe. This agreement was continued in 2017 and remains in place currently.

Additionally, in 2017, Vystar began trials to process various Vytex offerings, including pre-vulcanized grades, at Forteleza’s new facility in Guatemala with initial good results. This is an important strategic maneuver to handle demand in the North, Central and South American regions as well as certain areas of Southeast Asia. This will lead to a new agreement between the two companies upon successful completion of the trials.

In addition, in January 2009, we entered into a Distribution Agreement with Centrotrade Minerals & Metals, US and Centrotrade Deutschland, GmbH, Germany, a leading global distributor of latex raw materials, to create a worldwide distribution network that will further enhance our ability to cost effectively reach and service manufacturer customers in these key manufacturing areas. This provides an expansive distribution network that facilitates both the licensing and toll manufacturing models and can assist with various processors in taking their products to market. On December 19, 2012, we amended our agreement with Centrotrade to expand Vytex NRL distribution rights to the world’s largest NRL consuming markets in Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia and Thailand. Under this new license agreement, Centrotrade controls production scheduling of Vytex NRL, inventory in Thailand, sales, pricing and customer financing, while Vystar will focus on marketing, customized product development, as noted above, and support activities. Vystar currently has no exclusive areas under contract as RCMA, a Dutch based distributor was added in 2016.

In December 2017 Halcyon Agri, the owners of Centrotrade, announced that they had acquired RCMA’s polymer group and would operate it under the Wurfbain label.

The paper entitled, “The Non-Enzymatic Deproteinization of Natural Rubber Latex (DPNRL) Enabling the Greater Versatility in End Product Applications” discussed improvements that extend beyond the ultra-low allergenicity of the DPNRL and include improved color, absence of rubber odor, and improved physicochemical attributes. Improved air and helium retentions results were reported. The potential to extend applications into other non-conventional areas other than latex end products was discussed and we are currently in the final retail test market stages for the United States based manufacturing of mattresses, pillows and toppers to key furniture stores and buying groups, primarily in the Northeastern United States and signed a 5 year renewable agreement in January 2015 with Nature’s Home Solutions (NHS) to exclusively distribute these products in the United States. In September 2016, the Vystar Board of Directors voted to end the January 2015 NHS agreement and replace it with a global exclusive for foam manufactured with Vytex and sold into the home furnishings industry. This change reflects the global nature of the mattress, topper and pillow businesses, the need for local warehousing, and access to container loads of foam cores and pillows for European and Asian manufacturers.

 Vystar has also expanded licensing arrangements into the consumer arena, with the licensing of foam products produced with and labeled as “Made with Vytex NRL”. Specifically working with partners, to introduce foam made with Vytex into the mattress, mattress topper and pillow arenas aligning with key foam manufacturers, mattress, mattress toppers and pillow producers, and furniture stores in specific areas of the Unites States. Vystar announced the signing of the aforementioned exclusive global distribution agreement with Worcester, MA based NHS who sources eco-friendly materials and technologies for use in furnishings and other markets. NHS has completed several trials with Vietnamese, European and Indian makers of foam products to use its Vytex NRL raw material in their current offerings in their own areas as well as to supply added needs for foam cores in both the mattress and topper arenas globally. The current requests from major mattress manufactures for Vytex foam trials involves different densities especially those used on the upper levels of mattresses. The samples have been presented to the manufacturers and feedback has been very positive with names such as Gold Bond, King Coil (Natura) and SpringAir (Nature’s Rest) adding Vytex to their current offerings. A similar trial occurred in October 2016 in Thailand focusing on specific densities and pillows, and a meeting with a Belgian foam maker using a unique drying concept occurred in May 2016 with discussions ongoing. In addition, working with NHS and a large Vietnamese foam manufacturer, Lien A, the group attended the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) in Orlando in March 2016 and has followed that joint effort with ISPA 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The significance of ISPA is the focus on components for use with major mattress and pillow manufacturers, which takes Vytex foam to an additional audience.


Pricing of materials in the rubber and latex industries continues to fluctuate as noted by the graph below courtesy of Centrotrade. Prices of centrifuged latex, thus Vytex, have risen throughout 2016, 2017, and into early 2018 due to various factors such as floods in southern Thailand, removal of older tress and replanting which is a seven-year process, newer plantations coming online, etc.

 

Competition

Natural Rubber Latex

Synthetic raw materials such as ethylene, propylene, styrene and butadiene compete with NRL. Currently, it is estimated that NRL processors have lost one-half of the overall latex market to synthetic latex. Despite the switch to non-latex alternatives, it is estimated that almost 70% of exam gloves and nearly 80% of surgical gloves used in U.S. hospitals are still made with NRL.

During 2017 Intellectual Property

Vystar contracted with various consultantscurrently holds a portfolio of patents and manufacturers to make exam and surgical gloves on an OEM basis. The testing and results were encouraging and led to further efforts prepare for a potential launch of these lines in 2018. The company is going to proceed with testing and subsequent filing with the USFDA to obtain 510(k) allowances. With this new OEM structure, the Company will bring several versions (surgical, exam, household, etc) of the gloves to market under its own OEM brand label.

Several attempts, including new source crops, synthetic lattices and various treatment methods, have been made to eliminate problem proteins from Hevea NRL by biological, physical and/or chemical methods that act on proteins. One approach has been to introduce the latex articles to multiple leaching steps and chlorination. While it does reduce the protein levelstrademarks in the finished product, it weakens the latex film thus compromising the desirable physical properties of the product. Another attempt to reduce proteins in NRL is the use of proteolytic enzymes to degrade the proteins in the latex solution but this approach introduces another protein (the enzyme) to the latex, which may itself be allergenic. Attempts to commercialize twoU.S. and other non-Hevea NRL materials have been made in the United States: guayule rubber latex and Taraxacum kok-saghyz, also known as the Russian dandelion. These materials are reported to be higher in cost compared to natural rubber latex and presently are available only in limited quantities.


These facts, coupled with the uncomplicated transition to the utilization of Vytex NRL, make it very attractive for processors to regain lost business by switching to Vytex NRL. We believe our unique patented technology offers a viable alternative to the marketplace. The licensing model will allow the message to spread through more sales channels than we could reach in the past.

Intellectual Property

Vystar has four issued patents by the United States Patent Trademark Office (“USPTO”) that were issued in 2005 (Patent No. 6,906,126), 2006 (Patent No. 7,056,970), 2011 (Patent No. 8,048,951) and 2012 (Patent No. 8,324,312). International patents include one issued patent from the Republic of South Africa in 2009 (2008/00886), a secondvarious foreign patent issued by China in 2011 (No. 200580051526.1), a third foreign patent issued by Japan in 2012 (No. 4944885) and a fourth foreign patent issued by Hong Kong in 2013 (HK1125959). In 2005, we sought international patent protection of our application that would become our U.S. Patent No. 6,906,126 pursuant to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”) (No. PCT/US2005/025018), and this application has been nationalized in the following countries and regions: The European Union (No.05775523.3), Canada (No. 2,614,945), India (No.295/DELNP/2008), and Sri Lanka (No.14827). Additionally, this PCT was nationalized back into the United States to expand our protection to both method and composition claims (No.11/988,498). We expect patents to be issued in these countries without objection.

 On January 18, 2012, we converted the provisional patent filed January 18, 2011 (No. 61/433,853) to full utility applications based on new discoveries and unexpected results (No. 13/374,851). We also sought international protection for the new developments and unexpected results reflected in this 2009 USPTO patent application through another PCT application (No. PCT/US2009/031445). This PCT application was nationalized in the following countries in 2010: the European Union (No. 09702339.4), Brazil (No. PI0906513-0), Guatemala (No. 2010-000208), India (No.2487/KOLNP/2010), Indonesia (No. W-00201002436), and Malaysia (No. PI2010003317). In addition, we filed the same patent application that was the subject of our USPTO patent application No. 12/356,355 and PCT/US2009/031445 directly into Thailand (No. 0901000201). Thailand has informed us our patent application is now published for open comments and Vystar has responded to various questions by Thailand’s patent office and is awaiting their response.

On January 18, 2017 Vystar was informed that the Indian Patent Office approved our application (2487/KOLNP/2010) entitled, “Natural Rubber Latex Having Reduced Allergenicity and Method of Making” under Patent Number 279323.

On February 8, 2017 Vystar received notice of grant from the Guatemalan Patent Office for application number 2010-000208 entitled, “Natural Rubber Latex Having Reduced Allergenicity and Method of Making” and is awaiting a grant number.

On October 27, 2017 Vystar was granted its second Indian patent (288824) from Application No.: 295/DELNP/2008 entitled: “Decreasing Allergenicity of Natural Latex Rubber Prior to Vulcanization.” The European Patent Office issued a Decision to Grant Vystar’s patent application under European Patent Number 1 902 089 titled “Decreasing Allergenicity of Natural Latex Rubber Prior to Vulcanization” greatly expanding the territory covered by the Company’s intellectual property portfolio. The mention of the grant was published in the European Patent Bulletin 13/35 dated 28 August 2013. Vystar selected the United Kingdom (065143-011612/UK), Germany (065143-011611/DE), and Austria (065143-001610/AT) as validation points for this specific patent. There is a second patent application still in process for Europe that can expand the countries that are validated.

On December 9, 2016 Vystar was notified by our Singaporean IP Counsel that Malaysia Application No PI 2010003317 entitled “Natural Rubber Latex Having Reduced Allergenicity and Method of Making” was cleared for issuance and that a Notice of Grant will be issued.

Vystar filed and has received registered trademark protected status in the United States for the marks “Vystar”, “Vytex” and “Created by Nature. Recreated by Science.” In 2010 Vystar filed for international trademark protection of “Vytex” in Malaysia (No.2010013149) and India (No. 1992991), which was granted in India. On November 18, 2014, the Company was informed that the “VYTEX” trademark was registered in Malaysia effective May 30, 2014. The aforementioned trademarks have been renewed successfully in each period as required.

While we believe that the pending patent and trademark applications will be granted without objection, there are no guarantees that all such patents or trademarks will be granted by each relevant governing body.countries. No assurance can be given that such patent and trademark protection will provide substantial protection from competition. We realize that the market for Vytex NRL is an industrialized world concern and we are committed to aggressively challenging any infringements of our patents and/or trademarks.

Government Regulation

We are not subject to direct governmental regulation other than the laws and regulations generally applicable to businesses in the domestic and foreign jurisdictions in which we operate.

Our RxAir400 product was cleared by the FDA as a Class II medical device in November 2008. FDA clearance to sell our product as a Class II medical device provides invaluable credibility in the marketplace. By granting a listing, the FDA indicates it has reviewed all aspects of a product, including efficacy of the technology, independent test results and product safety to ensure that the product complies with our claims. Few air purification products are listed by the FDA, and it is extremely important that we expend the resources necessary to maintain this listing as a Class II medical device with the FDA.

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Seasonality

Our business is affected by traditional retail seasonality, advertising and promotion programs and general economic trends.

Employees

As of December 31, 2017,2022, Vystar has expended, since inception, approximately $290,195 on such patent and trademark costs and has budgeted approximately $25,000 more for the year ended December 31, 2018 to continue to pursue and maintain its patents and trademarks around the world.


Research and Development

Vytex NRL has produced protein test results on finished products that are both “below detection” and “not detectable” in termshad one employee, Steven Rotman, CEO. Rotmans had 4 full-time employees. None of the amount of proteins remaining in these finished goods made with Vytex NRL. These results have been reproduced in many subsequent tests. From inception through December 31, 2017, Vystar’s research and development costs have been approximately $2.4 million. These efforts past and future have been and will continue to be patented and/employees are represented by a labor organization or trademarked.

Government Regulation

In the United States, healthcare and many food and food-based packaging products are subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Vystar is not directly subject to regulation by the FDA due to the fact that it does not manufacture a finished medical device or other product, but only provides Vytex NRL as a component or raw material to healthcare or other product manufacturers. However, there will be FDA regulation of the labeling of healthcare and food-based packaging products that are produced with Vytex NRL and the FDA has promulgated standards for good manufacturing practices for manufacturing the end products, which makes the end product manufacturers responsible for seeing that all of their components and component manufacturers, including Vytex NRL, are produced using good manufacturing processes. Additionally, the FDA prohibits the use of the term “hypoallergenic” or “low protein” on any natural rubber latex product it regulates. In order to make any such claim, the latex product manufacturer must seek a waiver from the FDA of such regulatory prohibitions. Commentary by the FDA in its guidance documents and other rulings indicate that the prohibition on the use of the “hypoallergenic” or “low protein” label is based, at least in part, on the fact that, although the use of such terms in such labeling may be intended to indicate that the risk of allergic reaction to residual levels of processing chemicals has been reduced, consumers may interpret the labeling to mean that the risk of allergic reactionsparty to any component in the device would be minimal. Thus the hypoallergenic or low protein label is deemed misleading. There can be no assurance, however, that we will succeed in securing FDA approval for any claim regarding the “hypoallergenic” “low protein” or reduced allergy potential of latex produced with the Vytex NRL process. Failure to secure, if required, such FDA approval, could delay or otherwise detrimentally affect our introduction to natural rubber latex healthcare and/or food packaging products regulated by the FDA. Notwithstanding, the medical or food packaging manufacturer will be able to use the Vytex NRL trademark on its label if size permits to indicate only that the Vytex NRL component was used in the production of the healthcare product, and what protein levels the end product does contain, but no further claim is asserted. We have been able to provide sufficient testing data to the FDA to support our protein level claims with respect to the natural rubber latex antigenic and total proteins present in end products made with Vytex NRL. On May 1, 2009, a condom manufactured from Vytex NRL received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This was the first medical product available in the U.S. made from Vytex NRL, which had less than 2 micrograms/dm2, virtually undetectable levels, of the antigenic proteins that cause an allergic response, while retaining and improving upon all of the desirable qualities of latex. While the product is no longer available, this condom is a predicate device for future products and the 510(k) is still in existence. Vystar continues to seek other U.S. and global manufacturers interested in pursuing similar claims for products.collective bargaining arrangement.

 On July 22, 2009, a non-powdered medical exam glove manufactured with Vytex NRL received 510(k) clearance from the FDA, with an approved claim of less than 50 micrograms/gram of total proteins. As with the condom product, Vystar continues to pursue U.S. and global manufacturers using this exam glove as a predicate device and to help fill pending exam glove business. Late in 2016 the FDA banned the use of powder in medical gloves which took effect early in 2017 positioning the Vytex non-powdered exam glove in an excellent position.

Inflation and Seasonality

We do not believe that our operations are significantly impacted by inflation. Our NRL business is not seasonal in nature but is subject to commodity pricing. Our NRL product is a commodity-based raw material and prices for such material fluctuate from day-to-day, though this will have less impact as we transition to sales via licensing fees.

Employees

As of December 31, 2017, Vystar had a total of one associate.

Corporate Information

Vystar Corporation is a Georgia corporation that was incorporated in 2003. Our predecessor company, Vystar LLC, was formed by our founder, Travis Honeycutt, in February 2000 as a Georgia limited liability company.

Our principal mailing addresscorporate office is 101 Aylesbury Rd.,located at 725 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA 01609.Massachusetts 01610. Our website address is www.vytex.com. www.vystarcorp.com.

The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of this Report. We have links on our website to reports, information statements, and other information that we file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, at the Internet website maintained by the SEC, www.sec.gov. In addition to visiting our website and the SEC’s website, you may read and copy public reports we file with or furnish to the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.


ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties — many of which are beyond our control — that may cause our actual operating results or financial performance to be materially different from our expectations. If one or more of the events discussed in the following risksbelow were to occur, actual outcomes could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statements we make in this report or our other filings with the SEC, and our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity could be materially adversely affected; furthermore, the trading price of our common stock could decline and our shareholders could lose all or part of their investment.

Vystar presently does not generate the cash needed to finance its current and anticipated operations.

The Company has had very limited revenue in its history prior to 2011 and transitioned from the development stage to the operational stage during the fourth quarter of 2009. The Company is still in the early stage of establishing our business including attracting new customers and increasing sales; oursales. Our financial success will be dependent upon the soundness of our business concept, our management’s ability to successfully and profitably execute our plan, and our ability to raise additional capital.

Our limited operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our business. We expect to make significant future operating expenditures to develop and expand our business into areas such as OEM product lines and offerings in the mattress and furniture arenas. We may incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including due to the other risks described in this Report, and we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications and delays and other unknown events. Accordingly, we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability, and we may incur significant losses for the foreseeable future. See additional discussion under Liquidity and Capital Resources.

At December 31, 20172022 our cash position was $12,274 and we had $13,502 cash on hand and an accumulated deficit of $27,999,122.$55,386,668. We plan to finance our operations for the next twelve (12) months through the use of cash on hand, stock warrant exercises from existing shareholders, raising of capital through private placementsplacement and the possible acquisition of cash flow positive foam business in key areas of the furniture world that includes finished mattresses, component cores, topper coresincreased sales from RxAir products by exploring sales partnerships with third-party wholesalers and pillows.retailers. You should consider, among other factors, our prospects for success in light of the risks and uncertainties encountered by companies that, like us, have not generated net earnings on an annual basis. Various factors, such as economic conditions, regulatory and legislative considerations, and competition, may also impede our ability to expand our market presence. We may not successfully address these risks and uncertainties or successfully implement our operating strategies. If we fail to do so, it could materially harm our business and impair the value of our common stock. Even if we accomplish these objectives, we may not generate positive cash flows or profits we anticipate in the future.

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The following risk factors apply to our RxAir business:

We face significant competition from multinational and regional manufacturers.

The growing air purification market is highly competitive with companies offering wide range of air purifiers sold through e-commerce websites, company-owned websites, retailer and their websites and distributors. Market participants compete on product performance, quality, price and reputation.

We are dependent upon the ability of our third-party producers to meet our requirements.

We source our products from non-exclusive, third-party producers, many of which are located in foreign countries. We depend upon the ability of third-party producers to secure a sufficient supply of raw materials, a skilled workforce, adequately finance the production of goods ordered and maintain sufficient manufacturing and shipping capacity. We cannot be certain that we will not experience operational difficulties with our manufacturers, such as insufficient quality control, failures to meet production deadlines or increases in manufacturing costs.

The following risk factors apply to our Vytex Division:business:

Our Vytex operating results could fluctuate and differ considerably from our financial forecasts.

Our business model is based on assumptionsexperience derived from (i) the experience of the principals of the Company, and (ii) third party market information and analysis.marketplace. There are no assurances that these assumptionsthis experience will prove to be valid for our future operations or plans.

Our operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, including:

Acceptance by manufacturers of the Vytex Natural Rubber Latex technology;
Our ability to achieve and sustain profitability;
Consumer confidence in products manufactured using our Vytex Natural Rubber Latex technology;
Our ability to raise additional capital.

Our Vytex NRL Division business is totally dependent on market demand for, and acceptance of, the Vytex Natural Rubber Latex process.

We expect to derive most of our Vytex NRL Divisionbusiness revenue from the sales of our Vytex Natural Rubber Latex raw material to various manufacturers of rubber and rubber end products using NRL through our distribution agreement with Centrotrade Deutschland.CMC Global. We pay natural rubber latex processors a fee for the service of manufacturing and creating Vytex NRL for us under our toll manufacturing and distribution agreements. Conversely, Vystar collects a fee under the Centrotrade and Occidente (PICA)CMC Global licensing models. The agreement in the bedding and furniture industries with NHS also provides income based on a license model. Our Vytex NRL product operates within broad, diverse and rapidly changing markets. As a result, widespread acceptance and use of product is critical to our future growth and success. If the market for our product fails to grow or grows more slowly than we currently anticipate, demand for our product could be negatively affected.

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Our ability to generate significant revenue in the Vytex Divisionbusiness is substantially dependent upon the willingness of consumers to make discretionary purchases and the willingness of manufacturers to utilize capital for research and development and the retooling of their manufacturing process, both of which are impacted by the state of the economy.

The current state of the world economy has and likely will in the future impact upon our ability to increase revenue. Certain of the products that we anticipate will be manufactured with our Vystar NRL process, such as mattresses and sponge products, are considered discretionary consumer purchases which decline during economic downturns. Additionally, certain manufacturers who might otherwise utilize the Vytex NRL process in the manufacturing of products with NRL have determined not to expend capital to complete the research of the Vytex NRL process or to retool their manufacturing process because of the general downturn in the economy. As part of a strategy to increase awareness of the Vytex NRL brand, the Company has been aggressively seeking to have end products produced and labeled “made with Vytex NRL” such as mattresses, toppers and pillows. As these products enter the market, the Company plans to create consumer awareness of these end products and in so doing begin to develop consumer demand pull through as part of the Company’s efforts to complete the push-pull cycle using an ingredient branding strategy.

Assertions by a third party that our Vytex process infringes its intellectual property, whether or not correct, could subject us to costly and time-consuming litigation or expensive licenses.

There is frequent litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. As we face increasing competition and become increasingly visible as an operating company, the possibility of intellectual property rights claims against us may grow.

Any intellectual property rights claim against us or our customers, with or without merit, could be time-consuming, expensive to litigate or settle and could divert management attention and financial resources. An adverse determination also could prevent us from offering our process, require us to pay damages, require us to obtain a license or require that we stop using technology found to be in violation of a third party’s rights or procure or develop substitute services that do not infringe, which could require significant resources and expenses.

The latex market in which we will participate is competitive and if we do not compete effectively, our operating results may be harmed.

The markets for our product are competitive and rapidly changing. With the introduction of new technologies, increasing scrutiny of alternative lattices such as Russian dandelion, and new market entrants, we expect competition to intensify in the future. In addition, pricing pressures and increased competition generally could result in reduced sales, reduced marginslicense fees or the failure of our products to achieve or maintain widespread market acceptance.

While earlycontinued interest wasis strong in a new innovative product in the natural rubber latex industry, pricing and regulatory approvals remain a key selling factor especially in the exam glove arena. There is no exam glove manufacturer signed to date that has accepted Vytex NRL into its product mix.factor.

Our Vytex revenue will vary based on fluctuations in commodity prices for NRL.

NRL is a commodity and, as such, its price fluctuates on a daily basis.daily. Our raw material revenue including licensing fees and cost of goods will also fluctuate upward or downward based upon changing market prices for the raw material used to produce Vytex NRL. Prolonged periods of lowered market prices can also cause manufacturers to review synthetic price drops as they look for even lower cost alternatives to NRL. A current example of the fluctuations is shown above in the Centrifuged Latex graph

While Vytex NRL has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for condoms and exam gloves, there is no assurance that future applications will be cleared.

In order for Vytex to be used in medical device applications, the manufacturer of the end product must submit an application to the FDA. If the device is classified by the FDA as Class II (e.g., condoms, surgical gloves, and most non-cardiac and non-renal/dialysis catheters) and in some cases Class I (e.g., exam gloves), a 510(k) application must

be filed with the FDA seeking clearance to market the device based on the fact that there is at least one other predicate or similar device already marketed. If the product is classified as a Class III product (e.g., most cardiac and renal/dialysis catheters, certain adhesives and other in vivo devices), or is otherwise a new device with no predicate on the market already, then the manufacturer of the end product must submit a Pre-Market Approval (“PMA”) application seeking approval by the FDA to market the device. The PMA approval process is much more in depth and lengthy and requires a greater degree of clinical data and FDA review than does a 510(k) clearance process.

8

 

Since Vytex is a raw material and not an end-product, Vystar is not the entity that files with the FDA for any clearance or approval to market a device. Instead, the end-product manufacturers who will be selling and marketing the device(s) must submit applications and seek FDA clearance or approval depending upon the device classification. Vystar’s role in this process is only as background support to the manufacturers to supply information and any technical or test data regarding the Vytex raw material if and to the extent needed.material.

An American manufacturer of condoms and exam gloves had been engaged in production work and had completed required testing and received FDA clearance for using Vytex NRL in their condom and exam glove lines. However, this manufacturer is not currently producing products made with Vytex NRL or any other type of raw material. Notwithstanding such approvals, we have no assurance that future products will provide acceptable test results and even if they do, there is no certainty that the FDA will approve the applications.


Each of the above mentioned 510(k)s have been sold to other manufacturers hence the need to pursue 510(k)s for the newer manufacturing facilities.

Vytex may seek to have lower protein claims than what is currently on the market today for exam gloves and may ultimately seek to have latex warnings removed from or modified on all FDA-regulated products, but it cannot guarantee that either of such actions will be approved by the FDA.

The FDA heavily scrutinizes any and all claims categorizing the protein levels and other claims of an NRL product. Currently, the FDA has allowed claims only stating the level of less than 50 micrograms/gram of total extractable proteins pursuant to only one of two FDA-recognized standards on exam or surgical gloves. Vystar intends to claim protein levels pursuant to both of the two FDA-recognized standards, which will result in claiming the lowest level of antigenic proteins for a Hevea NRL product currently on the market. Although the FDA has cleared such claims on the condom using Vytex NRL, the FDA rejected those claims for the exam glove. There is no guarantee that the FDA will ultimately or ever allow these claims on an exam glove.

Additionally, for many years, the FDA has required warnings on products containing latex due to the latex allergy issue that exists. Vystar plans on petitioning the FDA to have that label removed from or modified on products manufactured with Vytex NRL, by filing a Citizen’s Petition. The Petition will be filed when we see that the benefits of filing will far outweigh the costs since such Petition is likely to require clinical test results indicating acceptable allergic reactions associated with Vytex NRL. There are no assurances that the FDA will grant that request.

Manufacturers are implementing trials of Vytex NRL in their facilities but final data areis not yet available from all these manufacturers on its viability for their particular environments.

Over the past several years, samples of Vytex NRL have been made available to over 50 natural rubber latex and latex substitute end product manufacturers, 30 of which have been in place since early 2009. Since the completion of the Vytex NRL Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs), Vytex has been produced at Revertex (Malaysia), Occidente (Guatemala), KAPVL (India) and most recently Mardec-Yala (Thailand) and MMG (Thailand). Under the 2020 agreement with CMC Global, that entity is responsible for manufacturing, marketing and selling Vytex exclusively including sampling. Manufacturers that have signed a ‘sampling’ agreement with us have been provided with samples of Vytex NRL for validating its use in their manufacturing processes. To date, a number of manufacturers have completed those runs and feedback is often minimal. Although most feedback to date has been positive, there is no assurance that such feedback continues to be satisfactory.

Another risk is the validity of the customer as testing completes. Recently Vystar has completed more than three years of a specialized version of Vytex NRL only to have the end product manufacturer fail to upgrade their production line and fulfill their own contract.

As part of the Company’s learnings, we have found that in listening closely to customer challenges and needs, our technical team has been able to develop solutions. The Company has come to realize that what we offer is not just a raw material but often a technology solution to a production or product development challenge.

9

 

While many of these new formulations look promising, there is no guarantee that these technological innovations will be successfully scaled up or successfully implemented by the customer.

The following risk factors apply to our company as a whole:whole:

Our use of foreign sources of production for a portion of our products exposes us to certain additional risks associated with international operations.

Our use of foreign sources for the supply of certain of our products exposes us to risks associated with overseas sourcing. These risks are related to government regulation, volatile ocean freight costs, delays in shipments, and extended lead time in ordering. Governments in the foreign countries where we source our products may change their laws, regulations and policies, including those related to tariffs and trade barriers, investments, taxation and exchange controls which could make it more difficult to service our customers resulting in an adverse effect on our earnings. We could also experience increases in the cost of ocean freight shipping which could have an adverse effect on our earnings. Shipping delays and extended order lead times may adversely affect our ability to respond to sudden changes in demand, resulting in the purchase of excess inventory in the face of declining demand, or lost sales due to insufficient inventory in the face of increasing demand, either of which would also have an adverse effect on our earnings or liquidity.

Significant fluctuations in the cost of raw materials could adversely affect our profits.

On a global and regional basis, the raw materials used in our products are susceptible to significant price fluctuations due to supply/demand trends, transportation costs, government regulations and tariffs, changes in currency rates, the economic and political climate and other circumstances. Significant increases in the future could materially affect our costs and profits.

Because our stock price may be volatile due to factors beyond our control, you could lose all or part of your investment.

Price and volume of stock, including additional stock issuances may cause price decline and dilution.

If we do not attract and retain highly qualified employees, we may not be able to grow effectively.

Our ability to compete and grow depends in large part on the efforts and talents of our executive officers or employees. We require the key employee(s) to enter into employment agreements, but in the U.S., employees are free to leave an employer at any time without penalties. The loss of key employees or the inability to hire additional skilled employees as necessary could result in significant disruptions of our business, and the integration of replacement personnel could be time-consuming and expensive and cause us additional disruptions.

We do not expect to declare any dividends in the foreseeable future.

We do not anticipate declaring any cash dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future. Consequently, shareholders must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment. Investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase our common stock.

There is no assurance that any significant public market for our shares of common stock will develop.

While our shares of common stock trade on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “VYST”, there is currently no significant public market for our common stock and there is no assurance that there will be any such significant public market for our common stock in the future.

10

 

The utilization of our tax losses could be substantially limited if we experience an ownership change as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.

Because of net operating losses we have experienced for federal income tax purposes at December 31, 2017,2022, we had federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carry-forwards of approximately $18.6$40 million ($17.836 million for 2016) pretax2021) available to offset future taxable income. Our ability to utilize NOL carry-forwards to reduce future taxable income may be limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code if certain ownership changes in our Company occur during a rolling three-year period. These ownership changes include purchases of common stock under share repurchase programs, the offering of stock by us, the purchase or sale of our stock by 5% shareholders, as defined in the Treasury regulations, or the issuance or exercise of rights to acquire our stock. If such ownership changes by 5% shareholders result in aggregate increases that exceed 50 percentage points during the three-year period, then Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the amount of our taxable income that may be offset by our NOL carry-forwards or tax credit carry-forwards at the time of ownership change. The limitation may affect the amount of our deferred income tax asset and, depending on the limitation, a significant portion of our NOL carry-forwards or tax credit carry-forwards could expire before we are able to use them. In such an event, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be adversely affected.


We believe we have not experienced an ownership change under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code as of December 31, 2017;2022; however, the amount by which our ownership may change in the future could be affected by purchases and sales of stock by 5% shareholders and new issuances of stock by us, should we choose to do so.

ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 None

None.

ITEM 2.PROPERTIES

Although we believe that our current space is adequate for the foreseeable future, if additional office space is required, we believe that suitable space will be available at market rates.

ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 None 

EMA Financial

On February 19, 2019, EMA Financial, Inc. filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York against the Company. The lawsuit alleged various breaches of an underlying convertible promissory note and stock purchase agreement and sought four claims for relief: (i) specific performance to enforce a stock conversion and contractual obligations; (ii) breach of contract; (iii) permanent injunction to enforce the stock conversion and contractual obligations; and (iv) legal fees and costs of the litigation. The complaint was filed with a motion seeking: (i) a preliminary injunction seeking an immediate resolution of the case through the stock conversion; (ii) a consolidation of the trial with the preliminary injunctive hearing; and (iii) summary judgment on the first and third claims for relief.

The Company filed an opposition to the motion and upon oral argument the motion for injunctive relief was denied. The Court issued a decision permitting a motion for summary judgment to proceed and permitted the Company the opportunity to supplement its opposition papers together with the plaintiff who was also provided opportunity to submit reply papers. On April 5, 2019, the Company filed the opposition papers as well as a motion to dismiss the first and third causes of action in the complaint. On March 13, 2020, the Court granted the Company’s motion dismissing the first and third claims for relief and denied the motion for summary judgment as moot.

The Company subsequently filed an amended answer with counterclaims. The affirmative defenses if granted collectively preclude the relief sought. In addition, Vystar filed counterclaims asserting: (a) violation of 10(b)(5) of the Securities and Exchange Act; (b) violation of Section 15(a)(1) of the Exchange Act (failure to register as a broker-dealer); (c) pursuant to the Uniform Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201, the Company requests the Court to declare: (i) pursuant to Delaware law, the underlying agreements are unconscionable; (ii) the underlying agreements are unenforceable and/or portions are unenforceable, such as the liquidated damages sections; (iii) to the extent the agreement is enforceable, Vystar in good faith requests the Court to declare the legal fee provisions of the agreements be mutual (d) unjust enrichment; (e) breach of contract (in the alternative); and (f) attorneys’ fees.

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On June 10, 2020, EMA filed a motion for summary judgment as to its remaining claims for relief and a motion to dismiss the Company’s affirmative defenses and counterclaims. The Company opposed the motion on July 10, 2020, and the same was fully submitted to the Court on July 28, 2020. On March 29, 2021, the Court issued a decision granting in part and denying in part the motion. Specifically, the Court granted that part of the motion seeking summary judgment and dismissal on the Company’s affirmative defense and counterclaim regarding Sections 15(a)/29(b) of the Exchange Act. Two weeks later the Company filed a motion for reconsideration as to the dismissal portion of the order, or, for the alternative, a motion for certification for the right to file a petition to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals on the issue. The Court denied the motion for reconsideration and certification. Subsequently, fact discovery has been completed and on June 24, 2022, both parties submitted competing motions for summary judgment.

EMA seeks summary judgment on its breach of contract and attorneys’ fees claims, specifically seeking damages in the amount of $1,820,000 with 24% interest premised on the argument it was entitled to effectuate a January 15 and February 5, 2019, notices of conversions. EMA further seeks to dismiss Vystar’s affirmative defenses and counterclaims. Conversely, Vystar filed its motion for summary judgment seeking an order to dismiss the EMA complaint on the grounds: (i) the underlying note was satisfied on December 11, 2018; and (ii) EMA, through multiple breaches of the note, over-converted the note by 36,575,555 shares equating to a request of damages against EMA and in favor of Vystar for $4,802,000, with interest accruing at 24%, and attorneys’ fees. The briefing by the parties was fully submitted on July 29, 2022.

On January 6, 2023, the Court issued a series of preliminary rulings based upon the parties’ respective summary judgment motions. Those rulings narrowed the outstanding issues (and claims) to only the parties’ breach of contract claim and counterclaim (and affirmative defenses) regarding the conversion process. Of particular importance, the Court found EMA breached the note by failing to effectuate the conversions in the manner outlined by the controlling note. The Court further found the principal balance at issue was $80,000, interest accrued from the date set in the note and default interest, to the extent applicable, was to accrue at the default rate from September 2018, forward. The Court left undecided whether EMA’s breach of the note was material, whether affirmative defenses as previously raised by the parties were applicable to each parties’ contractual claim, and a damages analysis associated with the same. The Court then requested a supplemental briefing as to the issues of materiality, liability and damages. The issues were fully briefed and submitted on February 24 and March 15, 2023. The parties await a final decision from the Court.

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicableapplicable.

PART II.

ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Price Information

Our common stock is traded in the United States on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol “VYST.” The following table shows the range of high and low closing prices for our common stock.

  High  Low 
December 31, 2021        
         
First Quarter $5.70  $2.79 
         
Second Quarter $3.37  $1.87 
         
Third Quarter $3.15  $1.67 
         
Fourth Quarter $1.89  $0.81 
         
December 31, 2022        
         
First Quarter $1.00  $0.62 
         
Second Quarter $0.78  $0.41 
         
Third Quarter $0.46  $0.27 
         
Fourth Quarter $0.28  $0.10 

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December 31, 2016 High  Low 
       
First Quarter $0.10  $0.06 
         
Second Quarter $0.08  $0.03 
         
Third Quarter $0.12  $0.02 
         
Fourth Quarter $0.22  $0.10 
         
December 31, 2017        
         
First Quarter $0.19  $0.09 
         
Second Quarter $0.18  $0.10 
         
Third Quarter $0.11  $0.05 
         
Fourth Quarter $0.07  $0.04 


Holders

These quotations do not reflect retail markup, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent the prices of actual transactions during these quarterly periods.

Holders of Record

As of December 31, 2017,2022, there were 238209 holders of record of our common stockstock. Because some of our shares are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of shareholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders.

DividendsDividend Policy

We have never paid or declared any cash dividends on our common stock and we do not intend to pay or declare dividends on our common stock in the near future. We presently expect to retain any future earnings to fund continuing development and growth of our business. Our payment of dividends is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other relevant factors.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

We did not make any repurchases of our equity securities during the 2017 fiscal year.None.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

Information concerning our equity compensation plans is set forth in Item 12 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Common Stock and Warrant Grants

From January 1, 20172022 through December 31, 2017, we issued 7,244,2252022, Vystar retired 200 shares of our common stock valued at $490,000 for services rendered to the Company in 2017 and 9,503,993 shares were issued in investments and cashless conversion of options and warrants valued at $384,500. During the period, 1,109,406 shares of common stock valued at $55,359 were issued upon the conversion of convertible notes.stock.

From January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, we issued 1,240,250 warrants to purchase shares of common stock for services rendered to the Company per the following:

WarrantsExercise Price per Share
14,286$0.07 per share
17,357$0.07 per share
14,286$0.07 per share
10,000$0.10 per share
6,998$0.10 per share
9,091$0.11 per share
2,727$0.11 per share
8,333$0.12 per share
1,250$0.12 per share
7,692$0.13 per share
2,077$0.13 per share
362,219$0.14 per share
750,000$0.14 per share
7,143$0.14 per share
3,695$0.14 per share
7,143$0.14 per share
10,071$0.14 per share
5,882$0.17 per share

Stock Option Grants

FromThere were no stock option grants issued from January 1, 20172022 through December 31, 2017, we issued 1,500,000 options to purchase common stock to Board members2022.

Proceeds from loans and employees per the following:shareholder, convertible and contingently convertible notes payable

OptionsExercise Price per Share
1,500,000$0.05 per share

There were no proceeds from October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.

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Application of Securities Laws and Other Matters

No underwriters were involved in the foregoing sales of securities. The securities described above were issued to investors in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, as set forth in Section 4(2)4 (2) under the Securities Act and Regulation D promulgated thereunder, as applicable, relative to sales by an issuer not involving any public offering, to the extent an exemption from such registration was required.

The issuance of stock options as described above were issued pursuant to written compensatory plans or arrangements with our employees, directors and consultants, in reliance on the exemption provided by Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act. All recipients either received adequate information about us or had access, through employment or other relationships, to such information.

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All of the foregoing securities are deemed restricted securities for purposes of the Securities Act. All certificates representing the issued shares of common stock, warrants and options described above included appropriate legends setting forth that the securities had not been registered and the applicable restrictions on transfer.

ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item pursuant to 301(c) of Regulation S-K.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This analysis of our results of operations should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements, including notes thereto, contained in Item 8 of this Report. This Report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Statements that are predictive in nature and that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that these statements are based upon reasonable expectations, we can give no assurance that projections will be achieved. Please refer to the discussion of forward-looking statements included in Part I of this Report.

Overview

About RxAir

RxAir promotes a healthy lifestyle through the use of its innovative, patented ViraTech air purification technology, thereby improving the quality of life of each and every customer. Independently tested by EPA- and FDA-certified laboratories, the RxAir has been proven to destroy greater than 99% of bacteria and viruses and reduce concentrations of odors and VOCs. The RxAir uses high-intensity germicidal UV lamps that destroy bacteria and viruses instead of just trapping them, setting it apart from ordinary air filtration units. RxAir® and ViraTech® are registered trademarks of Vystar LLC,Corp. For more information, visit http://www.RxAir.com.

The Company’s RxAir product line use 48 inches of high-intensity germicidal UV lamps that destroy bacteria, viruses and other germs instead of just trapping them, setting it apart from ordinary air filtration units. RxAir is one of the predecessorfew UV air purifiers that have been proven in independent EPA- and FDA- certified testing laboratories to destroy on the first pass 99.6% of harmful airborne viruses and bacteria. In addition to inactivating airborne viruses that cause influenza (flu) and colds, RxAir’s device disarms the airborne pathogens that cause MRSA (staph), strep (whooping cough), tuberculosis (TB), measles, pneumonia and a myriad of other antibiotic-resistant and viral infections.

The RxAir product line includes:

RxAir™ Residential Filterless Air Purifier
RX400 ™ FDA cleared Class II Filterless Air Purifier
RX3000™ Commercial FDA cleared Class II Air Purifier

Vystar produces the RxAir product line with a world-class manufacturer and an expert U.S. engineer with a full understanding of the RxAir technology. Vystar sells RxAir residential and commercial units via distributors, online and through retail channels. Vystar is assembling the distribution network to relaunch sales of RX400 and RX3000 units to the healthcare and medical markets, which UV Flu had ceased due to a lack of sales force, distribution and cash flow constraints. Once sales are firmly re-established, Vystar expects that the air purification products will produce margins of approximately 70%.

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About Rotmans

Rotmans, formerly the largest furniture and flooring store in New England and one of the largest independent furniture retailers in the U.S., encompassed over 170,000 square feet in Worcester, Mass., employed approximately 50 people, was founded and had been under the leadership of the Rotman family for the past 50 years. Rotmans added approximately $20 million annually to Vystar’s top line revenue and enabled Vystar to capitalize on the infrastructure already in place for accounting, retail sales facilities and staff, customer service, warehousing, and delivery. Steven Rotman and a group of dedicated employees provided continuity of management and customer-focused values for the Company was formed February 2, 2000,until closure in late December 2022.

About Vytex

Vytex is a multi-patented latex raw material in which the allergy causing proteins are reduced to a level that falls at or below detection based on ASTM approved test methods. Vytex has been available as a Georgia limited liability companyraw material commercially for fourteen years and through that time has a group of manufacturers who use it in end products such as electrical gloves, condoms, adhesives, etc. Ironically, most use Vytex as it’s better for their manufacturing process as an easier to use raw material and not for protein properties. As of mid-2020 Vystar and the Indian Rubber Manufacturers Research Association’s (“IRMRA”) had been actively collaborating to develop viscoelastic deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) variants having properties for expanding applications in specific new arenas such as green tires, biodegradable and other unique bioelastoplast product lines that desire a new approach. Additionally, this research, while slowed by Travis W. Honeycutt. Operations under the LLC entity were focused substantially onCOVID-19 pandemic, showed attributes with extra low ammonia offerings that are desired.

Towards the research, developmentend of 2020, Vystar entered into a Market Development and testing ofDistribution Agreement with Corrie MacColl, Ltd. (“CMC Global”) to produce, develop and manage the Vytex®Vytex product and supply lines. This agreement allows Vystar to expand the market for its Natural Rubber Latex (“NRL”) process,products and has garnered much attention across a broad range of industries including liquid Vytex as well as attaining intellectual property rights. In 2003, the Company reorganized as Vystar Corporation, a Georgia corporation, at which time all assets and liabilitiesnewly developed dry rubber Vytex. As of the limited liability company became assetsdate of this report, CMC Global has provided numerous opportunities that are in a trial basis or moving towards manufacturing trials in industries that use a significant amount of natural rubber latex, hence Vytex that now includes production size trial runs in a large dipped product consumer line starting late 2022. As of January 2023, Vytex is now in full R&D phase for a large corporation focused on replacing a petrochemical based binder with a water-based coating using Vytex. As the move to use sustainable materials grows so does interest in Vytex through Corrie MacColl. Additionally, Vystar now has a testing supply of Vytex dry rubber for larger trials. The success of early trials and liabilitiesthe shipping crisis has led to broader spectrum of manufacturers combining the potential of Cameroon production with strategically placed contract manufacturers based on geographical needs including the North American market. Also, Vystar Corporation, including all intellectual property rights,research has shown great strides in specializing liquid Vytex (ultra-low protein latex, ULPL) to meet the immediate needs of customers such as low or no nitrosamine and others (discussed in the presentation below available in the pdf) and additional patents have been proposed to cover these findings. Research into dry rubber continues at a moderate pace as tire companies seek out alternatives to synthetics.

In Halcyon Agri (owner of CMC Global), 2020 Corporate Report: “Our group-wide innovation capabilities have enabled us to engage in innovative commercial partnerships. Corrie MacColl is collaborating with Vystar to transform our Cameroon plantation output into ultra-pure latex with stronger molecular bond that offers enhanced strength, durability, and trademarks.

 We areflexibility in the creatorend products. This is achieved by removing non-rubber components and exclusive owner99.85% of the innovative technologyproteins.” CMC Global continues to work with the facility at Cameroon to produce Vytex NRL. This technology reduces antigenic protein in natural rubber latex products to virtually undetectable levels in both liquid NRLat their owned processing plant.

Vytex researcher Dr. Ranjit Matthan and finished latex products.CMC Global Director John Heath presented at The process also removes many of the naturally occurring non-rubber particles superfluous to end product function, resulting in a cleaner latex base material. We have introduced Vytex NRL, our “ultra-low protein” natural rubber latex, throughout the worldwide marketplace that uses NRL or latex substitutes as a component of manufactured products. Natural rubber latex is used in an extensive range of products including balloons, textiles, footwear and clothing (threads), adhesives, foams, furniture, carpet, paints, coatings, protective equipment, sporting equipment, and especially health care products such as condoms, surgical and exam gloves. We produce Vytex through licensing agreements and have introduced Vytex NRL into the supply channels with aggressive, targeted marketing campaigns directed to the end users.

We transitioned from a development stage company to the operating stage during the last quarter of 2009. During the period of 2010 to 2015, our financial condition and results of operations have experienced substantial fluctuations as we provided introductory pricing in 2010 and then began to switch to a licensing rather than a toll model in 2011. Our licensing model will continue in 2018 for the raw material business and we will focus on the licensing contracts associated with the foam and furniture offerings. Accordingly, the financial condition and results of operations reflected in our historical financial statements are not expected to be indicative of our future financial condition and results of operations.

We believe that the key for increased Vytex NRL product acceptance is to focus on companies seeking solutions to production challenges or ways to differentiate their product offering. Vystar’s technical team has been successful in developing customized formulations to meet specific manufacturer needs. Some of these formulations will become new line extensions. Vystar is becoming less of a raw material provider and more of a technology innovator through its technical consultation and formulation activities.

In addition to this technology focus, we are determined to have the “made with Vytex” claim added to products made using various forms of Vytex NRL. To help drive this effort we’re focusing on products that benefit from Vytex NRL low non-rubber features. As part of this effort, we are working with a licensee to launch a line of foam core products used in various bedding products including pillows, mattresses and mattress toppers.


In January 2015 Vystar announced that it had entered into an exclusive agreement with NHS to distribute mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows made with its multi-patented Vytex NRL raw material. NHS is a distribution company led by Steve Rotman of Rotman’s Furniture and as of December 18, 2017 is the CEO of Vystar and focuses on innovative, sustainably sourced, eco-friendly material and technologies for use in furnishings and other markets. Our Vytex NRL fits the needs of this unique new distributor which has already attracted such firms as mattress manufacturer Gold Bond that was formed in 1899 to manufacture and then distribute mattresses, toppers and pillows along with a plan to reach specific segments of the United States by targeting other manufacturers. Vystar has focused on these segments since 2015 and will continue into 2018 as we display at furniture and mattress conventions and attend and sell at sleep products meetings such as ISPA 2016 (International Sleep Products Association) held in Orlando, FL and ISPA 2017 in Tampa, FL and attending ISPA 2018 in Charlotte, NC. Vystar will also continue to develop specialty versions of Vytex NRL after presenting to the International Latex Conference which was held virtually July 20 to 22, 2021 and offered a plenary session entitled “Innovations and Sustainability in Akron OHNatural Rubber Latex - The New Paradigm.” The presentation discussed the dramatic effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the natural rubber supply chain, and how the industry is reacting the new economic circumstances; including strategy and policy shifts in July 2016supply chain management and 2017restoring greater geographic diversification of latex processing and sending out samples for lab trials.product manufacturing. The R&D association with IRMRA promises quicker laboratory and field-based testing and evaluations downstream. At Vystar, is currently producing Vytex thread samples for an entry into the thread marketplace. In September 2016, the Vystar Board of Directors votedrecalibrated sustainability programme (FSC, nitrosamines & ammonia free, ultralow proteins, no SVHC and green carbon neutrality) emphasize certifications with Corrie MacColl market reach facilitating faster rollouts. Nontraditional/non Hevea brasiliensis based production efforts are likely to end the January 2015 agreement with NHScontinue to face new penetration and replace it with a global exclusive for foam manufactured with Vytex and sold into the home furnishings industry. This change reflects the global naturehigh cost-benefit acceptance challenges in this decade. A PDF of the mattress, topperfull presentation is available on vytex.com.

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Additionally, in August 2021, Dr. Matthan presented new data to the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association including Vytex dry rubber.

Management Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness of airborne disease transmission and pillow businesses.consumers’ desire to reduce their risk of infection through the use of air purifiers. The Company has pivoted its resources to meeting the demand for air purifiers by adding additional distributors to the RxAir sales network and contracting the development of the next generation RxAir Ultraviolet-C light air purifiers.

Vystar and the Indian Rubber Manufacturers Research Association’s (“IRMRA”) are actively collaborating to develop viscoelastic deproteinized natural rubber (“DPNR”) variants having properties for expanding applications in specific new arenas such as green tires, biodegradable and other unique bioelastoplast product lines that desire a new approach.

Vystar entered into a Market Development and Distribution Agreement with Corrie MacColl to produce, develop and manage the Vytex product and supply lines. This agreement allows Vystar to expand the market for its Natural Rubber Latex products.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As such, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates and judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Our management reviews its estimates on an on-going basis. We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience, knowledge of current conditions and our understanding of what we believe to be reasonable that might occur in the future considering available information. Actual results may differ from these estimates, and material effects on our operating results and financial position may result.

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

Fair Value Inputs Related to Share-based and Other Equity Compensation

Generally accepted accounting principles require all share-based payments, including grants of employee stock options, stock grants and warrants, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. We compute the value of option awards granted by utilizing the Black-Scholes valuation model based upon their expected lives, expected volatility, expected dividend yield, and the risk-free interest rate. The value of the awards is then straight-line expensed over the service period of the awards. Issuance in shares of common stock is valued using the closing market price on the measurement date.

Inventories

Inventories include those costs directly attributable to the product before sale. Inventories consist primarily of RxAir purifiers, foam toppers and pillows and are carried at net realizable value, which is defined as selling price less cost of completion, disposal and transportation. The Company evaluates the need to record write-downs for inventories on a regular basis. Approximate consideration is given to obsolescence, slow-moving and other factors in evaluating net realizable values. Inventories not expected to be sold within 12 months are classified as long-term.

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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Revenue

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resultingrecognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation in a contract by transferring control over a product to a customer when product is shipped based on fulfillment by the Company. The Company considers fulfillment when it passes all liability at the point of shipping through third party carriers. Consideration is typically paid prior to shipment via credit card or check when our products are sold direct to consumers, which is typically within a 1 to 2 days or approximately 30 days from the inabilitytime control is transferred when sold to wholesalers, distributors and retailers. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by us from a customer, are excluded from revenue. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of revenue. We assess our customers to make required payments. If theestimates of expected returns at each financial conditionreporting date.

Valuation and Impairment of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting inIntangible and Long-Lived Assets

We perform an impairment assessment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. Our allowances for doubtful accounts amounted to $0 for both December 31, 2017 and 2016. For the fiscal year 2017, the Company generated revenue from three customers and we have no history of not collecting from any of them. We therefore determined there was no need currently to carry an allowance for doubtful accounts.

Fixed Asset Lives

We estimate the useful life of equipment and other fixedintangible assets using judgment, conventionsincluding goodwill annually or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in the industries in which we operate, and research on resale values. The Company currently has no fixed assets on its balance sheet. If the Company were to acquire any fixed assets, we will review equipment and fixed asset lives annually in our impairment analyses.

Impairment Analyses

circumstances. We review long-lived assets such as property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If the total of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the assets, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the long-lived assets.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the assets and liability method. This method requires that the deferred tax consequences of temporary differences between the amounts recorded in our financial statements and the amounts included in our federal and state income tax returns be recognized in the balance sheet. Estimates are often required with respect to, among other things, the potential utilization of any operating and capital loss carry-forwards for both federal and state income tax purposes and valuation allowances required, if any, for tax assets that may not be realizable in the future. We believe that it is more likely than not that the amounts recorded as deferred income tax assets will not be recoverable through future taxable income generated by us. As a result, the The Company recorded a 100% valuation allowance againstloss on impairment in 2022 of $297,723 related to our net deferred tax assets asreassessment of December 31, 2017 and 2016. We believe the procedures and estimates usedUV Flu intangible assets. The Company recorded a loss on impairment in our accounting for income taxes are reasonable and in accordance with established tax law. A tax benefit arising from an uncertain tax position can only be recognized for financial reporting purposes if, and2021 of $245,050 related to the extentdiscontinuation of NHS proprietary technology and customer relationships.

Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company evaluates stock options, stock warrants, notes payable or other contracts to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivatives to be separately accounted for under the relevant sections of ASC 815-40, Derivative Instruments and Hedging: Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity. The result of this accounting treatment could be that the positionfair value of a financial instrument is more likely than not to be sustained in an audit by the applicable taxing authority. We had no material unrecognized tax benefitsclassified as a derivative instrument and related tax liabilitiesis marked-to-market at December 31, 2017each balance sheet date and 2016. Penalties related to uncertain tax positions would be recorded as a component of general and administrative expenses. Interest relating to uncertain tax positions would beliability. In the event that the fair value is recorded as a componentliability, the change in fair value is recorded in the statement of interestoperations as other income or other expense. We do not believe there will be any such uncertain tax position, costsUpon conversion or liabilities for anyexercise of a derivative instrument, the instrument is marked to fair value at the conversion date and then that fair value is reclassified to equity. Financial instruments that are initially classified as equity that become subject to reclassification under ASC 815-40 are reclassified to a liability account at the fair value of the years under auditinstrument on the reclassification date.

Leases

The Company has adopted and takeimplemented ASC 842, Leases, where Rotmans recognized right-of use assets and lease liabilities. For leases in which the acquiree is a conservative approachlessee, the Company measured the lease liability at the present value of the remaining lease payments, as if the acquired lease were a new lease at the acquisition date. The Company measured the right-of-use asset at the same amount as the lease liability as adjusted to all tax matters.reflect favorable and unfavorable terms of the lease when compared with market terms.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Year ended December 31, 20172022 compared to year ended December 31, 20162021

  Year Ended December 31,  Continuing  Consolidated 
  2017  2016  $ change  % change  $ change  % change 
  Continuing  Discontinued  Consolidated  Continuing  Discontinued  Consolidated             
Revenue, net $16,754  $  $16,754  $40,193  $82,353  $122,546  ($23,439)  (58.3%) ($105,792)  (86.3%)
Cost of revenue  21,498      21,498   20,473   20,222   40,695   1,025   5.0%  (19,197)  (47.2%)
Gross profit  (4,744)     (4,744)  19,720   62,131   81,851   (24,464)  (124.1%)  (86,595)  (105.8%)
                                         
Operating Expenses                                        
General and administrative  1,125,638      1,125,638   1,096,354   24,045   1,120,399   29,284   2.7%  5,239   0.5%
Total operating expenses  1,125,638      1,125,638   1,096,354   24,045   1,120,399   29,284   2.7%  5,239   0.5%
                                         
Profit (Loss) from Operations  (1,130,382)     (1,130,382)  (1,076,634)  38,086   (1,038,548)  (53,748)  (5.0%)  (91,834)  (8.8%)
                                         
Interest income           1      1   (1)  (100.0%)  (1)  (100.0%)
Interest expense  (174,661)     (174,661)  (168,188)  2,594   (165,594)  (6,473)  3.8%  (9,067)  5.5%
Other income/(expense)  78,513   42,056   120,569   (14,456)  (2,701)  (17,157)  92,969   (643.1%)  137,726   (802.7%)
Total Other Income/Expense  (96,148)  42,056   (54,092)  (182,643)  (107)  (182,750)  86,495   47.4%  128,658   70.4%
                                         
Net loss ($1,226,530) $42,056  ($1,184,474) ($1,259,277) $37,979  ($1,221,298) $32,747   2.6% $36,824   3.0%
                                         
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE:                                        
Net loss per share ($0.01) $0.00  ($0.01) ($0.01) $0.00  ($0.01)                
Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding  125,868,534   125,868,534   125,868,534   106,985,632   106,985,632   106,985,632                 

Revenues

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2022  2021  $ Change  % Change 
  CONSOLIDATED 
             
Revenue $116,533  $1,669,002  $(1,552,469)  -93.0%
                 
Cost of revenue  505,225   1,910,902   (1,405,677)  -73.6%
                 
Gross loss  (388,692)  (241,900)  (146,792)  60.7%
                 
Operating expenses:                
Salaries, wages and benefits  256,704   326,398   (69,694)  -21.4%
Share-based compensation  837,468   822,070   15,398  1.9%
Professional fees  201,056   557,666   (356,610)  -63.9%
Advertising  34,855   251,391   (216,536)  -86.1%
Consulting  257,511   199,923   57,588   28.8%
Rent  8,393   85,184   (76,791)  -90.1%
Service charges  9,480   10,883   (1,403)  -12.9%
Depreciation and amortization  140,472   179,472   (39,000)  -21.7%
Loss on impairment  444,815   245,050   199,765   81.5%
Other operating  367,954   875,625   (507,671)  -58.0%
                 
Total operating expenses  2,558,708   3,553,662   (994,954)  -28.0%
                 
Loss from operations  (2,947,400)  (3,795,562)  848,162   -22.3%
                 
Other income (expense):                
Interest expense  (214,104)  (296,850)  82,746   -27.9%
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities  1,778,100   53,600   1,724,500   3217.4%
Loss on settlement of debt, net  (2,060,123)  (117,700)  (1,942,423)  1650.3%
                 
Total other expense, net  (496,127)  (360,950)  (135,177)  37.5%
                 
Net loss from continuing operations  (3,443,527)  (4,156,512)  712,985   -17.72%
                 
Discontinued operations:                
Income (loss) from operations  (887,628)  2,515,827   (3,403,455)  -135.3%
                 
Net loss  (4,331,155)  (1,640,685)  (2,690,470)  164.0%
                 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  372,803   (1,056,647)  1,429,450   -135.3%
                 
Net loss attributable to Vystar $(3,958,352) $(2,697,332) $(1,261,020)  46.8%

Revenues

Consolidated revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172022 and 2016 from the Company2021 were $16,754$116,533 and $122,546,$1,669,002, respectively, for a decrease of $105,792$1,552,469 or 86.3%93.0%. The decrease in revenues from operations was principally due to an increased return allowance and reduced market demand for our products with the closing of the Kiron division. Revenueslessening COVID-19 pandemic.

Consolidated gross loss for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172022 and 2016 from the Company’s continuing operations were $16,7542021 was $388,692 and $40,193,$241,900, respectively, for a decreasean increase of $23,439$146,792 or 58.3%60.7%. The decrease in revenues from continuing operations was due to fluctuations in latex prices and changes in customer product mix.

Consolidated gross profitcost of revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172022 and 2016 from the Company were $(4,744)2021 was $505,225 and $81,851,$1,910,902, respectively, for a decrease of $86,595$1,405,677 or 105.8%73.6%. Gross profit from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017The increase in gross loss and 2016 was $(4,744) and $19,720, respectively, for a decrease of $24,464 or 124.1%. Costcost of revenue from continuing operations for fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $21,498 and $20,473, respectively an increase of $1,025 or 5.0%.primarily due to decreased revenues.

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Operating Expenses

The Company’s operating expenses consist of general and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and support costs for management, sales and administrative staff, and for other general and administrative costs, including professional fees related to accounting, finance, and legal services as well as other operating expenses.expenses such as advertising and consulting. The Company’s consolidated operating expenses were $1,125,638was $2,558,708 and $1,120,399$3,553,662 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172022 and 2016,2021, respectively, for an increasea decrease of $5,239$994,954 or 0.5%28%. The Company’sdecrease in operating expenses from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017was due to reduced professional fees, advertising and 2016 were $1,125,638 and $1,096,354, respectively, for an increase of $29,284 or 2.7%.other operating expenses in connection with reduced revenues.

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Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172022 and 2016 were $120,5692021 was ($496,127) and ($17,157)360,950), respectively, for a net increase in expense of $135,177 or 37.5%. Increases in other income (expense) in 2022 included an increase in loss on settlement of $137,726 or 802.7%. This large fluctuation was due to the write-offdebt, net of $1,942,423, an increase in change in value of derivative liabilities of $1,778,100 and a reduction of interest expense of $82,746.

Discontinued Operations

Income (loss) from discontinued operations related accounts payable in the amount of $42,056 and the derecognition and write-off of disputed Vystar related accounts payables. Interest expense for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172022 and 2016 were $174,6612021 was ($887,628) and $165,594, respectively for an increase of $9,067 or 5.5%. This was a primarily a result of an increase in the LIBOR index rate on the CMA Loan as well as additional Shareholder Notes in 2017.

Net Loss

Net loss for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $1,184,474 and $1,221,298,$2,515,827, respectively, for a decrease of $36,824$3,403,455 or 3.0%135.3%. Income from discontinued operations in 2021 included forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program loans of $2,805,800 and Employee Rentention Credits of $771,287.

Net Loss

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $4,331,155 and $1,640,685, respectively, for an increase in net loss of $2,690,470 or 164%. Net loss in 2022 and 2021 includes net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of $372,803 and ($1,056,647), respectively. The smaller net loss the Company experienced in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 versus the same period in 20162021 was primarily attributable to COVID-19 programs mainly the reduction in third-party contract services.Paycheck Protection Program loans forgiven of $2,805,800 and Employee Retention Credits of $771,287.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company'sCompany’s financial statements are prepared using the accrual method of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business. However, we have incurred significant losses and experienced negative cash flow since inception. At December 31, 2017,2022, the Company had cash of $13,502$12,274 and a deficit in working capital of $2,774,565.$3,069,379. For the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, the companyCompany had a net loss of $1,184,474$4,331,155 and an accumulated deficit of $27,999,123.$55,368,868. For the year ended December 31, 2016,2021, the companyCompany had a net loss of $1,221,298$1,640,685 and the accumulated deficit amounted to $26,814,649.$51,410,516. We use working capital to finance our ongoing operations, and since those operations do not currently cover all of our operating costs, and managing working capital is essential to our Company'sCompany’s future success. Because of this history of losses and financial condition, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Net cash used in operating activities was $498,963$617,193 for the year ended December 31, 20172022 as compared to $907,441$2,499,954 for the year ended December 31, 2016.2021. During the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, cash used in operations was primarily due to the net loss for the year of $1,184,474$4,348,955 net of non-cash related add-back of share-based compensation, expensedepreciation, amortization, change in fair value of $710,348.derivative liabilities and loss on settlement of debt, net.

The Company had no net cash provided by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2017. Net2022 as compared to $371,431 cash provided byused in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $2,701 was a result of selling some equipment.2021.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $476,183$499,947 during the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, as compared to cash provided of $911,963$2,023,347 during the year ended December 31, 2016.2021. During 20172022, cash was provided from the proceeds from related party advances of $266,541 and issuance of commonpreferred stock of $85,000. During 2021, cash was provided from the proceeds in notes payable in the amount of $384,500$290,000 and $91,683 in proceeds from Shareholder Notes. In 2016, the cash provided by financing activities was provided from the issuancerelated party advances of common stock in the amount of $723,456, $53,500 from the exercise of common stock warrants and $135,000 in proceeds from Shareholder Notes.$533,039.

A successful transition to attaining profitable operations is dependent upon obtaining sufficient financing to fund the Company’s planned expenses and achieving a level of revenue adequate to support the Company’s cost structure. Management plans to finance future operations using cash on hand, as well as increased revenue from RxAir air purifier sales and Vytex license fees, that now also include the company’sCompany’s association with foam cores made from Vytex used in mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows, stock warrant exercises from existing shareholders, and raising capital through private placement memoranda (see Note 13, Subsequent Events). Because of this history of losses and financial condition, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.pillows.

19

 

There can be no assurances that we will be able to achieve projected levels of revenue in 20182023 and beyond. If we are not able to achieve projected revenue and obtain alternate additional financing of equity or debt, we would need to significantly curtail or reorient operations during 2018,2023, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our business objectives and as a result, may require the Company to file for bankruptcy or cease operations. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts classified as liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be forced to take any such actions.

Our future expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including: the rate at which we can introduce RxAir products and license Vytex NRL raw material and the foam cores made from Vytex to manufacturers and subsequently retailers,retailers; the costs of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights; andrights, along with market acceptance of our products, and services and competing technological developments. As we expand our activities and operations, our cash requirements are expected to increase at a rate consistent with revenue growth after we achieve sustained revenue generation.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

On April 29, 2011,Per Steven Rotman’s Employment agreement dated July 22, 2019, as amended, he is to be paid $125,000 per year in cash, $10,417 per month in shares based on a 20-day average price at a 50% discount to market, $5,000 per month in cash for expenses as well as access to a Company provided vehicle and health and life insurance. During the Company executed with CMA Investments, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company of which three of the directors of the Company (“CMA directors”) are the members (“CMA”), an unsecured line of credit bearing interest at LIBOR plus 5.25% per annum on amounts drawn and fees. The weighted average interest rate in effect on the borrowings for the yearsyear ended December 31, 20172022, the Company expensed approximately $417,000 related to this employment agreement. In addition, the Company issued 1,330,066 shares of Series C Preferred Stock for the settlement of debt totaling $3,552,321 in 2022. A loss of $1,900,950 was recognized on the issuance and 2016 was 6.37%is included in other expenses for the year. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had a stock subscription payable balance of $619,084, or approximately 920,000 shares to be issued in the future, $183,155 of reimbursable expenses payable and 5.75%, respectively.$116,403 of unpaid salary.


DuringBlue Oar Consulting, Inc. (“Blue Oar”) provides business consulting services to the tenureCompany. This entity is owned by Gregory Rotman, who is the son of the CMA Note Payable,Company’s CEO, Steven Rotman. Blue Oar provides business consulting services to the Company. In exchange for such services, the Company has increasedentered into a consulting agreement with the amount ofrelated party entity. Per the Noteconsulting agreement, Blue Oar is to be paid $15,000 per month in cash for expenses, and $12,500 per month to be paid in exchange provided benefitsshares based on a 20-day average at a 50% discount to market. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company expensed approximately $459,000 related to the CMA directors as follows:consulting agreement. In addition, the Company issued 221,385 shares of Series C Preferred Stock for the settlement of debt and payables totaling $702,161 in 2022. A loss of $313,340 was recognized on the issuance and is included in other expenses for the year. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had a stock subscription payable balance of $629,903, or approximately 1,049,000 shares.

DateAmount (increase)Benefit to CMAImpact to Company
Inception$800,000Warrants to purchase 2,600,000 shares @ $0.45, vesting 20% immediately and 10% per $100,000 drawnWarrant costs amortized over the term of the CMA Note
Sept 4, 2011$200,000Modified warrant price on 2,600,000 shares from $0.45 to $0.27, and issued additional 1,600,000 shares @ $0.27Warrant costs amortized over the remaining term of the CMA Note
Nov 2, 2012$500,000Warrants to purchase 2,100,000 shares @ $0.35Warrant costs amortized over the remaining term of the CMA Note
Apr 29, 2013$0 (maturity date extended 1 year)Modified warrant price on 6,300,000 shares from $0.10, and agreed to forfeit 630,000 of the warrantsWarrant costs amortized over the remaining term of the CMA Note
Apr 29, 2014$0 (maturity date extended 1 year)NoneNone
Apr 29, 2015$0 (maturity date extended 1 year)NoneNone

The note is currently due on demand.

In January 2015, Vystar announced that it had entered into an exclusive agreement with NHS to distribute mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows made with its multi-patented Vytex NRL raw material. NHS is a distribution company led by Steve Rotman of Rotman’s Furniture and as of December 17, 2017 is the CEO of Vystar.

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item pursuant to 301(c) of Regulation S-K.

ITEM 8.Index to Financial StatementsINDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-1
Consolidated Balance SheetsF-2
Consolidated Statements of LossOperationsF-3
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ DeficitF-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsF-5
Notes to Financial StatementsF-6


20

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Vystar Corporation:

Vystar Corporation Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

Atlanta, Georgia

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Vystar CorporationCorporation. (the Company)“Company”) as of December 31, 20172022 and 2016,2021, and the related consolidated statements of loss,operations, stockholders’ deficit,equity (deficit), and cash flows for the years then ended. ended, 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, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Going Concern

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, the Company has incurred significant losses and experienced negative cash flow since inception. At December 31, 2022, the Company had cash of $12,274 and a deficit in working capital of approximately $3 million. Further, at December 31, 2022 the accumulated deficit amounted to approximately $55 million. These conditions and the ability to successfully resolve these factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’sentity’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on thesethe Company’s financial statements based on our audits. 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.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).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.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. OurAs part of our audits, included considerationwe are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’sentity’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit includes

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 supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessingstatements. 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 statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,Critical Audit Matters

Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements referredthat were communicated or required to above present fairly, in allbe communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material respects, the financial position of Vystar Corporation as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

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 and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.

/s/ Macias, Gini, and O’Connell LLP

Irvine, California

We have served as the Company’s recurring losses from operations, capital deficit, and limited capital resources raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters also are described in Note 2 to the financial statements. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.auditor since 2020

October 10, 2023

Atlanta, GeorgiaPCAOB ID: 324

March 29, 2018

F-1

VYSTAR CORPORATION

VYSTAR CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

  2022  2021 
  December 31, 
  2022  2021 
ASSETS      
Current assets:        
Cash $12,274  $129,520 
Accounts receivable, net  12,145   22,131 
Inventories  91,724   89,346 
Prepaid expenses and other  633,769   54,740 
Assets of discontinued operations  3,026,971   4,994,399 
         
Total current assets  3,776,883   5,290,136 
         
Property and equipment, net  140,886   184,442 
         
Other assets:        
Intangible assets, net  154,371   549,010 
Goodwill  -   147,092 
Inventories, long-term  63,009   429,147 
Other  -   15,000 
Assets of discontinued operations  7,503,970   10,242,631 
Total other assets  7,721,350   11,382,880 
Total assets $11,639,119  $16,857,458 
         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT        
         
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $1,361,483  $1,983,898 
Accrued expenses  684,147   585,628 
Stock subscription payable  1,655,208   1,247,549 
Shareholder, convertible and contingently convertible notes payable and accrued interest - current maturities  336,263   1,388,904 
Related party debt - current maturities  169,552   1,487,000 
Unearned revenue  44,479   79,368 
Derivative liabilities  -   1,778,100 
Related party advances  266,541   - 
Liabilities of discontinued operations  2,328,589   5,046,300 
         
Total current liabilities  6,846,262   13,596,747 
         
Long-term liabilities:        
Related party debt, net of current maturities and debt discount  -   2,791,401 
Liabilities of discontinued operations  5,513,667   6,369,609 
         
Total long-term liabilities  5,513,667   9,161,010 
         
Total liabilities  12,359,929   22,757,757 
         
Stockholders’ deficit:        
Convertible preferred stock series class A, $0.0001 par value 15,000,000 shares authorized; 8,698 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021 (liquidation preference of $170,000 and $162,000 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively)  1   1 
Convertible preferred stock series B, $0.0001 par value 2,500,000 shares authorized; 370,969 and 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively (liquidation preference of $2,710,000 at December 31, 2022)  37   - 
Convertible preferred stock series C, $0.0001 par value 2,500,000 shares authorized; 1,917,973 and 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively (liquidation preference of $5,233,000 at December 31, 2022)  192   - 
Convertible preferred stock     - 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 12,942,892 and 12,943,092 shares issued at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and 12,942,592 and 12,942,792 shares outstanding at December 31, 2022 and respectively  1,294   1,294 
Additional paid-in capital  53,361,925   43,851,510 
Accumulated deficit  (55,368,868)  (51,410,516)
Common stock in treasury, at cost; 300 shares  (30)  (30)
         
Total Vystar stockholders’ deficit  (2,005,449)  (7,557,741)
         
Noncontrolling interest  1,284,639   1,657,442 
         
Total stockholders’ deficit  (720,810)  (5,900,299)
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit $11,639,119  $16,857,458 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
ASSETS      
CURRENT ASSETS        
Cash $13,502  $36,282 
Accounts receivable  3,963   17,370 
Prepaid expenses  166,091   41,300 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS  183,556   94,952 
OTHER ASSETS        
Intangible assets, net  123,882   139,562 
TOTAL ASSETS  307,438   234,514 
 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT        
CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Related party line of credit $1,499,875  $1,499,875 
Accounts payable  468,906   488,784 
Accrued compensation  19,355   2,917 
Shareholder notes payable  674,990   595,837 
Accrued expenses  294,995   231,080 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES  2,958,121   2,818,493 
Long-term Shareholder notes payable  206,683   239,231 
TOTAL LIABILITIES $3,164,804  $3,057,724 
STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT        
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized; 13,828 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively  1   1 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized; 132,809,218 and 114,951,594 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively  13,280   11,495 
Additional paid-in capital  25,128,476   23,979,943 
Accumulated deficit  (27,999,123)  (26,814,649)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT  (2,857,366)  (2,823,210)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT $307,438  $234,514 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-2

VYSTAR CORORATIONCORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSSOPERATIONS

  2022  2021 
  Year Ended 
  December 31, 
  2022  2021 
       
Revenue $116,533  $1,669,002 
         
Cost of revenue  505,225   1,910,902 
         
Gross loss  (388,692)  (241,900)
         
Operating expenses:        
Salaries, wages and benefits  256,704   326,398 
Share-based compensation  837,468   822,070 
Professional fees  201,056   557,666 
Advertising  34,855   251,391 
Consulting  257,511   199,923 
Rent  8,393   85,184 
Service charges  9,480   10,883 
Depreciation and amortization  140,472   179,472 
Loss on impairment  444,815   245,050 
Other operating  367,954   875,625 
         
Total operating expenses  2,558,708   3,553,662 
         
Loss from operations  (2,947,400)  (3,795,562)
         
Other income (expense):        
Interest expense  (214,104)  (296,850)
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities  1,778,100   53,600 
Loss on settlement of debt, net  (2,060,123)  (117,700)
         
Total other expense, net  (496,127)  (360,950)
         
Net loss from continuing operations  (3,443,527)  (4,156,512)
         
Discontinued operations:        
Income (loss) from operations  (887,628)  2,515,827 
         
Net loss  (4,331,155)  (1,640,685)
         
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  372,803   (1,056,647)
         
Net loss attributable to Vystar $(3,958,352) $(2,697,332)
         
Basic and diluted loss per share:        
Net loss from continuing operations $(0.27) $(0.33)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations $(0.07) $0.20 
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest $(0.03) $0.08 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders $(0.31) $(0.21)
         
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding  12,942,605   12,706,056 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

  For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
  2017  2016 
REVENUE $16,754  $40,193 
COST OF REVENUE  21,498   20,473 
Gross Margin  (4,744)  19,720 
OPERATING EXPENSES        
General and administrative, including non-cash share-based compensation of $585,556 and $242,159 in 2017 and 2016, respectively  1,125,638   1,096,354 
Total Operating Expenses  1,125,638   1,096,354 
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS  (1,130,382)  (1,076,634)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)        
Interest income     1 
Other (expense) income  78,513   (14,456)
Interest expense  (174,661)  (168,188)
Total Other Income (Expense)  (96,148)  (182,643)
         
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS  (1,226,530)  (1,259,277)
         
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS  42,056   37,979 
         
NET LOSS ($1,184,474) ($1,221,298)
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE:        
Net loss per share ($0.01) ($0.01)
Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding  125,868,534   106,985,632 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-3

VYSTAR CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

  Shares A  Stock A  Shares B  Stock B  Shares C  Stock C  Shares  Stock  Capital  Deficit  Shares  Stock  Deficit  Interest  Deficit 
  Attributable to Vystar       
  Number     Number     Number     Number           Number     Total       
  of     of     of     of     Additional     of     Vystar     Total 
  Preferred  Preferred  Preferred  Preferred  Preferred  Preferred  Common  Common  Paid-in  Accumulated  Treasury  Treasury  Stockholders’  Noncontrolling  Stockholders’ 
  Shares A  Stock A  Shares B  Stock B  Shares C  Stock C  Shares  Stock  Capital  Deficit  Shares  Stock  Deficit  Interest  Deficit 
                                              
Ending balance December 31, 2020  13,698  $1   -  $-   -  $-   12,000,352  $1,200  $41,352,261  $(48,713,184)  (300) $(30) $(7,359,752) $600,795  $(6,758,957)
                                                             
Common stock issued for services                          785,778   79   2,110,010   -        -    2,110,089       2,110,089 
                                                             
Share-based compensation - options                                  15,989   -            15,989       15,989 
                                                             
Common stock issued for settlement of related party payable                          113,648   11   335,254               335,265       335,265 
                                                             
Common stock issued for cash received in prior period                          25,334   2   37,998               38,000       38,000 
                                                             
Preferred stock conversion  (5,000)                      17,680   2   (2)              -       - 
                                                             
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (2,697,332)  -   -   (2,697,332)  1,056,647   (1,640,685)
                                                             
Ending balance December 31, 2021  8,698  $1   -  $-   -  $-   12,942,792  $1,294  $43,851,510  $(51,410,516)  (300) $(30) $(7,557,741) $1,657,442  $(5,900,299)
Balance  8,698  $1   -  $-   -  $-   12,942,792  $1,294  $43,851,510  $(51,410,516)  (300) $(30) $(7,557,741) $1,657,442  $(5,900,299)
                                                             
Share-based compensation - options                                  11,072   -            11,072       11,072 
                                                             
Retirement of common stock                          (200)                      -       - 
                                                             
Preferred stock issued for services          73,428   7   291,188   29           1,595,211               1,595,247       1,595,247 
                                                             
Preferred stock issued for cash                  32,566   3           84,997               85,000       85,000 
                                                            
Preferred stock issued for settlement of accounts payable          127,857   13                   511,415               511,428       511,428 
                                                             
Preferred stock issued for settlement of shareholder notes payable          152,755   15                   893,602               893,617       893,617 
                                                             
Preferred stock issued for settlement of related party notes payable                  1,594,219   160           6,346,404               6,346,564       6,346,564 
                                                             
Preferred stock issued for settlement of stock payable          16,929   2                   67,714               67,716       67,716 
                                                             
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (3,958,352)  -   -   (3,958,352)  (372,803)  (4,331,155)
                                                             
Ending balance December 31, 2022  8,698  $1   370,969  $37   1,917,973  $192   12,942,592  $1,294  $53,361,925  $(55,368,868)  (300) $(30) $(2,005,449) $1,284,639  $(720,810)
Balance  8,698  $1   370,969  $37   1,917,973  $192   12,942,592  $1,294  $53,361,925  $(55,368,868)  (300) $(30) $(2,005,449) $1,284,639  $(720,810)

  Number of Preferred Shares  Preferred Shares  Number of
Common
Shares
  Common
Stock
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Total 
                      
Ending Balance, December 31, 2015  13,828  $1   96,443,907  $9,644  $22,962,678  ($25,593,351) ($2,621,028)
                             
Common stock issued in private placement          14,180,000   1,418   707,582       709,000 
                             
Common stock issued upon exercise of common stock warrants          3,080,220   308   53,192       53,500 
                             
Share-based compensation to employees - warrants                  100,291       100,291 
                             
Common stock and warrants issued for services          1,247,466   125   141,744       141,869 
                             
Warrant/Option Repricing                  14,456       14,456 
                             
Net Loss                      (1,221,298)  (1,221,298)
                             
Ending Balance, December 31, 2016  13,828  $1   114,951,593  $11,495  $23,979,943  ($26,814,649) ($2,823,210)
                             
Common stock issued in private placement          7,690,000   769   383,731       384,500 
                             
Common stock issued upon exercise of cashless common stock warrants          1,813,993   181   (181)       
                             
Share-based compensation to employees - warrants                  146,193       146,193 
                             
Share-based compensation to employees - common stock          750,000   75   37,425       37,500 
                             
Common stock and warrants issued for services          6,494,226   649   526,006       526,655 
                             
Common stock issued upon conversion of convertible notes          1,109,406   111   55,359       55,470 
                             
Net Loss                      (1,184,474)  (1,184,474)
                             
Ending Balance, December 31, 2017  13,828  $1   132,809,218  $13,280  $25,128,476  ($27,999,123) ($2,857,366)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4

VYSTAR CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

  2022  2021 
  Year Ended 
  December 31, 
  2022  2021 
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net loss $(4,331,155) $(1,640,685)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in continuing operations:        
Share-based compensation  837,468   822,070 
Depreciation  178,714   353,833 
Bad debts  26,080  278,377 
Amortization of intangible assets  345,249   384,250 
Noncash lease expense  267,009   345,355 
Amortization of debt discount  27,083   42,585 
Impairment loss  1,835,424   245,050 
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities  (1,778,100)  (53,600)
(Gain) loss on settlement of debt, net  2,008,267   (2,688,100)

Loss on sale of property and equipment

  

22,080

   

210,951

 

Loss on sale of investments 

  -   

4,180

 
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments  -   

(20,480

)
(Increase) decrease in assets:        
Accounts receivable  420   (181,631)
Inventories  363,760   311,509 
Prepaid expenses and other  76,545   144,595 

Assets of discontinued operations 

  

2,341,200

   

1,623,868

 
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:        
Accounts payable  301,356   1,151,596 
Accrued expenses and interest payable  289,374   511,168 
Unearned revenue  (34,889)  (548,907)
Liabilities of discontinued operations  

(3,291,408

)  

(4,160,126

)
         
Net cash used in operating activities  (515,523)  (2,864,142)
         
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Patents and trademark fees  -   (2,183)
Cash flows from discontinued operations, net  -   

373,614

 
         

Net cash provided by investing activities

  -   

371,431

 
         
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Proceeds from issuance of term debt  -   290,000 
Proceeds from related party advances  266,541   533,039 
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock  85,000   - 
Cash flows from discontinued operations, net   148,406   1,200,308 
Net cash provided by financing activities  499,947   2,023,347 
         
Net decrease in cash  (15,576)  (469,364)
         
Cash - beginning of year  151,175   620,539 
         
Cash - end of year 135,599  151,175 
Less: cash of discontinued operations  123,325   21,655 
         
Cash of continuing operations – end of year $12,274  $129,520 
         
Cash paid during the year for:        
Interest $10,874  $6,579 
         
Non-cash transactions:        
Prepaid expenses with preferred stock $866,630  $- 
Preferred stock issued for settlement of related party payable  270,000   - 
Preferred stock issued for settlement of debt and accrued interest  893,617   - 
Preferred stock issued for settlement of related party debt and accrued interest  6,346,564   - 
Preferred stock issued for stock subscription payable  67,716   - 
Preferred stock issued for settlement of vendor payables  886,401   - 
Rotmans vendor payables paid directly by related party  100,000   - 
Rotmans lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets  325,471   24,603 
Common stock issued for accrued compensation  -   2,110,089 
Derivatives issued as a debt discount  -   65,000 
Common stock issued for settlement of related party payable  -   335,265 
Common stock issued for cash received in prior year  -   38,000 
Common stock issued for preferred stock  -   177 
Reduction of third-party vendor payable with transfer of Rotmans inventories  -   2,886,497 
Acquisition of Rotmans inventories with third-party vendor payable at commencement of second sale agreement  -   2,886,497 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

  For the years ended December 31, 
  2017  2016 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES        
Net loss ($1,184,474) ($1,221,298)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities        
Share-based compensation  710,348   242,159 
Allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable     (60,266)
Depreciation     278 
Amortization of intangible assets  15,680   15,861 
(Increase) decrease in assets        
Accounts receivable  13,407   40,409 
Prepaid expenses  (124,791)  192,516 
Increase (decrease) in liabilities      
Accounts payable  (19,878)  (91,020)
Accrued compensation and expenses  90,745   (26,080)
Net cash used in operating activities  (498,963)  (907,441)
         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES        
Disposal (investment in) of equipment, net     2,701 
Net cash provided by (used) in investing activities     2,701 
         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES        
(Payments) Advances D&O Financing     7 
Issuance of common stock, net of costs  384,500   723,456 
Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants     53,500 
Proceeds/(Payment) from Shareholder Notes  91,683   135,000 
         
Net cash provided by financing activities  476,183   911,963 
         
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH  (22,780)  7,223 
         
CASH - BEGINNING OF YEAR  36,282   29,059 
         
CASH - END OF YEAR $13,502  $36,282 
         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:        
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS        
Common stock issued for services rendered $710,348  $242,160 
Cashless exercise of common stock warrants  181    
Cashless conversion of shareholder note  55,471    
         
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR        
Interest $100,354  $97,989 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-5

VYSTAR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 20172022 and 20162021

NOTE 1 - SUMMARYDESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIESBUSINESS

History and Nature of Business

Vystar Corporation (“Vystar”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”,“we,” “us,” or “our”) is based in Worcester, Massachusetts and produces a line of innovative air purifiers, which destroy viruses and bacteria through the use of ultraviolet light. Vystar is also the creator and exclusive owner of the innovative technology to produce Vytex®Vytex® Natural Rubber Latex (“NRL”). Vystar manufactures and sells NRL used primarily in various bedding products. In addition, on June 28, 2013, Vystar Corporation (the “Company”has a majority ownership in Murida Furniture Co., Inc. dba Rotmans Furniture (“Rotmans”) completed, formerly one of the acquisition of Kiron Clinical Sleep Lab, LLC (“Kiron”) a vertically integrated sleep diagnostic practice located in Durham, NC. We effectively closed Kiron in April 2016 due to changeslargest independent furniture retailers in the healthcare insurance marketplace. BecauseU.S.

All activities of Rotmans have been included in discontinued operations. Additional disclosure can be found in Note 17. Other references to Rotmans in the closure of Kiron, Vystar Corporation has returned its focus to expanding the licensing and utilization of its proprietary source natural rubber latex technology. Vytex NRL uses a global multi-patented technology and proprietary formulation to reduce non-rubber particles including the antigenic proteins associated with latex allergies, resulting in a cleaner form of latex. In fact, the antigenic protein levelsaccompanying notes, excluding Note 17, are reduced to virtually undetectable levels. On January 22, 2015, Vystar announced the signing of an exclusive domestic distribution agreement with Worcester, MA based Nature’s Home Solutions (NHS) who sources eco-friendly materials and technologies for use in furnishings and other markets. On March 4, 2015, the Company announced that Hartford, CT based Gold Bond formed a strategic alliance with NHS to produce and market the world’s first Vytex NRL based mattress. In June 2015, the first mattresses made with Vytex (hybrid and pure Vytex) were placed on the sales floor at Rotman’s Furniture and Carpet Store in Worcester, MA using the “Evaya” brand and Gold Bond had shipped four versions of their “Brilliance” inner coil and pure foam mattresses (Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire Plush and Sapphire Firm) to over 30 stores from Maine to Florida.informational purposes only.

 

NOTE2 -BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

On September 1, 2022, our 1-for-100 reverse stock split of our common stock was effective, which was previously approved by our Board of Directors on July 26, 2022. The total number of shares which the Company is authorized to issue is 520,000,000, of which 500,000,000 is common and 20,000,000 is preferred. All share and per share amounts have been adjusted in these consolidated financial statements to reflect the effects of the reverse stock split, unless otherwise noted.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) as codified in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification.

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of the filing of its Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other than those events disclosed in Note 15,18, the Company is not aware of any other significant events that occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to the filing of this report that would have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ReclassificationBasis of Consolidation

CertainThe consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned or controlled operating subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Discontinued Operations

In accordance with ASC No. 205-20, Discontinued Operations, for all periods presented, the results of operations and related balance sheet items associated with Rotmans are reported in discontinued operations in the prior year’saccompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassifiedstatements. See Note 17 for further details.

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic caused, among other things, interruptions to our supply chains and suppliers, including problems with inventory availability with price volatility and higher cost of products and international freight due to the high demand of products and low supply for a period of time. Most disruptions were resolved in orderthe second half of 2022.

F-6

Segment Reporting

Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in making decisions on how to conformallocate resources and assess performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the chief executive officer. The Company and the chief executive officer view the Company’s operations and manage its business as one reportable segment with the current year presentation. Specifically note such reclassifications for discontinued operations.different operating segments.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Significant estimates made by management include, among others, allowance for obsolete inventory, the recoverability of long-lived assets, valuation and impairment of intangible assets, fair values of right of use assets and lease liabilities, valuation of derivative liabilities, share-based compensation and other equity issuances. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the future, actual results could differ from these estimates. Examples include valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, provisions for bad debts, and fair values of share-based compensation and other equity issuances.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Certain financial instruments potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. These financial instruments consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. Cash held in operating accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, insurance limits. While we monitor cash balances in our operating accounts on a regular basis and adjust the balances as appropriate, these balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail. To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to our cash; however, we can provide no assurances that access to our cash will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding balances. Management provides for uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a credit to an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon its assessment of the current status of individual accounts. Balances that are still outstanding after management has performed reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we have determined there were no amounts deemed uncollectible. We grant credit to our customers without requiring collateral. The amount of accounting loss for which we are at risk in these unsecured accounts receivable is limited to their carrying value.

Vytex customers are located in both the United States and internationally.

F-6

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided by the use of the straight-line and accelerated methods for financial and tax reporting purposes, respectively, over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally 5 years. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, all of our property and equipment was fully depreciated resulting in no net balance being reflected.

Intangible Assets

Patents represent legal and other fees associated with the registration of patents. The Company has four issued patents with the United States Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) as well as four issued international PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) patents. Patents are carried at cost and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, typically 20 years.

The Company has trademark protection for “Vystar”, “Vytex”, and “Created by Nature. Recreated by Science.” Trademarks are carried at cost and since their estimated life is indeterminable, no amortization is recognized. Instead, they are evaluated annually for impairment.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including property and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized in the amount that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined based on discounted future net cash flows associated with the use of the asset.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash, accounts receivable, investments - equity securities, accounts payable, accrued expenses lines of credit,and interest payable, shareholder notes payable, long-term debt and long-term debt.unearned revenue. The carrying values of all the Company’s financial instruments approximate or equal fair value because of their short maturities. In addition to the short maturities the carrying amounts of our line of credit and shareholder notes payable approximate fair value because the interest rates at December 31, 2017 and 2016 approximate market interest rates foror, in the respective borrowings.case of equity securities, being stated at fair value.

In specific circumstances, certain assets and liabilities are reported or disclosed at fair value. Fair value is the exit price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the Company’s principal market for such transactions. If there is not an established principal market, fair value is derived from the most advantageous market.

Valuation inputs are classified in the following hierarchy:

Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 inputs are directly or indirectly observable valuation inputs for the asset or liability, excluding Level 1 inputs.
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Highest priority is given to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. Acceptable valuation techniques include the market approach, income approach, and cost approach. In some cases, more than one valuation technique is used. The derivative liabilities were recognized at fair value on a recurring basis through the date of the settlement and December 31, 2022 and are level 3 measurements. There have been no transfers between levels during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Acquisitions

Amounts paid for acquisitions are allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The fair value of identifiable intangible assets is based on valuations that use information and assumptions provided by management. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. Acquisition-related costs, including, legal, accounting, and other costs, are capitalized in asset acquisitions and for business combinations are expensed in the periods in which the costs are incurred. The results of operations of acquired assets are included in the financial statements from the acquisition date.

F-7

 

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents include all liquid investments with a maturity date of less than three months when purchased. Cash equivalents also include amounts due from third-party financial institutions for credit and debit card transactions which typically settle within five days. Restricted cash represents cash balances restricted as to withdrawal or use and are included in prepaid expenses and other on the consolidated balance sheets.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding balances. Rotmans routinely sells, without recourse, trade receivables resulting from retail furniture sales to two financial institutions at an average service charge of 2.75% in 2022. Amounts sold during the year ending December 31, 2022 were approximately $2,579,000. Retail furniture receivables retained by Rotmans are generally collateralized by the merchandise sold, represent valid claims against debtors for sales arising on or before the balance sheet date and are reduced to their estimated net realizable value. In addition, the Company grants credit to Vystar customers without requiring collateral. The amount of accounting loss for which Vystar is at risk in these unsecured accounts receivable is limited to their carrying value. Management provides for uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a credit to an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon its assessment of the current status of individual accounts. Balances that are still outstanding after management has performed reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. An allowance for doubtful accounts was not needed at December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2021, Vystar has recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of $273,000.

Other Receivables

Under the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) signed into law on March 27, 2020 and the subsequent extension of the CARES Act, Rotmans was eligible for a refundable employee retention credit subject to certain criteria. Rotmans recognized employee retention credits of $771,287 during the year ended December 31, 2021. Rotmans has filed for refunds of the employee retention credits and as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K has subsequently received all of the remaining refunds.

Rotmans terminated its agreement with a supplier in 2021 and will receive $100,000 in consideration. As of December 31, 2022, the remaining account balance of $66,667 represents funds due from this termination.

Inventories

Inventories include those costs directly attributable to the product before sale. Inventories consist primarily of finished goods of furniture, mattresses, RxAir purifier units, foam toppers and pillows and are carried at net realizable value, which is defined as selling price less cost of completion, disposal and transportation. Both Rotmans and Vystar evaluate the need to record write-downs for inventory on a regular basis. Appropriate consideration is given to obsolescence, slow-moving and other factors in evaluating net realizable values. Inventories not expected to be sold within 12 months are classified as long-term.

Prepaid Expenses and Other

Prepaid expenses and other include restricted cash, amounts related to prepaid insurance policies, which are expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the underlying policy, and other expenses.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally 5 to 10 years, using straight-line and accelerated methods.

Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized, while routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. When property items are retired or otherwise disposed of, the asset and related reserve accounts are relieved of the cost and accumulated depreciation, respectively, and the resultant gain or loss is reflected in earnings. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the net balance of property and equipment for Vystar is $140,886 and $184,442, respectively, with accumulated depreciation of $201,517 and $157,961, respectively. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the net balance of property and equipment for Rotmans is $490,420 and $647,657, respectively, with accumulated depreciation of $114,041 and $486,023, respectively.

F-8

Intangible Assets

Patents represent legal and other fees associated with the registration of patents. Vystar has five issued patents with the United States Patent and Trade Office (“USPTO”), as well as five issued international Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”) patents. Patents are carried at cost and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, typically ranging from 9 to 20 years.

Vystar has trademark protection for “Vystar”, “Vytex”, and “RxAir” among others. Trademarks are carried at cost and since their estimated life is indeterminable, no amortization is recognized. Instead, they are evaluated annually for impairment.

Customer relationships, tradename and marketing related intangibles are carried at cost and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years.

Our intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently as warranted by events of changes in circumstances. During the year ended December 31, 2022, Vystar recognized an impairment charge of $297,723 related to customer relationships, proprietary technology, tradename and brand, and noncompete involving UV Flu. During the year ended December 31, 2022, Rotmans recognized an impairment charge of $411,527 related to the closing of the showroom and abandonment of customer relationships, tradename and brand, and marketing related intangibles. During the year ended December 31, 2021, Vystar recognized an impairment charge of $245,050 related to the proprietary technology and customer relationships involving NHS.

Long-Lived Assets

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. We evaluate assets for potential impairment by comparing estimated future undiscounted net cash flows to the carrying amount of the assets. If the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is measured based on the difference between the carrying amount of the assets and fair value. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the consolidated balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposal group classified as held-for-sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the consolidated balance sheet, if material.

Goodwill

Goodwill reflects the cost of an acquisition in excess of the fair values assigned to identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, rather, it is subject to a periodic assessment for impairment by applying a fair value-based test. We perform our annual impairment test at the end of each calendar year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired.

Accounting for acquisitions requires us to recognize, separately from goodwill, the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the excess of consideration transferred and the net of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we use best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, the estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement.

The impairment model permits, and we utilize, a simplified approach for determining goodwill impairment. In the first step, we evaluate the recoverability of goodwill by estimating the fair value of our reporting unit using multiple techniques, including an income approach using a discounted cash flow model and a market approach. Based on an equal weighting of the results of these two approaches, a conclusion of fair value is estimated. The fair value is then compared to the carrying value of our reporting unit. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company recognizes this amount as an impairment loss. Impairment losses, limited to the carrying value of goodwill, represent the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over its implied fair value. Vystar recognized an impairment loss of $147,092 during the year ended December 31, 2022 related to a prior acquisition. Rotmans recognized an impairment loss of $313,209 during the year ended December 31, 2022.

F-9

Convertible Notes Payable

Borrowings are recognized initially at the principal amount received. Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortized cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized as interest expense in the statements of operations over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.

Derivatives

Vystar evaluates its debt instruments or other contracts to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivatives to be separately accounted for under the relevant sections of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815-40, Derivative Instruments and Hedging: Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity. The result of this accounting treatment could be that the fair value of a financial instrument is classified as a derivative instrument and is marked-to-market at each balance sheet date and recorded as a liability. In the event the fair value is recorded as a liability, the change in fair value is recorded in the statements of operations as other income or other expense. Upon conversion or exercise of a derivative instrument, the instrument is marked to fair value at the conversion date and then that fair value is reclassified to equity. Financial instruments that are initially classified as equity that become subject to reclassification under ASC Topic 815-40 are reclassified to a liability account at the fair value of the instrument on the reclassification date.

Vystar applies the accounting standard that provides guidance for determining whether an equity-linked financial instrument, or embedded feature, is indexed to an entity’s own stock. The standard applies to any freestanding financial instrument or embedded features that have the characteristics of a derivative, and to any freestanding financial instruments that are potentially settled in an entity’s own common stock. From time to time, Vystar has issued notes with embedded conversion features. Certain of the embedded conversion features contain price protection or anti-dilution features that result in these instruments being treated as derivatives for accounting purposes. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2022, the Company has classified all conversion features as derivative liabilities and has estimated the fair value of these embedded conversion features using a Monte Carlo simulation model.

Unearned Revenue

Unearned revenue consists of customer advance payments, deposits on sales of undelivered merchandise and deferred warranty revenue on self-insured stain protection warranty coverage.

Changes to unearned revenue during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are summarized as follows:

SCHEDULE OF UNEARNED REVENUE

  Vystar  Rotmans  Vystar  Rotmans 
  2022  2021 
  Vystar  Rotmans  Vystar  Rotmans 
             
Balance, beginning of the year $79,368  $1,042,827  $628,276  $1,799,495 
                 
Customer deposits received  1,042   18,535,198   554,215   23,967,846 
                 
Gift cards purchased  -   1,200   -   15,860 
                 
Revenue earned  (35,931)  (19,579,225)  (1,103,123)  (24,740,374)
                 
Balance, end of the year $44,479  $-  $79,368  $1,042,827 

F-10

Loss Per Share

The Company presents basic and diluted loss per share and is reported separately for continuing operations and discontinued operations. Because the Company reported a net loss for 2022 and 2021, common stock equivalents, including stock options and warrants, were anti-dilutive; therefore, the amounts reported for basic and dilutive loss per share were the same. Excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share were options to purchase 266,750 and 268,750 shares of common stock for 2022 and 2021, respectively, as their effect would be anti-dilutive. Warrants to purchase 37,266 and 101,743 shares of common stock for 2022 and 2021, respectively, were also excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive. In addition, preferred stock convertible to 23,952,603 and 32,302 shares of common stock for 2022 and 2021, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive. Both shareholder and Rotman Family contingently convertible notes payable convertible to 4,081,316 and 7,647,906 shares of common stock for 2022 and 2021, respectively, were also excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Revenue

Our principal activities from which we generate our revenue are product sales. Revenue is measured based on considerations specified in a contract with a customer. A contract exists when it becomes a legally enforceable agreement with a customer. The contract is based on either the acceptance of standard terms and conditions at the retail store and on the websites for e-commerce customers, or the execution of terms and conditions contracts with retailers and wholesalers. These contracts define each party’s rights, payment terms and other contractual terms and conditions of the sale.

Consideration is typically paid prior to shipment via credit card or check when our products are sold direct to consumers, which is typically within 1 to 2 days or approximately 30 days from the time control is transferred when sold to wholesalers, distributors and retailers. We apply judgment in determining the customer’s ability and intention to pay, which is based on a variety of factors including the customer’s historical payment experience and, in some circumstances, published credit and financial information pertaining to the customer.

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct product to the customer, which for us is transfer of finished goods to our customers. Performance obligations promised in a contract are identified based on the goods that will be transferred to the customer that are both capable of being distinct and are distinct in the context of the contract, whereby the transfer of the goods is separately identifiable from other promises in the contract. We have concluded the sale of finished goods and related shipping and handling are accounted for as the single performance obligation.

The transaction price of a contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when or as the customer receives the benefit of the performance obligation. The transaction price is determined based on the consideration to which we will be entitled to receive in exchange for transferring goods to the customer. We issue refunds to retail, e-commerce and print media customers, upon request, within 30 days of delivery. We estimate the amount of potential refunds at each reporting period using a portfolio approach of historical data, adjusted for changes in expected customer experience, including seasonality and changes in economic factors. For retailers, distributors and wholesalers, we do not offer a right of return or refund and revenue is recognized at the time products are shipped to customers. In all cases, judgment is required in estimating these reserves. Actual claims for returns could be materially different from the estimates. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, estimated sales returns totaled $415,000 and $337,000, respectively, and are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as accrued expenses.

We recognize revenue when we satisfy a performance obligation in a contract by transferring control over a product to a customer when product is shipped based on fulfillment by the Company. The Company considers fulfillment when it passes all liability at the point of shipping through third-party carriers or delivery services. Delivery fees are charged to customers and are included in revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and the costs associated with these deliveries are included in revenues as a third-party delivery service is engaged. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by us from a customer, are excluded from revenue. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product has transferred to a customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

F-11

Rotmans also defers revenues for separately-priced stain protection warranty coverage for which it is ultimately self-insured. Revenue is recognized from the extended warranty sales on a straight-line basis over the respective contract term. The extended warranty terms primarily range from three to five years from the date of delivery. Rotmans ended this warranty program during 2020 but amortized the previously contracted warranties over their original terms until store closing in December 2022. At December 31, 2021, deferred warranty revenue was approximately $524,000 and is included in the liabilities of discontinued operations as unearned revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. During 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized total revenues of approximately $524,000 and $388,000, respectively, related to deferred warranty revenue arrangements. Commission costs in obtaining extended warranty contracts are capitalized and recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the period of the warranty contract until store closing in December 2022. At December 31, 2021, deferred commission costs were approximately $134,000 and are included in the assets of discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. All other costs, such as costs of services performed under the contract, general and administrative expenses, and advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue consists primarily of product and freight costs and fees paid to online retailers.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed when incurred. Research and development costs include all costs incurred related to the research, development and testing. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, Vystar’s research and development costs were not significant.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs, which include television, radio, newspaper, digital and other media advertising, are expensed upon first showing. Vystar costs included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations were approximately $35,000 and $251,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Rotmans costs included in discontinued operations were approximately $1,212,000 and $1,923,000 for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

The fair value of stock options is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, based on weighted average assumptions. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of our common stock. Vystar has elected to use the simplified method described in the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 14C to estimate the expected term of employee stock options. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The value of restricted stock awards is determined using the fair value of the Vystar’s common stock on the date of grant. Vystar accounts for forfeitures as they occur. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.

Income Taxes

Vystar recognizes income taxes on an accrual basis based on a tax position taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns. A tax position is defined as a position in a previously filed tax return or a position expected to be taken in a future tax filing that is reflected in measuring current or deferred income tax assets or liabilities. Tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not (i.e., likelihood of greater than 50%), based on technical merits, that the position would be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. Tax positions that meet the more likely than not threshold arewill be measured using a probability-weighted approach as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if all, or some portion, of such assets will more likely than not be realized. A valuation allowance for the full amount of the net deferred tax asset was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Should they occur, interest and penalties related to tax positions are recorded as interest expense. No such interest or penalties have been incurred as offor the years ended December 31, 20172022 and 2016. The Company is no longer2021.

F-12

Vystar and Rotmans remain subject to federal examinationincome tax examinations from Federal and state taxing jurisdictions for years2019 through 2022.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Certain financial instruments potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk. These financial instruments consist primarily of cash and accounts receivable. Cash held in operating accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, insurance limits. While the Company monitors cash balances in our operating accounts on a regular basis and adjust the balances as appropriate, these balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail. To date, the Company has experienced no loss or lack of access to our cash; however, the Company can provide no assurances that access to our cash will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. Credit concentration risk related to accounts receivable is mitigated as customer credit is checked prior to 2013.the sales.

On December 22, 2017Other Risks and Uncertainties

Vystar is exposed to risks pertinent to the Tax Cutsoperations of a retailer, including, but not limited to, the ability to acquire new customers and Jobs Act was signed into law, impacting corporations by reducing the maximum tax rate from 35% to 21%maintain a strong brand as well as various other provisions relating to the deductibility of certain items. The Act is not expected to have an immediate impact on the Company due to the large net operating loss carryforwardbroader economic factors such as well as the full valuation allowance.interest rates and changes in customer spending patterns.

F-7

Loss Per Share

The Company presents basic and diluted loss per share. Because the Company reported a net loss in 2017 and 2016, common stock equivalents, including stock options and warrants, were anti-dilutive; therefore, the amounts reported for basic and dilutive loss per share were the same. Excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share were options to purchase 7,748,271 and 9,418,271 shares of common stock for 2017 and 2016, respectively, as their effect would be anti-dilutive. Warrants to purchase 14,699,582 and 16,122,332 shares of common stock for 2017 and 2016, respectively, were also excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive. In addition, preferred stock convertible to 4,037,977 and 3,761,417 shares of common stock for 2017 and 2016, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Revenue

Revenue is derived from sales of or license fees of Vytex NRL raw material to manufacturers and distributors of rubber and rubber end products. Under both the direct and licensing agreement sales revenue is recognized at the time product is shipped and title passes to the customer. Revenue is recognized when the following four criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) shipment or delivery has occurred; (3) the price is fixed or determinable and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.

Cost of Revenue

Cost of revenue consists primarily of product and freight costs.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed when incurred. Research and development costs include all costs incurred related to the research, development and testing of the Company’s process to produce Vytex NRL.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, a new standard on revenue recognition. The new standard will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance and apply to all entities that enter into contracts to provide goods or services to customers. The guidance also addresses the measurement and recognition of gains and losses on the sale of certain non-financial assets, such as real estate, property and equipment. In August 2015,2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral2021-04, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Debt-Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50), Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718), and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40), which addresses issuer’s accounting for certain modifications or exchanges of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 by one year.freestanding equity-classified written call options. This update is now effective for annual and interim period beginning after December 15, 2017, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Early application is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. This update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company has assessed the impact that this guidance will have on its financial statements and determined it will not have a material effect.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities on their balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by most leases and continue to recognize expenses on their income statements over the lease term. It will also require disclosures designed to give financial statement users information on the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The guidanceamendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this guidance will have on its financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Receipts and Cash Payments. This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice in how certain receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effectiveall entities, for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017.2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Companyadoption of ASU 2021-04 in 2022 had no effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The new ASU eliminates the beneficial conversion and cash conversion accounting models for convertible instruments. It also amends the accounting for certain contracts in an entity’s own equity that are currently accounted for as derivatives because of specific settlement provisions. In addition, the new guidance modifies how particular convertible instruments and certain contracts that may be settled in cash or shares impact the diluted EPS computation. The amendments in the ASU are effective for public business entities that meet the definition of an SEC filer, excluding entities eligible to be smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is currently assessingpermitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The FASB also specified that an entity should adopt the impact that this guidance as of the beginning of its annual fiscal year and is not permitted to adopt the guidance in an interim period. Vystar is still evaluating the effect the adoption will have on its financial statements.

F-13

 

NOTE 2 – 3 -LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN

The Company'sCompany’s financial statements are prepared using the accrual method of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of AmericaU.S. GAAP and have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business. However, we haveVystar has incurred significant losses and experienced negative cash flow since inception. At December 31, 2017,2022, the Company had cash of $13,502$12,274 and a deficit in working capital of $2,774,565. For the year endedapproximately $3.1 million. Further, at December 31, 2017, the Company had a net loss of $1,184,474 and an accumulated deficit of $27,999,123. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had a net loss of $1,221,298 and2022 the accumulated deficit amounted to $26,814,649.approximately $55.4 million. We use working capital to finance our ongoing operations, and since those operations do not currently cover all of our operating costs, and managing working capital is essential to our Company'sVystar’s future success. Because of this history of losses and financial condition, there is substantial doubt about Vystar’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Net cash used in operating activities was $498,963 for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $907,441 for the year ended December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2017, cash used in operations was primarily due to the net loss for the year of $1,153,730 net of non-cash related add-back of share-based compensation expense of $710,348.

F-8

The Company had no net cash provided by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2017. Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $2,701 was a result of selling some equipment.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $476,183 during the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to cash provided of $911,963 during the year ended December 31, 2016. During 2017 cash was provided from the issuance of common stock in the amount of $384,500 and $91,683 in proceeds from Shareholder Notes. In 2016, the cash provided by financing activities was provided from the issuance of common stock in the amount of $723,456, $53,500 from the exercise of common stock warrants and $135,000 in proceeds from Shareholder Notes.

A successful transition to attaining profitable operations is dependent upon obtaining sufficient financing to fund the Company’sVystar’s planned expenses and achieving a level of revenue adequate to support the Company’sVystar’s cost structure. Management plans to finance future operations through the use ofusing cash on hand, increased revenue from RxAir air purification units,Vytex division license fees and stock warrant exercises fromissuances to new and existing shareholders, and raising capital through private placement memoranda (see Note 13, Subsequent Events).shareholders.

As a result of this history of losses and financial condition, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

There can be no assurances that the CompanyVystar will be able to achieve projected levels of revenue in 20182023 and beyond. If the CompanyVystar is not able to achieve projected revenue and obtain alternate additional financing of equity or debt, the CompanyVystar would need to significantly curtail or reorient operations during 2018,2023, which could have a material adverse effect on the ability to achieve the business objectives, and as a result, may require the CompanyVystar to file for bankruptcy or cease operations. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts classified as liabilities that might be necessary should the CompanyVystar be forced to take any such actions.

The Company’sVystar’s future expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including:including the rate at which the Company can introduce RxAir air purification units and license Vytex NRL raw materials to manufacturers;manufacturers, and subsequently retailers; the costs of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights; and market acceptance of the Company’sVystar’s products, and services and competing technological developments.developments; acquire new customers and maintain a strong brand; and broader economic factors such as interest rates and changes in customer spending patterns. As the CompanyVystar expands ourits activities and operations, cash requirements are expected to increase at a rate consistent with revenue growth after the CompanyVystar has achieved sustained revenue generation.

NOTE 4 -PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment, net consists of the following:

SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

  Vystar  Rotmans  Vystar  Rotmans 
  2022  2021 
  Vystar  Rotmans  Vystar  Rotmans 
             
Furniture, fixtures and equipment $3,831  $55,574  $3,831  $584,793 
Tooling and testing equipment  338,572   -   338,572   - 
Parking lots  -   365,707   -   365,707 
Leasehold improvements  -   134,014   -   134,014 
Motor vehicles  -   49,166   -   49,166 
                 
Property and equipment, gross  342,403   604,461   342,403   1,133,680 
Accumulated depreciation  (201,517)  (114,041)  (157,961)  (486,023)
                 
Property and equipment, net $140,886  $490,420  $184,442  $647,657 

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $178,714 and $353,833, respectively, of which $135,158 and $310,277 is included in net income (loss) from discontinued operations in 2022 and 2021, respectively.

F-14

 

NOTE 3 – 5 -INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets were as follows at December 31:consist of the following:

  2017  2016 
       
Patents $238,551  $238,551 
Trademarks & trade name  9,072   9,072 
Subtotal  247,623   247,623 
Accumulated amortization  (123,741)  (108,061)
         
Intangible assets, net $123,882  $139,562 

SCHEDULE OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS

               
              Amortization 
  2022  2021  Period 
  Vystar  Rotmans  Vystar  Rotmans  (in Years) 
Amortized intangible assets:                             
Patents $361,284  $-  $361,284  $-   6 - 20 
Proprietary technology  13,000   -   280,000   -   10 
Tradename and brand  13,000   -   280,000   770,000   5 - 10 
Noncompete  -   -   50,000   -   5 
Customer relationships  -   -   40,000   110,000   6 - 10 
Marketing related  -   -   -   380,000   5 
                     
Total  387,284   -   1,011,284   1,260,000     
Intangible assets, gross  387,284   -   1,011,284   1,260,000     
Accumulated amortization  (241,985)  -   (471,346)  (600,140)    
                     
Intangible assets, net  145,299   -   539,938   659,860     
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:                    
Trademarks  9,072   -   9,072   -     
                     
Total intangible assets $154,371  $-  $549,010  $659,860     

Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 20172022 and 20162021 was $15,680$345,249 and $15,861,$384,250, respectively, of which $248,333 and $248,334 is included in net income (loss) from discontinued operations in 2022 and 2021, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, Vystar recognized an impairment charge of $297,723 related to its UV Flu intangibles. During the year ended December 31, 2022, Rotmans recognized an impairment charge of $1,390,609 related to its store closing in December 2022. The charge is included in net loss from discontinued operations. During the year ended December 31, 2021, Vystar recognized an impairment charge of $245,050 related to customer relationships and proprietary technology acquired from NHS.

Estimated future amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets is as follows:

SCHEDULE OF ESTIMATED FUTURE AMORTIZATION EXPENSE

  Amount 
    
2023 $31,716 
2024  31,716 
2025  24,652 
2026  16,032 
2027  16,032 
Thereafter  25,151 
     
Total $145,299 

NOTE 6LEASES (DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS)

Rotmans leases equipment, a showroom, offices and warehouse facilities. These leases expire at various dates through 2031 and have monthly base rents which range from $800 to $81,000. In connection with the store closing in 2022, Rotmans has recorded an impairment loss on the right-of-use assets totaling approximately $666,000. In September 2021, Rotmans entered into a lease termination agreement involving one of its warehouses effective September 30, 2021. Included in net income (loss) from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 is a gain on the derecognition of the lease of approximately $5,000.

F-15

 

  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  Thereafter 
Patents & trade name $15,680  $15,680  $15,680  $15,680  $15,680  $45,482 

The table below presents the lease costs for years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:

SCHEDULE OF LEASE COST

  2022  2021 
  Year Ended 
  December 31, 
  2022  2021 
       
Operating lease cost $1,155,451  $1,479,444 
         
Finance lease cost:        
         
Amortization of right-of-use assets  143,937   182,204 
Interest on lease liabilities  28,408   34,601 
         
Total lease cost $1,327,796  $1,696,249 

During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized sublease income of approximately $137,000 and $145,000, respectively, which in included in net income (loss) from discontinued operations in 2022 and 2021.

Rotmans leases generally do not provide an implicit rate, and therefore we use our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate when measuring operating lease liabilities. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease. We used incremental borrowing rates as of the implementation date for operating leases that commenced prior to that date.

The following table presents other information related to the Rotmans leases:

SCHEDULE OF OTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO LEASES

  2022  2021 
  Year Ended 
  December 31, 
  2022  2021 
       
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:        
        
Operating cash flows used for operating leases $1,054,698  $1,394,135 
Financing cash flows used for financing leases  165,502   231,414 
        
Assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities  320,732   - 
        
Assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities  4,739   24,603 
        
Weighted average remaining lease term:        
Operating leases  7.8 years   8.9 years 
Finance leases  3.4 years   4.3 years 
        
Weighted average discount rate:        
Operating leases  5.61%  5.59%
Finance leases  5.16%  5.16%

F-16

 

The future minimum lease payments required under Rotmans operating and financing lease obligations as of December 31, 2022 having initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year are summarized as follows:

SCHEDULE OF FUTURE MINIMUM LEASE PAYMENTS REQUIRED UNDER OPERATING AND FINANCING LEASE OBLIGATIONS

  Operating Leases  Finance Leases  Total 
          
2023 $1,049,351  $139,080  $1,188,431 
2024  955,272   139,080   1,094,352 
2025  870,000   139,080   1,009,080 
2026  870,000   68,395   938,395 
2027  870,000   -   870,000 
Thereafter  2,682,500   -   2,682,500 
             
Total undiscounted lease liabilities  7,297,123   485,635   7,782,758 
Less: imputed interest  (1,370,983)  (42,108)  (1,413,091)
             
Net lease liabilities $5,926,140  $443,527  $6,369,667 

As of December 31, 2022, Rotmans or Vystar does not have additional operating and finance leases that have not yet commenced.

NOTE 4 – 7 -NOTES PAYABLE AND LOAN FACILITY

Discontinued Operations

 

Related Party LineLetter of Credit (CMA Note Payable)

Rotmans entered into a $125,000 letter of credit agreement with Fidelity Co-operative Bank in November 2020. The pledged collateral of a $125,000 cash deposit account is included in prepaid expenses and other, of assets of discontinued operations. The letter of credit was required pursuant to an agreement with a third-party financial institution for customer financing. The requirements were removed in March 2023 and the funds released.

Advances

On May 29, 2020, Rotmans entered into a sale promotion consulting agreement with a national furniture sales event company. Under the agreement, Rotmans appointed the third-party as its exclusive agent to assist with a high-impact sale. Before the sale, the agent advanced the Company funds of approximately $2,300,000 to pay off the Fidelity line of credit and certain other vendors. The agent was reimbursed for the advance from the proceeds of the sale. The initial sales agreement with the agent ended in May 2021. A new agreement was entered into with the agent in June 2021. The agreement has been amended numerous times and ended in December 2022. The agent had a senior first priority security interest and lien on Rotmans inventories and other assets until all obligations and liabilities were satisfied. At the conclusion of the agreement, the remaining inventories were transferred to the agent. As of December 31, 2022, a receivable is due from the agent for the inventories and sales receipts in the amount of $1,853,972 and is included in assets of discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2021, the outstanding balance of the advance is approximately $2,082,000 and is included in liabilities of discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Term Notes

On April 29, 2011,16, 2020, Rotmans received $1,402,900 in loan funding from the Company executed with CMA Investments, LLC,Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”), established pursuant to the CARES Act and administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”). The unsecured loan (the “PPP Loan”) is evidenced by a Georgia limited liability company of which three of the directorspromissory note of the Company (“CMA directors”dated April 16, 2020 (the “Note”) arein the members (“CMA”principal amount of $1,402,900 with United Community Bank (the “Bank”), an unsecured line of credit bearing interest at LIBOR plus 5.25% per annum on amounts drawn and fees. The weighted average interest rate in effect on the borrowings forlender. Under the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 6.37% and 5.75%, respectively.

F-9

During the tenure of the CMA Note Payable, the Company has increased the amountterms of the Note and the PPP Loan, interest accrues on the outstanding principal at the rate of 1.0% per annum. The term of the Note is two years, though it may be payable sooner in exchange provided benefitsconnection with an event of default under the Note. On January 24, 2021, the PPP loan was fully forgiven by the SBA.

F-17

On February 2, 2021, Rotmans received a second PPP loan of $1,402,900 from the SBA. The terms of the Note are the same of the original PPP loan. On June 25, 2021, the PPP loan was fully forgiven by the SBA. Included in gain (loss) on settlement of debt, net for the year ended December 31, 2021 is $2,805,800 related to the CMA directors as follows:forgiveness of both PPP loans.

DateAmount (increase)Benefit to CMAImpact to Company
Inception$800,000Warrants to purchase 2,600,000 shares @ $0.45, vesting 20% immediately and 10% per $100,000 drawnWarrant costs amortized over the term of the CMA Note
Sept 4, 2011$200,000Modified warrant price on 2,600,000 shares from $0.45 to $0.27, and issued additional 1,600,000 shares @ $0.27Warrant costs amortized over the remaining term of the CMA Note
Nov 2, 2012$500,000Warrants to purchase 2,100,000 shares @ $0.35Warrant costs amortized over the remaining term of the CMA Note
Apr 29, 2013$0 (maturity date extended 1 year)Modified warrant price on 6,300,000 shares from $0.10, and agreed to forfeit 630,000 of the warrantsWarrant costs amortized over the remaining term of the CMA Note
Apr 29, 2014$0 (maturity date extended 1 year)NoneNone
Apr 29, 2015$0 (maturity date extended 1 year)NoneNone

The note is currently due on demand.Continuing Operations

Shareholder, Convertible and Contingently Convertible Notes Payable

The following table summarizes shareholder, convertible and contingently convertible notes payable:

SCHEDULE OF LONG - TERM DEBT

  2022  2021 
  December 31, 
  2022  2021 
       
Shareholder, convertible and contingently convertible notes $309,500  $1,241,895 
Accrued interest  26,763   147,009 
Total shareholder notes and accrued interest  336,263   1,388,904 
         
Less: current maturities  (336,263)  (1,388,904)
         
Total long-term debt $-  $- 

Shareholder Convertible Notes Payable

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Vystar issued shareholder contingently convertible notes payable, outstanding assome of December 31, 2017which were for contract work performed by other entities in lieu of compensation and 2016 totaled $881,673 and $835,068, respectively.

On March 11, 2011, the Company issued to existing shareholders of the Company an aggregate of $175,000 of convertible promissory notes together with warrants to purchase an aggregate of 160,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.68 per share for two years from the date of issuance. Suchexpense reimbursement, totaling approximately $338,000. The notes are (i) unsecured, (ii) bear interest at an annual rate of tenfive percent (10%(5%) per annum,from date of issuance, and (iii) are convertible at Vystar’s option post April 19, 2018. The notes mature one year from issuance but may be extended one (1) additional year by Vystar. If converted, the notes plus accrued interest are convertible into shares of Vystar’s common stock.stock at the prior twenty (20) day average closing price with a 50% discount. The outstanding balance of all of these notes are currently due on demandof as December 31, 2022 and 2021 is $19,500 and $338,195, respectively. The notes matured in January 2020 and continue to accrue interest until settlement. The notes were in default at December 31, 2021 and bore interest at an annual rate of eight percent (8%) in arrears. All of these notes except one were settled in April 2022 at a gain of approximately $98,000. Vystar issued 53,822 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock in July to complete the settlement. The remaining note is currently working within default at December 31, 2022.

During the subscription holders of the maturedyear ended December 31, 2019, Vystar issued certain contingently convertible promissory notes to extend the maturity date beyond 2018. One subscription holder demanded payment for their matured note. The subscription holder and Vystar agreed to three installment payments of $52,785, the first of which was made in the fourth quarter of 2016; one installment was converted to Vystar common stock shares; and another holder of Vystar Shareholder Notes has agreed to purchase the third installment.

In May of 2013, the Company issuedvarying amounts to existing shareholders which totaled $613,700. The face amount of the note represents the amount due at maturity along with the accrued interest at an annual rate of five percent (5%). The notes mature one year from issuance but may be extended one (1) additional year by Vystar. The face amount can be converted into shares of Vystar’s stock, at the option of the Company, based on the average closing price for the trailing 20 days prior to conversion and carrying a 35% to 50% discount. These notes can be converted only after an aggregateacceleration event which involves a symbol change, uplisting, or reverse stock split and such conversion is in the control of $420,837Vystar. All of these notes were outstanding and in default as of December 31, 2021. The unpaid balance on the notes bore interest at an annual rate of eight percent (8%) in arrears. All of these notes were settled in April 2022 at a gain of approximately $142,000. Vystar issued 98,933 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock in July to complete the settlement.

During the year ended December 31, 2021, Vystar issued certain contingently convertible promissory notes together with warrantsin varying amounts to purchaseexisting shareholders which totaled $290,000. The notes are unsecured and bear interest at an aggregateannual rate of 50,000 sharesfive percent (5%) from date of issuance. The face amount of the Company’snotes represents the amount due at maturity along with the accrued interest. The notes were extended by Vystar for an additional year. In the event that the spin-off of RxAir does not occur within 2023, Vystar will convert these notes into common stock at $0.49 per share for a conversion price of $1.60. If the spin-off does occur, these notes will convert into RxAir common stock with two years fromconversion prices of $0.15 and $2, which equates to a blended conversion price of $0.18. All of these notes are outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. At the issuance date of issuance. Suchthese notes, it was determined they contain a beneficial conversion feature amounting to approximately $90,000. As these notes are contingently convertible, the beneficial conversion feature will not be recorded on the consolidated financial statements until the actual conversion occurs.

F-18

Based on the variable conversion price of the notes issued prior to 2021, Vystar recorded the embedded conversion features as derivative liabilities, which amounted to $647,100 at December 31, 2021. With the debt settlements in April 2022, the value of the embedded conversion features on the one remaining note was de minimis at December 31, 2022.

Related Party Debt

The following table summarizes related party debt:

SCHEDULE OF RELATED PARTY DEBT

  2022  2021 
  December 31, 
  2022  2021 
       
Rotman Family convertible notes $5,000  $1,967,737 
Rotman Family nonconvertible notes  140,000   1,953,509 
Accrued interest  24,552   384,238 
Debt discount  -   (27,083)
         
Due to related party  169,552   4,278,401 
Less: current maturities  (169,552)  (1,487,000)
         
Due to related party, noncurrent $-  $2,791,401 

Rotman Family Convertible Notes

On September 30, 2019, Vystar issued contingently convertible promissory notes totaling $180,000 to Steven Rotman ($105,000) and Greg Rotman ($75,000). These notes are (i) unsecured, (ii) bear interest at an annual rate of teneight percent (10%(8%) per annum,from date of issuance, (iii) are convertible at Vystar’s option after December 31, 2019, and (iii)(iv) mature five years from issuance. If converted, the notes plus accrued interest are convertible into shares of Vystar’s common stock.stock at the average of the five lowest closing prices in the 90-day period prior to conversion with a 50% discount. These notes were settled by Vystar in July 2022 with the issuance of 48,276 and 25,812 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to Steven and Greg Rotman, respectively. A loss of approximately $68,000 and $37,000 was incurred on the settlement to Steven and Greg Rotman, respectively. The outstandingbalance of the notes payable including accrued interest to Steven and Greg Rotman was approximately $126,000 and $66,000, respectively, at December 31, 2021.

On July 18, 2019, Vystar issued contingently convertible notes totaling $1,522,500 to Steven Rotman ($1,102,500) and Bernard Rotman ($420,000) as partial consideration for the acquisition of 58% of Rotmans. These notes are currently due on demand(i) unsecured, and Vystar is currently working with the subscription holders of the matured notes to extend the maturity date beyond 2018.

A summary of terms for the convertible promissory notes discussed above and additional convertible promissory notes issued to shareholders that are unsecured,(ii) bear interest at an annual rate of five percent (5%) from date of issuance. These notes can be converted only after an acceleration event which involves a symbol change, or reverse stock split and havesuch conversion privileges as follows:is in the control of the Company. Steven Rotman’s note matures eight years from issuance and Bernard Rotman’s note matures four years from issuance. If converted, the notes plus accrued interest are convertible into shares of Vystar’s common stock at a 20-day average closing price at a 50% discount. These notes were settled by Vystar in July and September 2022 with the issuance of 474,336 and 180,699 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to Steven and Bernard Rotman, respectively. A loss of approximately $679,000 and $69,000 was incurred on the settlement to Steven and Bernard Rotman, respectively. The balance of the notes payable including accrued interest to Steven and Bernard Rotman was approximately $1,238,000 and $472,000, respectively, at December 31, 2021.

On December 19, 2019, Vystar issued a contingently convertible promissory note totaling $100,000 to Steven Rotman. The face amount of the note represents the amount due at maturity along with the accrued interest at 5%. The amount can be converted into shares of Vystar’s stock, at the option of the Company, based on the average closing price for the trailing 20 days prior to conversion and carrying 50% discount. The note can be converted only after an acceleration event which involves a symbol change, uplisting, or reverse stock split and such conversion is in the control of Vystar. The note was extended to mature two years from issuance. This note was settled by Vystar in July 2022 with the issuance of 42,225 shares of Series C Preferred Stock at a loss of approximately $60,000. The balance of the note payable including accrued interest to Steven Rotman was approximately $110,000 at December 31, 2021, respectively.

F-19

 

DateAmountInterest RateConversion RateMaturity
March 11, 2011$75,00010%$0.10 of principal and interest for each shareDemand
March 11, 2011$54,92210%$0.05 of principal and interest for each shareDemand
May 6, 2013$390,83010%$0.05 of principal and interest for each shareDemand
May 31, 2013$30,00710%$0.10 of principal and interest for each shareDemand
Sept 6, 2013$40,76910%$0.075 of principal and interest for each shareSept 6, 2018
Dec 30, 2013$25,96210%$0.05 of principal and interest for each shareDec 30, 2018
Dec 31, 2015$37,50010%$0.08 of principal and interest for each shareDec 30, 2018
Dec 31, 2016$135,0005%$0.05 of principal and interest for each shareDec 30, 2021
Oct 10, 2017$20,0005%$0.05 of principal and interest for each shareDemand
Oct 10, 2017$25,0005%$0.05 of principal and interest for each shareDec 30, 2019
Nov 17, 2017$6,6835%$0.05 of principal and interest for each shareDec 30, 2019
Dec 13, 2017$30,0005%Convertible by the Company upon closing of NHS merger at prior 20-day average closing price, discounted 50%Dec 13, 2019
Dec 18, 2017$10,0005%Convertible by the Company upon closing of NHS merger at prior 20-day average closing price, discounted 50%Dec 13, 2019

On February 20, 2020, Vystar issued a contingently convertible promissory note totaling $50,000 to Steven Rotman. The face amount of the note represents the amount due at maturity along with the accrued interest at 5%. The amount can be converted into shares of Vystar’s stock, at the option of the Company, based on the average closing price for the trailing 20 days prior to conversion and carrying 50% discount. The note can be converted only after an acceleration event which involves a symbol change, uplisting, or reverse stock split and such conversion is in the control of Vystar. The note matures two years from issuance. This note was settled by Vystar in July 2022 with the issuance of 20,913 shares of Series C Preferred Stock at a loss of approximately $30,000. The balance of the note payable including accrued interest to Steven Rotman was approximately $55,000 at December 31, 2021.

On June 3, 2021, Vystar issued a contingently convertible promissory note totaling $130,030 to Gregory Rotman. The face amount of the note represents the amount due at maturity along with the accrued interest at 5%. The amount can be converted into shares of Vystar’s stock, at the holder’s option, based on the average closing price for the trailing 20 days prior to conversion and carrying 50% discount or $1.65 per share whichever is lower. The holder may elect to accelerate conversion in the event of a spin-out or reverse split. The note matures two years from issuance. This note was settled by Vystar in July 2022 with the issuance of 51,896 shares of Series C Preferred Stock at a loss of approximately $76,000. The balance of the note payable including accrued interest to Gregory Rotman was approximately $134,000 December 31, 2021.

On August 17, 2021, Vystar issued a contingently convertible promissory note totaling $5,000 to Jamie Rotman. The note is unsecured and bears interest at an annual rate of five percent (5%) from date of issuance. The face amount of the note represents the amount due at maturity along with the accrued interest. In the event that the spin-off of RxAir does not occur within 2023, Vystar will convert the note into common stock at a conversion price of $1.60. If the spin-off does occur, the note will convert into RxAir common stock with two conversion prices of $0.15 and $2, which equates to a blended conversion price of $0.18. At the issuance date of this note, it was determined to contain a beneficial conversion feature amounting to approximately $2,000. As this note is contingently convertible, the beneficial conversion feature will not be recorded on the consolidated financial statements until the actual conversion occurs. The balance of the note payable including accrued interest to Jamie Rotman was approximately $5,000 at December 31, 2022 and 2021.

The following table summarizes the Rotman Family Convertible Notes:

SCHEDULE OF NOTES PAYABLE

  Issue Date Principal Amount  2022  2021 
       Carrying Amount 
       December 31,  December 31, 
  Issue Date Principal Amount  2022  2021 
Steven Rotman 8% note due July 2024 07/18/19 $105,000  $-  $126,000 
Gregory Rotman 8% note due July 2024 07/18/19  55,207   -   66,264 
Steven Rotman 5% note due July 2027 07/18/19  1,102,500   -   1,238,016 
Bernard Rotman 5% note due July 2023 07/18/19  420,000   -   471,625 
Steven Rotman 5% note due December 2021 12/19/19  100,000   -   110,208 
Steven Rotman 5% note due February 2022 02/02/20  50,000   -   54,583 
Gregory Rotman 5% note due June 2023 06/03/21  130,030   -   133,822 
Jamie Rotman 5% note due August 2023 08/17/21  5,000   5,344   5,094 
               
Debt instrument, carrying amount   $1,967,737   5,344   2,205,612 
               
Debt Discount        -   (27,083)
               
Notes payable       $5,344  $2,178,529 

Based on the variable conversion price for these convertible notes excluding the one issued in August 2021, Vystar recorded the embedded conversion features as derivative liabilities, which amounted to $1,131,000 at December 31, 2021. With the subsequent conversions in July 2022, there was no value of the embedded conversion features at December 31, 2022.

As of December 31, 2022, the one remaining note is due in 2023 and is included in current maturities.

F-20

 

Rotman Family Nonconvertible Notes

In connection with the acquisition of 58% of Rotmans, Steven and Bernard Rotman were issued related party notes payable in the amounts of $367,500 and $140,000, respectively. The notes bear interest at an annual rate of five percent (5%). Steven Rotman’s note matures eight years from issuance and Bernard Rotman’s note matures four years from issuance. Payments of $3,828 and $2,917 to Steven and Bernard Rotman, respectively, per month were scheduled to begin six months from issuance until maturity in December 2027 and 2023, respectively. Steven Rotman’s note was settled by Vystar in July 2022 with the issuance of 158,112 shares of Series C Preferred Stock at a loss of approximately $225,000. The balance of Bernard Rotman’s note including accrued interest was approximately $164,000 at December 31, 2022. The balance of these notes payable including accrued interest to Steven and Bernard Rotman was approximately $413,000 and $157,000, respectively, at December 31, 2021.

During 2020, Steven Rotman advanced Vystar funds totaling $1,048,000. In December 2020, Vystar formalized the advances and issued a promissory note to Steven Rotman. The note bears interest at an annual rate of five percent (5%) and was due one year from issuance. The maturity date was extended to December 2022 at the end of 2021. The face amount of the note represents the amount due at maturity along with accrued interest. Vystar settled this note in July 2022 with the issuance of 427,296 shares of Series C Preferred Stock at a loss of approximately $611,000. The balance of the note payable including accrued interest to Steven Rotman was approximately $1,115,000, at December 31, 2021.

During 2021, Steven Rotman advanced Vystar funds totaling $398,009. Vystar formalized the advances and issued promissory notes to Steven Rotman. The notes bear interest at an annual rate of five percent (5%) and are due no later than two years from the issuance date. The face amount of the notes represents the amount due at maturity along with accrued interest. Vystar settled these notes in July 2022 with the issuance of 158,908 shares of Series C Preferred Stock at a loss of approximately $228,000. The balance of the notes payable including accrued interest to Steven Rotman was approximately $415,000 at December 31, 2021.

The following table summarizes the Rotman Family Nonconvertible Notes:

SCHEDULE OF NOTES PAYABLE

       December 31,  December 31, 
       Carrying Amount 
       December 31,  December 31, 
  Issue Date Principal Amount  2022  2021 
Steven Rotman 5% note due July 2027 07/18/19 $367,500  $-  $412,672 
Bernard Rotman 5% note due July 2023 07/18/19  140,000   164,208   157,208 
Steven Rotman 5% note due December 2022 12/22/20  1,048,000   -   1,115,243 
Steven Rotman 5% note due March 2023 03/31/21  395,000   -   411,652 
Steven Rotman 5% note due June 2023 06/02/21  3,009   -   3,097 
               
 Principal amount   $1,953,509  $164,208  $2,099,872 

As of December 31, 2022, the one remaining note is due in 2023 and included in current maturities.

Discontinued Operations Note

In April 2022, Blue Oar Consulting, Inc. (“Blue Oar”), an entity wholly owned by Gregory Rotman, advanced Rotmans $500,000 and paid bills totaling $100,000 on Rotmans behalf. Rotmans formalized the advances and issued a promissory note to Blue Oar. The note bears interest at an annual rate of six percent (6%) and requires weekly payments of $12,500 until the note and interest is paid in full in 2023. Rotmans also granted Blue Oar a security interest in its inventory. As of December 31, 2022, the balance of the note payable including accrued interest was approximately $407,000 and is included in liabilities from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

F-10F-21

The maturities (by year) of the principal amount of Shareholder Notes Payable as

NOTE 8 -DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES

As of December 31, 2017 are as follows:

   Amount 
Matured  $570,759 
2018   104,231 
2019   71,683 
2020    
2021   135,000 
2022 & thereafter    
      
Total  $881,673 

The current base weighted-average conversion price 2021 Vystar had a $1,778,100 derivative liability balance on the consolidated balance sheet and recorded a gain from change in fair value of derivative liabilities of $1,778,100 and $53,600 for the above referenced Shareholder and Promissory Notes with an outstanding balance as ofyears ended December 31, 20172022 and 2021, respectively. The derivative liability activity comes from the convertible notes payable. Vystar analyzed the conversion features and warrants of $1,176,668 including accrued interestthe various note agreements for derivative accounting consideration under ASC 815-15 “Derivatives and Hedging” and determined that the embedded conversion features should be classified as a derivative because the exercise price of $294,995,these convertible notes are subject to a variable conversion rate. Vystar has determined that the conversion feature is $0.053 per sharenot considered to be solely indexed to the Company’s own stock and is therefore not afforded equity treatment. In accordance with ASC 815, Vystar has bifurcated the conversion feature of the notes and recorded a derivative liability.

The embedded derivatives for the notes are carried on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The derivative liability is marked-to-market each measurement period and any unrealized change in fair value is recorded as a component of the consolidated statement of operations and the associated fair value carrying amount on the consolidated balance sheet is adjusted by the change. Vystar fair values the embedded derivative using a lattice-based valuation model or 22,208,271 Monte Carlo simulation.

The following table summarizes the derivative liabilities included in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022 and 2021:

Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liabilities:

SCHEDULE OF DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES

  2022  2021 
       
Balance, beginning of the year $1,778,100  $1,766,700 
         
Initial measurement of liabilities  -   65,000 
         
Change in fair value  (1,778,100)  (53,600)
         
Balance, end of the year $-  $1,778,100 

NOTE 9 -STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock

Series A Preferred Stock

On May 2, 2013, Vystar began a private placement offering to sell up to 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The face10% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. Under the terms of the offering, Vystar offered to sell up to 200,000 shares of preferred stock at $10 per share for a value of $2,000,000. The preferred stock was convertible at a conversion price of $7.50 per common share at the Shareholder Notes atoption of the holder after a nine-month holding period. The conversion price was lowered to $5.00 per common share for those holders who invested an additional $25,000 or more in Vystar’s common stock in the aforementioned September 2014 Private Placement. The preferred shares have full voting rights as if converted and have a fully participating liquidation preference. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive an amount equal to the dividends accumulated and unpaid thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders, whether or not declared, without interest, plus a sum equal to $10 per share. As of December 31, 2017 is $881,673.2022, the liquidation preference totals approximately $170,000.

NOTE 5 – COMMITMENTS

Employment Agreements

There are currently no employment agreements in place; however employment compensation and potential agreements are under discussion for 2018.

NOTE 6 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Kiron Clinical Sleep Lab’s post acquisition performance fell far below Vystar’s expectations. As part of the Company’s strategy to focus on realizing the potential of the Vytex foam business in the pillow and mattress markets as well as part of the Company’s cost reduction plan, the Company made the decision to discontinue the operations of the Kiron division acquired in June 2013 and the division was closed May of 2016

There was no revenue from the Kiron division for the year ended December 31, 2017.The Kiron division revenue was $82,353 for2022, the year ended December 31, 2016. Net gains from discontinued operations were $42,056 and $37,979 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Net gains were recorded directly related to the write-off of payables determined to be no longer due.

NOTE 7 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the 13,8288,698 shares of outstanding preferred stock had accumulated undeclared dividends of approximately $63,600 and $49,800$83,000 and could be converted into 4,037,977 and 3,761,41733,292 shares of common stock, respectively, at the option of the holder.

Common StockAs of December 31, 2021, the 8,698 shares of outstanding preferred stock had undeclared dividends of approximately $75,000 and Warrants

As part of a September 2014 Private Placement Memorandum, updated in February 2015 and September 2015, the Company issued 12,480,000could be converted into 31,591 shares of common stock, to six (6) accredited investors duringat the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. Total gross proceedsoption of the issuances were $624,000. No commissions were paid.holder.

F-22

Series B Preferred Stock

On April 11, 2022, Vystar amended its Articles of Incorporation to add the terms of a 10% Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. Under the amendment, the number of shares authorized are 2,500,000. The preferred stock accumulates a 10% per annum dividend and is convertible into 10 shares of common stock were offered and sold in reliance upon exemptions from registration pursuant to Section 4(2)at the option of the Securities Actholder. The holders of 1933,Series B Preferred Stock have full voting rights as amended,if converted and Regulation D promulgated thereunder.

As parthave a fully participating liquidation preference. In the event of a November 2016 Private Placement Memorandum,liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, issued 1,700,000the holders of Series B Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive an amount equal to the dividends accumulated and unpaid thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders, whether or not declared, without interest, plus a sum equal to $7 per share. As of December 31, 2022, the liquidation preference totals approximately $2,710,000.

As of December 31, 2022, the 370,969 shares of outstanding preferred stock had undeclared dividends of approximately $113,000 and could be converted into 3,871,290 shares of common stock, to four (4) accredited investors duringat the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. Total gross proceedsoption of the issuances were $85,000. No commissions were paid.holder.

Series C Preferred Stock

On July 8, 2022, Vystar amended its Articles of Incorporation to add the terms of a 10% Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. Under the amendment, the number of shares authorized are 2,500,000. The preferred stock accumulates a 10% per annum dividend and is convertible into 10 shares of common stock were offered and sold in reliance upon exemptions from registration pursuant to Section 4(2)at the option of the Securities Actholder. The holders of 1933,Series C Preferred Stock have full voting rights as amended,if converted and Regulation D promulgated thereunder.have a fully participating liquidation preference. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of Series C Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive an amount equal to the dividends accumulated and unpaid thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders, whether or not declared, without interest, plus a sum equal to $2.61 per share. As of December 31, 2022, the liquidation preference totals approximately $5,233,000.

As of December 31, 2022, the 1,917,973 shares of outstanding preferred stock had undeclared dividends of approximately $227,000 and could be converted into 20,048,021 shares of common stock, at the option of the holder.

Common Stock and Warrants

During the year ended December 31, 2016,2022, the Company had 1,783,335retired 200 shares of previously issued common stock warrants exercised at $0.03 per share for $53,500 and issued 1,296,885 common shares for cashless warrants that were exercised.stock.

On June 30, 2016, the Company issued 997,466 common shares as compensation under the Company’s Business Development Agreement with Blue Oar Consulting, Inc. executed in March 2013 as amended in August 2013 and amended February 2014 and 250,000 common shares as compensation under the Company’s Business Development Agreement with Byron Novosad executed in February 26, 2014.

F-11

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had 1,950,000 cashless2021, Vystar issued 25,334 shares of common stock warrants exercisedunder equity purchase agreements for cash proceeds totaling $38,000. In addition, 17,680 shares of common stock were issued for the conversion of 5,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock.

Included in stock subscription payable at $0.05 per shareDecember 31, 2022 and issued 1,332,1092021, is $270,000 received under common shares.

Duringstock subscription agreements for 180,000 shares during the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had 1,750,000 cashless common2020.

Stock Subscription Payable

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, Vystar recorded $1,655,208 and $1,247,549, respectively, of stock options exercised at $0.05 per share and issued 481,884 common shares.

As part of the November 2016 Private Placement Memorandum, the Company issued 7,690,000 shares ofsubscription payable related to common stock to sixteen (16) accredited investorsbe issued. The following summarizes the activity of stock subscription payable during the period from January 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017. Total gross proceeds ofyear ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITY OF STOCK SUBSCRIPTION PAYABLE

  Amount  Shares 
       
Balance, January 1, 2021 $2,589,556   994,314 
Additions  806,082   421,854 
Issuances  (2,148,089)  (811,110)
         
Balance, December 31, 2021  1,247,549   605,058 
Additions  659,647   1,552,386 
Issuances  (251,988)  (25,568)
         
Balance, December 31, 2022 $1,655,208   2,131,876 

F-23

NOTE 10 -REVENUES


 

The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by each major product category and service for the issuances were $384,500. No commissions were paid. The shares of common stock were offered and sold in reliance upon exemptions from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Regulation D promulgated thereunder.last two years:

SCHEDULE OF REVENUES

  Net Sales  Net Sales  Net Sales  Net Sales  Net Sales  Net Sales  Net Sales  Net Sales 
  2022  2021 
  Vystar  Rotmans  Vystar  Rotmans 
     % of     % of     % of     % of 
  Net Sales  Net Sales  Net Sales  Net Sales  Net Sales  Net Sales  Net Sales  Net Sales 
Merchandise:                                
Case Goods                                
Bedroom Furniture $-   -  $2,032,560   10.1  $-   -  $2,276,316   8.8 
Dining Room Furniture  -   -   1,366,535   6.7   -   -   1,641,966   6.3 
Occasional  -   -   2,584,788   12.8   -   -   3,800,158   14.6 
Total case goods  -   -   5,983,883   29.6   -   -   7,718,440   29.7 
Upholstery  -   -   7,953,727   39.3   -   -   10,162,377   39.1 
Mattresses and Toppers  26,607   22.8   3,456,839   17.1   74,536   4.5   4,487,838   17.3 
Broadloom, Flooring and Rugs  -   -   1,679,606   8.3   -   -   2,213,054   8.5 
Warranty  -   -   783,329   3.9   -   -   740,864   2.9 
Air Purification Units  74,105   63.6   -   -   1,519,529   91.0   -   - 
Accessories and Other  15,821   13.6   363,907   1.8   74,937   4.5   656,304   2.5 
 Net sales $116,533   100.0  $20,221,291   100.0  $1,669,002   100.0  $25,978,877   100.0 

On March 15, 2017, the Company issued 1,150,000 common shares as compensation under Business Development Agreements.

On April 25, 2017, the Company issued 1,109,406 common shares as a result of a partial conversion of a Shareholder Note and accrued interest.

On May 22, 2017, the Company signed a sales and marketing agreement issuing restricted common shares quarterly as goals are achieved and issued 363,985 shares on September 28, 2017 and 368,218 on October 10, 2017.

On July 1, 2017, the Company issued 3,125,000 shares under the Company’s Public Relations Services Agreement through December 2018.

On September 29, 2017, the Company issued 500,000 shares of common stock as part of the existing PPM to its CEO in lieu of salary earned in August and September 2017.

On September 27, 2017, the Company issued an additional 200,000 common shares as compensation under a Business Development Agreement.

On July 30, 2017, the Company issued 200,000 common shares as compensation under a Business Development Agreement.

On July 25, 2017, the Company issued 1,087,023 shares as part of a prior contract for business development.

On November 1, 2017, the Company issued 250,000 shares of common stock as part of the existing PPM to its CEO in lieu of salary earned in October 2017.

NOTE 8 – 11 -SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Generally accepted accounting principles require share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, warrants, and common stock to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values at the date of grant, net of estimated forfeitures.

The CompanyIn total, Vystar recorded $837,468 and $822,070 of stock-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, including shares to be issued related to consultants and board member stock options and common stock and warrants issued to non-employees. Included in stock subscription payable is accrued stock-based compensation of $1,385,208 and $873,799 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Vystar used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the grant-date fair value of awards granted during 2017option and 2016. The following assumptions were used:warrant awards:

Expected Dividend Yield - because the CompanyVystar does not currently pay dividends, the expected dividend yield is zero;zero;
Expected Volatility in Stock Price – Expected- volatility calculations were based on the Company’sVystar’s trading activity which ranged between and 149.6% and 152.9% during 2017;was used to determine expected volatility;
Risk-free Interest Rate - reflects the average rate on a United States Treasury bondBond with a maturity equal to the expected term of the option or warrant, ranging from 1.81%option; and 2.45% during 2017; and
Expected Life of Awards –Award - because the Company haswe have minimal experience with the exercise of options or warrants for use in determining the expected life forof each award, we used the simplified method was used to calculate an expected life based on the end of theoption or warrant’s contractual term ofas the stock award.expected life.

In total the Company recorded $60,795 and $55,143 for the years endedending December 31, 20172022 and 2016,2021, Vystar recorded $11,072 and $15,989, respectively, of share-based compensation expense related to employee and Boardboard members’ stock options. TheThere is no unrecognized compensation expense as of December 31, 2017 was $151,730 for non-vested share-based awards to be recognized over a period of approximately five years.2022.

F-24

 

Stock Options

Options

During 2004, the Board of Directors of the CompanyVystar adopted a stock option plan (the “Plan”) and authorized up to 4,000,00040,000 shares to be issued under the Plan. In April 2009, the Company’sVystar’s Board of Directors authorized an increase in the number of shares to be issued under the Plan to 10,000,000100,000 shares and to include the independent Board Members in the Plan in lieu of continuing the previous practice of granting warrants each quarter to independent Board Members for services. At December 31, 2017,2022, there were 2,251,729are 22,518 shares of common stock reservedavailable for issuance under the Plan. In 2014, the Board of Directors adopted an additional stock option plan which provides for an additional 5,000,00050,000 shares, which are all available as of December 31, 2017.2022. In 2019, the Board of Directors adopted an additional stock option plan which provides for an additional 500,000 shares, which are all available as of December 31, 2022. The Plan is intended to permit stock options granted to employees to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Incentive Stock Options”). All options granted under the Plan that are not intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options are deemed to be non-qualified options. Stock options are granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’sVystar’s common stock on the date of grant, typically vest over periods up to 4 years and are typically exercisable up to 10 years.

F-12

There were no options granted during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.

The weighted-average assumptions used in the option pricing model for stock option grants were as follows:

  2017  2016 
Expected Dividend Yield  0.00%  0.00%
Expected Volatility in Stock Price  149.81%  145.82%
Risk-Free Interest Rate  2.35%  1.87%
Expected Life of Stock Awards – Years  10.0   10.0 
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date $0.05  $0.05 

The following tables summarizetable summarizes all stock option activity of the CompanyVystar for the years ended December 31, 20172022 and 2016:2021:

SCHEDULE OF STOCK OPTION ACTIVITY

 Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price       Weighted 
         Weighted Average 
Outstanding, December 31, 2015   9,381,573  $0.19 
    Average Remaining 
 Number Exercise Contractual 
 of Shares  Price  Life (Years) 
       
Outstanding, December 31, 2020  278,750  $20.38   2.47 
                     
Granted   500,000  $0.05   -   -   - 
                     
Exercised   (400,000) $0.05   -   -   - 
                     
Forfeited   (63,302) $0.07   (7,000) $59.00   - 
                     
Outstanding, December 31, 2016   9,418,271  $0.16 
         
Exercisable, December 31, 2016   6,783,271  $0.21 
Outstanding, December 31, 2021  271,750  $19.45   1.53 
                     
Granted   1,500,000  $0.05   -   -   - 
                     
Exercised   (1,750,000) $0.05 
Cancelled  (5,000) $11.00   - 
                     
Forfeited   (1,420,000) $0.17   (1,483)  $41.40   - 
                     
Outstanding, December 31, 2017   7,748,271  $0.16 
Outstanding, December 31, 2022  265,267  $19.54   0.51 
                     
Exercisable, December 31, 2017   5,158,271  $0.25 
Exercisable, December 31, 2022  265,267  $19.54   0.51 
            
Exercisable, December 31, 2021  268,750  $19.66   1.48 

Additional details, including the average remaining contractual life of the options, as well as the range of exercise prices are shown in the table below:

   Number of
Shares
  Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
  Range of
Exercise Prices
 
           
Outstanding, December 31, 2015   9,381,573   6.29  $0.05 - $0.68 
              
Granted   500,000   9.10  $0.05 
              
Exercised   (400,000)     $0.05 
              
Expired/Forfeited   (63,302)     $0.07 
              
Outstanding, December 31, 2016   9,418,271   4.43  $0.05 - $0.68 
              
Exercisable, December 31, 2016   6,783,271   5.99  $0.10 - $0.68 
              
Granted   1,500,000   9.96  $0.05 
              
Exercised   (1,750,000)     $0.05 
              
Expired/Forfeited   (1,420,000)     $0.03 - $0.68 
              
Outstanding, December 31, 2017   7,748,271   5.80  $0.03 - $0.68 
              
Exercisable, December 31, 2017   5,158,271   9.42  $0.03 - $0.68 

F-13

The Company added a director on May 18, 2016. The director was granted 500,000 options with a ten-year term and an exercise price of $0.05 respectively, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the OTCBB on the grant date. The options vest 25,000 shares quarterly beginning on June 30, 2016 for a period of five years ending March 31, 2021.

The Company added three directors on December 17, 2017. Each director was granted 500,000 options with a ten-year term and an exercise price of $0.05 respectively, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the OTCBB on the grant date. The options vest 25,000 shares quarterly beginning on December 31, 2017 for a period of five years ending December 31, 2022.

As of December 31, 2017, the2022 and 2021, there was no aggregate intrinsic value ofon the Company’s outstanding options was $4,000.options. The aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’sVystar’s common stock.

F-25

 

Warrants

Warrants

Warrants are issued to third parties as payment for services, debt financing compensation and conversion, and in conjunction with the issuance of common stock. The fair value of each common stock warrant issued for services is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

The weighted-average assumptions used in the option pricing model for stock warrant grants were as follows:

  2017  2016 
Expected Dividend Yield  0.00%  0.00%
Expected Volatility in Stock Price  152.54%  121.20%
Risk-Free Interest Rate  2.01%  2.18%
Expected Life of Stock Awards – Years  7.0   10.0 

The following table represents the Company’sVystar’s warrant activity for the years ended December 31, 20172022 and 2016:2021:

SCHEDULE OF WARRANT ACTIVITY

 Number
of
Shares
 Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Weighted
Average Exercise Price
 Weighted 
Average 
Remaining
Contractual
 Life 
(Years)
         Weighted 
                 Average 
Outstanding, December 31, 2015  18,178,158      $0.13   5.54 
    Weighted Weighted Remaining 
 Number Average Average Contractual 
 of Shares  Fair Value  Exercise Price  Life (Years) 
         
Outstanding, December 31, 2020  142,060   -  $8.48   2.53 
                                
Granted  1,713,244  $0.07  $0.07   9.07   -   -   -   - 
                                
Exercised  (3,163,336)     $0.05   0.3   -   -   -   - 
                                
Forfeited  (605,734)              (40,317)  -  $25.09   - 
                                
Outstanding, December 31, 2016  16,122,332      $0.13   5.54 
Expired  -   -   -   - 
                
Outstanding, December 31, 2021  101,743   -  $8.19   2.36 
                                
Granted  1,240,250  $0.13  $0.14   6.14   -   -   -   - 
                                
Exercised  (1,950,000)     $0.08   0.18 
Cancelled  (52,033)  -  $10.96   - 
                                
Forfeited  (713,000)     $0.18       (12,444)  -  $19.65   - 
                                
Outstanding, December 31, 2017  14,699,582      $0.10   5.41 
Expired  -   -   -   - 
                                
Exercisable, December 31, 2017  14,699,582      $0.10   5.41 
Outstanding, December 31, 2022  37,266   -  $7.57   1.31 
                
Exercisable, December 31, 2022  37,266   -  $7.57   1.31 
                
Exercisable, December 31, 2021  101,743   -  $8.19   2.36 

NOTE 12 -RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Officers and Directors

Per Steven Rotman’s Employment agreement dated July 22, 2019, as amended, he is to be paid $125,000 per year in cash, $10,417 per month in shares based on a 20-day average price at a 50% discount to market, $5,000 per month in cash for expenses, as well as access to a Company provided vehicle and health and life insurance. During the year ended December 31, 2022, Vystar and Rotmans expensed approximately $417,000 related to this employment agreement. In addition, Vystar issued 1,330,066 shares of Series C Preferred Stock for the settlement of debt totaling $3,552,321. A loss of $1,900,950 was recognized on the issuance and is included in other expenses for 2022. As of December 31, 2022, Vystar had a stock subscription payable balance of $619,084, or approximately 920,000 shares to be issued in the future and $183,155 of reimbursable expenses payable and $116,403 of unpaid salary.

F-14F-26

The stock compensation expense for 2017 and 2016 related to warrants was $159,553 and $115,054, respectively.

NOTE 9 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Officers and Directors

During April 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized their board fees for 2021 be paid in common stock of Vystar. Included in stock subscription payable at December 31, 2022 and 2021 is 100,000 shares valued at $291,000, of which 20,000 shares valued at $58,200 is included in Steven Rotman’s balance above.

Blue Oar Consulting, Inc.

This entity is owned by Gregory Rotman, who is the inclusionson of the Board membersCompany’s CEO, Steven Rotman. Blue Oar provides business consulting services to Vystar. In exchange for such services, Vystar has entered into a consulting agreement with the related party entity.

Per the consulting agreement, Blue Oar is to be paid $15,000 per month in cash for expenses, and $12,500 per month to be paid in shares based on a 20-day average at a 50% discount to market. During the Company’syear ended December 31, 2022, Vystar expensed approximately $459,000 related to the consulting agreement. In addition, Vystar issued 221,385 shares of Series C Preferred Stock for the settlement of debt and payables totaling $702,161. A loss of $313,340 was recognized on the issuance and is included in other expenses for 2022. As of December 31, 2022, Vystar had a stock option plansubscription payable balance of $629,903, or approximately 1,049,000 shares.

Related Party Advances

As of December 31, 2022, Gregory Rotman and Steven Rotman advanced Vystar funds totaling $242,454 and $24,087, respectively. The advances are due on demand as repayment terms have not yet been finalized.

Bernard Rotman

On July 18, 2019, Vystar issued a contingently convertible note totaling $420,000 to Bernard Rotman as partial consideration for the acquisition of 58% of Rotmans. During the year ended December 31, 2022, Vystar issued 180,699 shares of Series C Preferred Stock for the settlement of this debt totaling $482,125. A loss of $69,007 was recognized on the issuance and is included in other expenses for 2022.

Fluid Energy Conversion Inc.

In May of 2019, Vystar acquired the assets of Fluid Energy Conversion, Inc. (“FEC”) for 25,000 shares of common stock. FEC is owned by Dr. Bryan Stone, one of Vystar’s directors. The assets consist of a patent on the Hughes Reactor, which has the ability to control, enhance and focus energy in flowing liquids and gases. Included in subscription stock payable at December 31, 2021 is $103,750 representing the value of the 25,000 shares on the purchase date. Vystar entered into a settlement in July 2022 and issued 16,929 shares of Series B Preferred Stock in lieu of continuingcommon stock. A gain of $36,034 was realized on the previous practice of granting warrants each quarter to independent Board members. Each Board member was granted options to purchase 400,000 sharessettlement during the year ended December 31, 2022 and is included in other expenses for 2022.

Designcenters.com

This entity is owned by Jamie Rotman, who is the daughter of the Company’s commonCEO, Steven Rotman. Designcenters.com (“Design”) provided bookkeeping and management services to the Company through July 2019. In exchange for such services, the Company had entered into a consulting agreement with the related party entity. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had a stock valuedsubscription payable balance of approximately $42,000, for approximately 8,500 shares related to this party for services incurred and expensed in 2019.

F-27

NOTE 13 -COMMITMENTS

Employment and Consulting Agreements

The Company has entered into employment and consulting agreements with certain of our officers, employees, and affiliates. For employees, payment and benefits would become payable in the event of termination by us for any reason other than cause, or upon change in control of our Company, or by the employee for good reason.

There is currently one employment agreement in place with the CEO, Steven Rotman. See compensation terms in Note 12.

During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company entered into various service agreements with consultants for financial reporting, advisory, and compliance services.

Litigation

From time to time, the Company is party to certain legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course and are incidental to our business. Future events or circumstances, currently unknown to management, will determine whether the resolution of pending or threatened litigation or claims will ultimately have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations in any future reporting periods.

EMA Financial

On February 19, 2019, EMA Financial, Inc. filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York against the Company. The lawsuit alleged various breaches of an underlying convertible promissory note and stock purchase agreement and sought four claims for relief: (i) specific performance to enforce a stock conversion and contractual obligations; (ii) breach of contract; (iii) permanent injunction to enforce the stock conversion and contractual obligations; and (iv) legal fees and costs of the litigation. The complaint was filed with a motion seeking: (i) a preliminary injunction seeking an immediate resolution of the case through the stock conversion; (ii) a consolidation of the trial with the preliminary injunctive hearing; and (iii) summary judgment on the first and third claims for relief.

The Company filed an opposition to the motion and upon oral argument the motion for injunctive relief was denied. The Court issued a decision permitting a motion for summary judgment to proceed and permitted the Company the opportunity to supplement its opposition papers together with the plaintiff who was also provided opportunity to submit reply papers. On April 5, 2019, the Company filed the opposition papers as well as a motion to dismiss the first and third causes of action in the complaint. On March 13, 2020, the Court granted the Company’s motion dismissing the first and third claims for relief and denied the motion for summary judgment as moot.

The Company subsequently filed an amended answer with counterclaims. The affirmative defenses if granted collectively preclude the relief sought. In addition, Vystar filed counterclaims asserting: (a) violation of 10(b)(5) of the Securities and Exchange Act; (b) violation of Section 15(a)(1) of the Exchange Act (failure to register as a broker-dealer); (c) pursuant to the Uniform Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201, the Company requests the Court to declare: (i) pursuant to Delaware law, the underlying agreements are unconscionable; (ii) the underlying agreements are unenforceable and/or portions are unenforceable, such as the liquidated damages sections; (iii) to the extent the agreement is enforceable, Vystar in good faith requests the Court to declare the legal fee provisions of the agreements be mutual (d) unjust enrichment; (e) breach of contract (in the alternative); and (f) attorneys’ fees.

On June 10, 2020, EMA filed a motion for summary judgment as to its remaining claims for relief and a motion to dismiss the Company’s affirmative defenses and counterclaims. The Company opposed the motion on July 10, 2020, and the same was fully submitted to the Court on July 28, 2020. On March 29, 2021, the Court issued a decision granting in part and denying in part the motion. Specifically, the Court granted that part of the motion seeking summary judgment and dismissal on the Company’s affirmative defense and counterclaim regarding Sections 15(a)/29(b) of the Exchange Act. Two weeks later the Company filed a motion for reconsideration as to the dismissal portion of the order, or, for the alternative, a motion for certification for the right to file a petition to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals on the issue. The Court denied the motion for reconsideration and certification. Subsequently, fact discovery has been completed and on June 24, 2022 both parties submitted competing motions for summary judgment.

F-28

EMA seeks summary judgment on its breach of contract and attorneys’ fees claims, specifically seeking damages in the amount of $1,820,000 with 24% interest premised on the argument it was entitled to effectuate a January 15 and February 5, 2019, notices of conversions. EMA further seeks to dismiss Vystar’s affirmative defenses and counterclaims. Conversely, Vystar filed its motion for summary judgment seeking an order to dismiss the EMA complaint on the grounds: (i) the underlying note was satisfied on December 11, 2018; and (ii) EMA, through multiple breaches of the note, over-converted the note by 36,575,555 shares equating to a request of damages against EMA and in favor of Vystar for $4,802,000, with interest accruing at approximately $84,346 each with an exercise price24%, and attorneys’ fees. The briefing by the parties was fully submitted on July 29, 2022.

On January 6, 2023, the Court issued a series of $0.68 per share.    Vesting occurredpreliminary rulings based upon the parties’ respective summary judgment motions. Those rulings narrowed the outstanding issues (and claims) to only the parties’ breach of contract claim and counterclaim (and affirmative defenses) regarding the conversion process. Of particular importance, the Court found EMA breached the note by failing to effectuate the conversions in the manner outlined by the controlling note.  The Court further found the principal balance at issue was $80,000, interest accrued from the date set in the note and default interest, to the extent applicable, was to accrue at the end of each complete calendar quarter served as an independent Board memberdefault rate from September 2018, forward. The Court left undecided whether EMA’s breach of the Company atnote was material, whether affirmative defenses as previously raised by the parties were applicable to each parties’ contractual claim, and a rate of 20,000 shares each per quarter.damages analysis associated with the same. The options are exercisable in whole or in part before September 30, 2019.

Beginning in July 2014, each Board member was granted options to purchase 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The value of each grant ranged from approximately $14,714 to $53,513 depending on the date of the grant and the exercise price of the option. Exercise prices ranged between $0.03 and $0.11 per share and were equalCourt then requested a supplemental briefing as to the closing priceissues of Company’s common stockmateriality, liability and damages. The issues were fully briefed and submitted on the date of the grant. Vesting occurs at the end of each complete calendar quarter served as an independent Board member of the Company atFebruary 24 and March 15, 2023. The parties await a rate of 25,000 shares each per quarter. The options are exercisable in whole or in part before December 15, 2027.

One board member’s unvested options were forfeited when he resignedfinal decision from the Board in 2017. Court.

NOTE 10 – DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN

The Company’s tax-qualified retirement plan {401(k)} was terminated in 2016.

NOTE 11 – 14 -MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND VENDORS

Major customers and vendors are defined as a customer or vendor from which the Company derivesVystar and Rotmans derive at least 10% of its revenue and cost of revenue, respectively.

During 207, Vytex revenue camethe years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, Vystar and Rotmans made approximately 11% and 14%, respectively, of its purchases from threeone major customers Natures Home Solutions, RCMA, and Centrotrade, which collectively comprised 100% total Vytex revenue. No amounts werevendor. There was no balance owed to major vendors at December 31, 2022. They owed its major vendor approximately $167,000 at December 31, 2021.

NOTE 15 -INCOME TAXES

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 assumes a21% effective tax rate for federal income taxes. A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate and the effective income tax rate as a percentage of income before income taxes is as follows:

SCHEDULE OF PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

  2022  2021 
  Year Ended 
  December 31, 
  2022  2021 
       
Federal statutory income tax rate  (21.0)%  (21.0)%
         
Change in valuation allowance on net operating loss carryforwards  21.0   21.0 
         
Effective income tax rate  0.0%  0.0%

Deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:

SCHEDULE OF DEFERRED TAX ASSETS

  2022  2021 
       
NOL carryforwards $8,300,000  $7,500,000 
         
Less valuation allowance  (8,300,000)  (7,500,000)
         
Deferred tax assets $-  $- 

Deferred taxes are caused primarily by net operating loss carryforwards. U.S. Tax Legislation enacted in 2017 (the “TCJA”) has significantly changed certain aspects of U.S. federal income taxation. Net Operating Losses (“NOLs”) generated in 2017 and prior years can be carried forward for 20 years. NOLs generated in 2018 – 2020, as enacted by the CARES Act, can be carried forward indefinitely. However, NOLs generated after 2020 can also carried forward indefinitely but limited to 80% of taxable income.

For federal income tax purposes, Vystar has a net operating loss carryforward of approximately $39,700,000 as of December 31, 2016.2022, of which approximately $18,400,000 expires beginning in 2024 and $21,300,000 which can be carried forward indefinitely. For state income tax purposes, Vystar has a net operating loss carryforward of approximately $18,400,000 and $21,000,000 as of December 31, 2022 in Georgia and Massachusetts, respectively, which expires beginning in 2038.

In addition, as of December 31, 2022, Rotmans has a net operating loss carryforward of approximately $4,400,000 for federal income tax purposes of which $1,800,000 expires beginning in 2029 and $2,600,000 can be carried forward indefinitely. Rotmans has a state operating loss carryforward of approximately $3,500,000 which expires beginning in 2038.

F-29

Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 382, the future realization of our net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income may be subject to an annual limitation as a result of ownership changes that may have occurred previously or that could occur in the future.

NOTE 16 -PROFIT SHARING PLAN (DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS)

Rotmans sponsored a qualified 401(k) profit sharing plan covering all eligible employees. The plan permitted participants to make tax-deferred contributions to the plan by salary reduction. Company contributions were discretionary and determined annually by the Board of Directors.

There were no contributions from Rotmans in 2022 and 2021. Participant and Company contributions were limited to amounts allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. The plan was terminated on December 1, 2022.

Rotmans offered no post-retirement benefits other than the plan discussed above and no significant post-employment benefits.

NOTE 17 -DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

At the completion of its Going Out of Business sale, Rotmans closed its showroom on December 14, 2022. The Company has accounted for the closing as discontinued operations in accordance with ASC No. 205-20, Discontinued Operations. The results of operations are presented as discontinued operations in 2022 and 2021. The assets and liabilities have been presented in the consolidated balance sheets as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations.

The income (loss) from discontinued operations are as follows:

SCHEDULE OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

  2022  2021 
       
Revenue $20,221,291  $25,978,877 
         
Cost of revenue  8,391,180   11,594,698 
         
Gross profit  11,830,111   14,384,179 
         
Operating expenses:        
Salaries, wages and benefits  3,118,238   4,165,466 
Agent fees  2,894,478   4,273,308 
Professional fees  291,579   30,471 
Advertising  1,212,426   1,922,614 
Consulting  3,500   - 
Rent  746,321   1,080,794 
Service charges  557,923   563,786 
Depreciation and amortization  383,491   558,611 
Loss on impairment  1,390,609   - 
Other operating  1,897,927   2,378,862 
         
Total operating expenses  12,496,492   14,973,912 
         
Loss from operations  (666,381)  (589,733)
         
Other income (expense):        
Interest expense  (389,667)  (425,019)
Gain on settlement of debt, net  51,856   2,805,800 
Other income, net  116,564   724,779 
         
Total other income (expense), net  (221,247)  3,105,560 
         
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations $(887,628) $2,515,827 

F-30

Details of the balance sheet items for discontinued operations are as follows:

  2022  2021 
       
Current assets:        
Cash $123,325  $21,655 
Accounts receivable  1,853,972   46,410 
Other receivables  684,775   875,362 
Inventories  76,379   3,695,074 
Prepaid expenses and other  288,520   282,273 
Deferred commission costs  -   73,625 
         
Total current assets $3,026,971  $4,994,399 
         
Non-current assets:        
Property and equipment, net $490,420  $647,657 
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net  7,008,276   7,776,978 
Finance lease right-of-use assets, net  -   551,037 
Intangible assets, net  -   659,860 
Goodwill  -   313,209 
Inventories, long-term  -   228,030 
Other assets  5,274   65,860 
         
Total non-current assets $7,503,970  $10,242,631 
         
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $339,426  $3,165,672 
Accrued expenses  726,410   311,792 
Operating lease liabilities - current maturities  737,000   634,000 
Finance lease liabilities - current maturities  119,000   134,000 
Related party debt - current maturities  406,753   - 
Unearned revenue  -   800,836 
         
Total current liabilities $2,328,589  $5,046,300 
         
Non-current liabilities:        
Operating lease liabilities, net of current maturities $5,189,140  $5,683,736 
Finance lease liabilities, net of current maturities  324,527   443,882 
Unearned revenue, net of current maturities  -   241,991 
         
Total non-current liabilities $5,513,667  $6,369,609 

The consolidated statements of cash flows do not present the cash flows from discontinued operations separately from cash flows from continuing operations. Included in adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities are the following discontinued operations items:

  2022  2021 
       
Depreciation $135,158  $310,277 
Bad debts  16,514   (1,362)
Amortization of intangible assets  248,333   248,334 
Noncash lease expense  267,009   345,355 
Impairment loss  1,390,609   - 
(Gain) loss on settlement of debt, net  (51,856)  (2,805,800)
Gain on sale of property and equipment  22,080   210,951 
Loss on sale of investments  -   4,180 
Net unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments  -   (20,480)

NOTE 18 -SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Rotmans final principal payment to Blue Oar was made in April 2023.

Rotmans sold its parking lots to a third-party in May 2023 at a gain of approximately $200,000. The lots were not classified as held for sale at year-end as no plan to sell the lots was made at December 31, 2022.

 

NOTE 12 – RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The Company is exposedRotmans facilities lease was amended on August 10, 2023. Beginning in September 2023, in addition to commodity price risk, mainly associatedthe monthly base rent, Rotmans will be responsible for the base year heating costs of $9,833 per month with variationsany annual increase over the base year due within thirty days of receipt. A supplementary payment of $10,106 for insurance costs was made with the amendment. Rotmans also assumed liability for roof repairs for a specified building within the facilities; subleases will be deemed approved by the lessor unless notified to the contrary within ten days, and the lessor has the option, with a six-month notice, to terminate the lease after December 31, 2028. Simultaneously, two subleases were approved with occupancy scheduled to begin shortly. Base sublease rent in the market price for NRL as well as wintering of the Hevea trees, which differs for each country. The timing and magnitude of industry cycles are difficult to predict and are impacted by general economic conditions including the buying climate in China. The Company responds to changes in NRL prices by adjusting sales prices on a weekly basis and by turning rather than holding inventory in anticipation of higher prices. The Company actively manages its exposure to commodity price risk and monitors the actual and expected spread between forward selling prices and purchase costs and processing and shipping expense. The Company also currently spreads the processing of Vytex NRL among three continents. Sales contracts are based on forward market prices, and generally orders are placed 30 to 90 days ahead of shipment date due to these fluctuations. However, financial results may be negatively impacted where selling prices fall more quickly than purchase price adjustments can be made or when levels of inventory have an anticipated net realizable value that is below cost.

NOTE 13 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

From January 1, 2018 and through the date of these financial statements, the Company has issued certain convertible promissory notes in varying amounts. The face amount of the notes represents the amount due at maturity alongaggregate totals $30,993 per month with the accrued interest, at which time that amount will be converted into shares of the Company stockannual increases based on the lowest 2 day closingconsumer price for the trailing 20 days prior to conversion and carrying a 35% discount. These notes are included in the table below:index. Each lease term is at least five years.

Issue Date Face Amount  Interest Rate  Maturity  Net Cash Proceeds 
Jan 29, 2018 $80,000   12%  Jan 29, 2019*  $72,300 
Feb 14, 2018 $80,000   12%  Nov 14, 2018*  $72,500 
Feb 13, 2018 $76,500   5%  Nov 13, 2018*  $72,500 
Feb 14, 2018 $85,000   12%  Feb 14, 2019*  $82,000 

*Note that these notes can be converted after 6 months from the issue date

From January 1, 2018 to February 9, 2018, the Company issued Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Notes”) contract work, investment and in lieu of salary and expense reimbursement in the amount of $195,635. The Notes are (i) unsecured, (ii) bear interest at an annual rate of five percent (5%) per annum from date of issuance, and (iii) are convertible by the Company upon the closing of the previously announced intention to purchase all of the assets of NHS. The Notes mature one year from issuance but may be extended one (1) additional year by the Company. If converted, the Notes plus accrued interest are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at the prior twenty (20) day average closing price with a 50% discount.

On February 5, 2018, the Company issued 1,500,000 shares under the terms of a Consulting Agreement dated January 26, 2018.

On January 7, 2018, the Company signed a Letter of Intent to acquire the assets of NHS, the exclusive U.S. distributor of Vytex® virtually allergen-, VOC- and odor-free natural rubber latex (NRL) foam. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018.

F-15F-31

ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

None.

ITEM 9.A9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer (the Certifying Officer) is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures for the Company. Although the Certifying Officer has designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information is made known to them, particularly during the period in which this report was prepared, certain material weaknesses occurred during the year ended December 31, 20172022 and subsequent to year end. The Certifying Officer has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) (the Rules) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report and is working on improving controls with an outside CPA firm and a more dedicated internal resources.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d - 15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements; (iii) provide reasonable assurance that our receipts and expenditures are made in accordance with management authorization; and (iv) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the controls will prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there is only the reasonable assurance that our controls will succeed in achieving their goals under all potential future conditions.

Management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our acting Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20172022 based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 2013. Based on our evaluation under the COSO framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2017.2022. Such conclusion was reached based on the following material deficienciesweaknesses noted by management:

a) We have a lack of segregation of duties due to the small size of the Company.

b) The Company did not maintain reasonable control over records underlying transactions necessary to permit preparation of the Company’s financial statements.

c) Lack of controls that provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposal of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

d) Lack of a formal CFO position who can devote significant attention to financial reporting resulted in multiple audit adjustments.

21

 

e) Lack of a functioning audit committee, resulting in ineffective oversight in the establishment and monitoring of required internal controls and procedures. Management believes the lack of a functioning audit committee results in ineffective oversight in the establishment and monitoring of required internal controls and procedures, which could result in a material misstatement in our financial statements in future period.

Management expects to strengthen internal control during 20182023 by developing stronger business and financial processes for accounting for transactions such as warrant/stock issuances, which will enhance internal control for the Company.

ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION

 None

19

None.

PART III

ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors

The following tables set forth the name and information of each director of Vystar as of December 31, 2017.2022. Each director is elected to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Name Principal Occupation During Last Five Years Age Director Since
       
Joseph C. Allegra, Jr. PhD Joseph Allegra, PhD was elected Chairman of the Board on February 14, 2018 and has followed Vystar’s progress for numerous years and has assisted as an investment advisor and investor, providing insight into positioning the company to attract investors, particularly in the healthcare sector. He currently is an Instructor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Georgia and an Investment Advisor at Lincoln Lee Investments in Atlanta. Previously he was a Senior Drug Safety Associate at Genentech. Dr. Allegra received his BA in Psychology from Boston University, and his Masters of Public Health and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Georgia. 39 2017
Steven Rotman Steven Rotman, was elected Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Vystar Corporation. Mr. Rotman has been President and CEO of Rotmans, one of the oldest and largest, furniture and carpet retailers in New England, for more than 40 years. In addition, he is the founder and managing partner of NHS Holdings, a company that in 2015 became the exclusive distributor of Vytex™ natural rubber latex foam in the U.S. and laid the groundwork for Vytex’s entrance to the home furnishings industry. Mr. Rotman received a BBA degree from Clark University and an MS from New York University. 78 2017
Mitsy Y. Mangum Ms Mangum is currently a managing director/partner of Lakeview Capital Partners, LLC. From July 2009 to September 2015, Ms. Mangum was Vice President, Investments, WMS, RPC at American Capital Partners LLC., an independent investment banking firm in Atlanta, GA. From July 2004 to July 2009, Ms. Mangum was a Vice President-Investments, Financial Advisor WMS, RPC with Raymond James & Associates in the Atlanta area. Ms. Mangum is an accomplished investment professional with over 24 years of financial service and industry experience both from the retail side as well as the institutional side. Ms. Mangum maintains an in-depth knowledge of the financial markets, professional money management and managing portfolios. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/ Management from College of Charleston. 53 2008

Michael X. Ianacone

 

 

Mr. Ianacone has over forty years of successful experience in leading large organizations and improving performance of operating units across the US. He has a proven track record of growing revenue and profit, forming executive teams and working cross organizationally to deliver results.

 

He recently retired from Xerox Corporation where during his 38-year tenure he held senior executive management positions in sales, marketing, operations and strategy in the US. These positions included both headquarters and field locations. He was a key member of the US senior team during Xerox’s turnaround in the early 2000s.

 

Michael holds an A.B. degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and currently resides in Atlanta, GA.

 

 

69

 

 

2014

 

Ranjit K. Matthan 

On March 12, 2015, Ranjit K. Matthan, Ph.D., an internationally renowned latex and rubber expert, joined the Company’s Board of Directors. Dr. Matthan has been a consultant to Vystar Corporation since 2008 and has played a significant role in the manufacturing scale up of reduced-protein Vytex® natural rubber latex (NRL) in Malaysia and refining the research and development of manufacturing processes for applications using Vytex NRL, such as latex foam, condoms, adhesives, medical devices, etc.

 74 2015
Name Principal Occupation During Last Five Years Age 

Director

Since

       
Joseph C. Allegra, Jr., PhD Joseph Allegra, PhD was elected Chairman of the Board on February 14, 2018 and has followed Vystar’s progress for numerous years and has assisted as an investment advisor and investor, providing insight into positioning the company to attract investors, particularly in the healthcare sector. He currently is an Instructor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Georgia and an Investment Advisor at Lincoln Lee Investments in Atlanta. Previously he was a Senior Drug Safety Associate at Genentech. Dr. Allegra received his BA in Psychology from Boston University, and his Master of Public Health and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Georgia. 43 2017
       
Steven Rotman Steven Rotman was elected Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Vystar Corporation. Mr. Rotman has been President and CEO of Rotmans, one of the oldest and largest, furniture and carpet retailers in New England, for more than 40 years. In addition, he is the founder and managing partner of NHS Holdings, a company that in 2015 became the exclusive distributor of Vytex™ natural rubber latex foam in the U.S. and laid the groundwork for Vytex’s entrance to the home furnishings industry. Mr. Rotman received a BBA degree from Clark University and an MS from New York University. 84 2017

2022

Bryan Stone, MD Bryan Stone, M.D, has advised Vystar over the past years relating to product development for the healthcare industry and brings to the Board an understanding of the challenges of new product development for start-up companies. He is the Chairman of Medicine at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California, and is the Medical Director at multiple DaVita Dialysis Centers. He is also an entrepreneur, serving as the Interim CEO of Fluid Energy Conversion, Inc., a firm specializing in molecular fluid mechanics, specifically high efficiency mass producible energy conversion technologies. 55 2017
 

Dr. Matthan has been associated with the development of natural rubber and rubber-based industries manufacturing in South Asia since the 1970s and introduced technically specified natural rubber into India. He has advised national and international companies and research bodies including the Government of India, the Malaysian Rubber Research and Development Board, Asian Development Bank, Industrial Development Bank of India, Revertex (Malaysia) as well as many private companies engaged in latex production and manufacturing. A founding Director of the Bangkok-based Asia Pacific Elastomer Science and Technology (APEST), he has played a key role in sustainability initiatives for natural rubber. He has also been associated with the development and commercial introduction of several eco-friendly natural rubber grades, including Vytex NRL.

 

Dr. Matthan has received numerous industry awards, including: the prestigious 2014 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, U.K.’s Hancock Medal for his contributions to the development of the environmentally friendly sustainable growth of the global natural rubber industry, and the 2006 KMPhilip Award from the All India Rubber Industries Association for significant contributions toward the development of the Indian Rubber Industry. Dr. Matthan has published over 50 scientific and technical papers on natural rubber and lattices and is an invited speaker at several international conferences including the International Latex Conference.

 

Dr. Matthan holds an undergraduate degree from St. Stephens College, Delhi University, India and he earned his Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry from the National College of Rubber Technology, London, England, where he was the first Ph.D. student of Dr. D.C. Blackley whose books and high polymer lattices and emulsion polymerization are the industry standard references.

 

          
Bryan Stone, MD Bryan Stone, M.D, has advised Vystar over the past years relating to product development for the healthcare industry and brings to the Board an understanding of the challenges of new product development for start-up companies. He is the Chairman of Medicine at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, Calif., and is the Medical Director at multiple DaVita Dialysis Centers. He is also an entrepreneur, serving as the Interim CEO of Fluid Energy Conversion, Inc., a firm specializing in molecular fluid mechanics, specifically high efficiency mass producible energy conversion technologies. 51 2017

Keith Osborn, MD

 Dr. Osborn is a board-certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon with 30 years of experience after completing his Spine Fellowship at Harvard University. He received his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and performed his residency at Harvard University and Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Osborn currently specializes in Spinal Surgery at Resurgens Orthopaedics in Atlanta with a focus on adult spinal disorders and total disc arthroplasty.  60 2016
Byron L. Novosad, DDS Byron L. Novosad, DDS was appointed to the Board on January 25, 2021.Dr Novosad received a BA in Chemistry from Baylor University and graduated from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston and later received his Certificate in Periodontics in 1982. Dr. Novosad brings experience to the Board in the medical and health care field, and served previously as a consultant to UV Flu Technologies from 2011 to 2015 and a consultant to Vystar Corporation from 2013 to 2015. He has operated a private periodontal practice in the Houston, Texas area for 30 years and has been a Clinical Assistant Professor of Periodontics at the Periodontic Graduate Clinic for the University of Texas Dental branch in Houston since 2007. He was on the Advisory Board of Wharton County Jr. College School of Dental Hygiene for 37 years. 67 2021

Director Independence

Under Rule 5605(b)(1) of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules, independent directors must comprise a majority of a listed company’s board of directors within one year of listing. In addition, Nasdaq Marketplace Rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees be independent. While Vystar does not currently qualify for listing on Nasdaq and will likely not qualify for some time after the date of this proxy statement, it does intend to seek such listing as soon as possible and complies with its Marketplace Rules. Audit committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2), a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of that company’s board of directors, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In order to be considered to be independent for purposes of Rule 10A-3, a member of an audit committee of a public company may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of directors, or any other board committee: (1) accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the public company or any of its subsidiaries; or (2) be an affiliated person of the listed company or any of its subsidiaries.

In March of 2013, our Board undertook a review of its composition, the composition of its committees and the independence of each director. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our Board has determined none of the directors has a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors is “independent” as that term is defined under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).

21

On December 17, 2017, William R Doyle retired from his positions with the Company as Chairman of the Board of Directors, a director and President and CEO of the Corporation. Mr. Doyle’s retirement did not result from any disagreement with the Company and he remains a Product Development Consultant.

On December 17, 2017 Jason Meggs resigned from his position with the Company as a director. Mr. Meggs’ resignation did not result from any disagreement with the Company.

Audit Committee

The Board member serving on our Audit Committee is Ms. Mangum. Ms. Mangum chairs and is the sole member of the Audit Committee.was Dr. Stone. Our Board has determined that Ms. MangumDr. Stone satisfies the requirements for financial literacy under the current requirements of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. Ms. MangumHe is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by SEC rules and satisfiessatisfy the financial sophistication requirements of The NASDAQ Global Market. Our Audit Committee assists our Board in its oversight of our accounting and financial reporting process and the audits of our financial statements. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include:

appointing, approving the compensation of, and assessing the independence of our independent registered public accounting firm;

23

overseeing the work of our independent registered public accounting firm, including through the receipt and consideration of reports from such firm;
reviewing and discussing with management and the independent registered public accounting firm our annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures;
monitoring our internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures and code of business conduct and ethics;
discussing our risk management policies;
establishing policies regarding hiring employees from the independent registered public accounting firm and procedures for the receipt and resolution of accounting related complaints and concerns;
meeting independently with our independent registered public accounting firm and management;
reviewing and approving or ratifying any related person transactions; and
preparing the audit committee report required by SEC rules.

All audit and non-audit services, other than de minimus non-audit services, to be provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm must be approved in advance by our Audit Committee.

Audit Committee Charter

We have adopted an Audit Committee Charter which sets out the duties and responsibilities of our Audit Committee. The Audit Committee Charter is available on our website atwww.vytex.comwww.vystarcorp.com. Any amendments to the Charter, or any waivers of its requirements, will be disclosed on our website.

Meetings of the Board and Committees

During fiscal year 2017,2022, our Board held eleven meetings,one meeting, and its Audit Committee held four meetings.one meeting. Each director attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Boardmeeting in fiscal year 2017.2022. Members of our Board are encouraged to attend our annual meetings of shareholders.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Corporate Governance Guidelines

We believe in sound corporate governance practices and have adopted formal Corporate Governance Guidelines to enhance our effectiveness. Our Board adopted these Corporate Governance Guidelines in order to ensure that it has the necessary practices in place to review and evaluate our business operations as needed and to make decisions that are independent of our management. The Corporate Governance Guidelines are also intended to align the interests of directors and management with those of our shareholders. The Corporate Governance Guidelines set forth the practices our Board follows with respect to Board and committee composition and selection, Board meetings, chief executive officer performance evaluation and management development and succession planning for senior management, including the chief executive officer position. A copy of our Corporate Governance Guidelines is available on our website atwww.vytex.comwww.vystarcorp.com.

2224

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all officers, directors and employees of Vystar that comply with NASDAQ listing standards. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics includes an enforcement mechanism, and any waivers for directors or executive officers must be approved by our Board and disclosed in a current report on Form 8-K with the SEC. This Code of Business Conduct is publicly available on our website atwww.vytex.comwww.vystarcorp.com. There were no waivers of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for any of our directors or executive officers during fiscal year 2017.2022.

ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Overview

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by our, Chief Executive Officer and President for 20172022 and 2016.2021.

Name and Principal Position Salary  Option
Awards
(1)
  All Other
Compensation
(2)
  Total 
William R. Doyle                
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President                
2017 $106,855  $146,000  $38,900  $291,755 
2016 $150,000  $100,291  $2,000  $252,291 
Name and Principal Position Salary  

Option

Awards(1)

  Total 
Steven Rotman - 2022 $185,000  $236,150  $421,150 
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and President            
             
Steven Rotman - 2021 $185,000  $292,329  $447,329 
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and President            

(1)These amounts do not reflect the actual economic value realized by the executive officers. In accordance with SEC rules, the amounts in this column for 20172022 and 20162021 represent the dollar amount recognized as compensation expense by Vystar for financial statement reporting purposes for fiscal years 20172022 and 20162021 for stock and options granted to each of the executive officers in each such fiscal year in accordance with applicable accounting guidance related to stock-based compensation. Pursuant to SEC rules, the amounts shown disregard the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions.
(2)Amounts consist of medical and common stock awards.

Employment Agreements

On November 11, 2008, Vystar entered into an employment agreement with William R. Doyle to continue to serve as Vystar’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. The term of the agreement is effective until terminated by either party in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Under the agreement, Mr. Doyle receives a base salary of $185,000 per year, as such base salary may be adjusted by the Board, and an annual bonus equal to a maximum of 125% of Mr. Doyle’s base salary based on the success of the Company in meeting its objectives, as determined by the Board; provided, that no cash bonus is payable to Mr. Doyle on any date unless he is employed by the Company on that date. The amount of the annual bonus is determined by the Board based on the percentage of achievement of the stated company objectives. The effective date of the annual bonus calculation is the Company’s fiscal year-end and is payable in one or more installments as determined by the Board beginning in the first quarter of the following fiscal year. Mr. Doyle’s employment agreement is terminable at will by the Company for cause or without cause as defined in the agreement. However, if Mr. Doyle’s employment is terminated by Vystar without cause, Vystar is obligated to pay Mr. Doyle compensation earned through the date of termination plus a severance payment equal to six (6) months base salary from the date of termination payable as if he had remained an employee of the Company, plus, assuming Mr. Doyle complies with non-compete and non-solicitation covenants contained in the employment agreement, an amount equal to 75% of Mr. Doyle’s base salary amount for the one (1) year period after the date of termination. If Mr. Doyle is terminated for cause or he terminates the employment agreement without cause, he is only entitled to compensation accrued through the date of termination.

On January 15, 2016, the Board approved a change in Mr. Doyle’s compensation package that included a base annual salary of $150,000 paid monthly and an immediate award of $50,000 in warrants that vest at the end of each month of employment through the end of 2016.

On February 15, 2017, the Board approved a change in Mr. Doyle’s compensation package that included a base annual salary of $150,000 paid monthly and an immediate award of $50,000 in warrants that vest at the end of each month of employment through the end of 2017.

On December 17, 2017, Mr. Doyle retired.

2325

Risk Analysis of Performance-Based Compensation Programs

As of December 31, 2017, there are no officers under a performance-based compensation program.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to compensation awarded to, paid to or earned by each of Vystar’s non-employee directors during fiscal year 2017.2022.

Name Fees Earned or Paid in
Cash ($)
 Stock Awards ($) Option Awards ($) (1) Total ($) (2)
Mitsy Y. Mangum        10,703  10,703
Michael X. Ianacone        9,640  9,640
Ranjit K. Matthan        7,837  7,837
Jason M. Meggs        3,679  3,679
Keith D. Osborn        4,904  4,904
Steven Rotman        1,230  1,230
Joseph C. Allegra, Jr., PhD        1,230  1,230
Bryan Stone, MD        1,230  1,230
Name 

Fees

Earned

or

Paid in

Cash ($)

  

Stock

Awards

($)(3)

  Option Awards ($) (1)  

Total

($)(2)

 
Joseph C. Allegra, Jr., PhD  -   -   3,691   3,691 
Bryan Stone, M.D.  -   -   3,691   3,691 
Byron L. Novosad, DDS     -      -   -   - 

(1)

In 2014, Ms. Mangum as a non-employee director was granted 500,000 options at $0.11 per share which vest 25,000 options at the end of each fiscal quarter for five (5) years beginning September 30, 2014.

On September 15, 2014, Mr. Ianacone as non-employee directors were granted 500,000 options at $0.10 per share which vest 25,000 options at the end of each fiscal quarter for five (5) years beginning September 30, 2014.

On March 12, 2015, Dr. Matthan as a non-employee director was granted 500,000 options at $0.08 per share which vest 25,000 options at the end of each fiscal quarter for five (5) years beginning March 30, 2015.

On December 2, 2015, Mr. Meggs as a non-employee director was granted 500,000 options at $0.03 per share which vest 25,000 options at the end of each fiscal quarter for five (5) years beginning March 30, 2016. On December 17, 2017 Jason Meggs resigned from his position with the Company as a director and his unvested options were forfeited.

On May 18, 2016, Dr. Osborn as a non-employee director was granted 500,000 options at $0.05 per share which vest 25,000 options at the end of each fiscal quarter for five (5) years beginning September 30, 2016.

On December 15, 2017, Dr. Stone and Dr. Allegra as non-employee directors were granted 500,000 options at $0.05 per share which vest 25,000 options at the end of each fiscal quarter for five (5) years beginning December 31, 2017.

On December 15, 2017, Mr. Rotman as director was granted 500,000 options at $0.05 per share which vest 25,000 options at the end of each fiscal quarter for five (5) years beginning December 31, 2017.

The amounts included represent the portion of the original total grant date fair value of options that vested in 20172022 together with the dollar amount recognized as compensation expense by Vystar for financial statement reporting purposes for fiscal year 20172022 in accordance with applicable accounting guidance related to stock-based compensation.

(2)
(2)These amounts do not reflect the actual economic value realized by the directors. In accordance with SEC rules, this column represents the dollar amount recognized as compensation expense by Vystar for financial statement reporting purposes for fiscal year 20172022 for stock options granted to each of the non-employee directors during fiscal years 2015, 2016, and 2017 through 2022 in accordance with applicable accounting guidance related to stock-based compensation. Pursuant to SEC rules, the amounts shown disregard the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions.

Compensation Philosophy

The current policy of our Board is that compensation for non-employee directors should be equity-based compensation to reward directors for quarterly periods of service in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities.

Expenses

We reimburse our directors for their travel and related expenses in connection with attending Board and committee meetings, as well as costs and expenses incurred in attending director education programs and other Vystar-related seminars and conferences.

24

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 20172022 by each entity or person who is known to beneficially own 5% or more of our common stock, each of our directors, each Executive Officer identified in “Executive Compensation—Summary Compensation Table” contained in this proxy statement and all of our directors and current executive officers as a group. This table is based upon information supplied by executive officers, directors and principal shareholders. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws where applicable, each of the shareholders named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned. None of the shares beneficially owned by our executive officers and directors are pledged as security. Applicable percentages are based on shares outstanding on December 31, 2017,2022, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by the SEC.

26

 

5% Stockholders      
       
Joseph C Allegra, Sr. M.D.
Atlanta, GA
  9,771,899   7.273%
         
Lam Ngoc Minh
Vietnam
  10,000,000   7.530%
         
William R Doyle
Atlanta, GA
  14,733,516   10.275%
         
Officers & Directors        
         
Steven Rotman
Worcester, MA
  3,097,466   2.324%
         
Keith Osborn
Atlanta, GA
  23,785,908   16.358%
         
Michelle Mangum
Atlanta, GA
  2,315,000   1.714%
         
Michael X. Ianacone
Atlanta, GA
  1,040,000   0.780%
         
Ranjit K. Matthan
India
  517,500   0.388%
         
Bryan Stone, M.D.
Palm Springs, CA
  2,500,000   1.875%
         
Joseph Carmen Allegra, Jr. PhD
Atlanta, GA
  500,000   0.375%
         
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group  33,755,874   25.417%
         
Total Shares Outstanding  132,809,218     

Officers and Directors      
       
Steven Rotman        
Worcester, MA  348,035   2.689%
         
Bryan Stone, M.D.        
Palm Springs, CA  209,663   1.620%
         
Joseph Carmen Allegra, Jr., PhD        
Atlanta, GA  10,000   0.077%
         
Byron L. Novosad, DDS        
Houston, TX  6,667   0.052%
         
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group  574,365   4.438%
         
Total Shares Outstanding  12,942,592     

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors, and any person or entity who owns more than ten percent of a registered class of our common stock or other equity securities, to file with the SEC certain reports of ownership and changes in ownership of our securities. Executive officers, directors and shareholders who hold more than ten percent of our outstanding common stock are required by the SEC to furnish us with copies of all required forms filed under Section 16(a). We prepare Section 16(a) forms on behalf of our executive officers and directors based on the information provided by them.

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Based solely on review of this information and written representations by our executive officers and directors that no other reports were required, we believe that, during fiscal year 20172022 each director filed the forms required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act on a timely basis with respect to the repricing of option and warrants.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table shows information related to our common stock which may be issued under our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan,compensation plans, as amended, as of December 31, 2017:2022:

Plan Category 

Number of securities

to be issued

upon

exercise of

outstanding options

  Weighted Average Exercise price of outstanding options  

Number of

securities

remaining

available

for future

issuance

under equity

compensation

plans

(excluding

securities

reflected

in first column)

 
2004 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended, approved by shareholders  77,483  $580   22,517 
2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan  0   0   50,000 
2019 Equity Incentive Plan  0   0   500,000 
Total  77,483  $580   572,517 

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Plan Category Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options
by Executive Officers
  Number of
securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding
securities reflected
in first column)
 
2004 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended, approved by shareholders  7,748,271   2,251,729 
2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan  0   5,000,000 
Total  7,748,271   7,251,729 

Our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended, which we refer to as the 2004 Plan, was adopted by our Board in 2004, and amended and approved by our shareholders in 2009. A maximum of 10,000,000100,000 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance under the 2004 Plan.

The 2004 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, restricted stock and other stock-based awards. Our officers, employees, consultants and directors are eligible to receive awards under the 2004 Plan; however, incentive stock options may only be granted to our employees. In accordance with the terms of the 2004 Plan, our Board administers the 2004 Plan and, subject to any limitations in the 2004 Plan, selects the recipients of awards and determines:

the number of shares of common stock covered by options and the dates upon which those options become exercisable;
the exercise prices of options;
the duration of options;
the methods of payment of the exercise price; and
the number of shares of common stock subject to any restricted stock or other stock-based awards and the terms and conditions of those awards, including the conditions for repurchase, issue price and repurchase price.

Pursuant to the terms of the 2004 Plan, in the event of a change in control of our company, each outstanding option under the 2004 Plan will vest, but the holders shall have the right, assuming the holder still maintains a continuous service relationship with us, immediately prior to such dissolution or liquidation, to exercise the option to the extent exercisable on the date of such dissolution or liquidation.

In the event of a merger or other reorganization event, our Board shall have the discretion to provide for any or all of the following: (a) the acceleration of vesting or the termination of our repurchase rights of any or all of the outstanding awards, (b) the assumption or substitution of all options by the acquitting or succeeding entity or (c) the termination of all options that remain outstanding at the time of the merger or other reorganization event.

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ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

Vystar’s Code of Business Conduct requires that all employees and directors avoid conflicts of interests that interfere with the performance of their duties or are not in the best interests of Vystar.

In addition, pursuant to its written charter, the Audit Committee considers and approves or disapproves any related person transaction as defined under Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC, after examining each such transaction for potential conflicts of interest and other improprieties. The Audit Committee has not adopted any specific written procedures for conducting such reviews and considers each transaction in light of the specific facts and circumstances presented.

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Transactions with Related Persons

On April 29, 2011,Per Steven Rotman’s Employment agreement dated July 22, 2019, as amended, he is to be paid $125,000 per year in cash, $10,417 per month in shares based on a 20-day average price at a 50% discount to market, $5,000 per month in cash for expenses, as well as access to a Company provided vehicle and health and life insurance. During the Company executed with CMA Investments, LLC,year ended December 31, 2022, Vystar and Rotmans expensed approximately $417,000 related to this employment agreement. In addition, Vystar issued 1,330,066 shares of Series C Preferred Stock for the settlement of debt totaling $3,552,321. A loss of $1,900,950 was recognized on the issuance and is included in other expenses for 2022. As of December 31, 2022, Vystar had a Georgia limited liability company (“CMA”) a linestock subscription payable balance of credit with a principal amount$619,084, or approximately 920,000 shares to be issued in the future and $183,155 of up to $800,000 (the “CMA Note”). CMAreimbursable expenses payable and $116,403 of unpaid salary.

The Board of Directors authorized their board fees for 2021 be paid in common stock of Vystar. Included in stock subscription payable at December 31, 2022 and 2021 is a limited liability company100,000 shares valued at $291,000, of which three of the directors of the Company were the members20,000 shares valued at such date. Proceeds under the line were drawn$58,200 is included in Steven Rotman’s balance above.

Steven Rotman advanced Vystar $24,087 in 2022 for general working capital purposes. Under the terms of the CMA Note, the Company may draw up to a maximum principal amount of $800,000. Interest on amounts drawn and fees were paid by an affiliate of Joseph C. Allegra, M.D., a director of the Company, to CMA, until February 6, 2012, at which time the Company took over responsibility for the payment of such interest and fees. Pursuant to an agreement between the Company and such affiliate, the Company issued common stock to such affiliate with a value equal to such interest and fees paid based on the closing price of the common stock on the OTC Bulletin Board on the date of such payments. The maturity date of the Note is April 29, 2013 and was subsequently renewed for one year. The CMA Note is unsecured and no payments of principaladvances are due untilon demand as repayment terms have not yet been finalized.

Blue Oar Consulting, Inc. (“Blue Oar”) is owned by Gregory Rotman, who is the second anniversary of the Note, at which time all outstanding principal is due and payable. As compensation to the directors for providing the CMA Note, the Company issued warrants to purchase 2,600,000 sharesson of the Company’s common stockCEO, Steven Rotman. Blue Oar provides business consulting services to Vystar. In exchange for such services, Vystar has entered into a consulting agreement with the related party entity. Per the consulting agreement, Blue Oar is to be paid $15,000 per month in cash for expenses, and $12,500 per month to be paid in shares based on a 20-day average at a 50% discount to market. During the year ended December 31, 2022, Vystar expensed approximately $459,000 related to the directorsconsulting agreement. In addition, Vystar issued 221,385 shares of Series C Preferred Stock for the settlement of debt and payables totaling $702,161. A loss of $313,340 was recognized on the issuance and is included in other expenses for 2022. As of December 31, 2022, Vystar had a stock subscription payable balance of $629,903, or approximately 1,049,000 shares.

Gregory Rotman advanced Vystar $242,454 in 2022 for working capital purposes. The advances are due on demand as repayment terms have not yet been finalized.

Blue Oar advanced Rotmans $500,000 and paid expenses totaling $100,000 on their behalf in 2022. Rotmans formalized the advances and issued a promissory note to Blue Oar. The note bears interest at $.45 per share which wasan annual rate of six percent (6%) and requires weekly payments of $12,500 until the closing pricenote and interest is paid in full in 2023. Rotmans also granted Blue Oar a security interest in its inventory. As of December 31, 2022, the balance of the Company’s common stock on that day, later adjusted to $.27 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the day it was adjusted.note payable including accrued interest is approximately $407,000.

CMA is a limited liability company of which Joseph C. Allegra, M.D., J. Douglas Craft and Michelle Y. Mangum, each a director of the Company, are the members. Effective year ending December 31, 2014, Joseph C. Allegra, M.D. and J. Douglas Craft are no longer members of Vystar’s board of directors.

On September 14, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved increasing the line of credit to $1,000,000 and William R. Doyle, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer became a member of CMA. As compensation for increasing the line and for Mr. Doyle joining CMA, the directors approved issuing warrants to purchase an additional 1,600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $.27 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on that day.

On November 2, 2012, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the CMA line of credit from $1,000,000 to $1,500,000. On January 10, 2013, as compensation to the CMA members for providing the increased CMA Note, the Company issued warrants to purchase 2,100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the CMA members at $0.35 per share and recorded as deferred financing cost to be amortized through interest expense over the remaining term of the CMA Note.

On April 29, 2013, the maturity date of the CMA Note was extended to April 29, 2014. As compensation to the CMA Directors for extending the maturity date of the CMA Note, the Board of Directors approved modifying the exercise price for the 6,300,000 compensatory stock purchase warrants previously issued to the Directors to $0.10 per share and the CMA Directors forfeited 630,000 of the warrants. Amortization of the financing costs associated with extending the CMA Note was amortized through interest expense.

On April 29, 2014, the maturity date of the CMA Note was extended to April 29, 2015 with no compensation being paid to the CMA Directors for this extension.

As of April 29, 2015, the maturity date of the CMA Note was again extended for one year to April 29, 2016. No compensation was paid to the CMA Directors for this extension. The note is currently due on demand.

On January 7, 2018, Vystar Corporation has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire the assets of NHS Holdings, LLC. (NHS), Vystar’s exclusive U.S. distributor of Vytex® virtually allergen-, VOC- and odor-free natural rubber latex (NRL) foam. Please refer to Form 8-K filed on December 17, 2017 for further information.

Director Independence

Under Rule 5605(b)(1) of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules, independent directors must comprise a majority of a listed company’s board of directors within one year of listing. In addition, Nasdaq Marketplace Rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees be independent. While Vystar does not currently qualify for listing on Nasdaq and will likely not qualify for some time after the date of this proxy statement, it does intend to seek such listing as soon as possible and complies with its Marketplace Rules. Audit committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2), a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of that company’s board of directors, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In order to be considered to be independent for purposes of Rule 10A-3, a member of an audit committee of a public company may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of directors, or any other board committee: (1) accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the public company or any of its subsidiaries; or (2) be an affiliated person of the listed company or any of its subsidiaries.

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ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

During fiscal year 20172022 and 2016,2021, we retained the firm of Porter Keadle Moore, LLCMacias Gini & O’Connell (“PKM”MGO”) to provide servicesaudit services. Below is a table of fees incurred in the following categories and amounts:

Fee Category  2017($)  2016($)  2022($)  2021($)
Audit Fees  66,750   68,750   190,000   190,000 
Audit-Related Fees            
Tax Fees            
All Other Fees            
Total  66,750   68,750   190,000   190,000 

Audit fees include the audit of Vystar’s annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in each of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.

Audit-related fees consist of fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements. This category includes fees related to accounting-related consulting services. No audit-related fees incurred for the current or previous period.

Tax fees consist of fees for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. This category includes fees primarily related to the preparation and review of federal, state and international tax returns and assistance with tax audits. No tax fees were incurred for the current or previous period.

All other fees include assurance services not related to the audit or review of our financial statements. No other fees were incurred for the current or previous period.

There were no non-audit services provided by PKMMGO for the current or previous period.

AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL OF SERVICES PERFORMED BY OUR

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

It is the policy of our Audit Committee to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by PKM.MGO. Our Audit Committee pre-approves services by authorizing specific projects within the categories outlined above, subject to a budget for each category. Our Audit Committee’s charter delegates to one or more members of the Audit Committee the authority to address any requests for pre-approval of services between Audit Committee meetings, and the subcommittee or such member or members must report any pre-approval decisions to our Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

All services related to audit fees provided by PKMMGO during fiscal year 20172022 and 20162021 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the pre-approval policy described above.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee’s role includes the oversight of our financial, accounting and reporting processes; our system of internal accounting and financial controls; our enterprise risk management program; and our compliance with related legal, regulatory and ethical requirements. The Audit Committee oversees the appointment, compensation, engagement, retention, termination and services of our independent registered public accounting firm, including conducting a review of its independence; reviewing and approving the planned scope of our annual audit; overseeing our independent registered public accounting firm’s audit work; reviewing and pre-approving any audit and non-audit services that may be performed by it; reviewing with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the adequacy of our internal financial and disclosure controls; reviewing our critical accounting policies and the application of accounting principles; and monitoring the rotation of partners of our independent registered public accounting firm on our audit engagement team as required by regulation. The Audit Committee establishes procedures, as required under applicable regulation, for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and the submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The Audit Committee’s role also includes meeting to review our annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements with management and our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee held four meetingsone meeting during fiscal year 2017.2022.

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The sole member of the Audit Committee meetsmet the independence criteria prescribed by applicable regulation and the rules of the SEC for audit committee membership and is anare “independent director” within the meaning of NASDAQ listing standards. The Audit Committee member meets NASDAQ’s financial literacy requirements, and the Board further determined that Ms. Mangumthe member is aan “audit committee financial expert” is a “as such term is defined in Item 407(d) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC also meets NASDAQ’s financial sophistication requirements. The Audit Committee acts pursuant to a written charter, which complies with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules of the SEC and NASDAQ, a copy of which can be found on our website atwww.vytex.comwww.vystarcorp.com.

 WeI have reviewed and discussed with management and PKMMGO Vystar’s audited financial statements. WeI discussed with PKMMGO and Vystar’s Chief Financial Officer the overall scope and plans of PKM’s audits. WeMGO’s audit. I met with PKM,MGO, with and without management present, to discuss results of its examinations, its evaluation of Vystar’s internal controls, and the overall quality of Vystar’s financial reporting.

WeI have reviewed and discussed with PKMMGO matters required to be discussed pursuant to Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1. AU section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T. WeI have received from PKMMGO the written disclosures and letter required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding PKM’sMGO’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. WeI have discussed with PKMMGO matters relating to its independence.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above and ourmy review of Vystar’s audited financial statements for fiscal year 2017, we2022, I recommended to the Board that Vystar’s audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,2022, for filing with the SEC.

Respectfully submitted,

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Mitsy Y. Mangum,Bryan Stone, M.D., Chair

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PART IV

ITEM 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following financial statements and notes thereto of Vystar Corporation, and the related Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are set forth in Item 8.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-1
Consolidated Balance SheetsF-2
Consolidated Statements of LossOperationsF-3
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)DeficitF-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsF-5
Notes to Financial StatementsF-6

2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC have been omitted because they are not applicable, or the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

31

 

3. EXHIBITS

Exhibit Index *

* Some Exhibits have certain confidential information redacted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment

NumberDescription
3.1Articles of Incorporation of Vystar Acquisition Corporation (now named Vystar Corporation) dated December 17, 2003 (as amended) (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
3.2
3.2Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Vystar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Vystar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed on April 14, 2016.)
3.3
3.3Bylaws of Vystar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
4.1
4.1Specimen Certificate evidencing shares of Vystar common stock (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
4.2
4.2Form of Share Subscription Agreements and Investment Letter (First Private Placement) (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
4.3
4.3Form of Share Subscription Agreement and Investment Letter (Second Private Placement) (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
4.4
4.4Form of Vystar Corporation Investor Questionnaire and Subscription Agreement (Third Private Placement) (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
4.5
4.5Warrant to Purchase Shares of Common Stock of Vystar Corporation dated March 11, 2011 issued to Topping Lift Capital LLC (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 11, 2011 and filed on March 15, 2011)
4.6
4.6Form of Warrant issued to Investor note holders (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 11, 2011 and filed on March 15, 2011)

30

4.7Form of Series A-1 Warrant (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 11, 2012)
10.1*
10.1*Manufacturing Agreement between Vystar Corporation and Revertex (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. effective April 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
10.2
10.2Executive Employment Agreement between Vystar Corporation and William R. Doyle, dated November 11, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
10.3
10.3Management Agreement dated January 31, 2008 between Universal Capital Management, Inc. and Vystar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)

32

10.4Letter Agreement dated August 15, 2008 between Universal Capital Management, Inc. and Vystar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
10.5
10.5Addendum to Management Agreement dated February 29, 2008 between Universal Capital Management, Inc. and Vystar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
10.6
10.6Warrant Purchase Agreement dated January 31, 2008 between Universal Capital Management, Inc. and Vystar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
10.7
10.7Management Agreement dated April 30, 2008 between Universal Capital Management, Inc. and Vystar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
10.8
10.8Warrant Purchase Agreement dated April 30, 2008 between Universal Capital Management, Inc. and Vystar Corporation (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
10.9
10.9Vystar Corporation 2004 Long-Term Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
10.10
10.10Employment Agreement between Vystar Corporation and Sandra Parker dated April 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
10.10*
10.10*Distributor Agreement among Vystar Corporation, Centrotrade Minerals & Metals, Inc. and Centrotrade Deutschland, GmbH dated January 6, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
10.11
10.11Note agreement between Vystar Corporation and Climax Global Energy, Inc. dated August 15, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 originally filed on November 13, 2008, Registration Statement No. 333-155344)
10.12
10.12Form of Investor Note (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 11, 2011 and filed on March 15, 2011)
10.13
10.13Promissory Grid Note dated April 29, 2011, in a principal amount of $800,000 from Vystar Corporation to CMA Investments, LLC (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2011 and filed on May 2, 2011)

31

10.14First Amendment to Agreement dated September 9, 2011, between Vystar Corporation, CMA Investments, LLC and Italia-Eire, LP, a Georgia limited partnership (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.14 to Vystar Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed on March 30, 2012)
10.15
10.15Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated May 2012 between Vystar and investors (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 10, 2012)
10.16
10.16LLC Ownership Interest Purchase Agreement dated September 13, 2012, between Vystar and Mary Ailene Miller (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 19, 2012)

33

10.17Second Amendment to Agreement dated November 2, 2012, among Vystar, CMA Investments, LLC and Italia – Eire LP (incorporated by reference to Vystar’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 14,11, 2012)
10.18**Employment Agreement between W. Dean Waters and Vystar dated April 1, 2013
10.1910.18LLC Ownership Interest Purchase Agreement dated June 28, 2013, between the Company and Michal Soo, M.D. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2013)
10.20
10.19Note Subscription Agreement dated June 28, 2013 between the Company and the Investors (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2013)
10.21
10.20Form of Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note dated June 30, 2013 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2013)
10.22
10.21Form of Security Agreement dated July 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2013)
31***Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32***Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS***XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH***XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL***XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF***XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB***XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE***XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*           Some Exhibits have certain confidential information redacted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

**        Exhibits and schedules to this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company will furnish copies of the omitted exhibits and schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request. Confidential treatment has been requested as to a portion of this exhibit, which portion has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

***       Filed herewith.

*Some Exhibits have certain confidential information redacted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

**Exhibits and schedules to this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company will furnish copies of the omitted exhibits and schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request. Confidential treatment has been requested as to a portion of this exhibit, which portion has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
***Filed herewith.

ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable.

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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.

VYSTAR CORPORATION
Date: March 29, 2018 October 10, 2023By:/s/ Steven Rotman
Steven Rotman

Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer (Principal

Executive Officer), Chief Financial Officer (Principal

Financial and Accounting Officer) and Director

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated, on March 30, 2018 .October 10, 2023.

SignatureTitle
/s/ Steven RotmanPresident, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer
Steven Rotman
/s/ Joseph AllegraChairman of the Board of Directors
Joseph Allegra, PhD
/s/ Keith D. OsbornDirector
 Keith D. Osborn, MD
/s Michael X. IanaconeDirector
 Michael X. Ianacone
 /s/ Mitsy Y. MangumDirector
 Mitsy Y. Mangum
/s/ Ranjit MatthanDirector
 Ranjit Matthan, PhD
/s/ Bryan StoneDirector
Bryan Stone, MD
/s/ Byron NovosadDirector
Byron Novosad, DDS

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