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UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
8-K
CURRENT
REPORT
PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date
of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 21, 2024
EASTSIDE
DISTILLING, INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada |
|
001-38182 |
|
20-3937596 |
(State
or other jurisdiction
of
incorporation) |
|
(Commission
File
Number) |
|
(IRS
Employer
Identification
No.) |
755
Main Street, Building 4, Suite 3
Monroe,
CT 06468
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(Zip
Code)
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code: (484) 800-9154
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common
Stock, $0.0001 par value |
|
EAST |
|
The
Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
(Title
of Each Class) |
|
(Trading
Symbol) |
|
(Name
of Each Exchange on Which Registered) |
Check
the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under
any of the following provisions:
☐ |
Written
communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
|
|
☐ |
Soliciting
material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
|
|
☐ |
Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
|
|
☐ |
Pre-commencement
communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (CFR §230.405
of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (CFR §240.12b-2 of this chapter).
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. ☐
Item
8.01 Other Events
As
previously disclosed on Eastside Distilling, Inc.’s (the “Company” or “Eastside”) Current Report
on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 7, 2024, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
and Reorganization under which the Company acquired Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc. (“Beeline”). The Company is filing this
Current Report on Form 8-K to update the investing public with information concerning Beeline, its business, Beeline’s financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and Beeline’s financial statements for
the six months ended June 30, 2024.
BUSINESS
Overview
and History
Beeline
is a fintech mortgage lender and title provider transforming the home loan process into a shorter, easier path than conventional mortgage
lending for millions of Americans seeking a digital experience. Beeline has built a proprietary mortgage and title platform leveraging
advanced technical tools with sophisticated language learning models and combining an appropriate amount of human interaction to create
a better outcome for mortgage borrowers. Beeline was founded in 2019. with principal offices located in Providence, Rhode Island.
An Australian subsidiary has offices in Burleigh Heads, Australia. Beeline also has executive office suites in 3 locations in
the United States.
Beeline’s
business model is focused on providing an efficient process for consumers to more easily access mortgage lending using our online portal
and services. In 2024, approximately 58% of the loans Beeline originated and brokered through October 31, 2024, were non-qualified mortgage
loans (“Non-QM loans”) where the consumer, for example, lacked traditional income from employment in contrast to investment,
rental income or other 1099 income or where the consumer has sufficient assets to support the loan. Although Beeline faces significant
competition from major national, regional and local banks as well as other online lenders and many conventional mortgage lenders, it
does not believe that these other lenders seek to originate non-conforming loans in any material way.
Beeline
primarily serves as the lender for its conventional loan underwriting and on most of its Non-QM loans. Beeline also serves as a mortgage
broker for certain loans with third party lenders - primarily for the remainder of Non-QM loans. In 2024, Beeline acted as lender in
59% of its loan transactions, and as mortgage broker in 41% of its loan transactions. Beeline leverages its industry-specific
knowledge and infrastructure, using a combination of licensed and proprietary technology, to provide an alternative to a more manual,
non-technology focused lending process for residential properties in the United States.
Beeline’s
Mortgage Lending Business
Beeline
is licensed to operate in 28 states including California, Florida and Texas. Beeline’s services and platform
are designed to address the evolving real estate market, including the increasing use of online and digital means of financing access
as well as a trend away from conventional lending qualification practices, in part by placing consumers in front of financing opportunities
that may not be available from lenders using the conventional approach to loan qualification processing. Its focus is on residential
properties. However, a small portion of Beeline’s originated loans (less than 10%) are for commercial properties.
Beeline
can generate mortgagee approvals that are more reliable than traditional pre-approvals in as little as 7 to 10 minutes and lock rates
for borrowers in one session from their mobile device. Beeline’s unique experience was built for digital-first consumers and property
investors who grew up in the gig economy and who desire a frictionless, digital experience. Beeline offers a unique variety of mortgage
products when compared to other mortgage lenders, including the “top 50” lenders, allowing borrowers a higher probability
of home ownership or to take cash out of their property through a refinance transaction.
Most
top 50 lenders will deny a borrower if they are not approved for a conventional mortgage backed by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, the two
government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”) that back a majority of mortgages in the U.S. (“QM loans”). In this
instance, Beeline will re-route the borrower to a non-traditional mortgage process offering solutions not offered by larger lending institutions.
Combining QM loans and Non-QM loans through a single streamlined platform available any time provides strong differentiation and resulting
options for Beeline’s customers.
As
the real estate industry has evolved, Non-QM loans have become more popular, relying on a different set of underwriting criteria which
are more suited to borrowers whose situations do not line up with more stringent guidelines created for and based on the previous generation
and economy. Beeline is one of the few direct-to-consumer digital mortgage lenders that offer both QM and Non-QM loans from a single
platform allowing Beeline to better serve the 75 million Millennials and Gen Z quickly emerging as home buyers and currently representing
approximately 40% of the home purchase market. During 2024, 24% of Beeline’s loan originations were home purchases, and 76% were
refinance transactions.
As
described elsewhere in this section, Beeline’s business is multi-faceted, and Beeline can serve multiple roles in the home lending
process. In addition to the lending operation, Beeline also has two title agencies in its umbrella. One title agency is wholly owned
and the other title agency is a joint venture with an asset manager in which Beeline holds 50.9% of the ownership. Beeline also has a
subsidiary focused on the development of artificial intelligence (“AI”) that Beeline’s lending operation leverages
in chat on its website.
Beeline
breaks down the legacy role-based mortgage process into tasks for faster processing. Beeline has built automation to satisfy underwriting
conditions in the loan file in real time. This expedites the time to close while minimizing headcount and expense for Beeline. Beeline
expects that its technology and systems will continue to evolve, which will permit growth over the next three to five years. However,
there are no assurances that Beeline will grow during this period.
Beeline
generates its leads exclusively online relying heavily on Google advertising, which generated over 85% of its leads during
the period ended October 31, 2024. One other source accounted for more than 10% of Beeline’s leads. Its marketing processes
and strategizes are further described under “Marketing” below.
Beeline’s
Services
Beeline is a digital mortgage operation leveraging proprietary AI, streamlined task-based processing, data integrations and human capital
for originating, evaluating, approving and closing a mortgage.
| ● | Marketing
and Sales: Beeline uses an AI chatbot to enable cost-effective communication with
prospective borrowers to respond to inquiries and answer questions about our lending
offerings, enhance borrower engagement and introduce new borrowers to our platform. This
AI product is powered by MagicBlocks, Inc. (“MagicBlocks”), a company in which
Beeline currently owns a 48% interest. For more information on MagicBlocks, see page 6 of
this Report. |
| ● | Application
and Pre-Qualification: When Borrowers are ready to apply, they are taken through a seven-to-ten-minute
journey through a series of conversational-style questions, collecting the
information required to complete a loan application. |
| ● | Document
Collection and Verification: The system automatically asks for required documents, such as
bank statements, tax returns, and employment information based on the loan type and purpose.
Many platforms utilize a secure an application programming interface to link directly
to borrowers’ financial accounts, making it easier to verify income, assets, and employment
information without manual uploads. |
| ● | Approval
and Closing: Once underwriting is completed, the borrower receives a conditional approval.
Where legally permissible under state law, Beeline schedules online closings, further reducing
the need for physical paper and cuts down on signing errors and time to post-close review
a loan file. Where that is not possible, the loans close in-person. |
| ● | Post-Closing
and Servicing: After closing, loans are sold to aggregators who handle all servicing. |
| ● | Beeline
also offers title and closing services. Beeline’s mortgage services and title operations
are tightly integrated, providing a seamless customer experience. Beeline acts as the agent
in its title and closing services business, selling title insurance policies for some of
the largest title underwriters, including First American National Title Insurance Company,
Fidelity National Title Insurance Company and Westcor Land Insurance Company. |
Sources
of Revenue
Beeline
generates revenue from the below three key sources. The numbers reflect the approximate percentages of Beeline’s
2024 revenue through October 31, 2024:
| ● | Net
gain
on sale of loans: Once Beeline closes on a loan, it then sells that loan to
an aggregator at a predetermined price. The proceeds are recorded as a gain
on sale of loans. This source accounted for 66% of revenue. |
| ● | Title
fees: Fees associated with closing a mortgage for a lender, which averages
approximately $1,700 per closed file. Currently Beeline Title handles the title and
escrow services for 60% of the mortgages that Beeline originates while also
offering its title and closing services to other lenders. This source accounted for 20%
of revenue. |
| ● | Loan
origination fees: This is a fee charged to a borrower to offset the costs
of origination. This source accounted for 15% of revenue. |
Beginning
in 2025, Beeline expects to start licensing its proprietary software to other mortgage lenders, which would create recurring revenue
if it is successful in implementing this goal.
Marketing
Unlike
major national, regional and local banks, Beeline generates new customers solely from online advertising. Beeline has no local
branded offices appealing to consumers in contrast to these banks which offer deposit services and check cashing at local offices. As
stated above, Google advertising has accounted for more than 85% of new customers in 2024; one other source, FreeRateUpdate.com,
generated more than 10% of Beeline’s new customers during this same period.
Beeline’s
marketing strategy plays a pivotal role in propelling its growth, focusing on key areas to drive customer acquisition, optimize return
on investment, and enhance customer satisfaction. Through targeted campaigns, Beeline attracts new customers and explores untapped product
and audience segments. Its team’s deep analysis of customer value, along with return on ad spend, supports strategic planning and
resource allocation. Predictive models that Beeline deploys further estimate customer lifetime value, enabling the Beeline team
to tailor campaigns to maximize long-term profitability.
Sophisticated
measurement, reporting, and attribution methods provide the foundation for assessing campaign performance, ensuring that every marketing
dollar spent is contributing toward Beeline’s goals. Beeline often experiments with new traffic sources and campaign
types, which positions it well to keep Beeline’s marketing strategy agile and competitive. Through clear and compelling
communication of Beeline’s unique value propositions, the marketing team strengthens customer relationships. Simultaneously, its
ongoing focus on improvements to the customer experience make Beeline’s offerings more accessible and user-friendly, adding value
at every stage of the customer journey. The Beeline marketing team operates within four primary pillars: Acquisition, Marketing Data,
Marketing Communications, and Product - each contributing uniquely to its overall growth strategy. An overview of these pillars is included
below.
| ● | Acquisition:
As Beeline’s 2024 lead generation reflects, it relies heavily on Google and one other
online source for leads. To further its growth, Beeline may need to reduce this dependency
and seek other material lead sources. Acquisition efforts are focused on managing advertising
budgets efficiently, allocating resources strategically, and meticulously tracking return
on ad spending. This approach is designed to maximize returns across various campaigns, ensuring
that investments in new customers yield measurable outcomes. |
| ● | Marketing
data: Marketing data is the heart of Beeline’s decision-making process. Regular
performance reviews provide insights into advertising effectiveness, while advanced reporting
and analytic tools generate actionable insights that guide the team’s strategies.
By applying sophisticated attribution models, Beeline fosters accurate tracking and analysis
of the customer journey, which helps optimize budget allocation. Predictive forecasting models
assist Beeline in anticipating long-term customer value, allowing it to invest more effectively.
Additionally, Beeline gathers competitive intelligence to stay informed about industry trends,
positioning it strategically in a dynamic market. |
| ● | Marketing
communications: Beeline deploys automated, periodic emails, sometimes referred to as “drip”
campaigns, to nurture potential leads and encourage conversions. It also leverages targeted
auto-communications to increase engagement and conversion rates at key points in the customer
lifecycle. Social media management allows Beeline to maintain a strong, visible presence
across platforms, while AI-driven content generation supports scalable, relevant messaging.
Each of these efforts contributes to building a compelling value proposition, strengthening
Beeline’s brand identity, and establishing trust with current and potential customers.
Additionally, special promotions and offers incentivize new customers and retain existing
ones, making the brand more competitive. |
| ● | Product:
This focuses on optimizing the customer experience through conversion rate improvements,
user experience enhancements, and tailored landing pages that resonate with different customer
segments. Beeline’s ongoing product testing ensures that updates are in line with customer
needs, while AI-powered solutions are being developed to provide a more personalized experience.
These efforts are designed to create a seamless, customer-centric product that adds value
to each stage of the user’s journey, reinforcing Beeline’s commitment to customer
satisfaction. |
Intellectual
property
Beeline
primarily relies upon a combination of trade secrets, service marks and technology licensing, as described below.
| ● | POS
& Tracker: A sophisticated platform that captures, analyzes and retrieves information
to process a mortgage transaction. |
| ● | Decision
Engine: Data driven platform designed to issue approvals based on the data collected
and information provided by the new customer. |
| ● | Resolution
Engine: A tool that captures mortgage tasks and completes those tasks with data,
documents or human involvement. |
| ● | BlinkQC:
An in-house automated quality control (“QC”) solution that can perform a Fannie
Mae/Freddie Mac required pre-close audit in approximately three minutes at a closing cost
of less than $12.50 per file. By contrast, third party QC firms can take between an hour
and 48 hours to complete and cost up to $175.00 per file. |
| ● | MagicBlocks:
A platform that allows businesses to build their own custom AI tools through administrative protocols. Bob, the AI chatbot referred
to below is powered by MagicBlocks. Beeline leverages its relationship with MagicBlocks to enhance its customers’ experience
and drive engagement. Beeline is a founder of MagicBlocks and currently owns 48%; however, MagicBlocks is seeking investment
funding and planning to grant equity to employees which will reduce Beeline’s ownership. Beeline currently uses this
technology without any license or any agreement to pay royalties. If MagicBlocks were to sever its relationship with Beeline, it
would have to locate another AI tool, which could be disruptive to Beeline’s business until it found a replacement and was
able to integrate this new AI technology into Beeline’s operations. Beeline believes that other suitable sources exist,
although the cost will reduce Beeline’s gross profit margins. |
| ● | “Bob”:
is
one of the first mortgage AI chatbots, handling incoming chat-based communication through
its website on a 24/7 basis. Beeline recently upgraded Bob and since this upgrade 30 days
ago, Bob converts conversations into applications at a rate six times more accurate
than its human loan officers, who Beeline refers to as “Loan Guides”.
Beeline plans for Bob to soon start voice campaigns for generating sales activities and enhancing
customer service. By the end of the first quarter of 2025, Bob is expected to start processing
files. It will then process some underwriting functions by the end of the third
quarter of 2025. A certain level of human interaction and involvement is needed for the mortgage
process, therefore Bob will always work in an environment that leverages AI abilities
and humans when needed. |
| ● | License
for software: Beeline licenses the loan origination software and customer relationship
management platform from third party vendors. |
Competition
Banks
and other savings institutions dominate the mortgage lending business. Their competitive advantages are financial strength, which
includes the availability of capital to fund loans, management and employee skills, experience and availability, the ability to use their
financial strength to leverage compliance costs and local visibility.
Digital
direct-to-consumer mortgage lending has grown rapidly, especially post-COVID, as the trend toward remote communication and digitization
of the economy accelerated. As a result, many younger consumers demand a faster, more efficient mortgage processes. Key trends
include the adoption of AI and machine learning for underwriting, online document management, and personalized loan options.
The
market for online mortgage lending is substantial, with projections suggesting continuous growth due to convenience, cost-efficiency,
and customer demand for transparency and lower fees.
Beeline’s
key online competitors are:
| ● | Rocket
Mortgage: The largest digital mortgage lender in the U.S., known for its streamlined application
process and fast approvals. Its online platform is user-friendly, and it offers competitive
rates. Rocket Mortgage leverages AI to enhance customer experience and predict borrower needs. |
| ● | Better.com:
Differentiates with its digital-first experience and AI-driven
recommendations. It emphasizes transparency and customer support,
with a streamlined, all-digital process. |
| ● | SoFi:
Targets a younger demographic, particularly first-time homebuyers. SoFi combines mortgage
products with personal finance management tools. It emphasizes low fees and offers
a diverse array of financial services and non-mortgage loan products. |
| ● | LoanDepot:
Strong presence in both direct-to-consumer and retail channels, with its proprietary technology
called mello®. LoanDepot aims to combine human assistance with technology-driven
processes to cater to diverse customer needs. |
| ● | Ally
Home: Part of Ally Bank, Ally Home focuses on an all-digital mortgage process and targets
consumers interested in a bundled experience with their banking services. |
However,
as of the date of this Report, Beeline does not believe that the above competitors provide Non-QM loans in any material way. Beeline
believes the combination of its mortgage product offerings and its focus on a digital first experience, provides it with a competitive
advantage.
On
the other hand, certain of Beeline’s competitors have greater resources and brand recognition than us, or otherwise pose a competitive
threat to our business. See “Risk Factors” at page 23 for risks related to the competition Beeline faces in its industry.
Strategy
for success
Beeline’s
strategy is focused on developing and leveraging excellent technology to enable better scale at a reduced cost while delivering an exceptional
customer experience. This will be done through AI, automation and task-based workflows. As mentioned, the cost to originate a
mortgage is approximately $9,000 to $13,000. Beeline’s goal is to get that below $6,000.
Additionally,
Beeline’s strategy includes the ability to keep the consumer in the Beeline ecosystem - keeping that customer for the title work
and escrow/settlement services. This increases Beeline’s revenue per file by an average of $1,700.
None
of this is possible without a great brand and great user experience when interacting with Beeline’s technology and staff. Beeline’s
strategy in this area is to continue to push digital content to the right audiences who are interested in a lending experience like the
one it offers. When human touch points are necessary or requested, Beeline provides the consumer with a knowledgeable, friendly and solutions-based
support system.
Building
different mortgage products at scale is critical as well, therefore another strategy is a separation of the Non-QM and QM loans
into their own verticals. Each type of loan has specific needs and nuances so ensuring smooth workflow for each is part of Beeline’s
long-term success. Keeping Non-QM and QM products as offerings is important to revenue diversification.
GOVERNMENT
REGULATIONS
The
statements in this section describe the government regulations specific to Beeline’s industry and should be considered carefully
in conjunction with other information contained in this Report including the “Risk Factors” below.
These
statutes and regulations regulate how Beeline operates, and the licenses Beeline and its employees are required to maintain. They also
dictate the education and training required by employees, disclosures that are required to be made to consumers, etc. Any changes to
the regulatory structure may impact how Beeline does its business.
Government
Regulations Affecting Mortgage Loan Origination
Beeline
operates in a heavily regulated industry that is highly focused on consumer protection. The extensive regulatory framework to which Beeline
is subject includes U.S. federal and state laws and regulations. Governmental authorities and various U.S. federal and state agencies
have broad oversight and supervisory authority over all aspects of Beeline’s business.
Under
the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”), the Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau (“CFPB”) was established to ensure, among other things, that consumers receive clear and accurate disclosures
regarding financial products and to protect consumers from hidden fees and unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices. The CFPB’s
jurisdiction includes those persons producing or brokering residential mortgage loans. It also extends to Beeline’s other
lines of business title insurance. The CFPB has broad supervisory and enforcement powers with regard to non-depository institutions,
such as Beeline, that engage in the production and servicing of home loans.
As
part of its enforcement authority, the CFPB can order, among other things, rescission or reformation of contracts, the refund of moneys
or the return of real property, restitution, disgorgement or compensation for unjust enrichment, the payment of damages or other monetary
relief, public notifications regarding violations, remediation of practices, external compliance monitoring and civil money penalties.
The CFPB has been active in investigations and enforcement actions and has issued large civil money penalties since its inception to
parties the CFPB determines have violated the laws and regulations it enforces.
Effective
October 1, 2022, the CFPB revised the definition of a “qualified mortgage” (“QM”) which permits mortgage lenders
to gain a presumption of compliance with the CFPB’s ability to repay requirements if a loan meets certain underwriting criteria.
Lenders are now required to comply with a new QM definition in order to receive a safe-harbor or rebuttable presumption
of compliance under the ability-to-repay requirements of the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”) and its implementing Regulation
Z. The revision to the QM definition created additional compliance burdens and removed some of the legal certainties afforded to lenders
under the prior QM definition. Specifically, the revised QM rule eliminated the previous requirement limiting QMs to a
43% debt-to-income ratio (“DTI”) and replaced it with pricing-based thresholds. Loans at 150 basis points or less over the
average prime offer rate (“APOR”) as of the date the interest rate is set, receive a safe harbor presumption of compliance,
while loans between 151 and 225 basis points over the APOR benefit from a rebuttable presumption of compliance. The new rule also created
new requirements for a lender to “consider” and “verify” a borrower’s income and debts and associated DTI,
along with several other underwriting requirements. Additionally, the new QM definition eliminated a path to regulatory compliance
that was available for originating loans that were eligible to be sold to GSEs, which was heavily relied upon by a large segment of the
mortgage industry. Due to the transition to the new QM definition, there may be residual compliance and legal risks associated with the
implementation of these new underwriting obligations.
The
CFPB’s loan originator compensation rule prohibits compensating loan originators based on a term of a transaction, prohibits loan
originators from receiving compensation directly from a consumer or another person in connection with the same transaction,
imposes certain loan originator qualification and identification requirements, and imposes certain loan originator compensation recordkeeping
requirements, among other things.
Beeline
is also supervised by regulatory agencies under state law. From time-to-time, Beeline receives examination requests from the states in
which Beeline is licensed. State attorneys general, state mortgage licensing regulators, state insurance departments, and state and local
consumer protection offices have authority to investigate consumer complaints and to commence investigations and other formal and informal
proceedings regarding Beeline’s operations and activities. In addition, the government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs, the Federal
Housing Authority (the “FHA”), the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), and others subject Beeline to periodic
reviews and audits. This broad and extensive supervisory and enforcement oversight will continue to occur in the future. Beeline maintains
dedicated staff on the legal and compliance team to ensure timely responses to regulatory examination requests and to investigate consumer
complaints in accordance with regulatory regulations and expectations.
Federal
Lending Laws and Regulations
Numerous
U.S. federal regulatory consumer protection laws impact Beeline’s business, including but not limited to:
| ● | the
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”) and Regulation X, which
require certain disclosures to be made to the borrower at application, as to the lender’s
good faith estimate of loan production costs, and at closing with respect to the actual real
estate settlement statement costs (for most loans, such disclosures are in conjunction with
those required under the TILA), prohibit kickbacks, referrals, and unearned fees in
connection with settlement service business and impose requirements and limitations on affiliates
and strategic partners, and certain loan servicing practices including with respect to escrow
accounts, requests for information from borrowers, servicing transfers, lender-placed insurance,
error resolution and loss mitigation; |
| ● | the
TILA including the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (“HOEPA”)
and Regulation Z, which regulate mortgage loan production and servicing activities, require
certain disclosures be made to borrowers throughout the loan process regarding terms of mortgage
financing (including those disclosures required under the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure
(the “TRID” rule), provide for a three-day right to rescind some transactions,
regulate certain higher-priced and high-cost mortgages, require lenders to make a reasonable
and good faith determination that consumers have the ability to repay the loan prior to consummation,
mandate homeownership counseling for high-cost mortgage applicants, impose restrictions on
loan production compensation, and apply to certain loan servicing practices; |
| ● | the
Fair Credit Reporting Act and Regulation V, which regulate the use and reporting of information
related to the credit history of consumers, require disclosures to consumers regarding the
use of credit report information in certain credit decisions and require lenders to take
measures to prevent or mitigate identity theft; |
| ● | the
Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, which prohibit discrimination on the basis
of age, race and certain other characteristics in the extension of credit, require creditors
to deliver copies of appraisals and other valuations, and require certain notifications to
applicants for credit; |
| ● | the
Homeowners Protection Act, which requires certain disclosures and the cancellation or termination
of private mortgage insurance once certain equity levels are reached; |
| ● | the
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and Regulation C, which require reporting of mortgage loan application,
origination and purchase data, including the number of mortgage loan applications originated,
approved but not accepted, denied, purchased, closed for incompleteness and withdrawn; |
| ● | the
Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, sex, national
origin and certain other characteristics; |
| ● | the
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which regulates the timing and content of debt collection
communications and debt collection practices; |
| ● | the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and Regulation P, which require initial and periodic communication
with consumers on privacy matters, provide limitations on sharing nonpublic personal information,
and the maintenance of privacy and security regarding certain consumer data in our possession; |
| ● | the
Bank Secrecy Act, or BSA, and related regulations including the Office of Foreign Assets
Control and the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required
to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (“the USA PATRIOT Act”), which
impose certain due diligence and recordkeeping requirements on lenders to detect and block
money laundering that could support terrorist activities; |
| ● | the
Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE Act”), which imposes
state licensing requirements on mortgage loan originators; |
| ● | the
Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act and similar state laws, particularly
the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, which authorize the creation of legally binding
and enforceable agreements utilizing electronic records and signatures and which require
creditors and loan servicers to obtain a consumer’s consent to electronically receive
disclosures required under federal and state laws and regulations; |
| ● | the
Electronic Fund Transfer Act of 1978 (“EFTA”) and Regulation E, which
protect consumers engaging in electronic fund transfers; |
| ● | the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which provides financial protections for eligible service
members; |
| ● | the
Federal Trade Commission Act, the FTC Credit Practices Rules and the FTC Telemarketing Sales
Rule, which prohibit unfair or deceptive acts or practices and certain related practices; |
| ● | the
Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“the TCPA”), which restricts telephone
solicitations and automatic telephone equipment in connection with both origination and servicing
of loans; |
| ● | the
Mortgage Acts and Practices Advertising Rule (“Regulation N”), which prohibits
certain unfair and deceptive acts and practices related to mortgage advertising and imposes
recordkeeping requirements on advertisers; |
| ● | the
CAN-SPAM Act, which makes it unlawful to send certain electronic mail messages that contain
false or deceptive information and provide other protections for email users; |
| ● | the
Consumer Financial Protection Act, enacted as part of the Dodd-Frank Act, which (among other things) created the CFPB,
and gave it broad rulemaking authority over certain enumerated consumer financial laws and
supervisory and enforcement jurisdiction over mortgage lenders and servicers, and prohibits
any unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in connection with any consumer financial
product or service; and |
| ● | the
Bankruptcy Code and bankruptcy injunctions and stays, which can restrict collection of debts. |
Beeline
is also subject to a variety of regulatory and contractual obligations imposed by entities purchasing loans from Beeline insurers and
guarantors of the loans Beeline produces or facilitates.
State
Lending Laws and Regulations
Beeline
must comply with state laws and regulations, including licensing requirements and other regulations which vary by state, in order to
conduct its business.
To
conduct residential mortgage lending operations in the United States, Beeline is licensed in 28 states and the District of Columbia including California, Florida and Texas. Its title agencies also maintain licenses to operate in certain of these states.
Generally speaking, the licensing process includes the submission and approval of an application to the applicable state agency, a character
and fitness review of key individuals, and an administrative review of our business operations. Such requirements occur at the initial
stage of license acquisition and throughout the period of licensure.
Under
the SAFE Act, all states have laws that require mortgage loan originators employed by non-depository institutions to be individually
licensed to offer mortgage loan products. These licensing requirements require individual loan originators to register in a nationwide
mortgage licensing system, submit application and background information to state regulators for a character and fitness review, submit
to a criminal background check, complete a minimum of 20 hours of pre-licensing education, complete an annual minimum of eight hours
of continuing education and successfully complete an examination.
In
addition to applicable federal laws and regulations governing Beeline’s operations, its ability to originate loans in any particular
state is subject to that state’s laws, regulations and licensing requirements, which may differ from the laws, regulations and
licensing requirements of other states. State laws often include fee limitations and disclosure and other requirements. Many states have
adopted regulations that prohibit various forms of “predatory” lending and place obligations on lenders to substantiate that
a customer will derive a tangible benefit from the proposed home financing transaction and/or have the ability to repay the loan. These
laws have required most lenders, including Beeline, to devote considerable resources to maintain automated systems to perform loan-by-loan
analysis of points, fees and other factors set forth in the laws, which often vary depending on the location of the mortgaged property.
Additionally,
our business is subject to numerous types of state laws that are continuously changing, including laws related to mobile-and internet-based
businesses, data privacy and advertising laws, which limit how companies can use customer data, impose obligations on companies in their
management of such data, and require us to modify our data processing practices and policies, which results in substantial costs and
expenses in an effort to comply.
In
particular, there are numerous U.S. federal and state laws and regulations regarding privacy and the collection, sharing, use, processing,
disclosure, and protection of personal data. In the loan origination process, Beeline obtains substantial personal data including credit
reports, tax returns, social security numbers and income and asset sources, all of which must be kept confidential. Such laws and regulations
often vary in scope, may be subject to differing interpretations, and may be inconsistent among different jurisdictions. Following the
European Union, California became the first state to adopt a data privacy law when in June 2018 it enacted the California Consumer Privacy
Act (the “CCPA”). The CCPA requires covered companies to provide California consumers with new disclosures and will expand
the rights afforded consumers regarding their data. Fines for noncompliance may be up to $7,500 per violation.
Since
the CCPA was enacted, the U.S. has at least 20 states – Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota,
Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia - have comprehensive data privacy
laws in place or are about to be effective. At least seven additional states have enacted narrower privacy laws – Florida, Maine,
Michigan, Nevada, New York, Vermont, and Washington. Other states have introduced privacy bills that address a range of issues, including
protecting biometric identifiers and health data, or governing the activities of specific entities. This patchwork approach to privacy
legislation could pose compliance and liability risks for companies that have multistate operations. Proposed and enacted bills in various
states contemplate similar rights in preexisting privacy legislation but differ in implementation and enforcement. In addition proposed
federal legislation could further expand the regulatory framework for data privacy, data security, and other matters that impact our
business at the federal level.
The
costs of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by the CCPA, and similar laws may limit the use and adoption of our products and
services and/or require us to incur substantial compliance costs, which could have an adverse impact on our business.
Beeline’s
compliance team strives to comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to privacy, data security, and data protection and
other activities in which Beeline engages or is otherwise subject to in the operation of its business. However, its limited resources
may adversely affect its compliance efforts. There has been increased government regulation as governments including the federal government
are continuing to focus on updating laws and regulations to address the ever-evolving digital world, including through laws and regulations
aimed at privacy and data security, and it is possible that new laws will be passed or existing laws will be amended in a way that is
material and adverse to Beeline’s business. As regulation increases, Beeline anticipates an increase in its compliance costs and
a higher risk of regulatory fines or sanctions, which may be material.
Beeline’s
title agencies are also subject to state laws that may require licensure and prohibit, limit, or require approval to engage in certain
conduct. For example, several states have implemented laws and regulations aimed at prohibiting kickbacks and other inducements associated
with referrals to or from title insurance agents or corporations. In some instances, these requirements are more extensive than RESPA.
Other
Laws
Beeline
is also subject to various other laws, including employment laws related to hiring practices, overtime, and termination of team members,
health and safety laws, environmental laws and other federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions in which Beeline operates.
As
states and possibly the federal government start to enact laws and regulations relating to AI, we will be subject to such changes.
Seasonality
The
consumer lending sector, particularly with regard to mortgage loan origination volumes, is shaped by broader economic factors such as
interest rates, inflation, unemployment levels, home price trends, and consumer sentiment. Additionally, seasonality plays a key role,
as home sales generally experience an uptick in the second and third quarters and see a decline in the first and fourth quarters of the
calendar year. This seasonal pattern arises from homebuyers with children preferring to make purchases during the spring and summer months
in order to move before the school year begins.
Refinancing
mortgage loans are particularly influenced by current levels as well as expected trends in interest rates. Nevertheless, the traditional
patterns of seasonality seen in the housing market were less pronounced in 2021, 2022 and 2023 largely due to rising interest rates and
a tight housing supply. Currently, Beeline is observing a continued weakening of seasonality’s impact on its operations.
Business
Initiatives
Beeline’s
business initiatives include adding lending products to its current suite. This may include VA and FHA originated and underwritten fully
in-house at Beeline. Additionally, it anticipates expansion of its commercial loan offerings.
Beeline
also plans to have direct seller approval with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the second half of 2025. During this timeframe, Beeline
may also engage in a holistic hedging strategy to increase the revenue per file by selling loans on a mandatory basis to its
investors.
To
diversify revenue, Beeline plans to offer SaaS products to the mortgage industry - the MagicBlocks and BlinkQC products referenced previously.
There
may be time, resource or other constraints that impeded Beeline’s ability to execute on these initiatives which may delay them
or prevent them from occurring.
Employees
As
of November 1, 2024, the Beeline family of companies has 67 employees including 9 in management, 14 Loan Guides, 10 supporting
its technology, 2 in marketing and 2 in compliance. Certain of its employees serve in dual roles such as Beeline’s Chief Operating
Officer who also serves as General Counsel and plays a key role in compliance Beeline also uses certain third parties who operate
as independent contractors. Beeline also leverages independent contractors in marketing and technology/development.
Properties
Beeline
operates out of its headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island where it has a long-term lease of approximately 9,282 square feet with
current rent of $19,561 per month. Beeline’s other key facility is located in Burleigh Heads, Australia where an Australian
subsidiary leases 3,455 square feet at a monthly rent of approximately $108,781 per annum dollar based on exchange rates as of
October 31, 2024. In addition, Beeline leases small offices in executive suites at seven locations in Virginia, Texas, Louisiana,
Massachusetts, and California. The total monthly cost for these facilities is $3,650.
Financing
In
addition to traditional equity and debt financing, Beeline uses a warehouse line of credit to provide the capital for it to originate
mortgage loans. Generally, warehouse lines of credit are used as interim, short-term financing which bears interest at a fixed margin
over an industry index rate. The outstanding balance of the Company’s warehouse line of credit will fluctuate based on its lending
volume. The advances received under the warehouse lines of credit are based upon a percentage of the fair value or par value of the mortgage
loans collateralizing the advance, depending upon the type of mortgage loan. Should the fair value of the pledged mortgage loans decline,
the warehouse provider may require the Company to provide additional cash collateral or mortgage loans to maintain the required collateral
level under the relevant warehouse line. The Company did not incur any significant issuance costs related to its warehouse lines of credit.
Presently Beeline’s warehouse line of credit has a $5 million limit. As loans are closed, Beeline resells the mortgage note and
reduces the balance on its warehouse line. Beeline is working towards increases to this amount but no assurance can be given that an increase will occur.
CYBERSECURITY
Beeline
prioritizes the security, confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its systems, data, and other assets. Operating in a highly
regulated sector, Beeline understands the critical importance of protecting its infrastructure and sensitive data, including highly confidential
information submitted by and relating to consumers and proprietary company data. Its management actively oversees its risk management
program, including the management of cybersecurity risks. Its comprehensive cybersecurity and disaster recovery strategy is designed
to mitigate a broad spectrum of risks, including unauthorized access, data breaches, system outages, and other potential threats. Its
cybersecurity and disaster recovery program includes the following key components:
| ● | Governance
and Risk Management: Beeline maintains a dedicated consulting team responsible for cybersecurity
governance, risk management, and compliance. This team manages its cybersecurity policies,
which are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect technological advancements, regulatory
changes, and evolving threats. |
| ● | Security
Framework and Controls: Its security controls are aligned with recognized frameworks,
such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO/IEC 27001, and the CIS Controls. These controls
encompass access management, encryption, network security, and system monitoring. |
| ● | Data
Protection and Privacy: Beeline employs advanced encryption methods to protect sensitive
data. Beeline’s systems are designed to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. |
| ● | Identity
and Access Management (“IAM”): Robust IAM solutions help ensure that only
authorized users can access Beeline’s systems and data. This includes multi-factor
authentication, role-based access control, and regular access reviews to enhance security. |
| ● | Disaster
Recovery and Business Continuity: Beeline uses a comprehensive disaster recovery and
business continuity plan to ensure operational resilience. This plan includes strategies
for rapid data restoration, backup integrity, and failover capabilities, allowing it to minimize
downtime and maintain business operations during disruptions. |
| ● | Incident
Response and Recovery: In addition to disaster recovery, Beeline’s incident response
program is designed to detect, respond to, and mitigate cybersecurity events. This program
is closely integrated with our disaster recovery efforts to ensure seamless coordination
during major incidents. |
| ● | Continuous
Monitoring and Threat Intelligence: Beeline’s security operations center provides
24/7 monitoring of its infrastructure and systems. Beeline utilizes real-time threat intelligence
to identify and address potential vulnerabilities and attacks, allowing proactive measures
to mitigate risks. |
| ● | Employee
Training and Awareness: Beeline conducts ongoing training to enhance security awareness
among employees and contractors. These programs cover current threats, social engineering
tactics, and best practices for cybersecurity and disaster recovery. |
Despite
Beeline’s efforts, no security system can provide absolute protection. Beeline recognizes that a significant cybersecurity breach
or disaster event could result in operational disruptions, reputational damage, regulatory scrutiny, financial loss, and potential legal
liabilities. Nonetheless, Beeline believes its comprehensive cybersecurity and disaster recovery strategy effectively mitigates these
risks and supports its commitment to protecting its customers, investors, and stakeholders.
OFFICERS
Nicholas
R. Liuzza Jr., Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Liuzza co-founded Beeline in 2019 and serves as its Chief Executive Officer.
He has been a director of Red Cat Holdings, Inc. [Nasdaq: RCAT] since June 1, 2019. Beginning 2016, Mr. Liuzza served as Executive Vice
President of Real Matters until January of 2020.
Jessica
N. Kennedy, President, Chief Operating Officer, and General Counsel. Ms.
Kennedy co-founded Beeline with Mr. Liuzza and has held the positions of Chief Operating Officer since 2021, General Counsel since
2019 and President since 2022. In these positions, Ms. Kennedy oversees the day-to-day operations of the business, focusing on
strategic planning, spearheads the development and management of various operational teams, and leads its legal, audit and risk
teams at the Company. Ms. Kennedy has 14 years of real estate law experience and ten years of real estate services compliance
experience.
Christopher
R. Moe, Chief Financial Officer. Since June of 2023, Mr. Moe has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Beeline.
Mr. Moe has been a director of RedCat Holdings, Inc. since February 16, 2022. From 2018 until 2023, he was the Chief Financial Officer
and a Director of Yates Electrospace Corporation, a heavy payload, contested logistics drone provider.
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
The
following table sets forth the compensation awarded to, earned by Beeline’s executive officers for services rendered during the
fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Each person is employed under oral agreements.
Name/Title | |
Year | | |
Salary | |
Nicholas R. Liuzza, Jr. | |
| 2023 | | |
$ | 30,000 | |
Chief Executive Officer | |
| 2022 | | |
$ | 30,000 | |
Jessica N. Kennedy | |
| 2023 | | |
$ | 135,000 | |
Chief Operating Officer | |
| 2022 | | |
$ | 150,000 | |
Christopher R. Moe | |
| 2023 | | |
$ | 180,000 | |
Chief Financial Officer | |
| 2022 | | |
| N/A | |
PRINCIPAL
SHAREHOLDERS
The
following Information relates to Eastside’s directors, executive officers and 5% shareholders which supplements and updates information
contained in reports Eastside has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Name | |
Eastside
Common Stock
Beneficially
Owned prior to
Shareholder
Approval (1) | | |
Eastside
Common Stock
Percentage prior
to Shareholder
Approval (1) | | |
Eastside
Common Stock
Beneficially
Owned following
Shareholder
Approval (1) (2) | | |
Eastside
Common Stock
Percentage
following
Shareholder
Approval (1) (2) | |
Geoffrey Gwin, Chief Executive Officer and Director | |
| 635,751 | | |
| 12.7 | % | |
| 635,751 | | |
| * | |
Christopher R. Moe, Chief Financial Officer | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Nicholas R. Liuzza, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Beeline | |
| 135,543 | (3) | |
| 2.6 | % | |
| 18,324,715 | (4) | |
| 24.5 | % |
Eric Finnsson, Director (5) | |
| 19,880 | | |
| * | | |
| 19,880 | | |
| * | |
Stephanie Kilkenny, Director (6) | |
| 154,514 | | |
| 3.1 | % | |
| 154,514 | | |
| * | |
Robert Grammen, Director (7) | |
| 124,650 | | |
| 2.5 | % | |
| 124,650 | | |
| * | |
Joseph Freedman, Director | |
| 3,981 | (8) | |
| * | | |
| 538,182 | (9) | |
| * | |
Joseph Caltabiano, Director | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Totals | |
| 1,074,319 | | |
| 21.4 | % | |
| 19,797,692 | | |
| 26.5 | % |
*Less
than 1%.
(1)
The table provides amounts and percentages of Eastside Common Stock beneficially owned each (i) prior to shareholder approval of the
issuances of shares of Common Stock underlying the Series F Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series F”) issued in the merger
with Beeline, and (ii) after such shareholder approval, thereby giving effect to the convertibility of the Series F. While (ii) above
assumes that the shareholder approval will have occurred within 60 days of the date of this Report, we do not expect that such shareholder
approval will be obtained within that timeframe. Applicable percentages are based on 4,991,065 shares of Eastside Common Stock issued
and outstanding October 30, 2024. Amounts set forth in Common Stock beneficially owned give effect to shares of Common Stock underlying
derivative securities including vested stock options, warrants and convertible preferred stock.
(2)
Assumes and gives effect to full conversions of all shares of Series F and Series F-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, for a total of 69,655,004
underlying shares of Common Stock, without regard to any beneficial ownership limitations.
(3)
Includes underlying shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series F-1 Convertible Preferred Stock held by Mr. Liuzza and
the Nicholas R. Liuzza Jr. Trust – 2020.
(4)
Includes underlying shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock and Series F-1 Convertible
Preferred Stock held by Mr. Liuzza and the Nicholas R. Liuzza Jr. Trust – 2020.
(5)
Includes shares underlying vested stock options.
(6)
Includes shares held in Ms. Kilkenny’s capacity as trustee of the Stephanie A. Kilkenny Trust, shares issuable upon exercise of
warrants held by TQLA, LLC, which Ms. Kilkenny, together with her spouse, owns and controls; and warrants held directly by Patrick J.
Kilkenny, Trustee of the Patrick J. Kilkenny Revocable Trust. Mr. Kilkenny is the spouse of the Reporting Person.
(7)
Includes shares underlying vested stock options.
(8)
Includes underlying shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series F-1 Convertible Preferred Stock.
(9)
Includes underlying shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock and Series F-1 Convertible
Preferred Stock.
RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The
statements in this section describe the related party transactions specific to Beeline its officers, directors, or 10% shareholders since
January 1, 2022.
Jessica
Kennedy owns a 5% interest in Tower Title, which is a vendor to certain subsidiaries of Beeline.
Jay
Stockwell (a Beeline co-founder and the MagicBlocks CEO) owns an equity interest in SpeedPPC Pty. Ltd., which provides marketing services
to Beeline and certain of its subsidiaries.
Beeline
Loans, Inc., a Beeline subsidiary is a member of The Mortgage Collaborative, which is an industry trade group founded by David Kittle.
Beeline Loans, Inc. pays membership fees to The Mortgage Collaborative. Mr. Kittle was a member of the Beeline board until the merger
with the Company.
Manta
Reef Holdings, LLC holds a $142,600 note pursuant to a certain Loan Agreement with Beeline dated December 14, 2023. An additional $357,400
was advanced to Beeline with the balance secured by Nicholas R. Liuzza Jr.’s personal property.
Beeline
issued a note to a private company in which Joseph Freedman, a Beeline and East director, has an ownership interest. This note is for
approximately $87,000. Mr. Freedman is now a board member of the Company and was a board member of Beeline until the merger.
Forward-Looking
Statements
This
Report includes forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking
statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events about the company or our outlook and involve uncertainties that could
significantly impact results.
You
can identify forward-looking statements by the fact they do not relate to historical or current facts and by the use of words indicating
anticipation or speculation such as “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “will
be,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “could” and similar words
or expressions.
You
should not place undue certainty on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law,
Beeline undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from these forward-looking statements.
MANAGEMENT’S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL RESULTS AND CONDITION
The
following discussion and analysis of Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc. (“Beeline”) Beeline’s financial condition and
results of operations should be read together with Beeline’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years
ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, in each case, together with related notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Report. In addition to
historical financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties
and assumptions. Beeline’s actual results and timing of selected events may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking
statements as a result of many factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Report. See
“Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Additionally, historical results are not necessarily indicative
of the results that may be expected for any period in the future.
Cautionary
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This
section includes “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Forward-looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events about the Company or its outlook and involve
uncertainties that could significantly impact results.
You
can identify forward-looking statements by the fact they do not relate to historical or current facts and by the use of words indicating
anticipation or speculation such as “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “will
be,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “could” and similar words
or expressions.
You
should not place undue certainty on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law,
we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from these forward-looking statements, including those described under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Report.
Overview
Beeline
is a full service Direct-to-Consumer lender specializing in conventional conforming and non-conforming residential first-lien mortgages
and providing title services. Beeline also has an emerging business in anonymized data sales and technology licensing.
Results
of Operations
We
generate revenue through the production and sale of mortgage loans and other product offerings. The revenue and mix of revenue as a percentage
of total revenue attributable to Beeline’s sale of mortgage loan production, title and data and tech sales for the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:
| |
YearS Ended December 31, | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | |
| |
Amounts | | |
Percentages | | |
Amounts | | |
Percentages | |
Mortgage Loan Production, Net | |
$ | 3,205,591 | | |
| 85 | % | |
$ | 2,244,173 | | |
| 77 | % |
Title | |
| 558,759 | | |
| 15 | % | |
| 672,811 | | |
| 23 | % |
Data & Tech | |
| 2,747 | | |
| -% | | |
| - | | |
| - | % |
Total Net Revenues | |
$ | 3,767,097 | | |
| | | |
$ | 2,916,987 | | |
| | |
As
the table indicates, revenue from Beeline’s mortgage loan production increased by 43% in 2023 compared to 2022 while revenue from
Beeline’s title operations decreased by 17% in 2023 compared to 2022. Beeline’s total net revenues for the year ended December
31, 2023 increased by 29% compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Funding
Sources
In
the ordinary course of Beeline’s operations, Beeline finances the majority of its loan volume on a short-term basis, mainly utilizing
a warehouse line of credit. The repayments of Beeline’s borrowings come from the revenue generated by selling its loans to a network
of purchasers, which includes government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”). Beeline had $5.0 million and $25.0 million of available
capacity under its warehouse facilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Factors
Affecting Beeline’s Performance
Fluctuations
in Interest Rates
Changes
in interest rates influence mortgage loan refinancing volumes and Beeline’s mortgage loan volumes. In a decreasing interest rate
environment, mortgage loan refinance volumes typically increase. Conversely, in an increasing interest rate environment, mortgage loan
refinancing volumes and home purchase volumes typically decline, with mortgage loan refinancing volumes being particularly sensitive
to increasing interest rates as customers are no longer incentivized to refinance their current mortgage loans at lower interest rates.
However, increasing interest rates are also indicative of overall economic growth and inflation that could generate demand for more cash-out
refinancings, purchase mortgage loan transactions and home equity loans, which may partially offset the decline in rate and term refinancings
resulting from a rising interest rate environment.
For
many years, including in particular the year ended December 31, 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, there was a prolonged period of historically
low and declining interest rates. Beginning in April 2021, the United States began experiencing a significant rise in interest rates,
which increased for a variety of reasons, including inflation, increases to the federal funds rate and other monetary policy tightening,
market capacity constraints and other factors, which continued in 2022 and 2023, resulting in a decrease in overall funding activities
in the mortgage market generally. As interest rates increase, the pool of customers who can reduce their monthly payment by refinancing,
because their existing mortgage rate is higher than current mortgage rates, declines.
In
addition, higher prevailing market rates both reduce the propensity of new home buyers to enter the market and reduce those willing to
sell their homes or take existing equity out of their homes through a cash-out refinance. This creates a supply-demand imbalance where
mortgage lenders are competing for fewer customers, and become increasingly price competitive to win business, thereby accepting lower
potential gain on sale margin. This competition manifests in an industry-wide gain on sale compression and a decreased industry origination
volume in higher rate environments. Starting in the second half of 2021, and continuing through the majority of 2023, Beeline experienced
this trend where volume declined, and gain on sale margin compressed due to heightened interest rates and an increasingly competitive
market for lenders.
Market
and Economic Environment
Various
economic conditions significantly influence the consumer lending market and the related volumes of mortgage loan origination. Key factors
include the interest rate environment, unemployment rates, appreciation in home prices, and consumer confidence. Purchase mortgage loan
origination volumes are typically impacted by a wide array of economic elements such as shifts in interest rates, the overall economic
health, unemployment levels, and housing prices, in addition to seasonal trends, with home sales generally peaking in the second and
third quarters. Nonetheless, in 2022 and 2023, the usual seasonal patterns in the housing market were overshadowed by rising interest
rates and ongoing limitations in housing supply. As a result, Beeline is noticing a continued reduction in the influence of seasonality
on its business due to these and other factors.
The
volume of mortgage loan refinancing is largely influenced by changes in mortgage interest rates. Although the demand for consumer credit
from borrowers usually stays robust across various economic conditions, potential borrowers may choose to postpone financing when faced
with high or volatile interest rates or unfavorable economic situations. Consequently, Beeline’s revenue can fluctuate considerably
from one quarter to the next, and the recent hikes in interest rates, along with inflationary macroeconomic trends, have a notable impact
on its financial performance.
Limited
Housing Supply Ultimately Stimulates Increased Construction and Purchase Activity
The
availability of homes for sale and their corresponding market prices are key factors influencing mortgage purchase volumes. Beeline believes
that limited housing supply has played a role in curbing both new home sales and mortgage purchase activity. At the same time, this constrained
supply—exacerbated by rising interest rates—paired with strong demand has led to escalating home prices, which subsequently
hinders the growth of new home sales and mortgage borrowing. Nevertheless, in the long run, Beeline believes that these imbalances between
supply and demand could encourage higher levels of home construction, resulting in increased housing supply and a corresponding rise
in mortgage purchase volumes in the future.
Ongoing
Expansion and Acceptance of Digital Loan Solutions
Our
success in attracting new clients largely hinges on Beeline’s ability to offer a smooth and exceptional customer experience, maintain
competitive pricing, and meet or surpass its customers’ expectations. Consumers are increasingly open to making substantial and
intricate purchases through digital channels, a shift that has been hastened by the COVID pandemic. In recent years, Beeline has observed
a growing consumer inclination to conduct online transactions in higher-value categories such as furniture, travel, and automobiles,
a trend that was further propelled by the pandemic. Beeline anticipates that this inclination will also influence consumer preferences
regarding loans, especially as homeownership rates among Millennials and Generation Z continue to rise. Beeline’s platform delivers
a seamless and convenient customer experience, which gives it a considerable edge over traditional systems.
Advancing
Beeline’s Technological Innovation
Beeline’s
proprietary technology is designed to enhance the experiences of its customers by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving
the quality of loan production. By investing in this proprietary technology, Beeline is automating and streamlining various tasks involved
in the origination process for consumers, employees, and partners alike. Beeline’s tailored user interfaces eliminate the need
for paper applications and direct human interaction, enabling its customers and partners to quickly and effectively identify, price,
apply for, and finalize mortgage loans. Beeline plans to continue its investment in developing technology, tools, and features aimed
at further automating the loan manufacturing process, which will help lower its production and customer acquisition costs while enhancing
the overall customer experience.
Capability
to Acquire New Customers and Expand Customer Acquisitions
Our
success in attracting new customers and expanding customer acquisitions largely hinges on Beeline’s commitment to delivering exceptional
customer experiences and competitive pricing. Beeline aims to efficiently reach a diverse range of new customers while offering a highly
personalized experience during digital interactions throughout the entire customer journey.
If
Beeline’s traditional customer acquisition strategies fail to achieve desired growth levels, particularly in a climate of rising
interest rates or limited housing availability, or if Beeline falls short of maintaining a prominent position on lead aggregator websites,
it may need to allocate additional financial resources and personnel toward its sales and marketing initiatives. This, in turn, would
elevate the overall expenses associated with Beeline’s services.
Results
of Operations
Revenue
Total
net revenues were $3.80 million and $2.92 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Gain on sale of loans
increased substantially over the prior year offset by lower origination and title fees. Loan origination increased from $132.1 million
in 2022 to $144.1 million in 2023.
Operating
Expenses
Operating
expenses consist of all direct costs related to loan origination and sale activities including salaries, marketing expenses, software
and technology development expenses. Total operating expenses were $13.76 million compared to $13.34 million for the years ended December
31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Employee related expenses increased year over year. Beeline continues to invest heavily in technology
development and marketing related expenses in anticipation of the roll out of new AI related selling tools in 2024.
Net
Income (Loss)
Net
loss was $10.27 million and $10.71 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net losses were lower due to
higher revenues compared to the prior year.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Our
primary capital requirements are for cash used in operating activities including the origination and warehousing of consumer mortgage
loans and the repayment of debt. Funds for cash and liquidity needs have historically not been generated from operations but rather from
the proceeds of loans and the sale of convertible debt and equity. Beeline has been dependent on raising capital from debt and equity
financing to meet its operating needs.
As
of December 31, 2023, Beeline had an accumulated deficit of $38.20 million, cash on hand of $0.19 million and negative working capital
of $2.67 million.
During
2024, even as Beeline’s business improved, it continues to experience liquidity issues.
On
November 14, 2024, Eastside sold $1,938,000 in aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Notes (the “Notes”)
and Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase a total of 363,602 shares of Common Stock (the “Warrants”) for total gross proceeds of
$1,615,000 in connection with a private placement offering. The Notes have a maturity date of 120 days from issuance, were issued with
a 20% original issue discount and do not bear interest unless and until one or more of the customary events of default set forth therein
(an “Event of Default”) occurs, whereupon each Note will bear interest at a rate of 18% per annum. If the Note remains outstanding
for 180 days, the Note also requires a special one-time interest payment of 30% which will increase the principal of each Note accordingly.
Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, each holder also has the right to require the Company to pay all or any portion of the Note
at a 25% premium. Further, the Company is required to prepay the Notes in connection with certain sales of securities or assets at each
holder’s election in an amount equal to 35% of the gross proceeds from such sales. The Company also has the right to prepay all,
but not less than all, of the outstanding amounts under the Notes, at its election. The Notes contain certain restrictive covenants,
including covenants precluding the Company and its subsidiaries from incurring indebtedness, transferring assets, changing the nature
of its business, and engaging in certain other actions, subject to certain exceptions. In connection with the offering, the Company also
issued an additional $448,333.33 in principal of Notes to a purchaser of the Notes in exchange for the cancellation of shares of Series
F having an equivalent stated value.
Additionally,
the Company issued $3.0 million of Senior Secured Debentures on June 5, 2024 with a 10% original issue discount and 10% interest per annum. In January 2025,
they will begin monthly amortization of $440,328 through September 2025.
As
of November 15, 2024, the Company had cash on hand of $1,456,784.
Beeline’s
ability to meet ongoing operating cash needs over the next 12 months depends on external financing activities and improving operating
results. The availability of external financing will be largely dependent on improvement in performance, including lower interest rates
driving higher loan origination, supported by technology investments effectively improving results, as well as the Company’s ability
to increase its authorized capital with respect to any future equity offering it may pursue. See “Risk Factors.”
Operating
Activities
Total
cash used in operating activities was $8.55 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $8.44 million used during prior
year primarily due to mortgage origination activity.
Investing
Activities
Total
cash used in investing activities was $0.86 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which was lower than $1.91 million used
in the prior year.
Financing
Activities
Total
cash provided by financing activities was $9.50 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 related to net proceeds from issuance
of convertible notes and demand notes. Total cash provided by financing activities was $9.01 million during the year ended December 31,
2022 and primarily consisted of proceeds from the exercise of warrants and issuance of convertible notes.
Critical
Accounting Policies
Discussion
and analysis of Beeline’s financial condition and results of operations are based on Beeline’s financial statements which
have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
RISK
FACTORS
The
following discussion primarily focuses on the significant risk factors facing Beeline. Whenever it refers to having a material adverse
effect on Beeline, you can assume it will have the same material adverse effect on the Company.
Beeline’s
business is exposed to various risks and uncertainties that you should consider when evaluating investing in the Company. Should any
of these risks or uncertainties materialize, they could have a significant, adverse impact on our business, prospects, financial condition,
and operational results. The following list of risks is not exhaustive; additional unknown or currently perceived immaterial risks may
also adversely affect Beeline. These risk factors should be reviewed alongside the other information provided in this Report, including
Beeline’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, as well as other documents the Company files with the SEC,
including the Company’s risk factors prior to our acquiring Beeline.
Summary
Beeline’s
business faces substantial risks due to its limited operating history, a business model highly dependent on new software development
in a highly regulated industry, changes in local and national economic conditions impacting the U.S. real estate market, rapid operational
growth, and constrained financial resources with salary costs far outpacing revenues. Some of these risks are summarized below and more
thoroughly discussed after the summary:
Strategic
risks
| ● | failing
to grow market share in the residential mortgage market as anticipated; |
| ● | failing
to grow title businesses as anticipated; |
| ● | failing
to have adoption of our SaaS model tech products as anticipated; |
| ● | changes
in economic conditions resulting in fluctuations in demand for mortgages and mortgage services
in the US; |
| ● | growth
placing significant demands on our management and infrastructure; |
| ● | failing
to maintain demand for our services or diversify our revenue base; |
| ● | operating
in a competitive business environment; |
| ● | inability
to successfully consummate or integrate acquisitions; |
| ● | negative
publicity resulting in a decline in our growth; |
| ● | ineffective
risk management efforts; |
| ● | increased
costs and demands upon management associated with being a public company; and |
| ● | interest
rate-related risks negatively impacting on our closing volumes. |
Operational
risks
| ● | failing
to adequately protect our technology infrastructure; |
| ● | material
defects or errors in our technology infrastructure; |
| ● | system
interruptions that impair access to our technology; |
| ● | the
effort, time and expense associated with technology implementation; |
| ● | failing
to adapt to technological changes; |
| ● | using
‘‘open source’’ software in some of our services and technologies; |
| ● | losing
our corporate culture; |
| ● | failing
to retain or hire additional key personnel; and |
| ● | the
occurrence of pandemics, earthquakes, fires, floods and other natural catastrophic events
or interruptions. |
Legal
and compliance risks
| ● | regulatory
risks applicable to us; |
| ● | risks
associated with the potential reclassification of exempt employees and field professionals; |
| ● | field
professional work product liability; |
| ● | current
or future litigation; |
| ● | our
confidentiality agreements with employees and others may not adequately prevent disclosure
of our trade secrets; |
| ● | potential
infringement of our services on the proprietary rights of others; |
| ● | our
insurance coverage reserves may not cover future claims; |
| ● | failing
to adequately protect our intellectual property; |
| ● | potential
tax law changes or adverse tax examinations; |
| ● | our
by-laws potentially limiting a shareholder’s ability to obtain a favorable judicial
forum for disputes with us; |
| ● | difficulty
for shareholders to enforce judgments against non-resident directors within Canada; and |
| ● | claims
for indemnification by our directors or officers. |
Financial
and reporting risks
| ● | the
forward-looking statements contained in this Report potentially proving to be incorrect; |
| ● | inaccurate
accounting estimates and judgments; |
| ● | potential
inability to raise additional capital in the future on favorable terms, or at all; |
| ● | potential
deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting; |
| ● | changing
accounting standards or interpretations; |
| ● | restrictive
covenants contained in our credit facility; |
| ● | dependence
on our subsidiaries for cash flows; |
| ● | exchange
rate fluctuations; |
| ● | future
offerings of debt and/or equity securities; |
| ● | future
sales of our shares by existing shareholders may reduce the market price of the shares; |
| ● | dilution
and future issuances of our shares; |
| ● | securities
analysts’ research or reports potentially impacting our share price; |
| ● | future
indebtedness and the potential failure to fund future endeavors; |
| ● | potential
increases in our debt servicing costs; |
| ● | the
market price of our shares potentially fluctuating significantly; and |
| ● | our
current policy with respect to dividends. |
Business-Specific
Risks
Because
Beeline operates on a going concern basis, it may not be successful and its ability to operate is in doubt unless we provide it with
working capital.
Beeline
has limited capital and had an accumulated deficit through June 30, 2024, of $49,486,885. Because Beeline did not, at December 31, 2023,
have sufficient working capital and cash flows for continued operations for at least the next 12 months, its auditors issued an opinion
with an explanatory paragraph regarding the risk of its inability to continue as a going concern. Beeline’s continued existence
is dependent upon our obtaining the necessary capital to meet Beeline’s expenditures. Beeline cannot assure you that it will be
able to raise adequate capital to meet Beeline’s future working capital needs.
Because
Beeline has a history of operating losses since inception, if it fails to generate operating cash flow, you may lose all or most of your
investment.
Beeline
was organized in 2019, has a limited operating history and has generated substantial ongoing losses since inception. It recorded net
losses of $10,272,496 and $10,709,332 for 2023 and 2022, respectively. For 2023, salaries expense was $6,422,175 on total
revenues of $3,767,097. Interest expense was $569,069. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, Beeline incurred net losses of $10,863,755,
including approximately $4.6 million of interest expense and salary expenses of $3,299,075 on revenues of $2,336,029.
In June 2024, Beeline restructured its indebtedness, which accounted for the large interest charge. Beeline will continue to incur losses
and experience negative cash flows from operations for the foreseeable future. If Beeline cannot achieve positive cash flow from operations
or net income, Beeline will need to raise additional capital, which Beeline may not be able to do on favorable terms, if at all. Beeline’s
limited operating history and ongoing losses raise substantial uncertainty about its future profitability and success.
Because
Beeline depends on third party partners and vendors to maintain and grow its business, the loss of some or all of these third parties
may have a material adverse effect on its results of operations.
To
grow its customer base and business Beeline relies on relationships with third-party partnerships and other commercial vendors, including services to help Beeline close loans and for capital markets analytics. Beeline also requires the use of such third-party partnerships
and vendors to engage and attract customers and originate mortgages. If Beeline is unable to grow its third-party partners and relationships
with vendors, it may be unable to grow its business. Further, if Beeline’s current third-party partnerships and vendors were to
stop providing services to it on acceptable terms or at all, or if Beeline’s commercial partners were to terminate their relationships
with it, Beeline may be unable to procure alternatives in a timely and efficient manner and on acceptable terms, or at all. Beeline may
incur significant costs to resolve any such disruptions in services or the loss of commercial partnerships and this could materially
and adversely affect its business, financial condition, and results of operations. Further, any loss of third-party partnerships and
vendors may decrease Beeline’s customer base or inhibit its ability to gain new customers and disrupt its existing business operations.
Beeline’s third-party partners and vendors may also choose to cease doing business with it and instead do business with its competitors.
Beeline
is also subject to regulatory risks associated with all of the above relationships, including changes in law or interpretations of law
that could result in increased scrutiny of these relationships, require restructuring of these relationships, and/or diminish the value
of these relationships.
If
Beeline loses the services of the vendor that provides it with loan origination or customer relationship management software, its short-term
results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.
Beeline
licenses loan origination software and customer relationship management software from a privately-held third-parties. If those parties
were to cease providing platform services to Beeline, Beeline would be required to obtain software from another party, which could be
on more expensive terms. Further, the integration of another loan origination software product would entail technical challenges and
expenses and generally be disruptive to operations. If Beeline was cut off without notice, such disruption could also negatively impact
borrowers with loans at various points of the process. This could lead to liability to Beeline if borrowers end up with financial loss.
As a result, our short-term results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
Because
Beeline depends on its ability to sell loans and mortgage service rights (“MSRs”) in the secondary market to a limited number
of loan purchasers and to secondary market participants for each relevant product, its ability to originate loans and offer related mortgage
service rights would be materially and adversely affected, if its ability to sell loans and mortgage service rights became impaired.
Beeline’s
business depends on its ability to sell its loan production to third party investors. Its ability to sell and the prices it receives
for its loans vary from time-to-time and may be materially adversely affected by several factors, including, without limitation: (i)
an increase in the number of similar loans available for sale; (ii) conditions in the loan securitization market or in the secondary
market for loans in general or for its loans in particular, which could make its loans less desirable to potential purchasers; (iii)
defaults under loans in general; (iv) loan-level pricing adjustments imposed by investors and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (together, the
“GSEs”), including adjustments for the purchase of loans in forbearance or refinancing loans; (v) the types and volume of
loans being originated or sold by Beeline; (vi) the level and volatility of interest rates; and (vii) unease in the banking industry
caused by, among other things, recent bank failures. An inability to sell or a decrease in the prices paid to Beeline upon sale of its
loans and MSRs would be detrimental to its business, as Beeline is dependent on the cash generated from such sales to fund its future
loan production and repay borrowings under its warehouse lines of credit. If Beeline lacks liquidity to continue to fund future loans,
its revenues from new loan originations would be materially and adversely affected, which in turn would materially and adversely affect
its potential to achieve profitability.
Substantially
all of Beeline’s loan production and related MSRs are sold to a limited number of purchasers in the secondary market. If any of
those buyers decide to not purchase loans from Beeline going forward, it would have a materially adverse impact on Beeline’s operations
and ability to originate new loans and generate revenue.
Because
Beeline relies on the secondary mortgage market for loan sales, an economic downturn could halt or limit its ability to sell its loans
and lend money to future borrowers.
Beeline’s
business operations depends on selling loans to a limited pool of purchasers in the secondary mortgage market, including secondary mortgage
market participants and investors. Its business model requires it to sell its loans on the secondary mortgage market to replenish its
lending funding and to help shift lending risks.
Demand
in the secondary market for home loans and Beeline’s ability to sell the loans that it produces depend on many factors that are
beyond its control, including general economic conditions, the risk of another pandemic like COVID-19, a major war affecting the United
States, the willingness of lenders to provide funding for and purchase home loans, and changes in regulatory requirements. Beeline’s
inability to make new loans and sell the loans that it produces in the secondary market in a timely manner and on favorable terms would
materially and adversely affect its business. In particular, market fluctuations may alter the types of loans and other products that
it is able to originate and sell. If it is not possible or economical for Beeline to continue originating and selling its loans in the
secondary mortgage market, Beeline’s business, financial condition, and results of operations, could be materially and adversely
affected.
Because
Beeline is required to comply with many financial, legal, and regulatory laws and regulations, its failure to comply with all of the
applicable laws and regulations could result in large fines, suspensions of its licenses to make loans in one or more states, and could
otherwise have a material adverse effect on Beeline.
Beeline’s
business operations require it to comply with numerous state and federal laws and regulations applicable to the mortgage loan industry.
While Beeline currently has compliance and risk management policies for maintaining compliance with such laws and regulations, Beeline
cannot assure you that such policies are perfect or will guarantee full compliance. Any failure in Beeline’s current compliance
and risk management policies may subject Beeline to regulatory or legal proceedings and financial penalties, which may negatively impact
Beeline and our financial condition and results of operations, and divert Beeline’s management’s attention from its business.
Further, the legal and regulatory scheme is always subject to change, and Beeline may be unable to timely comply with new laws and regulations
applicable to its business.
Beeline
faces intense competition that could materially and adversely affect it if it cannot adequately address competitive challenges.
Competition
in the mortgage lending industry is intense and is dominated by major national and regional banks as well as local banks and large
non-depository lending institutions In addition, the mortgage and other consumer lending business is highly fragmented and dominated
by legacy players. Some of Beeline’s competitors have more name recognition and greater financial and other resources than it does
(including access to capital). Other competitors, such as correspondent lenders who produce loans using their own funds, may have more
operational flexibility in approving loans. Commercial banks and savings institutions may also have significantly greater access to potential
customers, given their deposit-taking and other banking functions and locations near potential borrowers.
Also,
some of these competitors are less reliant than Beeline is on the sale of mortgage loans into the secondary markets to maintain their
liquidity and may be able to participate in government programs that Beeline is unable to participate, all of which may place Beeline
at a competitive disadvantage. Additionally, Beeline operates at a competitive disadvantage to U.S. federal banks and thrifts and their
subsidiaries because they enjoy federal preemption from compliance with state law and, as a result, conduct their business under relatively
uniform U.S. federal rules and standards and are generally not subject to the mortgage-related laws of the states in which they do business.
Unlike Beeline’s federally chartered competitors, it is generally subject to all state and local laws applicable to lenders in
each jurisdiction in which it operates, and such regulatory changes may increase Beeline’s costs or limit its activities, such
as more restrictive licensing, disclosure, or fee-related laws, or laws that may impose conditions to licensing that it or its personnel
are unable to meet. To compete effectively, Beeline must have a very high level of operational, technological, and managerial expertise,
as well as access to capital at a competitive cost.
Further,
Beeline competes with other mortgage originators and other businesses across the broader real estate and mortgage industry for those
consumers that consider obtaining loans online or non-conforming loans. Digitally native home buying technology platforms are increasingly
moving into the loan production space. Such online mortgage originators and digitally native entrants primarily compete on name recognition,
price and on the speed of the loan application, underwriting and approval process, and any increase in these competitive pressures could
materially and adversely affect Beeline’s business, including as a result of higher performance marketing and advertising spend
due to greater demand for customer leads.
Competition
in Beeline’s industry can take many forms, including the variety of loan programs being made available, interest rates and fees
charged for a loan, convenience in obtaining a loan, customer service levels, the amount and term of a loan and marketing and distribution
channels. Fluctuations in interest rates and general economic conditions may also materially and adversely affect Beeline’s competitive
position. During periods of rising rates, competitors that have locked in low borrowing costs may have a competitive advantage. Furthermore,
a cyclical decline in the industry’s overall level of loan producers, or decreased demand for loans due to a higher interest rate
environment, may lead to increased competition for the remaining loans. Additionally, more restrictive loan underwriting standards have
resulted in a more homogenous product offering, which has increased competition across the mortgage loan industry for loan originations.
Furthermore, Beeline’s existing and potential competitors may decide to modify their business models to compete more directly with
Beeline’s loan origination and servicing models. Post COVID-19, many banks and depository institutions withdrew from mortgage origination,
leaving large non-depository mortgage lenders with more access to market share. In addition, technological advances and heightened e-commerce
activities have increased consumers’ accessibility to products and services. This has intensified competition among banks and non-banks
in offering mortgage loans. Any increase in these competitive pressures could materially and adversely affect Beeline’s business.
Beeline’s
loans to customers originated outside of GSE guidelines or the guidelines of the Federal Housing Authority (“FHA”) or Veterans
Administration (“VA”) involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which can result in substantial losses to Beeline.
Loans
originated outside of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines, or the guidelines of the Federal Housing Authority or Veterans Administration
(“non-conforming loans”), are sold to private investors and other entities. Approximately 58% of Beeline’s loans in
2024 through October 31st were non-conforming loans, specifically Non-QM loans. If Beeline is unable to sell such loans to
private investors, it may be required to hold such loans for an extended period, which exacerbates working capital needs. For these loans,
a customer’s ability to repay may be adversely impacted by numerous factors, including a healthcare event of the borrower, a change
in the borrower’s financial condition, or other negative local or more general economic conditions. Deterioration in a customer’s
financial condition and prospects may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the collateral.
In
addition, some loans that Beeline produces that it believes will be conforming loans may not meet Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines,
or the guidelines of the FHA or VA, in which case Beeline would be subject to a high degree of business and financial risk.
Because
Beeline relies on highly-skilled personnel with knowledge of the mortgage industry, the loss of key personnel which may negatively impact
its business.
Beeline’s
future success depends on its ability to attract, hire, train, and retain a number of highly skilled employees and management that have
knowledge of the mortgage industry. The loss of the services of Beeline’s Chief Executive Officer, Nick Liuzza, Jr, or its Chief
Operations Officer, Jessica Kennedy, Esq., or other key employees could cause substantial disruption to Beeline’s business operations,
which would adversely affect its business. Competition for qualified employees in the mortgage industry remains high, and Beeline may
fail to attract or retain the employees necessary to execute its business model successfully. Further, as a smaller company with a limited
operating history, Beeline relies on a smaller workforce, particularly in its accounting, legal, and compliance departments, which places
Beeline at a disadvantage in attracting and retaining experienced talent.
Beeline
is exposed to interest rate volatility, which could result in higher-than-market interest rates and may have a material adverse effect
on its business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
Recently,
the U.S.-dollar London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) was replaced with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”),
a new index calculated by reference to short-term repurchase agreements for U.S. Treasury securities. In light of guidance from the Alternative
Reference Rate Committee, comprised of a broad set of industry regulators and market participants, Beeline adopted SOFR as an index for
the interest rate of its variable-rate indebtedness and this is the interest rate used on adjustable-rate loans offered to customers.
However, because SOFR is a broad U.S. Treasury repurchase agreement financing rate that represents overnight secured funding transactions,
it differs fundamentally from U.S.-dollar LIBOR. In addition, daily changes in SOFR have, on occasion, been more volatile than daily
changes in other benchmark or market rates, including LIBOR, which results from the volatility of SOFR reflecting the underlying volatility
of the overnight U.S. Treasury repurchase market. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has at times conducted operations in the overnight
U.S. Treasury repurchase market in order to help maintain the federal funds rate within a target range. There can be no assurance that
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will continue to conduct such operations in the future, and the duration and extent of any such
operations is inherently uncertain. The effect of any such operations, or of the cessation of such operations to the extent they are
commenced, is uncertain and could be materially adverse to investors or issuers or borrowers of SOFR-linked floating debt. If Beeline
is not able to effectively manage these and other risks associated with the use of SOFR, its business, financial condition, and results
of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
If
Beeline encounters material fraud, it could result in significant financial losses and harm to Beeline’s reputation.
In
deciding whether to approve loans or to enter into other transactions with its customers or counterparties, Beeline relies on information
furnished to it by or on behalf of customers and such counterparties, including credit applications, property appraisals, title information
and valuation, employment and income documentation, and other financial information. Beeline also relies on representations of customers
and such counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information. If any of this information is intentionally or negligently
misrepresented and such misrepresentation is not detected prior to loan funding, the fair value of the loan may be significantly lower
than expected or it may not be possible for Beeline to sell the loan. Additionally, there is a risk that, following the date of the credit
report that Beeline obtains and its review of a person’s credit worthiness, a borrower may have become delinquent in the payment
of an outstanding obligation, defaulted on a pre-existing debt obligation, taken on additional debt, lost his or her job or other sources
of income, or sustained other adverse financial events. This risk is exacerbated since Beeline originates Non-QM loans, primarily debt
service coverage ratio (“DSCR”) loans which relies on the rental income associated with a property and not the borrower’s
income from traditional employment.
Beeline
uses automated underwriting engines from the GSEs to assist it in determining if a loan applicant is creditworthy, as well as other proprietary
and third-party tools and safeguards to detect and prevent fraud. It is unable, however, to prevent every instance of fraud that may
be engaged in by its customers or staff, and any seller, real estate broker, notary, settlement agent, appraiser, title agent or third-party
originator that misrepresents facts about a loan, including the information contained in the loan application, property valuation, title
information and employment and income stated on the loan application. If any of this information was misrepresented and such misrepresentation
was not detected prior to the acquisition or closing of the loan, the value of the loan could be significantly lower than expected, resulting
in a loan being approved in circumstances where it would not have been, had Beeline been provided with accurate data. These loans can
materially and adversely affect Beeline’s operations by reducing its available capital to underwrite new loans. A loan subject
to a material misrepresentation is typically unsalable or subject to repurchase if it is sold before detection of the misrepresentation.
In addition, the persons and entities making a misrepresentation are often difficult to locate and it is often difficult to collect from
them any monetary losses Beeline may suffer.
High
profile fraudulent activity also could negatively impact Beeline’s brand and reputation, which could materially and adversely affect
its business. In addition, significant increases in fraudulent activity could lead to regulatory intervention, which could increase its
costs and also materially and adversely affect its business.
Beeline
markets its services through advertising on search engines, social media platforms, and other online sources, and if Beeline fails to
drive traffic through its marketing it may have to spend more to drive traffic and improve its search results, any of which could materially
and adversely affect Beeline’s business operations.
Beeline’s
success will depend on its ability to attract potential consumers to its website and convert them into customers in a cost-effective
manner. Beeline depends, in large part, on performance marketing leads (e.g., pay-per-click) that it purchases from search engine results,
social media platforms, and other online sources for traffic to its website. Beeline expects to continue to devote significant resources
to acquire customers, including advertising to its third-party partners’ significant consumer networks, and offering discounts
and incentives to consumers. To the extent that Beeline’s traditional approach to customer acquisitions is not successful in achieving
the levels of transaction volume that Beeline seeks, it may be required to devote additional financial resources and personnel to its
sales, marketing, and advertising efforts and to increase discounts to consumers, which would increase the cost base for Beeline’s
services.
Currently
a substantial majority of Beeline’s advertising is spent with Google. If Google were to materially increase its prices, Beeline
may be unable to replace Google and sustain materially increased costs. Beeline faces several challenges to its ability to maintain and
increase the number of visitors directed to its website. Its competitors may increase their online marketing efforts and outbid Beeline
for placement for search terms on various search engines, resulting in their websites receiving a higher search result page ranking than
Beeline. Additionally, internet search engines could revise their methodologies in a way that would adversely affect the prominence of
Beeline’s search results rankings. If internet search engines modify their search algorithms in ways that are detrimental to Beeline,
or if Beeline’s competitors’ marketing or promotional efforts are more successful than Beeline, overall growth in its customer
base could slow or its customer base could decline.
There
can be no assurance that any increased marketing and advertising spend to maintain and increase the number of visitors directed to Beeline’s
website will be effective. Any reduction in the number of visitors directed to Beeline’s platform through internet search engines,
Google, and other search engines, social networking sites or any new strategies Beeline employs could materially and adversely affect
Beeline’s business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
Regulatory
changes may also require search engines, social media platforms and other online sources to adjust their outreach techniques and algorithms,
which may negatively impact the effectiveness of these platforms. For instance, in 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice, acting on an
investigation commenced by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), entered a settlement agreement with Meta
that required Meta to replace the software used in Facebook for housing ads, claiming that the software allowed advertisers to discriminate
based on protected characteristics such as race, national origin, religion, sex, family status and disability. As a result, platforms
using similar software found it necessary to replace their advertising systems. Additionally, in the event the Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau (the “CFPB”) takes a more stringent and aggressive interpretation of laws governing Beeline’s interaction with
lead aggregators, including the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”), it could result in a material reduction
in the availability of leads from such sources, increased costs, and increased regulatory risk.
New
TCPA regulations go into effect in early 2025, which will impact our compliance costs and subject us to new regulatory and legal risks
for noncompliance
In January 2025, the FCC’s new rule under the TCPA will require explicit, one-to-one consent for any form of
communication involving messaging or calling between a business and consumer. In April 2025, the FCC is imposing new text and call opt-out
rules, requiring companies who utilize robocalls and robotexts to broaden the standard terms consumers can use to revoke consent and treat
natural language revocation requests beyond the standard opt-out terms as valid opt-out requests. Further, all reasonable opt-out requests
must now be complied with within a reasonable time frame, which is generally considered as 10 business days. Both new rules may require
us to modify our consent and opt-out processes and policies relating to outreach to consumers for marketing, sales, and customer service.
The failure to comply with the new TCPA rules could result in fines between $500 to $1,500 per violation. If Beeline fails to comply with
the rules, it may be subject to legal and regulatory fines, which may negatively impact its financial condition and results of operations.
Risks
Related to Business Operations and Financial Results
Beeline
has a history of operating losses and has not yet been able to maintain profitability in the current market conditions and it may not
achieve or maintain profitability in the future.
Beeline
was formed in 2019 and commenced operations in May 2020. It has experienced net losses and negative cashflow from operations during its
operating history. This has been due to a number of factors, including poor interest rate environment, resulting in a negative impact
on revenue and closed loan volumes; investments in our business, especially technology and the high cost to originate loans (increasing
vendor costs, etc.).
If
the United States experiences rising mortgage interest rates, it may continue to negatively impact Beeline’s business and loan
origination volumes, and the negative impact could intensify in the future particularly if an economic downturn or recession results.
Mortgage
interest rates have continually increased since 2021 until a dip in September 2024. It is difficult to predict the direction of interest
rates. Following the Federal Reserve’s lowering of interest rates by a half-point in September 2024, in the week ended October
25th, the 30-year average rate rose and was 60 basis points above the mid-September decrease. Then, on November 7th,
the Federal Reserve reduced rates by a quarter-point.
The
effect of the increased mortgage rates was to reduce loan volume, margins, revenue, and profitability in the mortgage origination industry,
including in Beeline’s business. Following the September decrease, Beeline experienced its best origination month in terms of units
closed since March of 2022 and best origination month in terms of volume since October 2021. While the market is predicting that
interest rates will decline further in 2024 and possibly in 2025, such predictions offer no assurance of returning to pre-2021 loan origination
volumes. If mortgage interest rates continue to rise, fewer individuals may pursue home ownership or refinance, and the decreased profitability
and loan originations will negatively impact Beeline’s business operations.
In
addition, higher interest rates come with an increased probability for an economic downturn or recession by making it more difficult
for businesses to borrow money and individuals to maintain employment. Future economic downturns and recessions may negatively impact
the real estate market and the demand for Beeline’s services, which in turn would have a material adverse effect on its business
and operating results. Because of the high purchase prices for homes relative to other items that may be purchased in the market, the
real estate market tends to be particularly hard hit during economic downturns or recessions, and Beeline cannot predict the impact such
an event could have on Beeline or the industry in the future.
Because
a majority of Beeline’s loans are Non-QM, its business is subject to underwriting limitations and the potential of mortgage defaults.
A
majority of Beeline’s loan originations have been Non-QM loans. Non-QM loans are not underwritten in accordance with guidelines
defined by the GSEs, as well as additional requirements in some cases, designed to predict a borrower’s ability and willingness
to repay. Non-QM loans typically involve persons who do not derive their income from traditional employment. Beeline’s Non-QM loans
are primarily DSCR loans, where the income calculation is derived from the rental income on the subject property. Accordingly, there
may be more risk of non-payment, especially if the real estate rental market collapses and rents decrease or rental vacancies increase.
Failure
to comply with underwriting guidelines of aggregators or GSEs could materially and adversely impact Beeline’s business.
Beeline
must comply with the underwriting guidelines of aggregators and the GSEs in order to successfully originate conforming GSE loans. Beeline
also must comply with the underwriting guidelines of federal agency insurers/guarantors, such as the FHA and VA for those loan types.
If Beeline fails to do so, it may be required to repurchase these loans, indemnify the insurers/guarantors, or be subject to other penalties
or remedial measures. If Beeline is found to have violated GSE underwriting guidelines, it could face regulatory penalties and damages
in litigation, and suffer reputational damage, any of which could materially and adversely impact its business, financial condition,
and results of operations. If Beeline fails to meet the underwriting guidelines of the GSEs, federal agency insurers/guarantors, or of
non-GSE loan purchasers it could lose its ability to underwrite and/or receive insurance/guaranty on loans for such loan purchasers and
insurers/guarantors, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
Beeline does try to mitigate its repurchase risk with repurchase insurance, however, this insurance may not cover the reason for the
repurchase and it may not be able to sell a repurchase demand loan at a discount. It may not be able to meet its repurchase obligations
in the future. If it is required to repurchase loans or indemnify loan purchasers, it may not be able to recover amounts from third parties
from whom it could seek indemnification due to financial difficulties or otherwise. As a result, Beeline is exposed to counterparty risk
in the event of non-performance by a borrower or other counterparties to various contracts, including, without limitation, as a result
of the rejection of an agreement or transaction in bankruptcy proceedings, which could result in substantial losses for which it may
not have insurance coverage.
Changes
in the GSEs’, the FHA’s or the VA’s requirements could materially and adversely affect Beeline’s business.
Beeline
is required to follow specific guidelines and eligibility standards that impact the way it originates GSE and U.S. government agency
loans, including guidelines and standards with respect to:
| ● | credit
standards for mortgage loans; |
| ● | its
default and claims rates on recently produced FHA loans; |
| ● | its
staffing levels and other servicing practices; |
| ● | the
servicing and ancillary fees that it may charge; |
| ● | its
modification standards and procedures; |
| ● | the
amount of reimbursable and non-reimbursable advances that it may make; and |
| ● | the
types of loan products that are eligible for sale or securitization. |
Changes
to GSE and U.S. government agency rules and guidance can materially and adversely impact the conforming loans that Beeline is able to
originate and sell and/or insure, as well as the servicing decisions and actions that t is required to undertake. For example, during
the COVID-19 pandemic, both the GSEs and FHA issued guidance on the restrictive conditions under which they would purchase or insure
loans going into forbearance pursuant to the CARES Act shortly after the loan was produced, but before the loan was purchased by a GSE
or insured by the FHA. Moreover, even if loan purchasers and agencies were willing to purchase or insure loans to borrowers who were
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, they could adjust loan terms that made additional borrowing less attractive to consumers. For instance,
during the pandemic, the GSEs announced significant loan-level price adjustments for first-time home buyers and other eligible consumers,
implemented operational flexibility that was later revoked, and tightened underwriting criteria. Such changes could significantly slow
loan production growth. The GSEs’ COVID-19 specific loan sale restrictions generally were retired by the first quarter of 2023,
while certain FHA COVID-19 specific restrictions remain in effect.
In
addition, further changes to GSE, the FHA or VA loan programs, or coverage provided by private mortgage insurers, could also have broad
material and adverse market implications. Any future increases in guarantee fees or changes to their structure or increases in the premiums
Beeline is required to pay to the FHA, VA or private mortgage insurers for insurance or for guarantees could increase loan production
costs and insurance premiums for its customers. These industry changes could negatively affect demand for Beeline’s mortgage product
offerings and consequently for conforming loans its production volume, which could materially and adversely affect its business. Beeline
cannot predict whether the impact of any proposals to move Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac out of conservatorship would require them to increase
their fees.
Risks
Related to Debt and Warehouse Credit Lines
Because
Beeline relies on indebtedness to fund its operations and growth objectives, its future results of operations and financial condition
are subject to numerous risks arising from its incurring this indebtedness.
Beeline
has incurred in the past, and expect to incur in the future, a high level of indebtedness to finance its operations. It may be unable
to timely repay its debt in accordance with the terms of the debt, which could lead to legal proceedings being instituted against it.
In particular, it engages in warehouse borrowing to provide the capital to originate loans. Warehouse lending is essentially a line of
credit issued by a lender that permits Beeline to borrow funds on a short-term basis. Beeline uses the warehouse loan to originate loans
which it resells on the secondary market and then uses the proceeds of the sale to reduce the line of credit as well as provide working
capital.
Beeline’s
debt obligations could materially and adversely impact it. For example, these obligations could:
| ● | require
Beeline to use a large portion of its cash to pay principal and interest on debt, which will
reduce the amount of cash flow available to fund mortgage loan originations, working capital
and other expenditures, and other business activities; |
| ● | result
in certain of Beeline’s debt instruments being accelerated to be immediately due and
payable or being deemed to be in default if certain terms of default are triggered, such
as applicable cross-default and/or cross-acceleration provisions; |
| ● | limit
Beeline’s future ability to raise funds for working capital, mortgage loans, strategic
acquisitions or business opportunities, and other general corporate requirements; |
| ● | restrict
Beeline’s ability to incur specified indebtedness, create or incur certain liens; |
| ● | increase
Beeline’s vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions; and |
| ● | increase
Beeline’s exposure to interest rate risk from variable rate indebtedness. |
Beeline’s
ability to comply with the terms and conditions of its debt may be affected by events beyond its control, and if it is unable to meet
or maintain the necessary covenant requirements or satisfy, or obtain waivers for, the covenants, it may lose the ability to borrow under
all of its debt facilities, which could materially and adversely affect its business.
Beeline’s
ability to meet its payment obligations depends on its ability to generate significant cash flows or obtain external financing in the
future. This ability, to some extent, is subject to market, economic, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors as well
as other factors that are beyond Beeline’s control. There can be no assurance that Beeline’s business will generate cash
flow from operations, or that additional capital will be available to it, in amounts sufficient to enable it to meet its debt payment
obligations and to fund other liquidity needs.
Beeline
relies on warehouse lines of credit to fund its loans, which may become limited or not be available in the future, which would negatively
impact its business and financial performance.
Beeline’s
business depends on warehouse lines of credit to fund the loans it issues. It is possible that these lines of credit may become limited,
temporarily unavailable, or terminated in the future. If Beeline is unable to access or utilize the warehouse lines of credit in the
future, it will be unable to fund loans and thus continue its business operations as a lender and would need to act as a broker on all
loans it originates or completely discontinue operations. If Beeline originates loans ineligible for warehouse funding or experiences
increases in buybacks, its loan advance rates may be negatively impacted which may present a liquidity risk. Any of the foregoing will
negatively impact Beeline’s business and your investment in the Company.
Borrowings
under Beeline’s warehouse lines of credit expose it to interest rate risk because of variable rates of interest that could materially
and adversely impact the financing of its business.
Borrowings
under Beeline’s warehouse lines of credit are at variable rates of interest, which also expose it to interest rate risk. If interest
rates increase, Beeline’s debt service obligations on certain of its variable-rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount
borrowed remains the same, and its net losses will increase and cash flows, including cash available for servicing its indebtedness,
will correspondingly decrease, which will negatively impact its financial condition and potential business operations.
Risks
Related to Products, Technology, and Intellectual Property
Beeline’s
business relies on technology infrastructure, which exposes it to cybersecurity and technology infrastructure risks.
Beeline’s
business model requires the use of a secure, efficient technological infrastructure to successfully operate. Its reliance on technology
exposes it to cybersecurity threats. A cybersecurity breach or hacking of Beeline’s systems could result in significant disruptions
in its operations and negatively impact the public perception of its business.
Technology
disruptions or failures in, and cyberattacks or other breaches relating to, Beeline’s technological infrastructure, or those of
third parties with whom it does business, could disrupt its business, cause legal or reputational harm, and materially and adversely
impact its business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Beeline
is dependent on the secure, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of its technology infrastructure, including computer systems, and
related software applications, as well as those of certain third parties. Its website and computer/telecommunication networks must accommodate
a high volume of traffic and deliver frequently updated information, the accuracy and timeliness of which is critical to its business.
Beeline’s technology must provide a loan application experience that equals or exceeds the experience provided by its competitors.
Beeline
may experience service disruptions and failures caused by system or software failure, fire, power loss, telecommunications failures,
including those of internet service providers, team member misconduct, human error, denial of service or information, cyberattacks, and
phishing emails, including computer hackers, computer viruses and disabling devices, malicious or destructive code, as well as natural
disasters, health pandemics and other similar events. Any such disruption could interrupt or delay Beeline’s ability to provide
its services to its customers and could also impair the ability of third parties to provide critical services to Beeline. Although Beeline
has undertaken measures intended to protect the safety and security of its information systems, there can be no assurance that disruptions,
failures, and cyberattacks will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed in a timely manner. Such measures
may in the future fail to prevent or detect unauthorized access to Beeline’s team member, customer, and loan applicant information,
and its disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient to address all technology-related risks, which are constantly evolving. Beeline
may also incur significant costs for using alternative equipment or taking other actions in preparation for, or in reaction to, events
that damage, interrupt, or otherwise disrupt the third-party resources or services it uses.
Any
prolonged service disruption affecting its platform could damage Beeline’s reputation with current and potential customers, expose
it to liability, cause it to lose customers, or otherwise materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, and results
of operations. In the event of damage or interruption, Beeline’s insurance policies may not adequately compensate it for any losses,
although Beeline does have coverage under a cyber liability insurance policy. It may not cover all business losses or costs of reporting
to consumers and/or state regulatory bodies
As
Beeline’s customer base and range of product offerings continue to expand, it may not be able to scale its technology to accommodate
the increased capacity requirements, which may result in interruptions or delays in service. In addition, the failure of third-party
service providers to meet Beeline’s capacity requirements could result in interruptions or delays in access to its platform or
impede its ability to grow its business and scale its operations. If Beeline’s third-party service agreements are terminated, or
there is a lapse of service, interruption of internet service provider connectivity, or damage to data centers, it could experience interruptions
in access to its platform as well as delays and additional expense in arranging new facilities and services. Any service disruption affecting
its platform could damage its reputation with current and potential customers, expose it to liability, cause it to lose customers, or
otherwise materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Additionally,
the technology and other controls and processes Beeline has created to help it identify misrepresented information in its loan production
operations were designed to obtain reasonable, not absolute, assurance that such information is identified and addressed appropriately.
Accordingly, such controls may not have detected, and may fail in the future to detect, all misrepresented information in Beeline’s
operations.
If
Beeline’s operations are disrupted or otherwise negatively affected by a technology disruption or failure, this could result in
customer dissatisfaction and damage to its reputation and brand, and materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition,
and results of operations. Beeline does not carry business interruption insurance sufficient to compensate it for all losses that may
result from interruptions in its service as a result of systems disruptions, failures and similar events. Beeline carries $1 million
in coverage of direct business interruption coverage and contingent business interruption coverage under its Cyber liability policy.
If
Beeline is not able to protect the privacy, use, and security of customer information, it could sustain damages that may have a material
adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
Beeline
receives, maintains and stores the personal information (“PI”) of its loan applicants, customers and staff . On the customer
side, Beeline captures and stores thousands of data points per customer during the loan transaction process. The storage, sharing, use,
disclosure, processing and protection of this information are governed by the privacy and data security policies maintained by Beeline.
Moreover, there are federal and state laws regarding privacy and the storage, sharing, use, disclosure, processing and protection of
PI, personally identifiable information, and user data. Specifically, PI and nonpublic personal information (“NPI”) are increasingly
subject to legislation and regulations in numerous jurisdictions. For example, federal law, including the GLBA, the GLBA Safeguards Rule,
and the FCRA, among other laws, set forth privacy and data security requirements for NPI and consumer report information. At the state
level, state privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Protection Act (the “CCPA”), provide new data privacy rights for
consumers and new operational requirements for Beeline. The CCPA also includes a statutory damages framework for violations of the CCPA
and a private right of action against businesses that fail to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices appropriate
to the nature of the information to prevent data breaches.
Beeline
could be materially and adversely affected if legislation or regulations are expanded to require changes in business practices or privacy
policies (particularly to the extent such changes would affect the manner in which it stores, shares, uses, discloses, processes and
protects such data), or if governing jurisdictions interpret or implement their legislation or regulations in ways that negatively affect
its business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. In addition, even if legislation or regulation does not expand
in a manner that affects Beeline’s business directly, changing consumer attitudes or the perception of the use of personal information
also could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Any
penetration of network security or other misappropriation or misuse of PI or personal consumer information, including through ransomware
attacks, could cause interruptions in Beeline’s business operations and subject it to increased costs, litigation, and other liabilities.
Claims could also be made against Beeline for other misuse of PI, such as the use of personal information for unauthorized purposes or
identity theft, which could result in litigation and financial liabilities, and information security incidents also could involve investigations
and enforcement from governmental authorities. Security breaches (including ransomware attacks) could also materially and adversely affect
Beeline’s reputation with consumers and third parties with whom it does business, as well as expose it to regulatory and litigation
risk, which could be exacerbated if it is determined that known security issues were not addressed adequately prior to any such breach.
It is possible that advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries, undetected fraud, inadvertent violations of Beeline’s policies
or procedures or other developments could result in a compromise of information or a breach of the technology and security processes
that are used to protect consumer transaction data. In addition, Beeline’s current work-from-home policy may increase the risk
of security breaches, which could result in the misappropriation or misuse of PI. As a result, Beeline’s current security measures
may not prevent all security breaches. Beeline may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect against and
remedy any potential or existing security breaches and their consequences. Beeline also faces risks associated with security breaches
affecting third parties, including its third-party partners and vendors. In addition, Beeline faces risks resulting from unaffiliated
third parties who attempt to defraud, and obtain personal information directly from, its customers by imitating it. Any publicized security
problems affecting Beeline’s businesses and/or those of third parties, whether actual or perceived, may discourage consumers from
doing business with Beeline, which could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, and results of operations.
There
can be no assurance that any of the above risks will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed in a timely
manner. If any loan applicant, customer, or team member’s information is inappropriately accessed or acquired and used by a third
party or a team member for illegal purposes, such as identity theft, Beeline may be responsible to the affected applicant or customer
for any losses he, she or they may have incurred as a result of misappropriation or other improper use. In such an instance, Beeline
may also be subject to regulatory action, investigation or be liable to a governmental authority for fines or penalties associated with
a lapse in the integrity and security of its loan applicants’, customers’ or team members’ information. Beeline may
be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect against and remedy any potential or existing security breaches
and their consequences. In addition, Beeline’s remediation efforts may not be successful and it may not have adequate insurance
to cover these losses. If Beeline is unable to protect its customers’ PI, Beeline’s business, financial condition, and results
of operations can be materially and adversely affected.
Beeline
heavily relies on third-party software to operate its business, creating technological risks that it cannot mitigate.
Beeline
heavily relies on third-party technology in running its business. Because it utilizes third-party technology, its ability to maintain
and control the technology is limited. Such utilization of this technology creates potential risks, including service interruptions,
product errors, or failure, all of which could cause Beeline reputational harm, create financial losses, and harm Beeline’s business
operations. All of the cybersecurity risks Beeline faces can also impact its business partners and vendors.
Beeline
depends, in part, on third party vendor relationships and its ability to become profitable and service its customer base is dependent
on the continuation of those relationships.
In
addition to the third party technology platforms described above, there are other vendors who provide other products and services required
for mortgage origination fulfillment, like credit reporting companies, title companies, appraisal management companies and other data
providers. If these providers stop providing services to us on acceptable terms or at all, or if the relationship is terminated, Beeline
may be unable to replace that vendor in a timely manner on acceptable terms, or at all. This could result in service disruptions and
materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and operating results.
If
Beeline is unable to protect its intellectual property rights, it may be unable to effectively compete with its competitors
Beeline’s
intellectual property, principally its trade secrets and licensed technology, is a key asset. Beeline regards the protection of its intellectual
property as critical to its success. Beeline has taken steps to protect its intellectual property by entering into confidentiality agreements
with its employees, third-party partners, and third-party vendors. These agreements may not be enforceable or may not effectively prevent
disclosure of confidential information, including trade secrets, and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of an unauthorized
disclosure. Monitoring and protecting Beeline’s intellectual property is difficult and may not be adequate. Costly and time-consuming
litigation could be necessary to enforce and determine the scope of Beeline’s intellectual property rights, and failure to obtain
or maintain protection of its intellectual property rights could materially and adversely affect its business and financial results.
Regulatory
Risks
Beeline
operates in a heavily regulated industry, and its business operations expose it to risks of noncompliance with a large and increasing
body of complex laws and regulations at the federal and state levels.
Due
to the heavily regulated nature of the mortgage, home ownership, real estate, and insurance industries, Beeline is required to comply
with a wide array of federal and state laws and regulations that regulate, among other things, the manner in which Beeline conducts its
loan production, the fees that it may charge, and the collection, use, retention, protection, disclosure, transfer and other processing
of personal information. Governmental authorities and various U.S. federal and state agencies have broad oversight and supervisory authority
over Beeline’s business.
Both
the scope of the laws and regulations and the intensity of the supervision to which Beeline’s business is subject have increased
over time, in response to the 2008 financial crisis as well as other factors such as technological and market changes. Failure to satisfy
certain requirements or restrictions could result in a variety of regulatory actions such as fines, directives requiring certain steps
to be taken, suspension of authority to operate or ultimately a revocation of authority or license. Certain types of regulatory actions
could result in a breach of representations, warranties and covenants, and potentially cross-defaults in Beeline’s or our financing
arrangements which could limit or prohibit its access to liquidity to operate its business. In addition, while the Biden administration
promulgates new rules or guidance, it also may interpret existing laws and regulations in novel ways and/or expand enforcement priorities
at certain federal agencies, such as the CFPB and the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”). It is therefore possible that
new rulemakings, interpretations, or enforcement actions will materially and adversely affect its business, affiliates, and strategic
relationships.
Beeline
expects that its business will remain subject to extensive regulation and supervision. Although it has systems and procedures designed
to comply with developing legal and regulatory requirements, Beeline cannot assure you that more restrictive laws and regulations will
not be adopted in the future, or that governmental bodies or courts will not interpret existing laws or regulations in a different or
more restrictive manner than it has, which could render its current business practices non-compliant or which could make compliance more
difficult or expensive. Any of these or other changes in laws or regulations could materially and adversely affect Beeline’s business,
financial condition, and results of operations.
Changes
in GSEs and other applicable government programs could negatively impact Beeline’s business operations.
While
the majority of the loans Beeline originates are non-conforming, Beeline does originate conforming loans which must comply with guidelines
of the GSEs and government-backed programs. It is possible that the federal government may change the rules and regulations regarding
GSEs and other government-backed programs. Beeline cannot guarantee that the federal government will maintain the GSEs and government-backed
programs on which it relies. Any such changes could negatively impact Beeline’s ability to do business with such entities and its
ability to originate loans. Further, any changes in these entities’ roles or structures could significantly impact Beeline’s
business operations and financial condition.
Future
AI or technology regulations could negatively impact Beeline’s business and use of technology.
Beeline’s
business model and competitive edge requires the use of AI and various technologies to process loans and service its customers. While
there is currently no federal legislation regarding AI, it is possible that new federal legislation regarding AI may be adopted, which
could negatively impact Beeline’s business operations. Further, any new regulations regarding technology or AI that impact Beeline’s
business would increase its compliance costs and risks of regulatory proceedings against it. Should Beeline be unable to comply with
any applicable technology or AI regulations, its business operations, financial condition and results of operation will be adversely
affected. In addition, Beeline uses an AI product manufactured by MagicBlocks, a company in which Beeline has a minority interest. If
Beeline is unable to use this AI product in the future or if MagicBlocks begins imposing usage fees, Beeline may experience additional
costs and business disruptions.
Further,
if the content, analyses, or recommendations that the AI uses to assist Beeline in processing loans and servicing customers are or are
alleged to be deficient, inaccurate, or biased, Beeline could be subject to reputational harm and legal liability, either of which could
result in a diversion of management’s attention. The use of AI in Beeline’s business may also result in cybersecurity incidents.
Because Beeline’s use of AI involves the collection of its customers’ personal information and data, it is possible that
cybersecurity incidents or breaches of the AI Beeline uses could result in the exposure of its customers’ personal information
and data. Any such cybersecurity incident could adversely affect its business, create legal liability, result in operational downtime,
result in reputational harm, and negatively impact Beeline’s financial condition. Ste and federal legislation or regulations regarding
AI which may be adopted or enforced in the future could negatively impact Beeline’s business operations. Any new regulations regarding
technology or AI that impact Beeline’s business would increase its compliance costs and risks of regulatory proceedings against
it, which could materially harm our operating results and financial condition.
Because
Beeline is subject to various telecommunications, data protection and privacy laws and regulations, as well as various consumer protection
laws, including predatory lending laws, its failure to comply with such laws can result in material adverse effects and financial losses.
Beeline
is currently subject to a variety of, and may in the future become subject to additional U.S. federal, state, and local laws and regulations
that are continuously evolving and developing, including laws on advertising, as well as privacy laws and regulations, such as the Telephone
Consumer Protection Act (the “TCPA”), the Telemarketing Sales Rule, the CAN-SPAM Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLBA”),
and, at the state level, numerous state privacy laws such as the CCPA.
These
types of laws and regulations directly impact Beeline’s business and require ongoing compliance, monitoring and internal and external
audits as they continue to evolve and may result in ever-increasing public and regulatory scrutiny and escalating levels of enforcement
and sanctions. Subsequent changes to data protection and privacy laws and regulations could also impact how Beeline processes personal
information and, therefore, limit the effectiveness of its product offerings or its ability to operate or expand its business, including
limiting strategic relationships that may involve the sharing of personal information.
Beeline
must also comply with a number of federal and state consumer protection laws and regulations including, among others, the Truth in Lending
Act (“TILA”), RESPA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), the Fair and Accurate
Credit Transactions Act of 2003, the Red Flags Rule, the Fair Housing Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Servicemembers Civil
Relief Act, the Military Lending Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Homeowners Protection Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure
Act (“HMDA”), the Home ownership and Equity Protection Act (“HOEPA”), the SAFE Act, the Federal Trade Commission
Act, the FTC Credit Practices Rules and the FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule, the Mortgage Acts and Practices Advertising Rule, the Bank
Secrecy Act (“BSA”) and anti-money laundering requirements, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), the Electronic
Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act and related state-specific versions of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Dodd-Frank
Act and other U.S. federal and state laws prohibiting unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices as well as the Bankruptcy Code and
state foreclosure laws. These statutes apply to loan production, loan servicing, marketing, use of credit reports or credit-based scores,
safeguarding of nonpublic, personally identifiable information about its customers, foreclosure and claims handling, investment of and
interest payments on escrow balances and escrow payment features, and mandate certain disclosures and notices to customers.
In
particular, U.S. federal, state and local laws have been enacted that are designed to discourage predatory lending and servicing practices.
The HOEPA prohibits inclusion of certain provisions in residential loans that have mortgage rates or origination fees in excess of prescribed
levels and requires that borrowers be given certain disclosures prior to origination. Some states have enacted, or may enact, similar
laws or regulations which, in some cases, impose restrictions and requirements greater than those imposed by the HOEPA. In addition,
under the anti-predatory lending laws of some states, the production of certain residential loans, including loans that are not classified
as “high cost” loans under applicable law, must satisfy a net tangible benefits test with respect to the related borrower.
This test may be highly subjective and open to interpretation. As a result, a court may determine that a residential loan, for example,
does not meet the test even if the related originator reasonably believed that the test was satisfied. Failure of residential loan originators
or servicers to comply with these laws, to the extent any of their residential loans are or become part of its mortgage-related assets,
could subject Beeline, as an originator, to monetary penalties and could result in the borrowers rescinding the affected loans. Lawsuits
have been brought in various states making claims against originators, servicers, assignees and purchasers of high-cost loans for violations
of state law. Named defendants in these cases have included numerous participants within the secondary mortgage market. Due to its size
and financial condition, Beeline faces greater challenges in defending litigation. If Beeline’s loans are found to have been produced
in violation of predatory or abusive lending laws, it could be subject to lawsuits or governmental actions or it could be fined or incur
losses and incur reputational damage.
Beeline’s
failure to comply with applicable U.S. federal and state lending, telecommunications, data protection, privacy and consumer protection
laws could lead to:
| ● | loss
of its licenses and approvals to engage in its lending, servicing and brokering businesses; |
| ● | damage
to its reputation in the industry; |
| ● | governmental
investigations and enforcement actions, which also could involve allegations that such compliance
failures demonstrate weaknesses in Beeline’s compliance systems; |
| ● | administrative
fines and penalties and litigation; |
| ● | civil
and criminal liability, including class action lawsuits and defenses to foreclosure; |
| ● | diminished
ability to sell loans that it originates or brokers, requirements to sell such loans at a
discount compared to other loans or repurchase or address indemnification claims from purchasers
of such loans, including the GSEs; and |
| ● | inability
to execute on its business strategy, including its growth plans. |
Since
the laws and regulations to which Beeline is subject are constantly evolving, its compliance costs continue to increase.
As
with any regulated business, the smaller the business, the more difficult it is to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Similarly,
smaller companies like Beeline are more adversely affect by compliance costs. Large competitors have substantially greater financial
resources and revenue to be able pay for and absorb the compliance costs in contrast to Beeline.
As
federal and state laws evolve, it may be more difficult for Beeline to identify legal and regulatory developments comprehensively, to
interpret changes accurately, and to train its team members effectively with respect to these laws and regulations. Adding to these difficulties,
laws may conflict with each other and, if Beeline complies with the laws of one jurisdiction, it may find that it is violating the laws
of another jurisdiction. These difficulties potentially increase its exposure to the risks of noncompliance with these laws and regulations,
which could materially and adversely affect Beeline’s business. In addition, Beeline’s failure to comply with these laws
and regulations may result in reduced payments by customers, modification of the original terms of loans, permanent forgiveness of debt,
delays or defenses in the foreclosure process, increased servicing advances, litigation, enforcement actions and repurchase and indemnification
obligations, as well as potential allegations that such compliance failures demonstrate weaknesses in its compliance systems. A failure
to adequately supervise Beeline’s service providers and vendors, including outside foreclosure counsel, may also have a material
adverse effect.
The
laws and regulations applicable to Beeline are subject to administrative or judicial interpretation, but some of these laws and regulations
have been recently enacted and may not be interpreted yet or may be interpreted infrequently or inconsistently. Ambiguities in applicable
laws and regulations may leave uncertainty with respect to permitted or restricted conduct and may make compliance with laws and risk
assessment decisions with respect to compliance with laws difficult and uncertain. In addition, ambiguities make it difficult, in certain
circumstances, to determine if, and how, compliance violations may be cured. The adoption by industry participants of different interpretations
of these laws and regulations has added uncertainty and complexity to compliance. Beeline may fail to comply with applicable statutes
and regulations even if acting in good faith, due to a lack of clarity regarding the interpretation of such laws and regulations, which
may lead to regulatory investigations, governmental enforcement actions or private causes of action with respect to Beeline’s compliance.
To
resolve issues raised in examinations or other governmental actions, Beeline may be required to take various corrective actions, including
changing certain business practices, making refunds or taking other actions that could be financially or competitively detrimental to
its. In addition, certain legislative actions and judicial decisions could give rise to the initiation of lawsuits against it for activities
it conducted in the past. Furthermore, provisions in Beeline’s mortgage loan and other loan product documentation, including but
not limited to the mortgage and promissory notes it uses in loan originations, could be construed as unenforceable by a court. Beeline
expects to incur continued costs in complying with applicable government laws and regulations.
If
the CFPB expands its loan regulations and exerts more stringent enforcement of existing regulations, it could result in Beeline facing
increased compliance costs, enforcement actions, fines, penalties and the inherent reputational harm that results from such actions.
As
explained in a prior risk factor, Beeline is subject to the regulatory, supervisory, and examination authority of the CFPB, which has
oversight of federal and state non-depository lending and servicing institutions, including residential mortgage originators and loan
servicers. The CFPB has rulemaking authority with respect to many of the federal consumer protection laws applicable to mortgage lenders
and servicers, including TILA and RESPA. The CFPB has issued or amended a number of regulations pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act relating
to loan production and servicing activities, including ability-to-repay and “qualified mortgage” underwriting standards,
loan originator compensation standards, and other production standards and practices as well as servicing requirements that address,
among other things, periodic billing statements, certain notices and acknowledgments, prompt crediting of borrowers’ accounts for
payments received, additional notice, review and timing requirements with respect to delinquent borrowers, loss mitigation, prompt investigation
of complaints by borrowers, and lender-placed insurance notices. The CFPB has also amended provisions of the HOEPA regarding the determination
of high-cost mortgages, and of Regulation B, to implement additional requirements under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act with respect
to valuations, including appraisals and automated valuation models. The CFPB has also issued guidance to loan servicers to address potential
risks to borrowers that may arise in connection with transfers of servicing. Additionally, the CFPB has increased the focus on lender
liability and vendor management across the mortgage and settlement services industries, which may vary depending on the services being
performed.
In
addition, the CFPB has established expectations for a financial institution’s development and maintenance of a sound compliance
systems that is integrated into the overall framework for product design, delivery, and administration across the institution’s
entire product and service lifecycle, and that ensures that an institution’s vendors effectively manage their compliance. The CFPB
expects an institution’s compliance systems to include board and management oversight and a compliance program that includes policies
and procedures, training, monitoring and/or audit, and consumer complaint response. Beeline’s compliance systems could be criticized,
for example, if it is determined that management oversight should be strengthened, certain aspects of its employee training program should
be augmented, the audit function should be more independent, or Beeline has not sufficiently identified and/or facilitated correction
of compliance issues in a timely fashion, due to inadequate allocation of resources or staffing or other causes. Any patterns of violations
of consumer financial laws could be considered evidence of compliance systems weaknesses.
The
CFPB also has broad enforcement powers and can order for violations of its regulation and standards, among other things, rescission or
reformation of contracts, the return of funds or real property, restitution, disgorgement or compensation for unjust enrichment, the
payment of damages or other monetary relief, public notifications regarding violations, limits on activities or functions, remediation
of practices, external compliance monitoring and civil money penalties. The CFPB has been active in investigations and enforcement actions
and, when necessary, has issued civil money penalties to parties the CFPB determines have violated the laws and regulations it enforces.
Beeline’s failure to comply with the federal consumer protection laws and regulations to which it is subject, whether actual or
alleged, could expose it to enforcement actions, potential litigation liabilities, or reputational harm. The CFPB has the authority to
obtain cease-and-desist orders, orders for restitution or rescission of contracts and other kinds of affirmative relief and monetary
penalties ranging from up to approximately $6,800 per day for ordinary violations of federal consumer financial laws to approximately
$34,000 per day for reckless violations and to approximately $1,360,000 per day for knowing violations.
In
addition, the occurrence of one or more of the foregoing events or a determination by the CFPB or any court or regulatory agency that
its policies and procedures or other aspects of Beeline’s compliance systems are inadequate or do not comply with applicable law
could materially and adversely affect Beeline’s business, financial condition, results of operations.
If
Beeline fails to comply with laws and regulations regarding its use of telemarketing, including the TCPA, it could increase its operating
costs and materially and adversely impact its business, financial condition and results of operations, and prospects.
Beeline
engages in outbound telephone and text communications with consumers, and accordingly must comply with a number of laws and regulations
that govern said communications and the use of automatic telephone dialing systems (“ATDS”), including the TCPA and Telemarketing
Sales Rules. The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”), and the FTC have responsibility for regulating various aspects
of these laws. Among other requirements, the TCPA requires Beeline to obtain prior express written consent for certain telemarketing
calls and to adhere to “do-not-call” registry requirements which, in part, mandate Beeline maintain and regularly update
lists of consumers who have chosen not to be called and restrict calls to consumers who are on the national do-not-call list. Many states
have similar consumer protection laws regulating telemarketing. These laws limit Beeline’s ability to communicate with consumers
and reduce the effectiveness of its marketing programs. The TCPA does not distinguish between voice and data, and, as such, SMS/MMS messages
are also “calls” for the purpose of TCPA obligations and restrictions.
For
violations of the TCPA, the law provides for a private right of action under which a plaintiff may recover monetary damages of $500 for
each call or text made in violation of the prohibitions on calls made using an “artificial or pre-recorded voice” or an ATDS.
A court may treble the amount of damages upon a finding of a “willful or knowing” violation. There is no statutory cap on
maximum aggregate exposure (although some courts have applied in TCPA class actions constitutional limits on excessive penalties). An
action may be brought by the FCC, a state attorney general, an individual, or a class of individuals. If in the future Beeline is found
to have violated the TCPA, the amount of damages and potential liability could be extensive and materially and adversely impact Beeline’s
business, financial condition and results of operations. Accordingly, were such a class certified or if Beeline is unable to successfully
defend such a suit, then TCPA damages could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations,
and prospects. Moreover, defense of any class action is expensive and may divert employees from their normal tasks.
If
Beeline is unable to comply with the TRID rules, its business and operations could be materially and adversely affected.
The
CFPB implemented loan disclosure requirements, to combine and amend certain TILA and RESPA disclosures. The TRID rules significantly
changed consumer-facing disclosure rules and added certain waiting periods to allow consumers time to shop for and consider the loan
terms after receiving the required disclosures. If Beeline fails to comply with the TRID rules, including but not limited to disclosure
timing requirements and the requirements related to disclosing fees within applicable tolerance thresholds, it may be unable to sell
loans that it originates, it may be required to sell such loans at a discount compared to other loans, or it may be subject to repurchase
or indemnification demands from purchasers or insurers/guarantors of such loans. Further, the right to rescind certain loans could be
extended, Beeline could be required to issue refunds to consumers, and it could be subject to regulatory action, penalties, or civil
litigation.
Federal
and state laws regulate Beeline’s strategic relationships with third-party partnerships and vendors; a determination that it has
failed to comply with such laws could require restructuring of the relationships, result in material financial liabilities, and expose
Beeline to regulatory enforcement and litigation risk, and/or diminish the value of these relationships.
Beeline
must comply with a number of federal and state laws including, among others, RESPA, TILA and HMDA. Because its business relies on strategic
relationships with third parties and affiliates, it is particularly important that it comply with RESPA, which requires lenders to make
certain disclosures to mortgage loan borrowers regarding their settlement costs and affiliate relationships with other settlement service
providers, and prohibits kickbacks, referral fees, and unearned fees associated with settlement service business. RESPA-related risk
arises, for example, to the extent that certain services provided by one of Beeline’s affiliates or third-party partners are considered
to be settlement services, consumers are not able to choose whether such services are provided by the affiliate or Beeline, and consumers
are deemed to pay a charge attributable to such services, or if loans are deemed not purchased in the secondary market at fair market
value. Additionally, it is important that Beeline comply with TILA and other applicable federal and state laws. Risks related to such
laws arise, for example, if points and fees for a transaction exceed certain applicable thresholds, loan originator compensation requirements
(including incentive compensation requirements) are not satisfied, and/or TRID or other required disclosures are determined to be noncompliant,
and these laws are subject to interpretational complexities in the co-branded mortgage broker context. In addition, Beeline’s lead
generation and advertising activities and strategic relationships carry RESPA-related risk depending on certain factors, such as whether
a third-party endorses or refers business to Beeline, whether any payments between the parties constitute fair market value, and any
potential direct or indirect benefit to Beeline’s third-party partners in addition to benefits provided directly to consumers.
Federal and state regulators or courts could adopt interpretations of laws and regulations-including with respect to RESPA and its governance
over affiliated business arrangements, bona fide joint ventures and marketing services arrangements, TILA’s provisions applicable
to transactions involving mortgage brokers, and other disclosure requirements-that could increase the regulatory risk and scrutiny of
Beeline’s affiliate and third-party strategic relationships, raise licensing/registration questions, require restructuring of these
relationships (as well as suspend its operations in a given jurisdiction pending such restructuring), result in financial liabilities
(including indemnification, repurchase demands or financial penalties), carry litigation risk (including, potentially, false claim-related
risk), and/or diminish the value of these relationships.
In
2023, the CFPB clarified its interpretation of RESPA’s longstanding prohibitions on payments for the referral of settlement service
business and unearned fees that implicate mortgage lenders’ affiliate relationships, marketing/advertising arrangements, and strategic
relationships, and it brought its first public enforcement action alleging RESPA Section 8 violations since 2017. Similar future clarifications,
enforcement actions, or potential novel interpretations could implicate Beeline’s affiliate and third-party relationships.
If
Beeline fails to comply with employment and labor laws and regulations could materially and adversely affect its business, financial
condition, and results of operations.
Beeline
is subject to a variety of federal and state employment and labor laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act,
the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and other laws related to working conditions, wage-hour pay, over-time pay, employee benefits,
anti-discrimination, and termination of employment. Noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations could subject Beeline to investigations,
sanctions, enforcement actions, disgorgement of profits, fines, damages, civil and criminal penalties, or injunctions. An adverse outcome
in any such litigation could require Beeline to pay contractual damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees
and costs.
Claims,
enforcement actions, or other proceedings could harm Beeline’s reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Beeline could be materially and adversely affected by any such litigation. In addition, responding to any action will likely result in
a significant diversion of management’s attention and resources and an increase in professional fees.
Risks
Related to Merger with the Company
Because
the Company received two non-compliance letters from the Nasdaq Stock Market, its failure to maintain its Nasdaq listing, and any
delisting could negatively impact our future capital-raising abilities.
In
2024, the Company failed to comply with two applicable Nasdaq Listing Rules, and received non-compliance letters. For example, the Company
has been notified that Nasdaq is continuing to monitor its compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1), which requires a listed company
to maintain stockholders’ equity of at least $2.5 million (the “Stockholders’ Equity Rule”). While the Company
believes it has regained compliance with the Stockholders Equity Rule as the result of its merger with Beeline, there can be no assurances
that Nasdaq will ultimately agree. Should the Company be unable to maintain its compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rules, the Company’s
stock may be subject to delisting. If the Company’s stock is delisted it would negatively impact the Company’s ability to
raise capital, and negatively impact its stockholders’ ability to trade its common stock. Further, we have not complied with Nasdaq’s
minimum bid rule. While we are seeking approval of a reverse stock split of our annual stockholder’s meeting scheduled for late
December, there can be no assurance our stockholders will approve this charter amendment or if they do, our stock price will not again
fail to meet Nasdaq minimum bid requirement. Historically reverse splits depress an issuer’s stock price.
In
order to raise capital as necessary to fund our ongoing operations and further our business objectives, and to maintain our listing on
Nasdaq, we will need to amend our Articles of Incorporation to increase our authorized common stock, which will involve prolonged, complex
and challenging processes and will present significant additional challenges in our capital raising efforts.
We
have a very limited number of authorized and unissued shares of our common stock, which has impeded our ability to raise capital. Because
of our need to raise capital to fund our operations and growth objectives, we will need to seek stockholder approval to amend our Articles
of Incorporation to increase our authorized common stock as necessary to enable us to conduct capital raising transactions. The proxy
statement we use for that meeting will need to comply with the SEC’s merger and acquisitions proxy statement rules. These rules
require comprehensive and lengthy disclosure about the Beeline merger including a summary of all telephone calls, emails, texts and written
communications between us and Beeline through the October 7th merger closing. In addition, the proxy statement will require
extensive disclosure about the businesses of Beeline and the Company including the risk factors facing each company, the management and
boards of directors of each of Beeline and us, principal stockholders, related party transactions for the prior two year period, and financial statements for the Company and Beeline for two prior years as well as interim financial statements and a discussion
about the results of operations and financial condition of each of us for the periods in the financial statements.
As
a public company required to comply with both Nasdaq and SEC rules as they relate to stockholder approval of corporate actions, the process
for taking these actions will be prolonged, complex and costly. Under SEC rules, before conducting any shareholder meeting we must first
prepare and file a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC. Because we expect the SEC Staff may issue extensive comments, we are uncertain
when we can schedule the special meeting of stockholders. We will need to allow 45-60 days following the record date to have a meeting;
the record date will be before the mailing. In addition, we face a deadline of February 14th to mail the proxy statement without
waiting for completion of our 2024 financial statements, which could further delay our ability to have the meeting.
At
that special meeting, we will seek stockholder approval to increase our authorized common stock and make the Series F and other equity
we issued and may issue in the near future convertible and able to vote. Given both our present need for capital and the capital intensive
nature of our business, the foregoing process and challenges will impose additional strains on us and our ability to raise capital in
a timely manner, in amounts sufficient to meet our capital requirements, and/or on terms favorable to us or without subjecting us to
excessive or onerous terms. Particularly during the period wherein we do not have sufficient authorized capital and the months following
the recent merger, we may be forced to issue derivative securities which have highly dilutive features and/or limit our ability to operate
our business or take action which would otherwise be advantageous to our business and stock holders. In addition, due to our recent non-compliance
with Nasdaq’s shareholder equity requirement, we may be limited in our ability to raise capital through a debt financing, and as
a result of these factors we may be unable to access the amount of capital needed in the timeframe needed or at all.
The
above challenges and uncertainties present significant risks to us and our business, including our ability to continue as a going concern,
particularly in the short term until we can successfully complete the process required to affect the necessary amendments. If we are
unable to navigate this complex and challenging situation, or if we cannot obtain such approvals it could materially adversely affect
our business, financial condition and operating results, and you could lose all or almost all of your investment.
Item
9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
|
EASTSIDE
DISTILLING, INC. |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/
Geoffrey Gwin |
|
|
Geoffrey
Gwin |
|
|
Chief
Executive Officer |
Date:
November 21, 2024
Exhibit
99.1
BEELINE
FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2023
Table
of Contents
Independent
Auditor’s Report
To
the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Providence,
RI 02909-2468
Opinion
We
have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc., which comprise the balance sheet
as of December 31, 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows
for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.
In
our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Beeline Financial Holdings,
Inc., as of December 31, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis
for Opinion
We
conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities
under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section
of our report. We are required to be independent of Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc., and to meet our other ethical responsibilities,
in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient
and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Substantial
Doubt About the Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note
2 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations, has a net capital deficiency, and has stated
that substantial doubt exists about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s evaluation of the
events and conditions and management’s plans regarding these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do
not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this
matter.
Responsibilities
of Management for the Financial Statements
Management
is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation
and fair
presentation
of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In
preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate,
that raise substantial doubt about Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year after
the date that the financial statements are issued.
Auditor’s
Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our
objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level
of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always
detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than
for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of
internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate,
they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.
56
Rockford Road, Wilmington, DE 19806-1004 | Phone: 302-652-4783
ciroadamscpa.com
In
performing an audit in accordance with GAAS, we:
| ● | Exercise
professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. |
| | |
| ● | Identify
and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to
fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures
include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. |
| | |
| ● | Obtain
an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc.’s internal control. Accordingly,
no such opinion is expressed. |
| | |
| ● | Evaluate
the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting
estimates made by management, as well as, evaluate the overall presentation of the financial
statements. |
| | |
| ● | Conclude
whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that
raise substantial doubt about Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc.’s ability to continue
as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. |
We
are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit,
significant audit findings, and certain internal control–related matters that we identified during the audit.
Wilmington,
DE 19806-1004
April
24, 2024
BEELINE
FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER
31, 2023
Assets | |
| | |
| |
| | |
Current
Assets | |
| | |
Cash
and cash equivalents | |
$ | 190,357 | |
Accounts
receivable, net | |
| 57,970 | |
Mortgage
loans held for sale, at fair value | |
| 2,243,043 | |
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets | |
| 82,137 | |
Total
Current Assets | |
| 2,573,507 | |
| |
| | |
Property
and equipment, net | |
| 308,693 | |
Software
development costs, net | |
| 4,863,090 | |
Right
of use assets | |
| 1,643,433 | |
Security
deposit | |
| 58,181 | |
Total
Assets | |
$ | 9,446,903 | |
| |
| | |
Liabilities
& Stockholders’ Equity | |
| | |
| |
| | |
Current
Liabilities | |
| | |
Accounts
payable | |
$ | 1,384,275 | |
Warehouse
lines of credit | |
| 2,158,099 | |
Lease
liability, current portion | |
| 323,959 | |
Loan
payable | |
| 91,999 | |
Loan
payable, related party | |
| 973,173 | |
Accrued
payroll | |
| 300,132 | |
Escrows
held for others | |
| 4,906 | |
Accrued
expenses and other current liabilities | |
| 9,404 | |
Total
Current Liabilities | |
| 5,245,946 | |
| |
| | |
Long
Term Liabilities | |
| | |
Debt,
convertible notes | |
| 9,469,018 | |
Debt,
convertible notes - related party | |
| 9,440,428 | |
Lease
liability, net of current portion | |
| 1,526,825 | |
Promissory
note | |
| 291,846 | |
Total
Long Term Liabilities | |
| 20,728,117 | |
| |
| | |
Total
Liabilities | |
| 25,974,063 | |
| |
| | |
Stockholders’
Equity | |
| | |
| |
| | |
Common
stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000 shares authorized, 164,404 shares issued and outstanding | |
| 1,644 | |
Series
A preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized, 24,796 shares issued and outstanding | |
| 248 | |
Additional
paid in capital | |
| 21,772,516 | |
Accumulated
other comprehensive income | |
| (95,728 | ) |
Accumulated
deficit | |
| (38,205,841 | ) |
Total
Stockholders’ Equity | |
| (16,527,161 | ) |
| |
| | |
Total
Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity | |
$ | 9,446,903 | |
See
notes to consolidated financial statements
BEELINE
FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR
THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
Revenues | |
| 2023 | |
Gain
on sale of loans, net | |
$ | 2,948,791 | |
Interest
Income, net | |
| (47,588 | ) |
Loan
origination fees | |
| 304,388 | |
Title
fees | |
| 558,759 | |
Data
and tech services | |
| 2,748 | |
REVENUES,
NET | |
| 3,767,097 | |
| |
| | |
Operating
Expenses | |
| | |
Selling,
general and administrative | |
| 496,393 | |
Salaries
and benefits | |
| 6,422,175 | |
Payroll
taxes | |
| 31,468 | |
Professional
fees | |
| 920,656 | |
Marketing
and advertising | |
| 1,883,622 | |
Loan
originating expenses | |
| 675,053 | |
Depreciation
and amortization | |
| 1,591,511 | |
Rent
and utilities | |
| 369,785 | |
Computer
and software | |
| 668,733 | |
Title
operation expense | |
| 199,202 | |
Travel
and entertainment | |
| 71,976 | |
Insurance
expense | |
| 212,546 | |
Other
expenses | |
| 215,240 | |
Total
Operating Expenses | |
| 13,758,360 | |
| |
| | |
Other
Income/Expenses | |
| | |
Other
(income)/expense | |
| (295,946 | ) |
Interest
expense | |
| 569,069 | |
Other
taxes | |
| 8,110 | |
Total
Other Income/Expenses | |
| 281,233 | |
TOTAL
EXPENSES | |
$ | 14,039,594 | |
| |
| | |
NET
INCOME (LOSS) | |
$ | (10,272,496 | ) |
See
notes to consolidated financial statements
BEELINE
FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
DECEMBER
31, 2023
| |
Common
Stock | | |
Preferred
Stock | | |
Additional
Paid in | | |
Accumulated | | |
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive | | |
Total Stockholders’ | |
| |
Shares | | |
Amount | | |
Shares | | |
Amount | | |
Capital | | |
Deficit | | |
Loss | | |
Equity | |
Balance,
January 1, 2023 | |
| 164,404 | | |
$ | 1,644 | | |
| 47,291 | | |
$ | 269 | | |
$ | 27,866,976 | | |
$ | (27,933,345 | ) | |
$ | (79,836 | ) | |
$ | (144,292 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Change
in estimate used in valuation of warrants | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| (762,668 | ) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| (762,668 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Preferred
stock exchanged for convertible notes | |
| | | |
| | | |
| (22,495 | ) | |
| (21 | ) | |
| (5,706,538 | ) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| (5,706,559 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Stock-based
compensation expense | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 374,746 | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 374,746 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Foreign
currency translation adjustments | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| (15,892 | ) | |
| (15,892 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net
loss | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| (10,272,496 | ) | |
| | | |
| (10,272,496 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Balance,
December 31, 2023 | |
| 164,404 | | |
$ | 1,644.00 | | |
| 24,796 | | |
$ | 248 | | |
$ | 21,772,516 | | |
$ | (38,205,841 | ) | |
$ | (95,728 | ) | |
$ | (16,527,161 | ) |
See
notes to consolidated financial statements
BEELINE
FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR
THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
CASH
FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPEATING ACTIVITIES | |
| | |
| |
| | |
Net
Loss | |
$ | (10,272,496 | ) |
| |
| | |
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | |
| | |
| |
| | |
Depreciation
and amortization | |
| 1,591,511 | |
Allowance
for change in fair market value | |
| 24,552 | |
Stock-based
compensation | |
| 374,746 | |
| |
| | |
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities: | |
| | |
Accounts
receivable | |
| (28,375 | ) |
Loans
held for sale | |
| 725,779 | |
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets | |
| 10,706 | |
Deposits | |
| 250 | |
Accounts
payable | |
| 147,317 | |
Accrued
payroll | |
| (112,259 | ) |
Right
of use asset | |
| 304,371 | |
Escrows
held | |
| (17,289 | ) |
Warehouse
lines of credit, net | |
| (902,824 | ) |
Lease
liability | |
| (309,170 | ) |
Promissory
note | |
| (112,500 | ) |
Accrued
expenses and other liabilities | |
| 3,640 | |
Net
Cash Used in Operating Activities | |
| (8,572,041 | ) |
| |
| | |
CASH
FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |
| | |
| |
| | |
Purchase
of property and equipment | |
| - | |
Software
development costs | |
| (851,028 | ) |
Net
Cash Used in Investing Activities | |
| (851,028 | ) |
| |
| | |
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |
| | |
| |
| | |
Payments
from BDCRI loan | |
| (71,505 | ) |
Convertible
notes issued | |
| 3,940,403 | |
Convertible
notes issued - related party | |
| 4,662,026 | |
Stock-based
compensation | |
| | |
Demand
notes | |
| 153,454 | |
Demand
notes - related party | |
| 811,718 | |
Net
Cash Provided by Financing Activities | |
| 9,496,096 | |
| |
| | |
Foreign
currency translation adjustments | |
| (15,892 | ) |
| |
| | |
Net
increase (decrease) in cash | |
| 57,134 | |
| |
| | |
Cash
and cash equivalents - beginning of period | |
| 133,223 | |
Cash
and cash equivalents - end of period | |
$ | 190,357 | |
| |
| | |
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |
| | |
| |
| | |
Preferred
stock exchanged for convertible notes | |
$ | 4,506,526 | |
Preferred
stock exchanged for convertible notes - related party | |
$ | 1,200,021 | |
See
notes to consolidated financial statements
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2023
NOTE
1 - NATURE OF BUSINESS
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc. (the “Company,” and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Beeline,” “we”,
“us”, “our”) was incorporated in Delaware on July 1, 2020, via a merger with Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc,
a Rhode Island corporation founded on September 20, 2018. Beeline is a full service Direct-to-Consumer lender specializing in conventional
conforming and non-conforming residential first-lien mortgages.
The
consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries,
Beeline Title Holdings, Inc. (“Beeline Title Holdings”), Beeline Mortgage Holdings, Inc. (“Beeline Mortgage Holdings”),
Beeline Loans Pty Ltd. (“Australian Subsidiary”) and Nimble Title Holdings, LLC FKA Cambridge Title Holdings, LLC (“Nimble
Title Holdings”). Beeline Title Holdings has five subsidiaries, Beeline Title, LLC (“Beeline Title”), Beeline Texas
Title, LLC (“Beeline Texas Title”), Beeline Settlement Services, LLC (“Beeline Settlement Services”), Beeline
Title Company of California, LLC (“Beeline California”) and Beeline Title Agency, LLC (“Beeline Title Agency”).
Beeline Mortgage Holdings has one subsidiary, Beeline Loans, Inc. (“Beeline Loans”). Nimble Title Holdings has four subsidiaries,
Nimble Title, LLC (“Nimble Title”), Nimble Title Agency, LLC (“Nimble Title Agency”), Nimble Settlement Services,
LLC (“Nimble Settlement Services”), and Cambridge Title Company of California (“Cambridge California”).
Beeline is a fintech mortgage lender that launched its lending platform in May 2020. Beeline continues to develop proprietary software in
the form of major enhancements and new developments in its lending platform, introducing its Chat API “Bob” in July 2023.
Beeline continues to hire key personnel to be able to scale into the future.
Beeline
is subject to a number of risks common to emerging companies stemming from, among other things, a limited operating history, rapid technological
change, uncertainty of market acceptance and products, uncertainty of regulatory approval, competition from substitute products and larger
companies, the need to obtain additional financing, compliance with government regulation, protection of proprietary technology, interest
rate fluctuations, product liability, and the dependence on key individuals.
NOTE
2 – GOING CONCERN, LIQUIDITY, AND MANAGEMENT’S PLANS
These
consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis that assumes Beeline will continue as a going concern and which contemplates
the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the ordinary course of business. Beeline has incurred recurring
losses from operations since its inception and is dependent on debt and equity financing. These factors raise substantial doubt about
Beeline’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the carrying
amounts and classification of assets, liabilities, and reported expenses that may be necessary if Beeline were unable to continue as
a going concern.
Management
believes that its available funds and cash flow from operations may not be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements for the
twelve months subsequent to the issuance of our financial statements. In order to accomplish its business plan objectives, Beeline will
need to either increase revenues or raise capital by the issuance of debt and/or equity and stock or sell Beeline to a strategic acquirer.
Management
believes that it will be successful in obtaining additional financing based on its limited history of raising funds; however, there can
be no assurances that our business plans and actions will be successful, that we will generate anticipated revenues, or that unforeseen
circumstances will not require additional funding sources in the future or effectuate plans to conserve liquidity. Future efforts to
raise additional funds may not be successful or they may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Please see Note 8 – Debt
as to current capital raise information.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2023
NOTE
3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS
OF ACCOUNTING
These
consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
PRINCIPLES
OF CONSOLIDATION
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions
and balances have been eliminated.
USE
OF ESTIMATES
Preparing
financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Examples of estimates and assumptions include: for revenue recognition, estimating the gain
on sale of loans originated; and for equity instruments such as options, estimating the fair value of options granted and expensed. Actual
results and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions due to risks and uncertainties.
CASH,
CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH
Beeline
considers highly liquid investments purchased with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Cash equivalents include money market accounts that are readily convertible into cash.
MORTGAGE
LOANS HELD FOR SALE
Beeline
has elected the fair value option for accounting for mortgage loans held for sale.
Included
in mortgage loans held for sale are loans originated as held for sale that are expected to be sold to investors and loans that have been
previously sold and repurchased from investors that management intends to resell to other investors. Refer to Note 4 - Mortgage Loans
Held for Sale for further information.
DERIVATIVE
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Beeline
enters into interest rate lock commitments, forward commitments to sell mortgage loans and forward commitments to purchase loans, which
are considered derivative financial instruments. These items are accounted for as free-standing derivatives and are included in the Balance
Sheet at fair value. Beeline treats all of its derivative instruments as economic hedges; therefore, none of its derivative instruments
are designated as accounting hedges. Changes in the fair value of the IRLCs and forward commitments to sell and purchase mortgage loans
are recorded in current period earnings and are included in gain on sale of loans, net in the Statement of Operations. Forward commitments
to purchase mortgage loans are recognized in current period earnings and are included in gain on sale of loans, net in the Statement
of Operations.
The
Company enters into IRLCs to fund residential mortgage loans with its potential borrowers. These commitments are binding agreements to
lend funds to these potential borrowers at specified interest rates within specified periods of time.
The
fair value of IRLCs is derived from the fair value of similar mortgage loans or bonds, which is based on observable market data. Changes
to the fair value of IRLCs are recognized based on changes in interest rates, changes in the probability that the commitment will be
exercised, and the passage of time.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2023
DERIVATIVE
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
IRLCs
and uncommitted mortgage loans held for sale expose Beeline to the risk that the value of the mortgage loans held and mortgage loans
underlying the commitments may decline due to increases in mortgage interest rates during the life of the commitments.
There
were no open forward contracts at December 31, 2023.
DEPOSITS
Deposits
include security deposits for leased office spaces, which are refundable to Beeline upon expiration of the lease agreements.
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property
and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are recorded at cost, and are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from three to seven years. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed
as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the improvement’s estimated useful life.
Improvements, which increase the productive value of assets, are capitalized, and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related
asset.
SOFTWARE
DEVELOPMENT COSTS, NET
Beeline
capitalizes certain qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage in connection with the development of internal-use
software. Costs related to preliminary project activities are expensed as incurred and post-implementation activities will be expensed
as incurred. Capitalized software costs are amortized over the useful life of the software, which is five years.
IMPAIRMENT
OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
Beeline
continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the estimated remaining useful life of its long-lived
assets, including internal-use software, may warrant revision or that the carrying value of these assets may be impaired. Beeline does
not believe that any events have occurred that would indicate its long-lived assets are impaired on December 31, 2023.
FAIR
VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair
value is the price that would be received if an asset were sold or the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between willing market participants at the measurement date. Required disclosures include classification of fair value measurements
within a three-level hierarchy (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3). Classification of a fair value measurement within the hierarchy is dependent
on the classification and significance of the inputs used to determine the fair value measurement. Observable inputs are those that are
observed, implied from, or corroborated with externally available market information. Unobservable inputs represent the Beeline’s
estimates of market participants’ assumptions.
Fair
value measurements are classified in the following manner:
Level
1—Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
Level
2—Valuation is based on either observable prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, observable prices
for similar assets or liabilities, or other inputs that are derived directly from, or through correlation to, observable market data
at the measurement date.
Level
3—Valuation is based on the Beeline’s internal models using assumptions at the measurement date that a market participant
would use.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2023
FAIR
VALUE MEASUREMENTS (continued)
In
determining fair value measurement, Beeline uses observable inputs whenever possible. The level of a fair value measurement within the
hierarchy is dependent on the lowest level of input that has a significant impact on the measurement as a whole. If quoted market prices
are available at the measurement date or are available for similar instruments, such prices are used in the measurements. If observable
market data is not available at the measurement date, judgment is required to measure fair value.
The
following is a description of measurement techniques for items recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no material items
recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2023.
Mortgage
loans held for sale: Loans held for sale that are valued using Level 2 measurements derived from observable market data, including
market prices of securities backed by similar mortgage loans adjusted for certain factors to approximate the fair value of a whole mortgage
loan, including the value attributable to mortgage servicing and credit risk. Loans held for sale for which there is little to no observable
trading activity of similar instruments are valued using Level 3 measurements based upon dealer price quotes and internal models.
IRLCs:
The fair value of IRLCs is based on current market prices of securities backed by similar mortgage loans (as determined above under
mortgage loans held for sale), net of costs to close the loans, subject to the estimated loan funding probability, or “pull-through
factor.” Given the significant and unobservable nature of the pull-through factor, IRLCs are classified as Level 3.
Forward
commitments: Beeline’s forward commitments are valued based on quoted prices for similar assets in an active market with inputs
that are observable and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. There were no open forward contracts at December 31,
2023.
DEBT
ISSUANCE COSTS
Beeline’s
notes payable agreements are recorded net of issuance costs (debt discount). The resulting debt discount is being amortized over the
term of the term loan using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, and the amortization of debt
discount is included in the statement of operations.
REVENUE
RECOGNITION
Gain
on Sale of Loans, net
Includes
all components related to the sale of mortgage loans, including net gain on sale of loans, which represents the premium we receive in
excess of the loan principal amount and certain fees charged by investors upon the sale of loans. An estimate of the gain on sale of
loans, net, is recognized at the time of the loan origination. When the mortgage loan is sold to an investor, any difference between
the proceeds received and the current fair value of the loan is recognized in the current period earnings in Gain on sale of loans, net.
Loan
Origination Fees
Are
fees, points, and certain costs, charged to originate loans. These fees are recognized when the loans are committed.
Interest
Income, net
Includes
interest earned on mortgage loans held for sale net of the interest expense paid on our loan funding facilities. Interest income is recorded
as earned and interest expense is recorded as incurred.
Title
Fees
Commissions
earned at loan settlement on insurance premiums paid to title insurance companies.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2023
REVENUE
RECOGNITION (continued)
Data
and Tech
Fees
received from a marketing partner who is embedded in our point-of-sale journey for investment property customers. The partner pays Beeline
for leads they receive from a customer opting in to use their insurance company for landlord insurance during the application process.
MARKETING
AND ADVERTISING COSTS
Marketing
and advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
For
the year ended December 31, 2023, marketing and advertising expenses were $1,883,622.
STOCK-BASED
COMPENSATION EXPENSE
Beeline
measures and recognizes compensation expense for restricted stock awards and options granted to employees based on the fair value of
the award on the grant date and recognized as expense over the related service or performance period. Beeline elected to account for
forfeitures as they occur.
Stock-based
compensation expense totaled $374,746 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
INCOME
TAXES
Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing
assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred
tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion
or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. At December 31, 2023, the amount of the deferred tax assets of approximately $38
million arising principally from the net operating loss carryforward was reduced to $0 by a valuation allowance of the same amount.
NOTE
4 – MORTGAGE LOANS HELD FOR SALE
Beeline
sells substantially all of its originated mortgage loans to investors. At December 31, 2023, Beeline recognized an allowance for estimated
fair value on the eventual sales of loans.
Mortgage loans held for sale | |
$ | 2,267,595 | |
Less:
allowance for change in fair value | |
| (24,552 | ) |
Mortgage loans held for
sale, at fair value | |
$ | 2,243,043 | |
NOTE
5 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property
and equipment as of December 31, 2023, consisted of the following:
Leasehold improvements | |
$ | 696,894 | |
Furniture and fixtures | |
| 129,936 | |
Computers and hardware | |
| 81,779 | |
| |
| 908,609 | |
Less: accumulated depreciation | |
| (599,941 | |
Property and equipment,
net | |
| 308,693 | |
Depreciation
expense totaled $151,376 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2023
Note
6 - Capitalized Software Development Costs
Beeline
released its proprietary software “Hexagon” in May 2020. Through December 31, 2023, Beeline has capitalized a total of $8,079,821
in software development. As of December 31, 2023, Beeline has accumulated amortization expense of $3,216,731 of these costs for a net
total of $4,863,090 in software development costs.
Beeline
continues to use the “Hexagon” software for processing mortgages of commercial and residential properties and intends on
licensing this software to other mortgage loan originators in the future.
In
January 2023, Beeline’s internal developers began the initial development of a new proprietary software, “Hive”. The
new software is an entirely new platform and code built by Beeline. The most notable feature of the new software is the integration of
Beeline’s Chat API “Bob.” The official launch of Hive was January 2024 and Beeline is currently implementing the new
software in its residential mortgage origination process. Through December 31, 2023, Beeline has expensed $778,972 in the development
of this new software.
NOTE
7 - WAREHOUSE LINES OF CREDIT
At
December 31, 2023, Beeline engaged with one bank for a line of credit to fund originated loans in the normal course of business. The
agreement contains specific financial covenants and requirements that Beeline must analyze on a quarterly basis in order to be compliant
with the agreement. The aggregate potential borrowing capacity under the warehouse line of credit is $10,000,000 at December 31, 2023.
FIRSTFUNDING,
INC.
On
October 1, 2022, Beeline entered into an agreement with FirstFunding, Inc. for a $10,000,000 line. The line automatically renews for
successive one-year terms, unless terminated by Beeline or FirstFunding, Inc. The interest rate is the greater of 1.) interest on the
underlying loan or 2.) 4.25% - 5.50%, depending on how many loans Beeline closes per month. Beeline is required to provide FirstFunding,
Inc. with annual audited financial statements and monthly interim unaudited financial statements. Beeline is also subject to non-financial
covenants.
The
below is a summary of warehouse lines outstanding as of December 31, 2023:
Warehouse
Lender | |
Line
Amount | |
Outstanding | |
Remaining
Unused |
FirstFunding, Inc. | |
10,000,000 | |
2,158,099 | |
7,841,901 |
FLAGSTAR
BANK
As
of July 25, 2023, Beeline requested the closure of the Flagstar Bank warehouse line. The Company plans to re-engage with Flagstar before
the end of 2024, once the conventional loan market improves. The Company’s focus has been on non-QM loans as the market has fluctuated
and First Funding permits both non-QM and conventional loans.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2023
NOTE
8 - DEBT
BDCRI
LOAN
On
April 29, 2021, Beeline and Beeline Loans entered into a term loan agreement with Business Development Company of Rhode Island (the “BDCRI
Loan”) for $450,000. The BDCRI Loan matures on April 29, 2026. As of December 31, 2023, the balance due is $291,846. In October
2023, Beeline began making interest-only payments in the near term until market conditions improved. The interest rate is 6%. Beeline
recorded debt issuance costs of $17,182, which are being amortized over the term of the BDCRI Loan. The BDCRI Loan contains default covenants
and prepayment terms and is collateralized and guaranteed by two of the shareholders of Beeline.
LOANS
PAYABLE
In
2022, Beeline received $100,000 from Capital Markets Group in the form of a loan payable. This loan is currently past due. Default interest
is accruing at 24% per annum. As of December 31, 2023, the balance due is $60,244.
In
March 2023, Beeline received $30,000 from an individual in the form of a loan payable. Interest accrues at 7% per annum. At December
31, 2023, the balance due is $31,755.
LOANS
PAYABLE – RELATED PARTY
In
July 2023, Beeline received $75,000 from Fluid Capital in the form of a loan payable. Interest accrues at 12.25%. per annum. This note
is due April 2024. At December 31, 2023 the balance due is $78,826.
In
September 2023, Beeline received $310,000 and in December 2023, Beeline received $130,500 Manta Reef (Gulp Data), in the form of loans
payable. Interest accrues at 18% per annum. Interest-only payments are made monthly. These loans are due December 2024. At December 31,
2023, the balance due on these loans is $511,502.
In
November 2023, Beeline received $157,500 from American Heritage Lending in the form of a loan payable. Interest accrues at 12% per annum.
This loan was paid in March 2024. At December 31, 2023, the balance due is $161,280.
An
officer, director, and shareholder lends money to Beeline throughout the year in the form of loans payable. Interest accrues at 7% per
annum. At December 31, 2023, the balance due is $221,565.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2023
NOTE
8 – DEBT (CONTINUED)
2022
SUBORDINATED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTES ISSUED
In
June 2022, the Board of Directors authorized the issuance of three-year, 7%, 2022 Subordinated Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Convertible
Notes”) and related Preferred Stock Warrants, up to a total of $20,000,000, to investors through March 31, 2024
Beeline
raised total proceeds of $12,239,216 with 2022 Convertible Notes. Please see Note 10- Stockholders’ Equity as to no estimate of
the portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the convertible promissory notes attributable to such warrants can be determined.
In
2023, three investors who made an investment of at least $500,000 in the 2022 Convertible Notes were entitled to exchange, for no additional
consideration, Beeline securities held by the investor for 2022 Convertible Notes having the same value as the investor’s existing
investment. These three investors exchanged 22,495 shares of preferred stock for a 2022 Convertible Notes having principal amounts totaling
$5,706,559.
All
2022 Convertible Notes are three-year notes of: $4,451,000 maturing in 2025 and $13,494,754 maturing in 2026. As of December 31, 2023,
interest of $963,692 has accrued on all these notes. At December 31, 2023, the balance due on these notes is $18,909,446.
During
2024, Beeline has raised an additional $2,830,097 with the issuance of these 2022 Convertible Notes.
NOTE
9 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Beeline
engaged an affiliated business through its title operations with Beeline Title, Beeline Settlement Services, LLC, and Beeline Texas Title.
The affiliated business is owned by shareholders of Beeline. Cash paid to the affiliate totaled $527,174 at December 31, 2023. Amounts
owed to the affiliated business were $322,527 at December 31, 2023.
Beeline
has received, as noted in Note 8 - Loans Payable, funds from Fluid Capital, Manta Reef (Gulp Data), and American Heritage Lending in
the form of loans payable during 2023. All are considered related parties.
EF
Corporate Holdings, LLC, the parent company of American Heritage Lending, and an affiliate of Beeline, has purchased $1,000,021 of convertible
notes in 2023.
Fluid
Capital has purchased $50,000 of convertible notes in 2022 and 2023.
The
Beeline director, who owns Fluid Capital, purchased $50,000 of convertible notes in 2022 and 2023.
An
officer, director, and shareholder lends money to Beeline throughout the year in the form of loans payable. Interest accrues at 7% per
annum. At December 31, 2023, the balance due is $221,565.
In
addition, another officer, director, and shareholder, purchased $4,360,472 of convertible notes in 2023. This individual now owns $7,886,472
of convertible notes at December 31, 2023.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2023
NOTE
10 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
At
December 31, 2023, Beeline was authorized to issue up to 500,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 53,822 shares
of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. As of December 31, 2023, 164,404 and 24,796 shares of common stock and preferred stock
are issued and outstanding. Beeline will need to authorize additional shares of common stock to convert the 2022 Convertible Notes issued
and additional shares to cover future investment rounds. Beeline is in the process of increasing the number of authorized shares to cover
the additional shares to be issued.
The
rights and privileges of Beeline’s Common and Preferred Stock are as follows:
COMMON
STOCK
The
holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held. The voting, dividend, and liquidation rights of the holders of
the Common Stock are subject to and qualified by the rights, powers, and preferences of the holders of the Preferred Stock described
below.
No
common shares were issued in 2023.
PREFERRED
STOCK
During
2023, three investors exchanged 22,495 shares of preferred stock for a 2022 Convertible Notes having principal amounts totaling $5,706,559.
Please see Note 8 – Debt as to the 2022 Convertible Notes.
At
December 31, 2023, and after the exchange, there are 24,796 preferred stock shares outstanding.
Dividends
Beeline
shall not declare, pay, or set aside any dividends on shares of any other class or series of capital stock of Beeline (other than dividends
on shares of Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock) unless the holders of the Preferred Stock then outstanding shall first receive,
or simultaneously receive, a dividend on each outstanding share of Preferred Stock.
As
of December 31, 2023, no dividends have been declared or accrued on any class of Company stock.
Liquidation
Rights
In
the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Beeline, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock
then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of Beeline available for distribution to its stockholders.
Optional
Conversion
Each
share of Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at the option of the holder thereof, at any time and from time to time, and without the
payment of additional consideration by the holder thereof, into such number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock as
is determined by dividing the original issue price by the conversion price in effect at the time of conversion.
Mandatory
Conversion
Upon
any of (a) the closing of the sale of shares of Common Stock to the public in a firm commitment underwritten public offering pursuant
to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; (b) the closing of a Going-Public Transaction; or
(c) the time and date, or the occurrence of an event, specified by vote or written consent of at least 65% of the issued and outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock.
COMMON
STOCK WARRANTS
At
December 31, 2023, Beeline has 5,868 outstanding common stock warrants with an exercise price of $231.17 and a remaining contractual
life of 2.75 years.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2023
NOTE
10 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)
CHANGE
IN ESTIMATE USED IN VALUATION OF WARRANTS
Warrants
to possibly purchase shares of the company’s capital stock worth approximately $17.945 million in the aggregate were issued and
outstanding as of December 31, 2023. This equaled 100% of the aggregate principal borrowed by the company under all convertible promissory
notes then issued by the company and outstanding (excluding interest thereon) as of such date. However, as of December 31, 2023, (1)
the right to exercise any such warrant, (2) the exercise price of any such warrant, and (3) the type and number of shares of capital
stock for which any such warrant might eventually be exercisable, all remained contingent upon various and alternative equity financing
events yet to have occurred. As such, no estimate of the portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the convertible promissory notes
attributable to such warrants can be determined.
Beeline
considered the amount recognized attributable to such warrants in 2022 as a change in estimate used in valuation of warrants and reduced
additional paid-in capital by $762,668 in 2023.
EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLANS
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.’s Amended Equity Incentive Plan provides employees, consultants, and directors of Beeline and its affiliates
awards, including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, and restricted stock. As approved by the Boards of Directors
on December 21, 2023, the Plan was amended to increase the number of shares of Common Stock which could be made available for Award under
the Plan by seventy-one thousand seven hundred and sixteen (71,716) for a total of one hundred thousand (100,000) shares of Common Stock.
As of December 31, 2023, Beeline granted a total of 79,281 awards. As of December 31, 2023, 20,719 shares of Common Stock remain available
for grants of awards pursuant to this Plan.
Restricted
Stock Awards
In
2020, Beeline granted 12,350 Restricted Common Stock shares with an estimated fair value of $597,864 to four employees. All restricted
shares issued under the Plan are now fully vested and unrestricted.
Options
Awards
During
2023, Beeline granted a total of 60,909 options to employees as incentive stock options (ISOs) for Common Stock Shares. 4,509 of these
options were forfeited by year end. For 2023, Beeline recognized $374,746 as compensation expense for the costs of these options. The
fair value of these options was determined using a Black-Scholes Pricing Model with the following factors: exercise price - $25.00, expected
term – 5 yrs., expected volatility – 63%, dividend yield of 0%, and risk-free interest rate of 3.9%.
At
December 31, 2023, there are 79,281 options outstanding valued at $386,084.
Phantom
Stock Awards
In
2018, Beeline adopted the Phantom Equity Plan (the “Phantom Plan”), which authorizes up to 10,000 shares (“Phantom
Shares”) to be granted to participating employees. The Phantom Shares are a hypothetical equity interest in Beeline and vest over
a four-year period. Each award will only vest and become payable upon certain events, such as a change in ownership of Beeline or a liquidation
event, as defined in the Phantom Plan agreement. At December 31, 2023, the value per share is $0.01. No additional Phantom Shares were
granted in 2023. There are 1,613 fully vested Phantom Shares.
401(k)
Employee Benefit Plan
Beeline
has established a retirement benefit plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under this plan, eligible employees are
permitted to contribute a percentage of compensation into the retirement plan up to a maximum determined by the Internal Revenue Code.
The plan also allows for discretionary employer matching contributions and profit-sharing contributions to the plan; however, no such
contributions were elected for the 2023 year ended.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2023
NOTE
11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LEASE
OBLIGATIONS
Beeline
leases office space under various operating lease agreements, including an office for its headquarters, for branch location and licensing
purposes under non-cancelable lease arrangements that provide for payments on a graduated basis with various expiration dates.
Components
of Operating and Finance Lease Cost Table for the year ended | |
December
31, 2023: | |
Operating lease
cost | |
$ | 335,353 | |
Finance lease cost: | |
| - | |
Amortization of right-of-use
assets | |
| - | |
Interest
on lease liabilities | |
| - | |
Total
finance lease cost | |
$ | 0-
| |
Sublease income | |
$ | 0-
| |
Maturities of lease liabilities
as of December 31, 2023: | |
| Operating
Leases | |
Weighted average remaining lease term | |
| 4
Years | |
Weighted average discount rate | |
| 1.32 | % |
Supplemental cash flow information
related to leases for the year ended | |
| December
31, 2023 | |
Cash paid for amounts included
in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |
| | |
Operating cash flows from
operating leases | |
$ | 340,149 | |
Operating cash flows from
finance leases | |
| - | |
Finance cash flows from
finance leases | |
| - | |
| |
| - | |
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2023
NOTE
11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
LEASE
OBLIGATIONS (continued)
Right-of-use assets obtained
in exchange for lease obligations: | |
| | |
Operating leases | |
$ | 3,716,897 | |
Finance leases | |
| - | |
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
as of December 31, 2023: | |
| | |
Assets | |
| | |
Operating lease right-of-use
assets | |
$ | 1,643,433 | |
Finance
lease right-of-use assets | |
| - | |
Total right-of-use assets | |
$ | 1,643,433 | |
Liabilities | |
| | |
Current | |
| | |
Operating | |
$ | 323,959 | |
Finance | |
| - | |
Non-current | |
| | |
Operating | |
$ | 1,526,825 | |
Finance | |
| - | |
Total Lease Liabilities | |
$ | 1,850,784 | |
Maturities of lease liabilities
as of December 31, 2023: | |
| Operating
Leases | |
2024 | |
$ | 350,316 | |
2025 | |
$ | 360,793 | |
2026 | |
$ | 282,758 | |
2027 | |
$ | 227,669 | |
2028 | |
$ | 234,499 | |
Thereafter | |
$ | 490,314 | |
Total future minimum rental
commitments | |
$ | 1,946,349 | |
Less Imputed Interest | |
| 95,565 | |
Total Lease Liability | |
$ | 1,850,784 | |
NOTE
12 - CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Beeline
maintains cash balances with several regional banks. The deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000
per depositor per bank. At various times throughout the year, cash balances held within these accounts may exceed the maximum insured
amounts.
NOTE
13 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
2022
CONVERTIBLE NOTES ISSUED
During
2024, Beeline raised an additional $2,830,097 with the issuance of these 2022 Convertible Notes. Please see Note 8 – Debt as to
the 2022 Convertible Notes.
End
of Financial Statements
BEELINE
FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated
Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Table
of Contents
Independent
Auditor’s Report
To
the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Providence,
RI 02909-2468
Opinion
We
have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc., which comprise the balance sheet
as of December 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows
for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.
In
our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Beeline Financial Holdings,
Inc., as of December 31,2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis
for Opinion
We
conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities
under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section
of our report. We are required to be independent of Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc., and to meet our other ethical responsibilities,
in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient
and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Substantial
Doubt About the Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note
2 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations, has a net capital deficiency, and has stated
that substantial doubt exists about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s evaluation of the
events and conditions and management’s plans regarding these matters are also described in Note 2. The financial statements do
not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this
matter.
Responsibilities
of Management for the Financial Statements
Management
is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation
and fair
presentation
of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
56
Rockford Road, Wilmington, DE 19806-1004 | Phone: 302-652-4783
ciroadamscpa.com
In
preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate,
that raise substantial doubt about Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year after
the date that the financial statements are issued.
Auditor’s
Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our
objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level
of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always
detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than
for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of
internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate,
they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.
In
performing an audit in accordance with GAAS, we:
| ● | Exercise
professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. |
| | |
| ● | Identify
and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to
fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures
include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. |
| | |
| ● | Obtain
an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc.’s internal control. Accordingly,
no such opinion is expressed. |
| | |
| ● | Evaluate
the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting
estimates made by management, as well as, evaluate the overall presentation of the financial
statements. |
| | |
| ● | Conclude
whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that
raise substantial doubt about Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc.’s ability to continue
as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. |
We
are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit,
significant audit findings, and certain internal control–related matters that we identified during the audit.
Wilmington,
DE 19806-1004
September
5, 2023
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
December 31,
2022
Assets | |
| | |
Current Assets | |
| | |
Cash, cash equivalents | |
| 133,223 | |
Accounts receivable | |
| 29,595 | |
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value | |
| 2,993,374 | |
Loans sale commitment derivative receivable,
at fair value | |
| - | |
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets | |
| 92,843 | |
Total
Current Assets | |
| 3,249,035 | |
Property and equipment, net | |
| 460,069 | |
Software development cost, net | |
| 5,452,197 | |
Right of use assets | |
| 1,947,804 | |
Security deposit | |
| 58,430 | |
Total
Assets | |
$ | 11,167,536 | |
Liabilities & Stockholders’
Equity | |
| | |
Current Liabilities | |
| | |
Accounts payable | |
| 1,236,957 | |
Warehouse lines of credit | |
| 3,060,923 | |
Lease liability, current portion | |
| 309,167 | |
Promissory note | |
| 112,500 | |
Loan payable | |
| 100,000 | |
Debt, current portion | |
| - | |
Accrued payroll | |
| 412,391 | |
Escrows held for others | |
| 22,195 | |
Accrued expenses and other
current liabilities | |
| 5,767 | |
Total
Current Liabilities | |
| 5,259,901 | |
Long Term Liabilities | |
| | |
Debt, 2022 convertible notes | |
| 852,643 | |
Debt, 2022 convertible notes - related party | |
| 2,985,148 | |
Lease liability, net of current portion | |
| 1,850,784 | |
Promissory note | |
| 363,351 | |
Total
Long Term Liabilities | |
| 6,051,927 | |
Total
Liabilities | |
| 11,311,828 | |
Stockholders’ Equity | |
| | |
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000 shares
authorized, 164,404 shares issued and outstanding | |
| 1,644 | |
Series A preferred stock, $0.01 par value,
10,000 shares authorized, 47,291 shares issued and outstanding | |
| 269 | |
Additional paid in capital | |
| 27,866,976 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | |
| (79,836 | ) |
Accumulated deficit | |
| (27,933,345 | ) |
Total
Stockholder’s Equity | |
| (144,292 | ) |
Total
Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity | |
$ | 11,167,536 | |
See
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated
Statement of Operations
December
31, 2022
Revenues | |
| | |
Gain on sale of loans, net | |
$ | 1,854,910 | |
Interest income, net | |
| (23,946 | ) |
Loan origination fees | |
| 413,209 | |
Title fees | |
| 672,813 | |
Revenues,
net | |
| 2,916,987 | |
Operational Expenses | |
| | |
Salaries and benefits | |
| 5,812,860 | |
Payroll taxes | |
| 405,065 | |
Professional fees | |
| 920,578 | |
Marketing and advertising | |
| 1,776,042 | |
loan originating expenses | |
| 1,047,241 | |
Depreciation and amortization | |
| 1,161,094 | |
Rent and utilities | |
| 620,779 | |
Computer and software | |
| 922,527 | |
Title operational expenses | |
| 140,951 | |
Travel and entertainment | |
| 71,655 | |
Insurance expense | |
| 202,649 | |
Other G&A expenses | |
| 260,991 | |
Total
Operating Expenses | |
| 13,342,430 | |
Other Income/Expense | |
| | |
Interest expense | |
| 283,187 | |
Other tax | |
| 701 | |
Total
Other Income/Expense | |
| 283,888 | |
Net
Income (Loss) | |
$ | (10,709,332 | ) |
See Notes to
the Consolidated Financial Statements
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
Year ended
December 31, 2022
| |
Common
Stock | | |
Preferred
Stock | | |
Additional
Paid In | | |
Accumulated | | |
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive | | |
Total
Stockholders’ | |
| |
Shares | | |
Amount | | |
Shares | | |
Amount | | |
Capital | | |
Deficit | | |
Loss | | |
Equity | |
Balance, January 1, 2022 | |
| 164,384 | | |
$ | 1,644 | | |
| 26,910 | | |
$ | 269 | | |
$ | 22,028,641 | | |
$ | (17,224,013 | ) | |
$ | (9,538 | ) | |
$ | 4,797,003 | |
Shares compensation | |
| 20 | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 364,191 | | |
| | | |
| | | |
$ | 364,191 | |
Series A warrants exercised | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 20,381 | | |
| | | |
| 4,711,476 | | |
| | | |
| | | |
$ | 4,711,476 | |
2022 warrants issued | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 762,668 | | |
| | | |
| | | |
$ | 762,668 | |
Foreign currency translation | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| (70,298 | ) | |
$ | (70,298 | ) |
Net Loss | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| (10,709,332 | ) | |
| | | |
$ | (10,709,332 | ) |
Balance, December 31,
2022 | |
| 164,404 | | |
$ | 1,644 | | |
| 47,291 | | |
$ | 269 | | |
$ | 27,866,976 | | |
$ | (27,933,345 | ) | |
$ | (79,836 | ) | |
$ | (144,292 | ) |
See
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows
Year
ended December 31, 2022
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES | |
| | |
Net loss | |
$ | (10,709,332 | ) |
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | |
| | |
Allowance for gain/loss
on loan-held for sale | |
| 111,216 | |
Depreciation and amortization | |
| 1,161,094 | |
Share compensation | |
| 364,191 | |
| |
| | |
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities: | |
| | |
Account receivable | |
| 200,452 | |
Loans held for sale | |
| 8,294,039 | |
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets | |
| 266,443 | |
Security deposit | |
| 254,276 | |
Account payable | |
| 330,123 | |
Accrued payroll | |
| (96,159 | ) |
Warehouse line of credit,
net | |
| (8,237,999 | ) |
Right of use assets | |
| (1,947,804 | ) |
Escrows held | |
| (30,524 | ) |
Accrued expenses and other
liabilities | |
| (60,908 | ) |
Deferred Rent | |
| (641,627 | ) |
Lease liabilities | |
| 2,159.951 | |
Other
changes | |
| 145,691 | |
Net
Cash Used In Operating Activities | |
| (8,436,878 | ) |
| |
| | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES | |
| | |
Purchase of property and
equipment | |
| (26 | ) |
Software
development costs | |
| (1,914,772 | ) |
Net
Cash Used In Investing Activities | |
| (1,914,798 | ) |
| |
| | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES | |
| | |
Repayment of BDCRI loan | |
| (71,575 | ) |
Promissory note | |
| 225,000 | |
Repayment of promissory
note | |
| (112,500 | ) |
Series A warrants exercised | |
| 4,711,476 | |
2022 convertible notes
issued | |
| 852,642 | |
2022 convertible notes
issued - related party | |
| 2,985,148 | |
Amortization of debt discount | |
| 254,223 | |
2022 warrants issued | |
| 169,442 | |
2022 warrants issued -
related party | |
| 593,226 | |
Demand note - related party | |
| (700,000 | ) |
Corporation
loan | |
| 100,000 | |
Net
Cash Provided By Financing Activities | |
| 9,007,082 | |
Foreign currency translation | |
| 70,298 | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash | |
| (1,274,297 | ) |
Cash - beginning of period | |
| 1,407,520 | |
Cash - end of period | |
$ | (133,223 | ) |
See
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Note
1 - Nature of Business
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”, and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Beeline”, “we”,
“us”, “our”) was incorporated in Delaware on July 1, 2020 via a merger with Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc,
a Rhode Island corporation founded on September 20, 2018. Beeline is a full service Direct-to-Consumer lender specializing in conventional
conforming and non-conforming residential first-lien mortgages.
The
consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries,
Beeline Title Holdings, Inc. (“Beeline Title Holdings”), Beeline Mortgage Holdings, Inc. (“Beeline Mortgage Holdings”),
Beeline Loans Pty Ltd. (“Australian Subsidiary”) and Nimble Title Holdings, LLC FKA Cambridge Title Holdings, LLC (“Nimble
Title Holdings”). Beeline Title Holdings has five subsidiaries, Beeline Title, LLC (“Beeline Title”), Beeline Texas
Title, LLC (“Beeline Texas Title”), Beeline Settlement Services, LLC (“Beeline Settlement Services”), Beeline
Title Company of California, LLC (“Beeline California”) and Beeline Title Agency, LLC (“Beeline Title Agency”).
Beeline Mortgage Holdings has one subsidiary, Beeline Loans, Inc. (“Beeline Loans”). Nimble Title Holdings has four subsidiaries,
Nimble Title, LLC (“Nimble Title”), Nimble Title Agency, LLC (“Nimble Title Agency”), Nimble Settlement Services,
LLC (“Nimble Settlement Services”), and Cambridge Title Company of California (“Cambridge California”), all of
which have no operating activity.
Beeline
is a fintech mortgage lender that launched its lending platform in May 2020. Beeline continues to develop proprietary software in the
form of major enhancements and new developments in its lending platform, introducing its Chat API “Bob” in July 2023. Beeline
continues to hire key personnel to be able to scale into the future.
Beeline
is subject to a number of risks common to emerging companies stemming from, among other things, a limited operating history, rapid technological
change, uncertainty of market acceptance and products, uncertainty of regulatory approval, competition from substitute products and larger
companies, the need to obtain additional financing, compliance with government regulation, protection of proprietary technology, interest
rate fluctuations, product liability, and the dependence on key individuals.
Note
2 – GOING CONCERN, Liquidity and Management’s Plans
These
consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis that assumes Beeline will continue as a going concern and which contemplates
the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the ordinary course of business. Beeline has incurred recurring
losses from operations since its inception and is dependent on debt and equity financing. These factors raise substantial doubt about
Beeline’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the carrying
amounts and classification of assets, liabilities, and reported expenses that may be necessary if Beeline were unable to continue as
a going concern.
Management
believes that its available funds and cash flow from operations may not be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements for the
twelve months subsequent to the issuance of our financial statements. In order to accomplish its business plan objectives, Beeline will
need to either increase revenues or raise capital by the issuance of debt and/or equity and stock or sell Beeline to a strategic acquirer.
Management
believes that it will be successful in obtaining additional financing based on its limited history of raising funds; however, there can
be no assurances that our business plans and actions will be successful, that we will generate anticipated revenues, or that unforeseen
circumstances will not require additional funding sources in the future or effectuate plans to conserve liquidity. Future efforts to
raise additional funds may not be successful or they may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Refer to Note 8 –
Debt for current capital raise information.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Note
3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis
of Accounting
These
consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Principles
of Consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Beeline Financial Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions
and balances have been eliminated.
Use
of Estimates
Preparing
financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Examples of estimates and assumptions include: for revenue recognition, estimating the gain
on sale of loans originated; and for equity instruments such as warrants, RSAs, and options, estimating the fair value of the equity
transaction. Actual results and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions due to risks and uncertainties.
Cash,
Cash Equivalents, and Restricted cash
Beeline
considers highly liquid investments purchased with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Cash equivalents include money market accounts that are readily convertible into cash.
Beeline
also has an agreement with Flagstar Bank for a $10,000,000 warehouse line which requires 1% of the total line amount to be restricted,
which amounted to $100,000 at December 31, 2022, and is classified as long-term. The Centier Bank warehouse line agreement requires $5,500
to be restricted, which is classified as long-term. These funds are held within the respective operating accounts at each bank where
the funds are restricted.
MORTGAGE
LOANS HELD FOR SALE
Beeline
has elected the fair value option for accounting for mortgage loans held for sale.
Included
in mortgage loans held for sale are loans originated as held for sale that are expected to be sold to investors and loans that have been
previously sold and repurchased from investors that management intends to resell to other investors. Refer to Note 4 - Mortgage Loans
Held for Sale for further information.
DERIVATIVE
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Beeline
enters into interest rate lock commitments, forward commitments to sell mortgage loans and forward commitments to purchase loans, which
are considered derivative financial instruments. These items are accounted for as free-standing derivatives and are included in the Balance
Sheet at fair value. Beeline treats all of its derivative instruments as economic hedges; therefore, none of its derivative instruments
are designated as accounting hedges. Changes in the fair value of the IRLCs and forward commitments to sell and purchase mortgage loans
are recorded in current period earnings and are included in gain on sale of loans, net in the Statement of Operations. Forward commitments
to purchase mortgage loans are recognized in current period earnings and are included in gain on sale of loans, net in the Statement
of Operations.
The
Company enters into IRLCs to fund residential mortgage loans with its potential borrowers. These commitments are binding agreements to
lend funds to these potential borrowers at specified interest rates within specified periods of time.
The
fair value of IRLCs is derived from the fair value of similar mortgage loans or bonds, which is based on observable market data. Changes
to the fair value of IRLCs are recognized based on changes in interest rates, changes in the probability that the commitment will be
exercised, and the passage of time.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Note
3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
DERIVATIVE
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
IRLCs
and uncommitted mortgage loans held for sale expose Beeline to the risk that the value of the mortgage loans held and mortgage loans
underlying the commitments may decline due to increases in mortgage interest rates during the life of the commitments.
There
were no open forward contracts at December 31, 2022.
Deposits
Deposits
include security deposits for leased office spaces, which are refundable to Beeline upon expiration of the lease agreements.
Property
and Equipment, NET
Property
and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are recorded at cost and are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from three to seven years. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed
as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the improvement’s estimated useful life.
Improvements, which increase the productive value of assets, are capitalized, and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related
asset.
Software
Development Costs, NET
Beeline
capitalizes certain qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage in connection with the development of internal-use
software. Costs related to preliminary project activities are expensed as incurred and post-implementation activities will be expensed
as incurred. Capitalized software costs are amortized over the useful life of the software, which is five years.
Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets
Beeline
continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the estimated remaining useful life of its long-lived
assets, including internal-use software, may warrant revision or that the carrying value of these assets may be impaired. Beeline does
not believe that any events have occurred that would indicate its long-lived assets are impaired on December 31, 2022.
Fair
Value measurements
Fair
value is the price that would be received if an asset were sold or the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between willing market participants at the measurement date. Required disclosures include classification of fair value measurements
within a three-level hierarchy (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3). Classification of a fair value measurement within the hierarchy is dependent
on the classification and significance of the inputs used to determine the fair value measurement. Observable inputs are those that are
observed, implied from, or corroborated with externally available market information. Unobservable inputs represent the Beeline’s
estimates of market participants’ assumptions.
Fair
value measurements are classified in the following manner:
Level
1—Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
Level
2—Valuation is based on either observable prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, observable prices
for similar assets or liabilities, or other inputs that are derived directly from, or through correlation to, observable market data
at the measurement date.
Level
3—Valuation is based on the Beeline’s internal models using assumptions at the measurement date that a market participant
would use.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Note
3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Fair
Value measurements (continued)
In
determining fair value measurement, Beeline uses observable inputs whenever possible. The level of a fair value measurement within the
hierarchy is dependent on the lowest level of input that has a significant impact on the measurement as a whole. If quoted market prices
are available at the measurement date or are available for similar instruments, such prices are used in the measurements. If observable
market data is not available at the measurement date, judgment is required to measure fair value.
The
following is a description of measurement techniques for items recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no material items
recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2022.
Mortgage
loans held for sale: Loans held for sale that are valued using Level 2 measurements derived from observable market data, including
market prices of securities backed by similar mortgage loans adjusted for certain factors to approximate the fair value of a whole mortgage
loan, including the value attributable to mortgage servicing and credit risk. Loans held for sale for which there is little to no observable
trading activity of similar instruments are valued using Level 3 measurements based upon dealer price quotes and internal models.
IRLCs:
The fair value of IRLCs is based on current market prices of securities backed by similar mortgage loans (as determined above under
mortgage loans held for sale), net of costs to close the loans, subject to the estimated loan funding probability, or “pull-through
factor”. Given the significant and unobservable nature of the pull-through factor, IRLCs are classified as Level 3.
Forward
commitments: Beeline’s forward commitments are valued based on quoted prices for similar assets in an active market with inputs
that are observable and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. There
were no open forward contracts at December 31, 2022.
Debt
Issuance Costs
Beeline’s
notes payable agreements are recorded net of issuance costs (debt discount). The resulting debt discount is being amortized over the
term of the term loan using the straight- line method, which approximates the effective interest method, and the amortization of debt
discount is included in the statement of operations.
Revenue
Recognition
Gain
on Sale of Loans, net
Includes
all components related to the sale of mortgage loans, including net gain on sale of loans, which represents the premium we receive in
excess of the loan principal amount and certain fees charged by investors upon the sale of loans. An estimate of the gain on sale of
loans, net, is recognized at the time of the loan origination. When the mortgage loan is sold to an investor, any difference between
the proceeds received and the current fair value of the loan is recognized in current period earnings in Gain on sale of loans, net.
Loan
Origination Fees
Are
fees, points, and certain costs, charged to originate loans. These fees are recognized when the loans are committed.
Interest
Income, net
Includes
interest earned on mortgage loans held for sale net of the interest expense paid on our loan funding facilities. Interest income is recorded
as earned and interest expense is recorded as incurred.
Title
Fees
Are
commissions earned at loan settlement on insurance premiums paid to title insurance companies.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Note
3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
MARKETING
AND ADVERTISING COSTS
Marketing
and advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Share-Based
Compensation Expense
Beeline
measures and recognizes compensation expense for restricted stock awards and options granted to employees based on the fair value of
the award on the grant date and recognized as expense over the related service or performance period. Beeline elected to account for
forfeitures as they occur.
Warrants
Beeline
records at fair value its equity-classified warrants using a Black-Scholes Pricing Model. The warrants were issued as part of the Series
A and 2022 debt financing transactions. Refer to Note 8 - Debt for further information.
Income
Taxes
Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing
assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred
tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion
or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. At December 31, 2022, the amount of the deferred tax assets of approximately $25,000,000
arising principally from the net operating loss carryforward was reduced to $0 by a valuation allowance of the same amount.
Note
4 – Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Beeline
sells substantially all of its originated mortgage loans to investors. At December 31, 2022, Beeline recognized an allowance for estimated
fair value on the eventual sales of loans.
Mortgage loans held for sale,
at fair value | |
$ | 3,104,590 | |
Less:
allowance for change in fair value | |
| (111,216 | ) |
Mortgage loans held
for sale, at fair value | |
$ | 2,993,374 | |
Note
5 - Property and Equipment
Property
and equipment as of December 31, 2022, consisted of the following:
Leasehold improvements | |
$ | 696,894 | |
Furniture and fixtures | |
| 129,936 | |
Computers and hardware | |
| 81,779 | |
| |
| 908,609 | |
Less:
accumulated depreciation | |
| (448,565 | ) |
Property and equipment,
net | |
$ | 460,444 | |
Depreciation
expense totaled $151,376 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Note
6 - Capitalized Software Development Costs
As
of December 31, 2022, Beeline capitalized $7,228,793 of software development costs. Beeline released version 1 of the proprietary software
“Hexagon” in May 2020.
A
major upgrade to the system “Version 2” was immediately started after the initial launch of the system and went into use
starting November 2020. This upgrade gave the consumer access to a user portal and the ability to process some conditions on their own
through uploading documents and accessing key information of their loan.
Additional
functionality was added to the system in “Version 3”. This version will allow proprietary technologies to process underwriting
conditions and automating major functions of the business. The basics of Beeline’s “Automation Condition Resolution Engine”
was substantially completed in this Version.
“Version
4” was released in May 2022. It significantly changed the loan options user interface and experience for customers. It also introduced
a dedicated flow for new loan types and channels. Other changes in Version 4 included additional build out of the Automation Condition
Resolution Engine. Version 4 was completed by December 31, 2022, with development starting on Version 5 in early 2023. At December 31,
2022, capitalized software development costs consisted of the following:
Software Development Version
1 | |
$ | 1,725,250 | |
Software Development Version 2 | |
| 821,983 | |
Software Development Version 3 | |
| 3,335,136 | |
Software Development
Version 4 | |
| 1,346,423 | |
| |
| 7,228,793 | |
Less:
Accumulated Depreciation | |
| (1,776,597 | ) |
Software Development,
net | |
$ | 5,452,196 | |
Amortization
expense totaled $1,009,718 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Note
7 - Warehouse Lines of Credit
At
December 31, 2022, Beeline engaged with three banks for lines of credit to funds originated loans in the normal course of business. Each
agreement contains specific financial covenants and requirements that Beeline must analyze on a quarterly basis in order to be compliant
with these agreements. The aggregate potential borrowing capacity under the warehouse lines of credit is $25,000,000 at December 31,
2022.
Flagstar
Bank
As
of November 28, 2022, Company renewed their warehouse agreement, which is due on demand, for a $10,000,000 line of credit. With LIBOR
phasing out, our agreement was changed to SOFR. The most recently amended and restated agreement states the Applicable Margin means,
for any advance made, 2.25%; Benchmark means initially 1 Month Term SOFR, provided that if 1 Month Term SOFR or then-current Benchmark
is unavailable pursuant to clause (b), then Benchmark means the applicable Benchmark that has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant
to clause (c) of the agreement. The Interest Rate Floor means for any advance made 3.50%. A draw fee is associated to each transaction
and unused fees if the quarterly usage is less than 50%, and are recorded in loan origination expenses. Financial covenants include minimum
net worth, leverage ratios, annual net income and minimum liquidity requirements. This agreement also requires Beeline to pledge 1% of
the principal amount to be restricted as collateral as well as personal guarantees of two members of Beeline’s management team.
In 2022, Beeline was in default on its annual net income requirement.
As
of July 25, 2023, Beeline requested the closure of the Flagstar Bank warehouse line. Company plans to re-engage with Flagstar before
the end of 2023, once the conventional loan market improves. Company’s focus has been on Non-QM loans as the market has fluctuated
and First Funding permits both Non-QM and conventional loans.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Note
7 - Warehouse Lines of Credit (Continued)
Centier
Bank
On
September 10, 2021, Beeline entered into an agreement with Centier Bank for a $5,000,000 line of credit. The interest rate is either
1.) the collateralized note rate for the first 60 days after the initial advance, or 2.) the collateralized note rate plus 4% for loans
advanced over 60 days following the initial date. However, the interest rate should not be less than 3.50%. Beeline is required to maintain
a total of $5,500 with Centier Bank in operating and disbursement accounts, which are recorded as restricted cash. Financial covenants
include minimum adjusted tangible net worth, debt to adjusted tangible net worth and annual net income requirements. This agreement also
requires personal guarantees of two members of Beeline’s management team.
As
of November 9, 2022, Beeline received a non-renewal letter from Centier with an effective date of January 9, 2023.
FirstFunding,
Inc.
On
September 21, 2021, Beeline entered into an agreement with FirstFunding, Inc. for a $10,000,000 line, which expires on September 30,
2022. The line automatically renews for successive one-year terms, unless terminated by Beeline or FirstFunding, Inc. The interest rate
is the greater of 1.) interest on the underlying loan or 2.) 4.25% - 5.50%, depending on how many loans Beeline closes per month. Beeline
is required to provide FirstFunding, Inc. with annual audited financial statements and monthly interim unaudited financial statements.
Beeline is also subject to non-financial covenants.
The
below is a summary of warehouse lines outstanding as of December 31, 2022:
Warehouse
Lender | |
Line
Amount | | |
Outstanding | | |
Remaining Unused | |
Flagstar Bank | |
$ | 10,000,000 | | |
$ | 2,937,644 | | |
$ | 7,062,356 | |
FirstFunding, Inc. | |
| 10,000,000 | | |
| — | | |
| 10,000,000 | |
Centier Bank | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| — | | |
| 5,000,000 | |
Total Available | |
$ | 25,000,000 | | |
$ | 2,937,644 | | |
$ | 22,062,356 | |
Additional Unfunded
Loans Committed | |
| | | |
| 117,823 | | |
| | |
Accrued Interest on
Outstanding Loans | |
| | | |
| 5,456 | | |
| | |
Total Loans Held
on Warehouse | |
| | | |
$ | 3,060,923 | | |
| | |
Note
8 - Debt
BDCRI
LOAN
On
April 29, 2021, Beeline and Beeline Loans entered into a term loan agreement with Business Development Company of Rhode Island (the “BDCRI
Loan”) for $450,000. The BDCRI Loan matures on April 29, 2026. Principal payments of $9,375 are due monthly, beginning on April
29, 2022. The interest rate is 6%. Beeline recorded debt issuance costs of $17,182, which are being amortized over the term of the BDCRI
Loan. The BDCRI Loan contains default covenants and prepayment terms, and is collateralized and guaranteed by two of the owners of Beeline.
Loan
payable
In
2022, Beeline received $100,000 from Capital Markets Group in the form of a demand note. This Demand Note is due as follows: $103,500
if paid by January 16, 2023, $107,500 if paid by February 20, 2023, and $112,500 if paid by March 2023. The amount due includes an amortized
closing/administrative fee of $2,500. Default interest is accruing at 24% per annum.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Note
8 – Debt (Continued)
2022
CONVERTIBLE NOTES ISSUED
In
June 2022, the Board of Directors authorized the issuance of three-year, 7%, 2022 Convertible Notes and related Common Stock Warrants,
up to a total of $17,000,000, to investors through August 15, 2023.
During
2022, Beeline issued a total of $4,276,000 of these notes and warrants. Note proceeds from this offering were $3,513,332 and the 49,171
warrants proceeds were $762,668. The fair value of the warrants was determined using a Black-Scholes Pricing Model with the following
factors: exercise price - $40.77, expected term – 3 yrs., expected volatility – 50%, dividend yield of 0%, and risk-free
interest rate of 4.5%. The value assigned to the warrants is considered a debt discount of $762,668 which is recognized as interest expense
over the three-year life of the notes at an interest charge of $254,223 per year. 49,171 warrants are outstanding at December 31, 2022.
During
2023, Beeline raised an additional $5,024,100 in notes and warrants.
Beeline
raised a total amount of $9,300,100 with 2022 Convertible Notes and Warrants. These three-year notes mature: $4,276,000 in 2025 and $5,024,100
in 2026.
Note
9 - Related Party Transactions
Beeline
also engaged an affiliated business through its title operations with Beeline Title, Beeline Settlement Services, LLC and Beeline Texas
Title. The affiliated business is owned by shareholders of Beeline. Revenue generated from the affiliated business was $117,698 during
the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash paid to the affiliate totaled $24,617 at December 31, 2022. Amounts owed to the affiliated business
was $2,706 at December 31, 2022.
A
former officer, director, and shareholder exercised a warrant for 1,514 preferred shares for $350,000. The same former officer, director,
and shareholder exercised a warrant indirectly for 1,081 preferred shares for $250,000.
An
officer, director, and shareholder exercised a warrant for 1,514 preferred shares for $350,000. This same officer, director, and shareholder
purchased 2022 Convertible Notes for $3,326,000. Interest accrued during the year on these notes is $54,632. This same officer, director,
and shareholder was paid $700,000 to pay off certain demand notes of Beeline purchased by this officer, director, and shareholder in
previous years.
Note
10 - Stockholders’ Equity
At
December 31, 2022, Beeline was authorized to issue up to 500,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 53,822 shares
of Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share. As of December 31, 2022, 164,684 and 26,910 shares of common stock and preferred stock
are issued and outstanding. Beeline will need to authorize additional shares of common stock to convert the 2022 Convertible Notes issued
and additional shares to cover future investment rounds. Beeline is in the process of increasing the number of authorized shares to cover
the additional shares to be issued.
The
rights and privileges of Beeline’s Common and Preferred Stock are as follows:
Common
Stock
The
holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held. The voting, dividend and liquidation rights of the holders of the
Common Stock are subject to and qualified by the rights, powers and preferences of the holders of the Preferred Stock described below.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Note
10 - Stockholders’ Equity (Continued)
Preferred
Stock
Dividends
Beeline
shall not declare, pay, or set aside any dividends on shares of any other class or series of capital stock of Beeline (other than dividends
on shares of Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock) unless the holders of the Preferred Stock then outstanding shall first receive,
or simultaneously receive, a dividend on each outstanding share of Preferred Stock.
As
of December 31, 2022, there have not been any dividends declared or accrued on any class of Company stock.
Liquidation
Rights
In
the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Beeline, the holders of shares of Preferred Stock
then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of Beeline available for distribution to its stockholders.
Optional
Conversion
Each
share of Preferred Stock shall be convertible, at the option of the holder thereof, at any time and from time to time, and without the
payment of additional consideration by the holder thereof, into such number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock as
is determined by dividing the original issue price by the conversion price in effect at the time of conversion.
Mandatory
Conversion
Upon
any of (a) the closing of the sale of shares of Common Stock to the public in a firm commitment underwritten public offering pursuant
to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; (b) the closing of a Going-Public Transaction; or
(c) the time and date, or the occurrence of an event, specified by vote or written consent of at least 65% of the issued and outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock.
COMMON
STOCK WARRANTS AND PREFERRED STOCK WARRANTS
On
October 1, 2021, Series A Convertible Note investors received common stock warrants as part of their purchase of the Series A Convertible
Notes. Holders of the Common Stock Warrants were entitled to purchase up to 35% of the aggregate number of Series A Preferred Stock purchased
on October 1, 2021 at an exercise price of $231.17 per share. The Common Stock Warrants expire on October 1, 2026.
During
2022, investors exercised preferred stock warrants for 20,381 preferred shares paying Beeline $4,711,476.
At
December 31, 2022, Beeline has 9,426 outstanding common stock warrants with an exercise price of $231.17 and a remaining contractual
life of 3.75 years.
Equity
Incentive Plans
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.’s Amended Equity Incentive Plan provides employees, consultants and directors of Beeline and its affiliates
awards, including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, and restricted stock. As amended, a total number of 28,284 shares
of Common Stock were authorized and remain available for grants of awards pursuant to this Plan. As of December 31, 2022, Beeline granted
a total of 31,722 awards. Beeline is in the process of increasing the number of authorized shares available to cover previous and future
grants of awards by the Company.
Restricted
Stock Awards
In
2020, Beeline granted 12,350 Restricted Common Stock shares with an estimated fair value of $597,864 to four employees. Beeline recognized
the remaining compensation expense of $286,974 during 2022. All restricted shares issued under the Plan are now fully vested and unrestricted.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Note
10 - Stockholders’ Equity (Continued)
Equity
Incentive Plans (continued)
Options
Awards
In
2022, Beeline granted 22,881 5 yr., Options to employees as incentive stock options (ISOs) for common stock shares. 3,509 of these options
were forfeited by year end. The outstanding 19,372 options at year end were valued at $386,084. The fair value of these options was determined
using a Black-Scholes Pricing Model with the following factors: exercise price - $40.77, expected term – 5 yrs., expected volatility
– 50%, dividend yield of 0%, and risk-free interest rate of 4.5%. Beeline recognized $77,217 as compensation expense for the costs
of these options in 2022.
Phantom
Stock Awards
In
2018, Beeline adopted the Phantom Equity Plan (the “Phantom Plan”), which authorizes up to 10,000 shares (“Phantom
Shares”) to be granted to participating employees. The Phantom Shares are a hypothetical equity interest in Beeline and vest over
a four-year period. Each award will only vest and become payable upon certain events, such as a change in ownership of Beeline or liquidation
event, as defined in the Phantom Plan agreement. At December 31, 2022, the value per share is $0.01. No additional Phantom Shares were
granted in 2022. There are 1,613 fully vested Phantom Share.
401(k)
Employee Benefit Plan
Beeline
has established a retirement benefit plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under this plan, eligible employees are
permitted to contribute a percentage of compensation into the retirement plan up to a maximum determined by the Internal Revenue Code.
The plan also allows for discretionary employer matching contributions and profit sharing contributions to the plan, however, no such
contributions were elected for the 2022 year ended.
Note
11 - Commitments and Contingencies
Lease
OBLIGATIONS
Beeline
leases office space under various operating lease agreements, including an office for its headquarters, for branch location and licensing
purposes under non-cancelable lease arrangements that provide for payments on a graduated basis with various expiration dates.
Components of Operating
and Finance Lease Cost Table for the year ended | |
December
31, 2022: | |
Operating
lease cost | |
$ | 482,363 | |
Finance lease cost: | |
| - | |
Amortization of right-of-use
assets | |
| - | |
Interest
on lease liabilities | |
| - | |
Total
finance lease cost | |
$ | - | |
Sublease income | |
$ | - | |
Maturities
of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2022: | |
Operating
Leases | |
Weighted average remaining
lease term | |
| 5
Years | |
Weighted
average discount rate | |
| 1.41 | % |
Supplemental
cash flow information related to leases for the year ended | |
December
31, 2022 | |
Cash paid for amounts
included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |
| | |
Operating
cash flows from operating leases | |
$ | 451,199 | |
Operating cash flows
from finance leases | |
| - | |
Finance cash flows from
finance leases | |
| - | |
Right-of-use assets obtained
in exchange for lease obligations: | |
| - | |
Operating leases | |
$ | 3,716,897 | |
Finance leases | |
| - | |
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Note 11 - Commitments and
Contingencies (Continued)
Lease OBLIGATIONS
(continued)
Right-of-use assets and
lease liabilities as of December 31, 2022: | |
| |
Assets | |
| | |
Operating
lease right-of-use assets | |
$ | 1,940,554 | |
Finance
lease right-of-use assets | |
| - | |
Total right-of-use
assets | |
$ | 1,940,554 | |
Liabilities | |
| | |
Current | |
| | |
Operating | |
$ | 309,167 | |
Finance | |
| - | |
Non-current | |
| | |
Operating | |
$ | 1,850,784 | |
Finance | |
| - | |
Total Lease Liabilities | |
$ | 2,159,951 | |
Maturities
of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2022: | |
Operating
Leases | |
2023 | |
$ | 340,149 | |
2024 | |
$ | 350,316 | |
2025 | |
$ | 360,793 | |
2026 | |
$ | 282,758 | |
2027 | |
$ | 227,669 | |
Thereafter | |
$ | 724,813 | |
Total future minimum
rental commitments | |
$ | 2,286,498 | |
Less Imputed Interest | |
| 126,548 | |
Total Lease Liability | |
$ | 2,159,951 | |
Note
12 - Concentrations of Credit Risk
Beeline
maintains cash balances with several regional banks. The deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000
per depositor per bank. At various times throughout the year, cash balances held within these accounts may exceed the maximum insured
amounts.
Note
13 - Subsequent Events
2022
CONVERTIBLE NOTES ISSUED
In
June 2022, the Board of Directors authorized the issuance of three-year, 7%, 2022 Convertible Notes and related Common Stock Warrants,
up to a total of $17,000,000, to investors through August 15, 2023. Refer to Note 8 – Debt for further information.
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
December
31, 2022
Note
13 - Subsequent Events (Continued)
INVESTOR’S
EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
In
January 2023, one investor who made an investment of at least $500,000 in the 2022 Convertible Notes and 2022 Common Stock Warrants issued
was entitled to exchange, for no additional consideration, Beeline securities held by the investor for 2022 Convertible Notes and 2022
Common Stock Warrants having the same value as the investor’s existing investment. This investor exchanged 17,304 shares of preferred
stock for a 2022 Convertible Note having a principal amount of $4,000,165. A 2022 Common Stock Warrant was also issued to the investor
as part of this exchange.
The
resulting effect to Beeline’s Equity of this Exchange is:
Beeline’s Stockholders’
Equity at December 31, 2022: | |
$ | (144,292 | ) |
Less: Value of Preferred
Shares Exchanged: | |
| (4,000,165 | ) |
Beeline’s Stockholders’
Equity at January 26, 2023: | |
$ | (4,144,457 | ) |
End
of Financial Statements
Exhibit
99.2
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
June
30, 2024
ASSETS | |
| | |
Current Assets | |
| | |
Cash, cash equivalents | |
| 336,475 | |
Accounts Receivable | |
| 91,380 | |
Mortgage loans held for sale | |
| 2,146,465 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |
| 473,791 | |
Total Current Assets | |
| 3,048,111 | |
| |
| | |
Property and equipment, net | |
| 233,005 | |
Software Development cost, net | |
| 4,333,354 | |
Right of use asset | |
| 1,489,527 | |
Security deposit | |
| 58,054 | |
Investment in equities | |
| 306,772 | |
Total ASSETS | |
$ | 9,468,823 | |
| |
| | |
Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity | |
| | |
| |
| | |
Current Liabilities | |
| | |
Accounts Payable | |
| 1,314,222 | |
Warehouse lines of credit | |
| 2,280,922 | |
Accrued payroll | |
| 675,495 | |
Escrows held for others | |
| 19,390 | |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | |
| 844,070 | |
Total Current Liabilities | |
| 5,134,099 | |
| |
| | |
Long Term Liabilities | |
| | |
Senior debenture | |
| 3,300,000 | |
Discount & Issuance costs | |
| (3,025,000 | ) |
Lease liability | |
| 1,690,336 | |
BDCRI loan payable | |
| 293,593 | |
Total Long Term Liabilities | |
| 2,258,929 | |
| |
| | |
Stockholders’ Equity | |
| | |
Common stock, $0.01 par value | |
| 1,717 | |
Series A preferred stock, $0.01 par value | |
| 248 | |
Series B preferred stock, $0.001 par value | |
| 24 | |
Additional paid in capital | |
| 51,412,908 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | |
| (106,146 | ) |
Retained earnings | |
| (38,369,200 | ) |
Net Income | |
| (10,863,756 | ) |
Total Stockholders’ Equity | |
| 2,075,795 | |
Total Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity | |
$ | 9,468,823 | |
Beeline
Financial Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated
Statement of Operations
For
the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
Revenues | |
| | |
Gain on sale of loans, net | |
$ | 1,528,705 | |
Interest income, net | |
| (29,220 | ) |
Loan origination fees | |
| 302,212 | |
Title fees | |
| 509,786 | |
Data and Tech | |
| 24,546 | |
Total Revenues, net | |
| 2,336,029 | |
| |
| | |
Operational Expenses | |
| | |
Salaries and benefits | |
| 3,299,075 | |
Payroll taxes | |
| 272,501 | |
Professional fees | |
| 1,125,185 | |
Marketing and advertising | |
| 1,139,852 | |
Loan originating expenses | |
| 627,866 | |
Depreciation | |
| 883,670 | |
Rent and utilities | |
| 208,440 | |
Computer and software | |
| 389,438 | |
Title operational expense | |
| 131,263 | |
Insurance expense | |
| 96,927 | |
Other G&A Expense | |
| 123,825 | |
Total Operating Expenses | |
| 8,298,042 | |
| |
| | |
Other Income/Expense | |
| | |
Tax expense | |
| 3,277 | |
Other Income/Expense | |
| 4,898,465 | |
Total Other Income/Expense | |
| 4,901,742 | |
| |
| | |
Net Loss | |
$ | (10,863,755 | ) |
v3.24.3
Cover
|
Nov. 21, 2024 |
Cover [Abstract] |
|
Document Type |
8-K
|
Amendment Flag |
false
|
Document Period End Date |
Nov. 21, 2024
|
Entity File Number |
001-38182
|
Entity Registrant Name |
EASTSIDE
DISTILLING, INC.
|
Entity Central Index Key |
0001534708
|
Entity Tax Identification Number |
20-3937596
|
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code |
NV
|
Entity Address, Address Line One |
755
Main Street
|
Entity Address, Address Line Two |
Building 4
|
Entity Address, Address Line Three |
Suite 3
|
Entity Address, City or Town |
Monroe
|
Entity Address, State or Province |
CT
|
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code |
06468
|
City Area Code |
(484)
|
Local Phone Number |
800-9154
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