Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
Iconic Brands, Inc., (“the Company”, or “Iconic”), was incorporated in the State of Nevada on October 21, 2005. As of June 30, 2022, the subsidiaries of Iconic are wholly-owned TopPop LLC (“TopPop”) and United Spirits Inc., (“United”), 54% owned BiVi LLC (“BiVi”) and Bellissima Spirits LLC (“Bellissima”) and 60% owned Empire Wine and Spirits LLC (“Empire”) which was organized on February 4, 2022.
BiVi is the brand owner of “BiVi 100 percent Sicilian Vodka,” and Bellissima is the brand owner of Bellissima sparkling wines. BiVi was organized in Nevada on May 4, 2015. Bellissima was organized in Nevada on November 23, 2015.
On July 26, 2021, the Company acquired 100% of TopPop. TopPop is organized as a limited liability company in the State of New Jersey on September 5, 2019. TopPop’s primary operation is the manufacture and packaging of alcohol and non-alcohol single-serve, shelf-stable, ready-to-freeze ice pops. TopPop began operations in December 2019 (see note 3). On July 26, 2021, the company purchased all the outstanding stock of United.
Empire was organized in the State of Nevada on February 4, 2022. Since its formation, there has been no business activity or transactions.
2. LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN
The Company has continuing losses from operations, net cash used in operating activities, a working capital deficiency of $11,097,805 and an accumulated deficit of $73,675,071. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern through June 30, 2024. There are no assurances that such additional funding will be achieved and that the company will succeed in its future operations.
The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts of liabilities that might be necessary should the company be unable to continue as a going concern. The company’s inability to obtain required funding in the near future or its inability to obtain funding on favorable terms will have a material adverse effect on its operations and strategic development plan for future growth. If the Company cannot successfully raise additional capital and implement its strategic development plan, its liquidity, financial condition, and business prospects will be materially and adversely affected and the Company may have to cease operations.
Between January 1, 2023 and June 29, 2023, the Company raised $1,450,000 of net proceeds from the issuance of notes payable (see note 15—Subsequent Events). The Company is seeking additional funding (either debt or equity) which, with cash generated from production activity, would provide capital for the Company to become profitable. There is no certainty that this plan can be achieved. As of June 27, 2023, the Company has approximately $359,000 of cash available which will enable the Company to continue their operations for no longer than three months without any additional equity and/or debt financing.
On June 28, 2023, the Company filed a voluntary petition for its subsidiary, TopPop, under Chapter 11, Subchapter V of the bankruptcy code in the Eastern District of New York, Case No. 23-72310. TopPop intends to continue its operations as a debtor in possession while it reorganizes its debts. The bankruptcy filing constitutes an event of default under all of the Company’s outstanding debt obligations. There were no other contract violations and the other wholly owned subsidiaries will continue operations as usual. Creditors of TopPop may seek an order from the bankruptcy court to modify the automatic stay under Section 362 of the bankruptcy code. If the Creditors are successful, they would be permitted to continue collections against TopPop including seizing its assets.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Iconic, its two 54% owned subsidiaries BiVi and Bellissima, 60% owned Empire, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries United and TopPop, (collectively, the “Company”). All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company has continuing losses from operations, net cash used in operating activities, a working capital deficiency of $11,097,805 and an accumulated deficit of $73,675,071. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of twelve months from the filling of this document. There are no assurances that such additional funding will be achieved and that the company will succeed in its future operations.
The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
(b) Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 dates of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(c) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Generally accepted accounting principles require disclosing the fair value of financial instruments to the extent practicable for financial instruments which are recognized or unrecognized in the balance sheet. The fair value of the financial instruments disclosed herein is not necessarily representative of the amount that could be realized or settled, nor does the fair value amount consider the tax consequences of realization or settlement.
In assessing the fair value of financial instruments, the Company uses a variety of methods and assumptions, which are based on estimates of market conditions and risks existing at the time. For certain instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and notes payable, it was estimated that the carrying amount approximated fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments.
Accounting guidance on fair value measurements requires that financial assets and liabilities be classified and disclosed in one of the following categories of the fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 – Based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.
Level 2 – Based on observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3 – Based on unobservable inputs that reflect the entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
We did not have any transfers between levels during the periods presented.
(d) Cash
As of March 31, 2023, there were no deposits not insured by the FDIC.
(e) Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company extends unsecured credit to customers in the ordinary course of business but mitigates risk by performing credit checks and by actively pursuing past due accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the customer’s historical experience and the aging of the related accounts receivable. The Company has significantly increased its reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable, which is attributed to two large customers of its wholly owned subsidiary TopPop LLC. Issues relating to production quality and minimum order quantities were resolved in the first quarter of 2023, resulting in negotiated lower accounts receivable balances. During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, the Company wrote off $679,141 of previously reserved accounts receivable. At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $68,000 and $747,141, respectively.
(f) Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market, with due consideration given to obsolescence and to slow moving items. Inventories at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 consist of cases of BiVi Vodka and cases of Bellissima sparkling wines purchased from our Italian suppliers and cases of alcoholic beverages. TopPop inventory consists of raw materials, work in process and finished goods relating to the production cycle.
(g) Revenue Recognition
It is the Company’s policy that revenues from product sales are recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC 606”) “Revenue Recognition.” Five basic steps must be followed to recognize revenue; (1) Identify contract(s) with a customer that creates enforceable rights and obligations; (2) Identify performance obligations in the contract, such as promises to transfer goods or services to a customer; (3) Determine the transaction price, (i.e. the amount of consideration in a contract to which an entity believes it is entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer); (4) Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, which requires the Company to allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation on the basis of the relative standalone selling prices of each distinct good or services promised in the contract; and (5) Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service to a customer. The amount of revenue recognized is the amount allocated to the satisfied performance obligation. Adoption of ASC 606 has not changed the timing and nature of the Company’s revenue recognition and there has been no material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Our revenue (referred to in our consolidated financial statements as “sales”) consists primarily of the sale of wine and spirits imported for cash or otherwise agreed-upon credit terms. Our customers consist primarily of retailers. Our revenue generating activities have a single performance obligation and are recognized at the point in time when control transfers and our obligation has been fulfilled, which is when the related goods are shipped or delivered to the customer, depending upon the method of distribution, and shipping terms. We have elected to treat shipping as a fulfillment activity. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the sale of our product. The Company has no obligation to accept the return of products sold other than for replacement of damaged products. Other than quantity price discounts negotiated with customers prior to billing and delivery (which are reflected as a reduction in sales), the Company does not offer any sales incentives or other rebate arrangements to customers. Revenue associated with manufacturing and packaging business is recognized at a point in time when obligations under the terms of a contact with a customer are satisfied.
(h) Shipping and Handling Costs
Shipping and handling costs to deliver products to customers are reported as operating expenses in the accompanying statements of operations. Shipping and handling costs to purchase inventory are capitalized and expensed to cost of sales when revenue is recognized on the sale of product to customers.
(i) Equity-Based Compensation
Equity-based compensation is accounted for at fair value in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, equity-based compensation was $204,379, net of forfeitures of $95,093, and $280,798 respectively.
(j) Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the assets and liability method. Current income taxes are provided in accordance with the laws of the respective taxing authorities. Deferred income taxes are provided for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is not more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.
(k) Net Loss per Share
Basic net loss per share of Common Stock is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the period of the financial statements.
Diluted net loss per share of Common Stock is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock and dilutive securities (such as stock options, warrants, and convertible securities) outstanding. As of March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had 94,962,016 and 25,620,245 potentially dilutive shares of Common Stock related to Common Stock options and warrants, respectively. Dilutive securities having an anti-dilutive effect on diluted net loss per share are excluded from the calculation.
(l) Business Acquisition Accounting
The Company applies the acquisition method of accounting for those that meet the criteria of a business combination. The Company allocates the purchase price of its business acquisition based on the fair value of identifiable tangible and intangible assets. The difference between the total cost of the acquisition and the sum of the fair values of acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets less liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred in general and administrative expenses.
(m) Leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment, net
Leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation of furniture and fixtures is provided using the straight-line method, generally over the terms of the lease. Repairs and maintenance expenditures, which do not extend the useful lives of the related assets, are expensed as incurred. Depreciation of machinery and equipment is based on the estimated useful lives of the assets.
Schedule of estimated useful lives | | | |
| | Years | |
Machinery and equipment | | 3 - 10 | |
Leasehold improvements | | Lesser of term of lease or useful life | |
Furniture and fixtures | | 3 - 5 | |
(n) New accounting pronouncements and policies
Effective January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, using a modified retrospective approach. ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment model with an expected credit loss impairment model for financial instruments, including trade receivables. The guidance requires entities to consider forward-looking information to estimate expected credit losses, resulting in earlier recognition of losses for receivables that are current or not yet due. Upon adoption, changes in the allowance were not material for the transition period starting January 1, 2023 through the three months ending March 31, 2023.
4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist of the following: | | | | | | |
| | Estimated Useful | | March 31, | | | December 31, | |
| | Lives | | 2023 | | | 2022 | |
Tradename - Trademarks | | 5 years | | $ | 2,896,850 | | | $ | 2,896,850 | |
Intellectual Property | | 5 years | | | 374,550 | | | | 374,550 | |
Customer Base | | 10 years | | | 2,041,983 | | | | 2,041,983 | |
Non-Competes | | 4 years | | | 285,884 | | | | 285,884 | |
| | | | | 5,599,267 | | | | 5,599,267 | |
Less: accumulated amortization | | | | | 4,589,779 | | | | 4,514,067 | |
| | | | $ | 1,009,488 | | | $ | 1,085,200 | |
Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the assets. Amortization expense amounted to $75,712 and $796,600 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Future amortization of intangible assets for the remainder of the current fiscal year and the next five years and thereafter: | | Amount | |
Remainder of the year ended December 31, 2023 | | $ | 227,134 | |
2024 | | | 302,847 | |
2025 | | | 302,847 | |
2026 | | | 176,660 | |
Total | | $ | 1,009,488 | |
5. LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, FURNITURE, AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment, net consisted of the following: | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | March 31, | | | December 31, | |
| | 2023 | | | 2022 | |
Machinery and equipment | | $ | 7,372,559 | | | $ | 7,324,600 | |
Deposits on equipment | | | 586,403 | | | | 260,701 | |
Leasehold improvements | | | 423,154 | | | | 397,202 | |
Supplies | | | 239,407 | | | | 239,407 | |
Furniture and fixtures | | | 152,842 | | | | 152,843 | |
| | | 8,774,365 | | | | 8,374,753 | |
Less accumulated depreciation | | | (1,152,900 | ) | | | (912,534 | ) |
| | $ | 7,621,465 | | | $ | 7,462,219 | |
Depreciation expense related to leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment amounted to $240,366 and $78,348 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
6. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of:
| | March 31, 2023 | | | December 31, 2022 | |
Finished goods: | | | | | | |
Bellissima brands | | $ | 914,936 | | | $ | 1,005,029 | |
TopPop | | | 225,681 | | | | 202,814 | |
Total finished goods | | | 1,140,617 | | | | 1,207,843 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Work-in-process: | | | | | | | | |
TopPop | | | 75,460 | | | | 18,168 | |
Raw materials: | | | | | | | | |
TopPop | | | 8,685 | | | | 13,379 | |
Bellissima brands | | | 210,295 | | | | 315,303 | |
Total | | $ | 1,435,057 | | | $ | 1,554,693 | |
7. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of:
| | March 31, 2023 | | | December 31, 2022 | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 5,699,259 | | | $ | 5,111,079 | |
Accrued officers’ compensation | | | 676,195 | | | | 676,195 | |
Accrued royalties | | | 141,334 | | | | 138,796 | |
Accrued commissions | | | 197,645 | | | | 204,132 | |
Accrued interest | | | 845,828 | | | | 725,601 | |
Other | | | 109,875 | | | | 56,637 | |
Total | | $ | 7,670,136 | | | $ | 6,912,440 | |
8. NOTES PAYABLE
The changes in notes payable consisted of:
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | | $ | 5,331,674 | |
Issuances of principal | | | 550,000 | |
Amortization of debt discount | | | (4,688 | ) |
Payments toward promissory note | | | (29,622 | ) |
Balance as of March 31, 2023 | | $ | 5,847,364 | |
On March 2, 2023, the Company entered into two $110,000 and one $330,000 short term original discount promissory notes with three investors totaling $550,000, one of whom is the Company's Chairman ($110,000 note) and two are investors in the Company. The notes were due April 3, 2023 and are in default. As of the date of this report was filed, there have been no demands for payment by the noteholders.
In connection with our July 2021 acquisition of 100% of the equity of TopPop LLC (“TopPop”), on July 26, 2021, we issued to the sellers promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $4,900,000 (the “TopPop Notes”). The TopPop Notes bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum, matured on July 26, 2022 and are secured by all of the outstanding membership interest in TopPop. Upon an event of default under the TopPop Notes, the holders of such TopPop Notes may exercise all rights and remedies available under the terms of the TopPop Notes or applicable laws, including to foreclose on certain collateral consisting of the membership interests of TopPop. On July 26, 2022, the total principal amount outstanding under the TopPop Notes was $4,900,000, exclusive of accrued and unpaid interest.
The TopPop Notes are now in default and we are currently in discussions with holders of the TopPop Notes regarding possible solutions for the payment of the TopPop Notes, including the possible extension of the maturity date of the TopPop Notes for an additional year. There can be no assurance that our discussions will be successful and if we are not successful in finding an acceptable resolution to the existing default or the impending event of default, the noteholders will be able to seek judgement for the full amount due and may seek to foreclose on our assets. If this occurs, any such remedy will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and is likely to negatively impact the price of our Common Stock. Holders of approximately $3.55 million of these notes have agreed to extend the term until December 1, 2022, and have indicated that they will not seek cash settlement prior to August 2023. As of March 31, 2023, no further extensions have been granted by the noteholders. As of the date of this report was filed, there have been no demands for payment by the noteholders.
As of March 31, 2023, notes payable consisted of $150,000 outstanding under the SBA note, $545,312 outstanding under the notes payable to shareholders, net of discount of $4,688, $109,585 outstanding under the finance agreement and $5,042,467 outstanding under notes held by former owners of TopPop. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized interest expense on notes payable of $169,238 and $123,954, respectively.
The future payments on principal of notes payable are as follows: | | Amount | |
Year ending December 31, 2023 | | $ | 5,609,959 | |
Year ending December 31, 2024 | | | 32,077 | |
Year ending December 31, 2025 | | | 35,204 | |
Year ending December 31, 2026 | | | 32,543 | |
Year ending December 31, 2027 | | | 3,617 | |
Thereafter | | | 133,964 | |
Total | | $ | 5,847,364 | |
9. FACTORING LIABILITY
On January 10, 2022, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Prestige Capital Finance, LLC (“Prestige”). Under the agreement, Prestige has agreed to buy all of the Company’s right, title, and interest in specific accounts receivable. Prestige has full recourse against the Company for advances if payments are not received for any reason. All credit risk is borne by the Company and not by Prestige. Prestige has agreed to pay a down payment to the Company of 80% of the face value of the specified receivables. The maximum outstanding balance of the advance is $2,000,000. Prestige’s final purchase price of the accounts receivable is at a discount which is deducted from the face value of each account upon collection. The discount fee is based upon the number of days the account receivable is outstanding from the date of the down payment. The discount fee ranges from 1.95% if the receivable is paid within 30 days to 5.85% if paid within 90 days, plus an additional 1.5% for each 10-day period thereafter until the account is paid in full.
The Company accounts for this agreement as a financing arrangement, with the down payments recorded as debt and repayment made when the applicable receivable is collected. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there was an outstanding balance of $0 and $93,249, respectively and accrued interest of $0 and $2,273, respectively. Interest expense for incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was $0 and $56,882, respectively.
The outstanding balance is secured by an interest in virtually all assets of the Company, with a first security interest in accounts receivable. The balance was paid off in January 2023 and the agreement remains in effect until January 2024.
10. CAPITAL STOCK
Preferred Stock
On January 5, 2022, the Company closed the second tranche of the equity financing and issued 12,258 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, 4,301,004 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 40,018,583 shares of Common Stock for gross proceeds of approximately $12.2 million and net proceeds of approximately $10.9 million after deduction of placement agent commissions and expenses of the offering. Such net proceeds are expected to be used by the Company for domestic and international expansion of its Bellissima brand, the expansion of the production facilities of TopPop, new product launches, marketing, and other general working capital purposes.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, stockholders converted 100 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock into 320,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share.
Common Stock
Between January 2022 and March 2022, stockholders converted 701 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock into 2,243,200 shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, at $0.31 per share.
Warrants
In connection with the second tranche of the equity financing, on January 5, 2022, the Company granted 40,018,583 warrants to purchase Common Stock. The warrants expire in five years and have an exercise price of $0.31 per share.
A summary of warrant activity for the period January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022, as follows:
| | Warrants | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | | Weighted Average Contractual Term Outstanding | |
Outstanding at January 1, 2022 | | | 87,593,083 | | | $ | 0.31 | | | | 4.23 | |
Granted | | | 40,018,583 | | | | 0.31 | | | | 4.77 | |
Outstanding at March 31, 2022 | | | 127,611,666 | | | | 0.31 | | | | 4.46 | |
A summary of warrant activity for the period January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023, as follows:
| | Warrants | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | | Weighted Average Contractual Term Outstanding | |
Outstanding at January 1, 2023 | | | 127,611,666 | | | $ | 0.31 | | | | 3.71 | |
Granted | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Outstanding at March 31, 2023 | | | 127,611,666 | | | | 0.31 | | | | 3.71 | |
Options
On March 21, 2023, the Company granted 1,000,000 stock options to a sales consultant with an exercise price of $0.3125, vesting in 90 days with a five year term.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized $204,379 and $280,798, respectively, of expense for the option awards.
The following table summarizes the activity of our stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2023:
| | Shares | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | | Weighted Average Contractual Term Outstanding | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 | | | 7,767,333 | | | $ | 0.45 | | | | 8.95 | |
Granted | | | 1,000,000 | | | $ | 0.31 | | | | 4.98 | |
Exercised | | | - | | | | | | | | | |
Forfeited or expired | | | (520,000 | ) | | $ | 0.45 | | | | 8.54 | |
Outstanding at March 31, 2023 | | | 8,247,333 | | | $ | 0.43 | | | | 8.26 | |
The outstanding options had no aggregate intrinsic value as of March 31, 2023. Intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value and the exercise price of the shares on balance sheet date. The market value based on the closing bid price as of March 31, 2023 was $0.06.
As of March 31, 2023, there was approximately $1,789,992 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options granted and outstanding, net of estimated forfeitures. The cost is expected to be recognized on a weighted average basis over a period of approximately 1.45 years.
11. LEASES
Effective February 9, 2022, TopPop executed a lease agreement to rent approximately 82,000 square feet of warehouse space in Pennsauken, NJ. The lease provided a lease term of 74 months (the first two months are rent free) commencing upon February 9, 2022 and terminating on March 31, 2028. The lease provided a security deposit to the landlord of $92,250 Per the lease agreement, TopPop was also required to post an additional deposit of $184,500. On May 31, 2022, TopPop sent the deposit to an escrow account held by the landlord’s counsel.
At March 31, 2023, the future undiscounted minimum lease payments under the noncancellable leases are as follows:
| | As of March 31, 2023 | |
Remainder of the year ending December 31, 2023 | | $ | 879,348 | |
Year ending December 31, 2024 | | | 1,201,600 | |
Year ending December 31, 2025 | | | 1,235,886 | |
Year ending December 31, 2026 | | | 1,271,201 | |
Year ending December 31, 2027 | | | 1,248,889 | |
Year ending December 31, 2028 | | | 325,461 | |
Thereafter | | | 1,099,614 | |
Total undiscounted finance lease payments | | $ | 7,261,999 | |
Less: Imputed interest | | | 1,989,622 | |
Present value of finance lease liabilities | | $ | 5,272,377 | |
The operating lease liabilities of $5,272,377 and $5,426,948 as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, represent the discounted (at a 10% estimated incremental borrowing rate) value of the future lease payments at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The Company’s weighted-average remaining lease term relating to its operating leases is 4.89 years.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, occupancy expense attributed to these leases were $320,801 and $450,138, respectively.
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
a. Iconic Guarantees
On May 26, 2015, BiVi entered into a license agreement with Neighborhood Licensing, LLC (the “BiVi Licensor”), an entity owned by Chazz Palminteri (“Palminteri”), to use Palminteri’s endorsement, signature and other intellectual property owned by the BiVi Licensor. The Company has agreed to guarantee and act as surety for BiVi’s obligations under certain sections of the license agreement and to indemnify the BiVi Licensor and Palminteri against third party claims.
On November 12, 2015, Bellissima Spirits entered into a license agreement with Christie Brinkley, Inc. (the “Bellissima Licensor”), an entity owned by Christie Brinkley (“Brinkley”), to use Brinkley’s endorsement, signature, and other intellectual property owned by the Bellissima Licensor. The Company has agreed to guarantee and act as surety for Bellissima’s obligations under certain sections of the license agreement and to indemnify the Bellissima Licensor and Brinkley against third party claims.
b. Royalty Obligations of BiVi and Bellissima
Pursuant to the license agreement with the Bivi Licensor (see Note 11a. above), BiVi is obligated to pay the BiVi Licensor a Royalty Fee equal to 5% of monthly gross sales of BiVi Brand products payable monthly subject to an annual Minimum Royalty Fee of $100,000 in year 1, $150,000 in year 2, $165,000 in year 3, $181,500 in year 4, $199,650 in year 5, and $219,615 in year 6 and each subsequent year. The Minimum Royalty Fee has been waived until such time as the parties agree to reinstate the Minimum Royalty Fee. As of the date of this filing, the Minimum Royalty Fee was not reinstated.
Pursuant to the license agreement and Amendment No. 1 to the license agreement effective September 30, 2017 with the Bellissima Licensor (see Note 11a. above), Bellissima is obligated to pay the Bellissima Licensor a Royalty Fee equal to 10% of monthly gross sales (12.5% for sales in excess of defined Case Break Points) of Bellissima Brand products payable monthly. The Bellissima Licensor has the right to terminate the endorsement if Bellissima fails to sell 10,000 cases of Bellissima Brand products in year 1, 15,000 cases in year 2, or 20,000 cases in year 3 and each subsequent year. These appropriate thresholds were met during the year.
c. Brand Licensing Agreement relating to Hooters Marks
On July 23, 2018, United executed a Brand Licensing Agreement (the “Hooters Agreement”) with HI Limited Partnership (the “Licensor”). The Hooters Agreement provides United a license to use certain “Hooters” Marks to manufacture, market, distribute, and sell alcoholic products.
On November 1, 2021, the Company amended its agreement with Hooters (the “Amended Hooters Agreement”) which will be effective until December 31, 2025 with an option to extend until 2028. Under the Amended Hooters Agreement, the Company must pay Hooters 10% of net sales of all products during the term.
d. Marketing and Order Processing Services Agreement
During October 2019, United executed a Marketing and Order Processing Services Agreement (the “QVC Agreement”) with QVC, Inc. (“QVC”). Among other things, the QVC Agreement provides for United’s grant to QVC of an exclusive worldwide right to promote the Bellissima products through direct response television programs.
The initial license period commenced October 2019 and expires in December 2021 (i.e., two years after first airing of a Bellissima product). Unless either party notifies the other party in writing at least 30 days prior to the end of the Initial License Period or any Renewal License Period of its intent to terminate the QVC Agreement, the License continually renews for additional two-year periods. The license automatically renewed on January 1, 2022.
The QVC Agreement provides for United’s payment of “Marketing Fees” (payable no less than monthly) to QVC in amounts agreed to between United and QVC from time to time. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Marketing Fees expense (payable to QVC) was $100,025 and $160,140, respectively, and the direct response sales generated from QVC programs was $295,977 and $142,690, respectively.
e. Concentration of sales
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, sales consisted of:
| | Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | | | Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 | |
Bellissima product line: | | | | | | |
QVC direct response sales | | $ | 295,977 | | | $ | 142,689 | |
Other | | | 785,254 | | | | 390,406 | |
Total Bellissima | | | 1,081,231 | | | | 533,095 | |
TopPop | | | 933,688 | | | | 3,513,702 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 2,014,919 | | | $ | 4,046,797 | |
Accounts receivable due from QVC direct response sales were $162,522 and $327,933 as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
f. Commission Agreements
On July 10, 2019, the Company executed a Commission Agreement with CAA-GBA USA, LLC (“CAA-GBG”). The agreement provides CAA-GBG to receive 5% revenue generated with respect to the co-packing or related manufacturing deal for Anheuser-Busch, LLC. Additionally, CAA-GBG is also entitled to receive 5% of revenue for new business identified. The initial agreement expired on July 31, 2021 and automatically renews every year. No commissions were incurred under this agreement since the date of acquisition of TopPop (July 26, 2021) through March 31, 2023. On May 23, 2022,CAA-GBG received notice of termination and the Commission Agreement ended on July 31, 2022.
Effective December 11, 2019, the Company executed a Commission Agreement with Christopher J. Connolly. Mr. Connolly had agreed to provide sales representation services to Company for alcohol ice pop packing opportunities in exchange for commission. The agreement provides a commission 5% of gross revenue collected. The initial term is one year from the effective date. The agreement will renew automatically for 1-year terms unless the agreement is terminated. The Company has decided to keep this agreement in place and no commissions were incurred under this agreement since the date of acquisition of TopPop (July 26, 2021) through March 31, 2023.
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On March 2, 2023, the Company entered into two $110,000 and one $330,000 short term original discount promissory notes with three investors totaling $550,000, one of whom is Richard DeCicco, the Company’s Chairman, ($110,000 note) and the other two are current investors in the Company. The notes were due April 3, 2023 and the Company is currently negotiating terms of extension.
On July 26, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with Mr. Richard DeCicco, Chairman, pursuant to which the Company purchased from Mr. DeCicco, and Mr. DeCicco sold, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of United (See Note 1).
On December 6, 2019, the Company executed a Financial Services Agreement with InnoAccel Solutions (“InnoAccel”), LLC, a controlling member of the TopPop. InnoAccel had agreed to provide financial and administrative services for the company in exchange for hourly compensation.
The Company has agreed to keep this agreement in place and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 the company has recorded consulting expenses of $27,600 and $45,000, respectively.
14. SEGMENT REPORTING
FASB Codification Topic 280, Segment Reporting, establishes standards for reporting financial and descriptive information about an enterprise’s reportable segments. The Company has two reportable segments: sale of branded alcoholic beverages and specialty packaging. The segments are determined based on several factors, including the nature of products and services, the nature of production processes, customer base, delivery channels and similar economic characteristics.
An operating segment’s performance is evaluated based on its pre-tax operating contribution, or segment income. Segment income is defined as net sales less cost of sales, segment selling, general and administrative expenses, research and development costs and stock-based compensation. It does not include other charges (income), net and interest and other, net.
| | Branded Beverages | | | Specialty Packaging (TopPop) | | | Corporate | | | Total | |
Balance sheet at March 31, 2023 | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets | | $ | 2,574,510 | | | $ | 14,627,810 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 17,202,320 | |
Liabilities | | $ | 9,729,512 | | | $ | 9,441,467 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 19,170,979 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance sheet at December 31, 2022 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets | | $ | 3,460,100 | | | $ | 14,898,648 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 18,358,748 | |
Liabilities | | $ | 8,961,870 | | | $ | 9,036,636 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 17,998,506 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income Statement for the three months ended March 31, 2023: | | Branded Beverages | | | Specialty Packaging | | | Corporate | | | Total | |
Net Sales | | $ | 1,081,231 | | | $ | 933,688 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 2,014,919 | |
Cost of sales | | $ | 402,792 | | | $ | 721,331 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 1,124,123 | |
Total operating expenses | | $ | 1,142,178 | | | $ | 1,694,028 | | | $ | 449,370 | | | $ | 3,285,576 | |
Loss from operations | | $ | (463,739 | ) | | $ | (1,481,671 | ) | | $ | (449,370 | ) | | $ | (2,394,780 | ) |
Interest expense | | $ | - | | | $ | 171,040 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 171,040 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | $ | 4,436 | | | $ | 235,930 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 240,366 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income Statement for the three months ended March 31, 2022: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Sales | | $ | 533,095 | | | $ | 3,513,702 | | | $ | | | | $ | 4,046,797 | |
Cost of Goods Sold | | $ | 214,341 | | | $ | 1,990,698 | | | $ | | | | $ | 2,205,039 | |
Total operating expenses | | $ | 1,457,271 | | | $ | 2,834,905 | | | $ | 518,188 | | | $ | 4,810,364 | |
Loss from operations | | $ | (1,138,517 | ) | | $ | (1,311,901 | ) | | $ | (518,188 | ) | | $ | (2,968,606 | ) |
Interest expense | | | - | | | | 183,134 | | | | | | | | 183,134 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | $ | 1,141 | | | $ | 77,207 | | | $ | | | | $ | 78,348 | |
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On June 28, 2023, the Company filed a voluntary petition for its subsidiary, TopPop, under Chapter 11, Subchapter V of the bankruptcy code in the Eastern District of New York, Case No. 23-72310. TopPop intends to continue its operations as a debtor in possession while it reorganizes its debts. The bankruptcy filing constitutes an event of default under all of the Company’s outstanding debt obligations. There were no other contract violations and the other wholly owned subsidiaries will continue operations as usual. Creditors of TopPop may seek an order from the bankruptcy court to modify the automatic stay under Section 362 of the bankruptcy code. If the Creditors are successful, they would be permitted to continue collections against TopPop including seizing its assets.
On March 2, 2023, the Company entered into three Original Issue Discount Promissory Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $550,000 (the “OID Notes”). The OID Notes had a maturity date of April 3, 2023, and upon any Event of Default (as defined in the OID Notes), including the failure to make timely payment, the full principal amount of the OID Notes becomes immediately due and payable, at the holder’s discretion, and the interest rate on the OID Notes is increased from 0% to 18% per annum. On May 31, 2023, the Company received notices of default from two holders of the OID Notes for failure to make timely payment, and that the holders of the OID Notes were calling the entire amount under the OID Notes immediately due and payable. At this time, the Company is unable to pay off the entire balance that is currently due pursuant to the OID Notes ($564,918 as of June 27, 2023). Prior to the notices of default, the Company was attempting to reach a negotiated settlement with holders of the OID Notes, and the Company remains in discussions with the holders of the OID Notes to remedy these events of default.
On April 26, 2023, a shareholder loaned the Company $250,000 on a short-term basis while the Company was negotiating additional financing. The loan was repaid from the proceeds of the Note (defined below).
On May 11, 2023, the Company entered into a 10% Original Issue Discount (OID) Convertible Promissory Note (the “Note”), in the aggregate principal amount of $660,000 with a shareholder (the “OID Shareholder”). The Company received a total of $600,000 in net proceeds from the Note, taking into account the 10% original issue discount. The Note matures on August 11, 2023 (the “Maturity Date”). The Note bears interest at 12% per annum beginning on the 90th day following execution, if not repaid. The Company may prepay the Note at any time, with no penalty.
In addition, if at any time after the Maturity Date any portion of the Note remains outstanding, the OID Shareholder may elect to convert all or any portion of the amount outstanding under the Note into Common Stock of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Note, the price at which the Note may be converted into Common Stock will be equal to the lesser of (i) $0.0001 per share of Common Stock, or (ii) for each share of Common Stock, 50% of the lowest closing price of the Common Stock in the 30 trading days prior to the conversion notice. If, at any time the Note is outstanding, the Company issues Common Stock for a price per share less than the then applicable conversion price under the Note, then the conversion price of the Note will be reduced to such lower price. The Note contains customary events of default, including, but not limited to, failure to observe covenants under the Note and suspension or delisting of the Company’s Common Stock from the over-the-counter market. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, all obligations under the Note will become immediately due and payable within five days. The Note’s current conversion price ($0.0001 per share) is lower than the par value of the Company’s Common Stock ($0.001 per share). Any issuance of Common Stock upon conversion of the Notes for a price per share less than the Common Stock’s par value ($0.001) would violate applicable Nevada law. As of June 29, 2023, there have been no conversions under this note.
On May 24, 2023, the Company received a notice of default from the OID Shareholder listing defaults that the OID Shareholder believed have occurred, including, the Company’s failure to reserve a sufficient number of shares of its Common Stock for a conversion of the Note if was not paid upon its maturity. Based on its asserted defaults, the OID Shareholder has given notice to the Company that the $660,000 plus interest due under the Note is immediately due and payable, and the OID Shareholder has reserved any and all remedies available to it as a result of such defaults. As of June 29, 2023 there have been no conversions under this note.
As of June 29, 2023, the Company is unable to pay off the entire loan balance due to the OID Shareholder or reserve sufficient shares satisfy a conversion of the Note into Common Stock. Prior to the notice of default from the OID Shareholder, the Company was attempting to reach a negotiated settlement with the OID Shareholder, and the Company remains in discussions with the OID Shareholder to remedy these events of default.
On May 26, 2023, six investors (the “Exchange Investors”) that purchased the Company’s Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A-2 Preferred Stock”), pursuant to a securities purchase agreement dated as of July 26, 2021 (the “Purchase Agreement”), delivered notices to the Company of their desire to exercise their rights under the Purchase Agreement, which allows them to convert their shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock into 10% Original Issue Discount (OID) Convertible Promissory Notes with the same terms as the Note (the “Exchange Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $17,446,000.
The Exchange Notes would have the same terms as the Note, including, but not limited to, a maturity date of August 11, 2023; interest at 12% per annum beginning on the 90th day following execution, if not repaid; the ability for the Company to prepay with no penalty; if at any time after the maturity date any portion of the Exchange Notes remain outstanding, the Exchange Investors may elect to convert all or any portion of the amount outstanding into Common Stock; the price at which the Exchange Notes will convert into Common Stock will be equal to the lesser of (i) $0.0001 per share of Common Stock, or (ii) for each share of Common Stock, 50% of the lowest closing price of the Common Stock in the 30 trading days prior to the conversion notice; if, at any time the Exchange Notes are outstanding, the Company issues Common Stock for a price per share less than the then applicable conversion price under the Exchange Notes, then the conversion price of the Exchange Notes shall be reduced to such lower price; customary events of default, including, but not limited to, failure to observe covenants under the Note and suspension or delisting from the over-the-counter market; and upon the occurrence of an event of default, all obligations under the Exchange Notes shall become immediately due and payable within five days. Similar to the Note, the Exchange Notes’ conversion price will be lower than the par value of the Company’s Common Stock ($0.001 per share), which would cause the conversion of the Exchange Notes to Common Stock at such price to violate applicable Nevada law. If the Company issues the Exchange Notes, pursuant to the term of the Purchase Agreement, the Company would be required to issue Exchange Notes in the original principal amount of $17,446,000.
In addition, upon entry into the Exchange Notes, the Company will be in default of the Exchange Notes for, among other things, the Company’s failure to authorize and reserve a sufficient number of shares of its Common Stock for conversion. At this time, the Company would be unable to pay off the entire loan balance due pursuant to the Exchange Note or meet its reserve share obligations required in the Exchange Notes. The Company remains in discussion with the Exchange Investors to remedy these events of default.
On June 8, 2023, a shareholder converted 100 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Shares into 320,000 shares of Common Stock.