EX-99.1 2 file2.htm PRESS RELEASE DATED JUNE 28, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Castle Brands Inc.
570 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
646-356-0200
www.castlebrandsinc.com


 

Investor Relations Contact:
ICR
Kathleen Heaney (203) 803-3585
ir@castlebrandsinc.com

 

 

Castle Brands Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2007 Results

U.S. Launch of New Boru Vodka Generates Record Fiscal Fourth Quarter

Volume Growth of 120% Over Prior Year

NEW YORK, NY, June 28, 2007. Castle Brands Inc. (AMEX:ROX), an emerging international premium spirits company today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2007 Results

U.S. case sales increased 62% year over year to 49,813 nine liter cases in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. This increase was largely attributable to Boru Vodka sales which increased 120% over the same quarter in the prior fiscal year due to the March introduction of the redesigned packaging for Boru and its three flavor extensions. Global case sales in the fourth quarter were up 49% to 72,395 nine liter cases.

For the fourth quarter fiscal year 2007, Castle Brands reported net sales of $6.1 million, representing a 64% increase over the prior year quarter.

Highlights for the quarter included:

 

Total U.S. case sales up 62% year over year;

 

Total global case sales up 49% year over year;

 

U.S. Boru Vodka Sales up 120% year over year;

 

U.S. accounted for 69% of total case sales versus 63% in the prior year; and

 

Total revenues increase 64% year over year to $6.1 million.

Mark Andrews, the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Fiscal fourth quarter 2007 was a key period for the company as we launched the new Boru Vodka bottle and its three flavor extensions. This launch was important for the company in positioning our brand in the highly competitive and rapidly growing premium vodka market. We are extremely pleased with the success of the

 

 


launch of the new Boru packaging and with the acceleration of Boru Vodka sales in the U.S.”

In addition to the strength of U.S. case sales of Boru Vodka during the fourth quarter fiscal 2007, Castle Brands also experienced 96% growth in U.S. whiskey case sales (which includes growth resulting from the addition of the McLain & Kyne bourbon brands which were acquired by Castle Brands in October 2006), 56% growth in U.S. rum case sales and 4% increase in U.S. liqueurs case sales. Fourth quarter international case sales were up 26%, led by a 39% growth in international rum case sales and 32% international growth in vodka case sales. International liqueur case sales were down 25% for the quarter but this was offset by 19% growth in international whiskey case sales.

Gross profit for the fourth quarter fiscal year 2007 increased 49% to $2.0 million, up from $1.4 million in the prior year quarter while gross margin decreased to 33.4% compared to 36.7% for the same period. The decrease in gross margin reflected a shift in product and size mix.

As a result of additional expenditure made to support the expansion and growth of its portfolio, Castle Brands’ selling expense increased 27.5% to $3.9 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2007 from $3.1 million in the prior year quarter. This support includes increases in costs associated with the Boru relauch, sales support costs and increased expenses in connection with certain elements of the Gosling’s rum advertising campaign. However, selling expense as a percentage of net sales decreased to 64.7% from 83.3% in the comparable prior year period.

General and administrative expenses were $2.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to $1.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 39.7% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to 39.5% in the comparable period of fiscal 2006. This increase in general and administrative expense was partly attributable to the incremental increases in costs associated with being a public company. In addition, Castle Brands has hired additional employees over the past year, resulting in an increase in compensation expense. Castle Brands also adopted SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment on April 1, 2006, which resulted in stock-based compensation expense of $0.4 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2007, as compared to zero in the comparable period in the prior year.

As a result of the forgoing, the company reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $4.5 million, or $(0.38) per share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 as compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $4.0 million, or $(1.28) per share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.

Fiscal 2007 Results

For the twelve months ending March 31, 2007, total case sales were 314,644, an 18% increase over the prior year. Volume was driven by strong sales in the United States, with Boru Vodka contributing significantly to this growth. This increase in vodka case sales was approximately 54% in the U.S. and 9% internationally. The rum category was also a driver during the year, with a 21% lift in global case volume for the fiscal year. Case sales of liqueurs were down 5% for the full year, in part due to the discontinuation

 

 


of certain lower-margin Irish cream products. The decrease in liqueur sales was offset by case sales of Whiskey which grew 26%, benefiting from the contribution of the McLain & Kyne bourbon brands which were acquired by Castle Brands in October 2006.

Castle Brands’ international sales, which totaled 40% of total case volume for fiscal 2007, also experienced continued gains, up from 117,154 cases in fiscal 2006 to 125,647 cases in fiscal 2007. Rum was the fastest growing category for the Company’s international business, reflecting activity by the Gosling-Castle Partners joint venture, with an increase to 17,992 cases in fiscal 2007 from 13,471 cases in fiscal 2006. This was followed by whiskey case sales up 10% and vodka case sales up 9%. International liqueur case sales declined by 49%. As noted, growth in the Company’s flagship brands was partially offset by reduced sales of certain lower-priced Irish cream products which accounted for approximately 17,600 cases in FY 2006 and only approximately 5,100 cases in FY 2007.

For the full year 2007, net sales increased 19% over the same period in the prior year to $25.2 million.

Gross profit increased 12% to $8.4 million during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 from $7.5 million in the comparable prior period, while gross margin decreased to 33.3% during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 when compared to 35.4% for the prior fiscal year, reflecting shifts in brand and size mix.

Selling expense increased 29% to $16.8 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 from $13.0 million from the prior fiscal year. This increase in selling expense was attributable to the expansion, growth and continued support of Castle Brands premium portfolio. This support includes increases in costs associated with the Boru relaunch, sales support costs and increased expenses in connection with the Gosling’s rum advertising campaign. In order to provide proper support for its portfolio, Castle Brands added new personnel, which resulted in an increase in consultancy and compensation expense. Castle Brands also adopted SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment on April 1, 2006, which resulted in stock-based compensation expense of $0.4 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, as compared to zero in the comparable period in the prior year. As a result of the foregoing, selling expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 66.6% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 as compared to 61.7% for the comparable prior year period.

For the full year, general and administrative expenses were $8.6 million as compared to $5.5 million in fiscal 2006. This increase was largely attributable to the incremental increases in costs incurred by Castle Brands in being a public company. In addition, Castle Brands hired additional employees over the past year, resulting in an increase in compensation expense, and adopted SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment on April 1, 2006, which resulted in stock-based compensation expense of $1.0 million in the year ended March 31, 2007, as compared to zero in the comparable period in the prior year. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 34.4% for fiscal 2007 as compared to 26.0% for fiscal 2006.

For the twelve months ended March 31, 2007, Castle Brands generated a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $16.6 million, or $(1.40) per share, versus a net

 

 


loss attributable to common stockholders from the prior year of $14.7 million, or $(4.73) per share.

Reflecting on the year, Mr. Andrews said, “Fiscal 2007 was a pivotal year for Castle Brands and we saw our heavy investments in distribution and brand building begin to yield results. Enhanced distribution, as well as a broader product portfolio, enabled U.S. sales to grow significantly faster than overall company growth. Globally, we were able to deliver record case sales and revenue despite the decision to discontinue sales of some lower margin Irish cream products.” Mr. Andrews further commented, “The momentum we have going into fiscal 2008, coupled with other initiatives underway to build brand awareness and drive sales is expected to result in another record year of case sales for Castle Brands.”

Balance Sheet

Cash and cash equivalents, together with short-term investments, totaled $6.9 million at March 31, 2007. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company closed a private placement of $21 million of common stock and warrants sold to certain institutional investors. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the offering for further brand development, acquisitions, and other corporate purposes.

Fiscal 2008 Outlook

Castle Brands is entering year three of an ambitious five-year business plan designed to position the Company within the premium segments of the spirits industry. For fiscal 2008, the Company will continue its intense focus on expanding its presence in its core growth markets, while seizing upon opportunities in new international markets. The Company is projecting fiscal 2008 case sales to be in the range of 375,000 – 380,000.

Conference Call

Castle Brands will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter results on Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. ET. All interested parties in the U.S. are invited to join the conference by dialing 1-800-263-8506 and asking for the Castle Brands call. International callers should dial 1-719-457-2681. The access code is 1314710. The company suggests that participants dial in approximately ten minutes in advance of the 4:30 p.m. ET start of the conference call.

The conference call will be webcast and can be accessed from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.castlebrandsinc.com.

For those unable to participate in the live call, a replay will be available by calling

1-888-203-1112 (U.S.) or 1-719-457-0820 (international). The access code is 1314710. The replay will be available from 7:30 p.m. ET on June 28, 2007 through 11:59 p.m. ET on July 12, 2007.

 

 


More about Castle Brands Inc.

Castle Brands is an emerging developer and international marketer of premium branded spirits within four growing categories of the spirits industry: vodka, run, whiskey and liqueurs. Castle Brands’ portfolio includes Boru ® Vodka, Gosling’s Rum ®, Sea Wynde ® Rum, Knappogue Castle Whiskey ®, Clontarf ® Irish Whiskey, Jefferson’s ™ and Jefferson’s Reserve ® Bourbon, Sam Houston ® Bourbon, Celtic Crossing ® Liqueur, Pallini ® Limoncello ™, Raspicello ™ and Peachcello ™ and Brady’s ® Irish Cream.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes statements of our expectations, intentions, plans and beliefs that constitute “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by those sections. These statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, related to the discussion of our business strategies and our expectations concerning future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity and capital resources and to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. We have used words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “thinks,” “estimates,” “seeks,” “expects,” “predicts,” “could,” “projects,” “potential” and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, in this press release to identify forward looking statements. These forward looking statements are made based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to uncertainties, risks and factors relating to our operations and business environments, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed or implied by these forward looking statements.

When considering these forward looking statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements in this press release and the documents incorporated by reference. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and we cannot predict those events or how they may affect us. We assume no obligation to update any forward looking statements after the date of this press release as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by the federal securities laws.

 

 


 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

Twelve Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Sales, net

 

$

6,070,966

 

$

3,698,816

 

$

25,164,038

 

$

21,149,635

 

Cost of sales

 

 

4,045,947

 

 

2,342,646

 

 

16,779,694

 

 

13,655,772

 

Gross profit

 

 

2,025,019

 

 

1,356,170

 

 

8,384,344

 

 

7,493,863

 

Selling expense

 

 

3,929,690

 

 

3,081,650

 

 

16,766,119

 

 

13,047,580

 

General and administrative expense

 

 

2,410,323

 

 

1,460,621

 

 

8,646,147

 

 

5,492,925

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

257,674

 

 

232,661

 

 

1,000,888

 

 

907,409

 

Operating loss

 

 

(4,572,668

)

 

(3,418,762

)

 

(18,028,810

)

 

(11,954,051

)

Other income

 

 

 

 

771

 

 

5,040

 

 

4,279

 

Other expense

 

 

(9,833

)

 

(9,022

)

 

(46,831

)

 

(37,099

)

Foreign exchange gain/(loss)

 

 

216,912

 

 

218,602

 

 

1,360,500

 

 

(337,990

)

Interest expense, net

 

 

(378,335

)

 

(541,762

)

 

(1,085,035

)

 

(1,579,283

)

Write-off of DFC

 

 

 

 

 

 

(295,368

)

 

 

Current credit/(charge) on Derivative financial instrument

 

 

(3,476

)

 

(2,924

)

 

117,921

 

 

15,828

 

Income tax benefit

 

 

37,038

 

 

37,038

 

 

148,147

 

 

148,151

 

Minority interests

 

 

165,664

 

 

227,504

 

 

1,267,086

 

 

655,946

 

Net loss

 

$

(4,544,698

)

$

(3,488,555

)

$

(16,557,350

)

$

(13,084,219

)

Preferred stock dividends

 

 

 

 

482,375

 

 

48,238

 

 

1,596,027

 

Net loss attributable to common Stockholders

 

$

(4,544,698

)

$

(3,970,930

)

$

(16,605,588

)

$

(14,680,246

)

Net loss attributable to common stockholders per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.38

)

$

(1.28

)

$

(1.40

)

$

(4.73

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$

(0.38

)

$

(1.28

)

$

(1.40

)

$

(4.73

)

Weighted average shares used in computation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

12,109,741

 

 

3,106,666

 

 

11,898,313

 

 

3,106,666

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

 

 

12,109,741

 

 

3,106,666

 

 

11,898,313

 

 

3,106,666

 

 

 


CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

March 31,
2007

 

March 31,
2006

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,004,957

 

$

1,392,016

 

Short-term investments

 

 

5,912,464

 

 

 

Accounts receivable - net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $395,207 and $378,146

 

 

6,503,449

 

 

3,511,215

 

Due from related parties

 

 

10,328

 

 

953,616

 

Inventories

 

 

10,716,983

 

 

6,673,235

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

1,585,901

 

 

1,021,369

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

25,734,082

 

 

13,551,451

 

EQUIPMENT - net

 

 

643,753

 

 

407,983

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets - net of accumulated amortization of $1,379,389 and $2,233,808

 

 

13,213,596

 

 

13,936,427

 

Goodwill

 

 

13,636,650

 

 

11,649,430

 

Deferred registration costs

 

 

 

 

2,823,594

 

Restricted cash

 

 

502,643

 

 

362,293

 

Other assets

 

 

795,237

 

 

913,032

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

54,525,961

 

$

43,644,210

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL DEFICIENCY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of notes payable and capital leases

 

$

419,308

 

$

3,678,547

 

Accounts payable

 

 

5,150,535

 

 

3,757,515

 

Accrued expenses and put warrant payable

 

 

1,987,669

 

 

2,986,188

 

Due to related parties

 

 

1,092,755

 

 

2,121,334

 

Convertible shareholder loans payable

 

 

 

 

1,660,148

 

Shareholder loans payable

 

 

 

 

147,113

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

8,650,267

 

 

14,350,845

 

LONG TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior notes payable

 

 

9,354,861

 

 

4,594,791

 

Notes payable, less current maturities and obligations under capital leases

 

 

9,005,207

 

 

15,350,640

 

Shareholder loans payable

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible shareholder loans payable

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividends payable

 

 

 

 

1,546,480

 

Deferred tax liability

 

 

2,555,368

 

 

2,703,515

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

 

29,565,703

 

 

38,546,271

 

REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable convertible preferred stock Series A, B, C;
4,103,750 shares designated; 4,089,465 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2006, liquidation preference of 33,326,484

 

 

 

 

28,447,683

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINORITY INTERESTS

 

 

1,407,645

 

 

2,674,731

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIENCY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value, 45,000,000 shares authorized, 3,106,666 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2006 and 12,009,741 at December 31, 2006

 

 

121,098

 

 

31,067

 

Additional paid in capital

 

 

84,086,710

 

 

17,182,405

 

Accumulated deficiency

 

 

(59,962,237

)

 

(43,404,887

)

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income

 

 

(692,958

)

 

166,940

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIENCY)

 

 

23,552,613

 

 

(26,024,475

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIENCY)

 

$

54,525,961

 

$

43,644,210

 

 

 


CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Geographic and Category Case Sales

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

Twelve Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

49,813

 

30,810

 

188,997

 

149,898

 

International

 

22,582

 

17,914

 

125,647

 

117,154

 

Total

 

72,395

 

48,724

 

314,644

 

267,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vodka

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

22,675

 

10,315

 

72,284

 

47,026

 

International

 

13,061

 

9,860

 

87,787

 

80,868

 

Total

 

35,736

 

20,175

 

160,071

 

127,894

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

13,511

 

8,635

 

60,560

 

51,589

 

International

 

5,366

 

3,867

 

17,992

 

13,471

 

Total

 

18,877

 

12,502

 

78,552

 

65,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whiskey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

2,700

 

1,376

 

7,209

 

3,889

 

International

 

2,733

 

2,296

 

15,410

 

14,053

 

Total

 

5,433

 

3,672

 

22,618

 

17,942

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liqueurs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

10,927

 

10,484

 

48,944

 

47,394

 

International

 

1,422

 

1,891

 

4,459

 

8,762

 

Total

 

12,349

 

12,375

 

53,403

 

56,156

 

ROX- E

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