10-Q 1 v452073_10q.htm FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

 

or

 

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

 

For the transition period from ___________ to ___________

 

Commission File Number 001-32849

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Florida   41-2103550
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
122 East 42nd Street, Suite 5000,   10168
New York, New York   (Zip Code)
 (Address of principal executive offices)    

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (646) 356-0200

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ     No ¨

 

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

 

¨ Large accelerated filer   x Accelerated filer
         
¨ Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)      ¨ Smaller reporting company

 

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

 

The Company had 160,961,277 shares of $.01 par value common stock outstanding at November 7, 2016.

 

 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
   
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 3
     
Item 1. Financial Statements: 3
     
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 (unaudited) and March 31, 2016 3
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited) 4
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited) 5
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the six months ended September 30, 2016 (unaudited) 6
     
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited) 7
     
  Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 8
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 21
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 31
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 32
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 33
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 33
     
Item 6. Exhibits 34

 

2 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   September 30,
2016
   March 31,
2016
 
   (unaudited)     
ASSETS          
Current Assets          
Cash and cash equivalents  $679,583   $1,430,532 
Accounts receivable — net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $304,492 and $245,238 at September 30 and March 31, 2016, respectively   11,621,916    10,410,571 
Due from shareholders and affiliates   2,748    3,279 
Inventories— net of allowance for obsolete and slow moving inventory of $364,705 and $331,008 at September 30 and March 31, 2016, respectively   28,017,837    27,233,322 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   1,962,486    1,611,797 
           
Total Current Assets   42,284,570    40,689,501 
           
Equipment — net   855,568    876,255 
           
Intangible assets — net of accumulated amortization of $7,694,273 and $7,372,585 at September 30 and March 31, 2016, respectively   6,726,614    7,048,302 
Goodwill   496,226    496,226 
Investment in non-consolidated affiliate, at equity   541,987    518,667 
Restricted cash   348,208    345,076 
Other assets   116,606    129,486 
           
Total Assets  $51,369,779   $50,103,513 
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
Current Liabilities          
Accounts payable  $6,521,695   $5,652,260 
Accrued expenses   4,179,591    4,352,170 
Due to shareholders and affiliates   1,881,868    1,338,072 
           
Total Current Liabilities   12,583,154    11,342,502 
           
Long-Term Liabilities          
Credit facility, net (including $234,885 and $275,625 of related-party participation at September 30 and March 31, 2016, respectively)   12,192,610    11,917,694 
Notes payable – 5% Convertible notes (including $1,100,000 of related party participation at September 30 and March 31, 2016)   1,675,000    1,675,000 
Notes payable – GCP Note   216,869    211,580 
Deferred tax liability   1,129,924    1,204,000 
           
Total Liabilities   27,797,557    26,350,776 
           
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)          
           
Equity          
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at September 30 and March 31, 2016        
Common stock, $.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized at September 30 and March 31, 2016, 160,951,277 and 160,474,777 shares issued and outstanding at September 30 and March 31, 2016, respectively   1,609,513    1,604,748 
Additional paid-in capital   167,791,293    166,866,671 
Accumulated deficit   (147,344,608)   (145,878,079)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (2,218,139)   (2,193,794)
           
Total controlling shareholders’ equity   19,838,059    20,399,546 
           
Noncontrolling interests   3,734,163    3,353,191 
           
Total Equity   23,572,222    23,752,737 
           
Total Liabilities and Equity  $51,369,779   $50,103,513 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

   Three months ended September 30,   Six months ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Sales, net*  $19,627,791   $18,536,509   $36,378,716   $35,049,588 
Cost of sales*   11,900,531    11,480,107    21,935,341    21,365,872 
                     
Gross profit   7,727,260    7,056,402    14,443,375    13,683,716 
                     
Selling expense   5,031,597    4,941,213    9,662,512    9,293,158 
General and administrative expense   2,140,659    1,691,332    4,130,894    3,757,423 
Depreciation and amortization   253,463    233,069    507,097    461,325 
                     
Income from operations   301,541    190,788    142,872    171,810 
                     
Other (expense) income, net   (27)   600    (333)   (221)
Income from equity investment in non-consolidated affiliate   18,837    4,513    23,320    4,513 
Foreign exchange (loss) gain   (3,375)   (40,360)   76,488    (89,579)
Interest expense, net   (328,868)   (257,636)   (639,129)   (514,800)
                     
Loss before provision for income taxes   (11,892)   (102,095)   (396,782)   (428,277)
Income tax expense, net   (477,962)   (579,962)   (688,775)   (1,103,924)
                     
Net loss   (489,854)   (682,057)   (1,085,557)   (1,532,201)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (210,856)   (329,214)   (380,972)   (602,732)
                     
Net loss attributable to common shareholders  $(700,710)  $(1,011,271)  $(1,466,529)  $(2,134,933)
                     
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted, attributable to common shareholders  $(0.00)  $(0.01)  $(0.01)  $(0.01)
                     
Weighted average shares used in computation, basic and diluted, attributable to common shareholders   160,698,696    159,774,811    160,610,804    158,661,309 

 

* Sales, net and Cost of sales include excise taxes of $1,912,740 and $1,919,019 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $3,628,701 and $3,687,999 for the six months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4 

 

  

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(Unaudited)

 

   Three months ended September 30,   Six months ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Net loss  $(489,854)  $(682,057)  $(1,085,557)  $(1,532,201)
Other comprehensive income (loss):                    
Foreign currency translation adjustment   19,627    27,199    (24,345)   74,201 
                     
Total other comprehensive income (loss):   19,627    27,199    (24,345)   74,201 
                     
Comprehensive loss  $(470,227)  $(654,858)  $(1,109,902)  $(1,458,000)

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5 

 

  

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

(Unaudited)

 

                   Accumulated         
           Additional       Other         
   Common Stock   Paid-in   Accumulated   Comprehensive   Noncontrolling   Total 
   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Loss   Interests   Equity 
BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2016   160,474,777   $1,604,748   $166,866,671   $(145,878,079)  $(2,193,794)  $3,353,191   $23,752,737 
                                    
Net loss                  (1,466,529)        380,972    (1,085,557)
Foreign currency translation adjustment                       (24,345)        (24,345)
Common stock issuance costs           (14,355)                  (14,355)
Exercise of common stock options   476,500    4,765    176,480                   181,245 
Stock-based compensation             762,497                   762,497 
                                    
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016   160,951,277   $1,609,513   $167,791,293   $(147,344,608)  $(2,218,139)  $3,734,163   $23,572,222 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6 

 

  

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

   Six months ended September 30, 
   2016   2015 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
Net loss  $(1,085,557)  $(1,532,201)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   507,097    461,325 
Provision for doubtful accounts   23,100    43,000 
Amortization of deferred financing costs   89,608    92,181 
Deferred income tax expense, net   (74,076)   (90,076)
Net income from equity investment in non-consolidated affiliate   (23,320)   (4,513)
Effect of changes in foreign exchange   (76,488)   89,579 
Stock-based compensation expense   762,497    698,390 
Addition to provision for obsolete inventory   100,000    100,000 
Changes in operations, assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   (1,235,903)   264,416 
Due from affiliates   531    137,283 
Inventory   (828,416)   (2,662,691)
Prepaid expenses and supplies   (351,239)   202,982 
Other assets   (43,725)   (86,667)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   700,370    1,648,871 
Accrued interest   5,289    5,289 
Due to shareholders and affiliates   543,796    (491,966)
           
Total adjustments   99,121    407,403 
           
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES   (986,436)   (1,124,798)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Purchase of equipment   (164,840)   (202,260)
Acquisition of intangible assets       (17,138)
Investment in non-consolidated affiliate, at equity       (500,000)
Change in restricted cash   (7,190)   (159)
           
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES   (172,030)   (719,557)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Net proceeds from credit facility   241,913    384,074 
Payments on Bourbon term loan       (744,900)
Net payments on foreign revolving credit facility       (34,896)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock       3,251,989 
Payments for costs of stock issuance   (14,355)   (95,344)
Subsidiary dividend paid to non-controlling interests       (600,000)
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options   181,245    234,088 
           
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES   408,803    2,395,011 
           
EFFECTS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION   (1,286)   (3,019)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (750,949)   547,637 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — BEGINNING   1,430,532    1,191,603 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — ENDING  $679,583   $1,739,240 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:          
Schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:          
Surrender of common stock in connection with exercise of common stock warrant  $   $31,250 
Conversion of 5% convertible note to common stock  $   $250,000 
           
Interest paid  $551,428   $485,685 
Income taxes paid  $1,010,780   $35,000 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

7 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (which consist of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of such financial information. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those to be achieved for full fiscal years. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016 is derived from the March 31, 2016 audited financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Castle Brands Inc.’s (the “Company”) audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2016, as amended (“2016 Form 10-K”). Please refer to the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2016 Form 10-K for additional disclosures and a description of accounting policies.

  

A.Description of business — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, Castle Brands (USA) Corp. (“CB-USA”) and McLain & Kyne, Ltd. (“McLain & Kyne”), the Company’s wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries, Castle Brands Spirits Group Limited (“CB-IRL”) and Castle Brands Spirits Marketing and Sales Company Limited, and the Company’s 60% ownership interest in Gosling-Castle Partners Inc. (“GCP”), with adjustments for income or loss allocated based upon percentage of ownership. The accounts of the subsidiaries have been included as of the date of acquisition. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

B.Liquidity – The Company believes that its current cash and working capital, the availability under the Credit Facility (as defined in Note 7C) and the additional funds that may be raised under the 2014 Distribution Agreement (as defined in Note 8) will enable it to fund its obligations until it achieves profitability, ensure continuity of supply of its brands and support new brand initiatives and marketing programs through at least November 2017.

 

  C. Organization and operations — The Company is principally engaged in the importation, marketing and sale of premium and super premium rums, whiskeys, liqueurs, vodka, tequila and related non-alcoholic beverage products in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.

 

D.Equity investments — Equity investments are carried at original cost adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of the investees’ income, losses and distributions. The Company assesses the carrying value of its equity investments when an indicator of a loss in value is present and records a loss in value of the investment when the assessment indicates that an other-than-temporary decline in the investment exists. The Company classifies its equity earnings of equity investments as a component of net income or loss.

 

E.Goodwill and other intangible assets — Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price including related costs over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives, generally on a straight-line basis, and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

 

F.Impairment of long-lived assets — Under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets”, the Company periodically reviews whether changes have occurred that would require revisions to the carrying amounts of its definite lived, long-lived assets. When the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized based on the fair value of the asset.

 

G.Excise taxes and duty — Excise taxes and duty are computed at standard rates based on alcohol proof per gallon/liter and are paid after finished goods are imported into the United States or other relevant jurisdiction and then transferred out of “bond.” Excise taxes and duty are recorded to inventory as a component of the cost of the underlying finished goods. When the underlying products are sold “ex warehouse”, the sales price reflects the taxes paid and the inventoried excise taxes and duties are charged to cost of sales.

 

H.Foreign currency — The functional currency for the Company’s foreign operations is the Euro in Ireland and the British Pound in the United Kingdom. Under ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”, the translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. Dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are shown as a separate line item in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

8 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

  I. Fair value of financial instruments — ASC 825, “Financial Instruments”, defines the fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties and requires disclosure of the fair value of certain financial instruments. The Company believes that there is no material difference between the fair-value and the reported amounts of financial instruments in the Company’s balance sheets due to the short term maturity of these instruments, or with respect to the Company’s debt, as compared to the current borrowing rates available to the Company.

 

The Company’s investments are reported at fair value in accordance with authoritative guidance, which accomplishes the following key objectives:

 

  - Defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date;
  - Establishes a three-level hierarchy (“valuation hierarchy”) for fair value measurements;
  - Requires consideration of the Company’s creditworthiness when valuing liabilities; and
  - Expands disclosures about instruments measured at fair value.

 

The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the valuation hierarchy are as follows:

 

  - Level 1 — inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
  - Level 2 — inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
  - Level 3 — inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

 

J.Income taxes — Under ASC 740, “Income Taxes”, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. A valuation allowance is provided to the extent a deferred tax asset is not considered recoverable.

 

   

The Company has not recognized any adjustments for uncertain tax positions. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in general and administrative expense; however, no such provisions for accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions have been recorded by the Company.

 

The Company’s income tax expense for the three-month and six-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 consists of federal, state and local taxes attributable to GCP, which does not file a consolidated income tax return with the Company. In connection with the investment in GCP, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability on the ascribed value of the acquired intangible assets of $2,222,222, increasing the value of the asset. The difference between the book basis and tax basis created a deferred tax liability that is being amortized over a period of 15 years (the life of the licensing agreement) on a straight-line basis. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized ($477,962) and ($579,962) of income tax expense, net, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized ($688,775) and ($1,103,924) of income tax expense, net, respectively.

 

  K.

Recent accounting pronouncements — In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory.” This ASU removes the prohibition against the immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. This guidance is effective for the Company as of April 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Entities must apply a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”, which provides guidance on eight cash flow classification issues with the objective of reducing differences in practice. The new standard is effective for the Company as of April 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Adoption is required to be on a retrospective basis, unless impracticable for any of the amendments, in which case a prospective application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for the Company as of April 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

   

9 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

  

    In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases.” The new standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for the Company as of April 1, 2019. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
     
    In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, which amends the guidance in U.S. GAAP on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. Changes to the current guidance primarily affect the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the ASU clarifies guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The new standard is effective for the Company as of April 1, 2018, and upon adoption, an entity should apply the amendments by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet at the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Early adoption is not permitted except for the provision to record fair value changes for financial liabilities under the fair value option resulting from instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 

10 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

   

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”, which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The new guidance must be applied on a prospective basis and is effective for the Company as of April 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue. This guidance includes the required steps to achieve the core principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for the Company as of April 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 

The Company does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

     
  L.

Accounting standards adopted — In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Business Combination (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement Period Adjustments”, which requires adjustments to provisional amounts initially recorded in a business combination that are identified during the measurement period to be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This includes any effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 also requires the disclosure of the nature and amount of measurement-period adjustments recognized in the current period, including separately the amounts in current-period income statement line items that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The guidance became effective for the Company beginning April 1, 2016. The Company will apply the guidance prospectively for all future business combinations.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”), which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected. Upon adoption, the Company applied the new guidance on a retrospective basis and adjusted the balance sheet of each individual period presented to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. This guidance became effective for the Company beginning April 1, 2016.

 

In June, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement” at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting. This update addresses presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements. Commitment fees paid to the lender represent the benefit of being able to access capital over the contractual term, and therefore, are not in the scope of the new guidance and it is appropriate to present such fees as an asset on the balance sheet, regardless of whether or not there are outstanding borrowings under the revolver. The Company adopted this guidance beginning with its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. The Company determined that the adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. 

 

11 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

NOTE 2 — BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

 

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period that are not anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive common shares consist of incremental shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants or conversion of convertible notes outstanding. In computing diluted net loss per share for the six months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, no adjustment has been made to the weighted average outstanding common shares as the assumed exercise of outstanding options and warrants and the assumed conversion of convertible notes is anti-dilutive.

 

Potential common shares not included in calculating diluted net loss per share are as follows:

 

   Six months ended
September 30,
 
   2016   2015 
Stock options   15,946,586    13,877,699 
Warrants to purchase common stock       120,000 
5% Convertible notes   1,861,111    1,861,111 
           
Total   17,807,697    15,858,810 

 

NOTE 3 — INVENTORIES

 

   September 30,   March 31, 
   2016   2016 
Raw materials  $13,136,443   $11,976,561 
Finished goods – net   14,881,394    15,256,761 
           
Total  $28,017,837   $27,233,322 

 

As of September 30 and March 31, 2016, 13% and 11%, respectively, of raw materials and 6% and 5%, respectively, of finished goods were located outside of the United States.

 

In the six months ended September 30, 2016, the Company acquired $1,853,670 of aged bourbon whiskey in support of its anticipated near and mid-term needs.

 

The Company estimates the allowance for obsolete and slow moving inventory based on analyses and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, expected future demand and market requirements.

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or market.

 

NOTE 4 — EQUITY INVESTMENT

 

Investment in Gosling-Castle Partners Inc., consolidated

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, GCP had pretax net income on a stand-alone basis of $1,005,101 and $1,440,035, respectively. The Company allocated 40% of this net income, or $402,040 and $576,014, to non-controlling interest for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the six months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, GCP had pretax net income on a stand-alone basis of $1,641,204 and $2,684,831, respectively. The Company allocated 40% of this net income, or $656,482 and $1,073,932, to non-controlling interest for the six-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Combined with the effects of income tax expense, net, allocated to noncontrolling interests as described in Note 1.J Income Taxes, the cumulative balance allocated to noncontrolling interests in GCP was $3,734,163 and $3,353,191 at September 30 and March 31, 2016, respectively, as shown on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Investment in Copperhead Distillery Company, equity method

 

In June 2015, CB-USA purchased 20% of Copperhead Distillery Company (“Copperhead”) for $500,000. Copperhead owns and operates the Kentucky Artisan Distillery. The investment was part of an agreement to build a new warehouse to store Jefferson’s bourbons, provide distilling capabilities using special mash-bills made from locally grown grains and create a visitor center and store to enhance the consumer experience for the Jefferson’s brand. The investment has been used for the construction of a new warehouse in Crestwood, Kentucky dedicated to the storage of Jefferson’s whiskies. The Company has accounted for this investment under the equity method of accounting. For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized $18,837 and $4,513 of income from this investment, respectively, and for the six months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized $23,320 and $4,513 of income from this investment, respectively The investment balance was $541,987 and $518,667 at September 30 and March 31, 2016, respectively, as shown on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

  

12 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

NOTE 5 — GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The carrying amount of goodwill was $496,226 at each of September 30 and March 31, 2016.

 

Intangible assets consist of the following:

 

   September 30,
2016
   March 31,
2016
 
Definite life brands  $170,000   $170,000 
Trademarks   631,693    631,693 
Rights   8,271,555    8,271,555 
Product development   185,207    185,207 
Patents   994,000    994,000 
Other   55,460    55,460 
           
    10,307,915    10,307,915 
Less: accumulated amortization   7,694,273    7,372,585 
           
Net   2,613,642    2,935,330 
Other identifiable intangible assets — indefinite lived*   4,112,972    4,112,972 
           
   $6,726,614   $7,048,302 

 

* Other identifiable intangible assets — indefinite lived consists of product formulations and the Company’s relationships with its distillers.

 

Accumulated amortization consists of the following:

 

   September 30,
2016
   March 31,
2016
 
Definite life brands  $170,000   $170,000 
Trademarks   343,945    331,366 
Rights   6,341,087    6,065,111 
Product development   29,188    29,188 
Patents   810,053    776,920 
Other   -    - 
           
Accumulated amortization  $7,694,273   $7,372,585 

 

NOTE 6 — RESTRICTED CASH

 

At September 30 and March 31, 2016, the Company had €310,296 or $348,208 (translated at the September 30, 2016 exchange rate) and €303,890 or $345,076 (translated at the March 31, 2016 exchange rate), respectively, of cash restricted from withdrawal and held by a bank in Ireland as collateral for overdraft coverage, creditors’ insurance, customs and excise guaranty and a revolving credit facility as described in Note 7A below.

 

13 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

NOTE 7 — NOTES PAYABLE

 

   September 30,
2016
   March 31,
2016
 
Notes payable consist of the following:          
Foreign revolving credit facilities (A)  $   $ 
Note payable – GCP note (B)   216,869    211,580 
Credit facility, net (C)   12,192,610    11,917,694 
5% Convertible notes (D)   1,675,000    1,675,000 
           
Total  $14,084,479   $13,804,274 

 

A.The Company has arranged various facilities aggregating €310,296 or $348,208 (translated at the September 30, 2016 exchange rate) with an Irish bank, including overdraft coverage, creditors’ insurance, customs and excise guaranty, and a revolving credit facility. These facilities are payable on demand, continue until terminated by either party, are subject to annual review, and call for interest at the lender’s AA1 rate minus 1.70%. The balance on the credit facilities included in notes payable was €0 at September 30 and March 31, 2016, respectively.

 

  B. In December 2009, GCP issued a promissory note (the “GCP Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of $211,580 to Gosling’s Export (Bermuda) Limited in exchange for credits issued on certain inventory purchases. The GCP Note matures on April 1, 2020, is payable at maturity, subject to certain acceleration events, and calls for annual interest of 5% to be accrued and paid at maturity. At March 31, 2016, $10,579 of accrued interest was converted to amounts due to affiliates. At September 30, 2016, $216,869, consisting of $211,580 of principal and $5,289 of accrued interest, due on the GCP Note is included in long-term liabilities. At March 31, 2016, $211,580 of principal due on the GCP Note is included in long-term liabilities.

 

  C. The Company and CB-USA are parties to an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (as amended, the “Loan Agreement”) with ACF FinCo I LP (“ACF”), which provides for availability (subject to certain terms and conditions) of a facility (the “Credit Facility”) to provide working capital, including capital to finance purchases of aged whiskeys in support of the growth of the Jefferson’s bourbons, in the amount of $19.0 million, including a sublimit in the maximum principal amount of $7.0 million to permit the Company to acquire aged whiskey inventory (the “Purchased Inventory Sublimit”) subject to certain conditions set forth in the Loan Agreement. The Credit Facility matures on July 31, 2019 (the “Maturity Date”). The monthly facility fee is 0.75% per annum of the maximum Credit Facility amount (excluding the Purchased Inventory Sublimit).

 

Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Company and CB-USA may borrow up to the lesser of (x) $19.0 million and (y) the sum of the borrowing base calculated in accordance with the Loan Agreement and the Purchased Inventory Sublimit. The Company and CB-USA may prepay the Credit Facility in whole or the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, in whole or in part, subject to certain prepayment penalties as set forth in the Loan Agreement. The Purchased Inventory Sublimit replaced the bourbon term loan (the “Bourbon Term Loan”), which was paid in full in the normal course of business in May 2015.

 

14 

 

  

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

In connection with the Loan Agreement, the Company entered into a Reaffirmation Agreement with (i) certain of its officers, including John Glover, Chief Operating Officer, T. Kelley Spillane, Senior Vice President - Global Sales, and Alfred J. Small, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Secretary and (ii) certain junior lenders, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust, an entity affiliated with Phillip Frost, M.D., a director and a principal shareholder of the Company, Mark E. Andrews, III, the Company’s Chairman, an affiliate of Richard J. Lampen, a director and the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, an affiliate of Glenn Halpryn, a former director, Dennis Scholl, a former director, and Vector Group Ltd., a more than 5% shareholder of the Company, of which Richard Lampen is an executive officer, Henry Beinstein, a director of the Company, is a director and Phillip Frost, M.D. is a principal shareholder, which, among other things, reaffirms the existing Validity and Support Agreements by and among each officer, the Company and ACF.

 

ACF also required as a condition to entering into an amendment to the Loan Agreement in August 2015 that ACF enter into a participation agreement with certain related parties of the Company, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust ($150,000), Mark E. Andrews, III ($50,000), Richard J. Lampen ($100,000), and Alfred J. Small ($15,000), to allow for the sale of participation interests in the Purchased Inventory Sublimit and the inventory purchased with the proceeds thereof. The participation agreement provides that ACF’s commitment to fund each advance of the Purchased Inventory Sublimit shall be limited to seventy percent (70%), up to an aggregate maximum principal amount for all advances equal to $4.9 million. Under the terms of the participation agreement, the participants receive interest at the rate of 11% per annum. The Company is not a party to the participation agreement. However, the Company and CB-USA are party to a fee letter with the junior participants (including the related party junior participants) pursuant to which the Company and CB-USA were obligated to pay the junior participants a closing fee of $18,000 on the effective date of the First Amendment to the Loan Agreement and are obligated to pay a commitment fee of $18,000 on each anniversary of the effective date until the junior participants’ obligations are terminated pursuant to the participation agreement.

 

The Company may borrow up to the maximum amount of the Credit Facility, provided that the Company has a sufficient borrowing base (as defined in the Loan Agreement). The Credit Facility interest rate (other than with respect to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit) is the rate that, when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 3.00%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 5.50% and (c) 6.0%. The interest rate applicable to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit is the rate, that when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 4.25%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 6.75% and (c) 7.50%. Interest is payable monthly in arrears, on the first day of every month on the average daily unpaid principal amount of the Credit Facility. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any “Default” or “Event of Default” (as defined under the Loan Agreement), the Company is required to pay interest at a rate that is 3.25% per annum above the then applicable Credit Facility interest rate. The Loan Agreement contains EBITDA targets allowing for further interest rate reductions in the future. The Credit Facility currently bears interest at 6.0% (reflecting a discount for achieving one such EBITDA target) and the Purchased Inventory Sublimit currently bears interest at 7.75%. The Company is required to pay down the principal balance of the Purchased Inventory Sublimit within 15 banking days from the completion of a bottling run of bourbon from the bourbon inventory stock purchased with funds borrowed under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit in an amount equal to the purchase price of such bourbon. The unpaid principal balance of the Credit Facility, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and all fees, costs and expenses payable in connection with the Credit Facility, are due and payable in full on the Maturity Date. In addition to closing fees, ACF receives facility fees and a collateral management fee (each as set forth in the Loan Agreement). The Company’s obligations under the Loan Agreement are secured by the grant of a pledge and a security interest in all of its assets.

 

The Loan Agreement contains standard borrower representations and warranties for asset-based borrowing and a number of reporting obligations and affirmative and negative covenants. The Loan Agreement includes negative covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to create additional indebtedness, dispose of properties, incur liens, and make distributions or cash dividends. At September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance, in all material respects, with the covenants under the Loan Agreement.

 

At September 30 and March 31, 2016, $12,192,610 and $11,917,694, respectively, due on the Credit Facility, net, was included in long-term liabilities, including $2,237,000 and $2,625,000 outstanding under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, respectively. At September 30 and March 31, 2016, there was $6,669,493 and $7,082,306, respectively, in potential availability under the Credit Facility, net.

 

In connection with the adoption of ASU 2015-03, the Company included $137,897 and $170,895 of debt issuance costs at September 30 and March 31, 2016, respectively, as direct deductions from the carrying amount of the related debt liability.

 

In October 2016, the Company acquired $1,553,400 in aged bulk bourbon, including $1,440,000 purchased under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, with certain related parties of the Company, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust ($72,000), Richard J. Lampen ($48,000), Mark E. Andrews, III ($24,000), and Alfred J. Small ($7,200), as junior participants in the Purchased Inventory Sublimit with respect to such purchase.

 

15 

 

  

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

   

D.In October 2013, the Company entered into a 5% Convertible Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement (the “Note Purchase Agreement”) with the purchasers party thereto, under which the Company issued an aggregate initial principal amount of $2,125,000 of unsecured subordinated notes (the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 5% per annum, payable quarterly, until their maturity date of December 15, 2018. The Convertible Notes, and accrued but unpaid interest thereon, are convertible in whole or in part from time to time at the option of the holders thereof into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $0.90 per share (the “Conversion Price”). The Convertible Notes may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time without penalty or premium, but with payment of accrued interest to the date of prepayment. The Convertible Notes contain customary events of default, which, if uncured, entitle each note holder to accelerate the due date of the unpaid principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, the Convertible Notes.

 

The purchasers of the Convertible Notes included related parties of the Company, including an affiliate of Dr. Phillip Frost ($500,000), Mark E. Andrews, III ($50,000), an affiliate of Richard J. Lampen ($50,000), an affiliate of Glenn Halpryn ($200,000), Dennis Scholl ($100,000), and Vector Group Ltd. ($200,000).

 

The Company may forcibly convert all or any part of the Convertible Notes and all accrued but unpaid interest thereon if (i) the average daily volume of the Company’s common stock (as reported on the principal market or exchange on which the common stock is listed or quoted for trading) exceeds $50,000 per trading day and (ii) the volume weighted average price of the common stock for at least twenty (20) trading days during any thirty (30) consecutive trading day period exceeds 250% of the then-current Conversion Price. Any forced conversion will be applied ratably to the holders of all Convertible Notes issued pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement based on each holder’s then-current note holdings.

 

In connection with the Note Purchase Agreement, each purchaser of the Convertible Notes was required to execute a joinder to the subordination agreement, by and among ACF and certain other junior lenders to the Company; the Company is not a party to the Subordination Agreement.

 

At each of September 30 and March 31, 2016, $1,675,000 of principal due on the Convertible Notes was included in long-term liabilities.

 

NOTE 8 — EQUITY

 

Equity distribution agreement - In November 2014, the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the “2014 Distribution Agreement”) with Barrington Research Associates, Inc. (“Barrington”), as sales agent, under which the Company may issue and sell over time and from time to time, to or through Barrington, shares (the “Shares”) of its common stock having a gross sales price of up to $10,000,000.

 

Sales of the Shares pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement, if any, may be effected by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at-the-market” offering as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including without limitation directly on the NYSE MKT LLC or any other existing trading market for the common stock or through a market maker, up to the amount specified, and otherwise to or through Barrington in accordance with the placement notices delivered by the Company to Barrington. Also, with the prior consent of the Company, some of the Shares may be sold in privately negotiated transactions. Under the 2014 Distribution Agreement, Barrington will be entitled to compensation of 2.0 % of the gross proceeds from the sale of all of the Shares sold through Barrington, as sales agent, pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement. Also, the Company will reimburse Barrington for certain expenses incurred in connection with the matters contemplated by the 2014 Distribution Agreement, up to an aggregate of $50,000, plus up to an additional $7,500 per calendar quarter related to ongoing maintenance; provided, however, that such reimbursement amount shall not exceed 8% of the aggregate gross proceeds received by the Company under the 2014 Distribution Agreement.

 

The Company did not sell any Shares pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement during the six months ended September 30, 2016, but incurred $14,355 of issuance costs related to the 2014 Distribution Agreement.

 

During the six months ended September 30, 2015, the Company sold 2,119,282 Shares pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement, with total gross proceeds of $3,251,989, before deducting sales agent and issuance costs of $95,344.

 

16 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

NOTE 9 — FOREIGN CURRENCY FORWARD CONTRACTS     

 

The Company enters into forward contracts from time to time to reduce its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. The Company recognizes in the balance sheet derivative contracts at fair value, and reflects any net gains and losses currently in earnings. At September 30 and March 31, 2016, the Company had no forward contracts outstanding. Gain or loss on foreign currency forward contracts, which was de minimis during the periods presented, is included in other income and expense.

 

NOTE 10 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

In June 2016, the Company granted to employees, directors and certain consultants options to purchase an aggregate of 3,170,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share under the Company’s 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan. The options, which expire in June 2026, vest 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date. The Company has valued the options at $1,806,900 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. 

 

Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and for the six months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $410,097 and $458,450, respectively, and $762,497 and $698,390, respectively. At September 30, 2016, total unrecognized compensation cost amounted to $4,112,900, representing 6,635,125 unvested options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.83 years. There were 476,500 options exercised during the six months ended September 30, 2016 and 612,989 options exercised during the six months ended September 30, 2015. The Company did not recognize any related tax benefit for the six months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 from option exercises, as the effects were de minimis.

 

NOTE 11 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

A.The Company has entered into a supply agreement with an Irish distiller (“Irish Distillery”), which provides for the production of blended Irish whiskeys for the Company until the contract is terminated by either party in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The Irish Distillery may terminate the contract if it provides at least six years’ prior notice to the Company, except for breach. Under this agreement, the Company provides the Irish Distillery with a forecast of the estimated amount of liters of pure alcohol it requires for the next four fiscal contract years and agrees to purchase 90% of that amount, subject to certain annual adjustments. For the contract year ending June 30, 2017, the Company has contracted to purchase approximately €900,386 or $1,010,395 (translated at the September 30, 2016 exchange rate) in bulk Irish whiskey, of which €338,508 or $379,867 (translated at the September 30, 2016 exchange rate), has been purchased as of September 30, 2016. The Company is not obligated to pay the Irish Distillery for any product not yet received. During the term of this supply agreement, the Irish Distillery has the right to limit additional purchases above the commitment amount.

 

B.The Company has also entered into a supply agreement with the Irish Distillery, which provides for the production of single malt Irish whiskeys for the Company until the contract is terminated by either party in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The Irish Distillery may terminate the contract if it provides at least thirteen years’ prior notice to the Company, except for breach. Under this agreement, the Company provides the Irish Distillery with a forecast of the estimated amount of liters of pure alcohol it requires for the next twelve fiscal contract years and agrees to purchase 80% of that amount, subject to certain annual adjustments. For the year ending June 30, 2017, the Company has contracted to purchase approximately €394,961 or $443,217 (translated at the September 30, 2016 exchange rate) in bulk Irish whiskey, of which €138,364 or $155,269 (translated at the September 30, 2016 exchange rate), has been purchased as of September 30, 2016. The Company is not obligated to pay the Irish Distillery for any product not yet received. During the term of this supply agreement, the Irish Distillery has the right to limit additional purchases above the commitment amount.

 

C.The Company has entered into a supply agreement with a bourbon distiller, which provides for the production of newly distilled bourbon whiskey through December 31, 2019. Under this agreement, the distiller provides the Company with an agreed upon amount of original proof gallons of newly distilled bourbon whiskey, subject to certain annual adjustments. For the contract year ended December 31, 2015, the Company contracted and purchased approximately $1,643,000 in newly distilled bourbon. For the contract year ending December 31, 2016, the Company contracted to purchase approximately $2,053,750 in newly distilled bourbon, $964,725 of which had been purchased as of September 30, 2016. The Company is not obligated to pay the distiller for any product not yet received. During the term of this supply agreement, the distiller has the right to limit additional purchases to ten percent above the commitment amount.

 

D.The Company leases office space in New York, NY, Dublin, Ireland and Houston, TX. The New York, NY lease began on May 1, 2010 and expires on February 29, 2020 and provides for monthly payments of $26,255. The Dublin lease commenced on March 1, 2009 and extends through October 31, 2019 and provides for monthly payments of €1,500 or $1,683 (translated at the September 30, 2016 exchange rate). The Houston, TX lease commenced on April 27, 2015 and extends through June 26, 2018 and provides for monthly payments of $3,440. The Company has also entered into non-cancelable operating leases for certain office equipment.

 

E.As described in Note 7C, in August 2011, the Company and CB-USA entered into the Credit Facility, as amended in July 2012, March 2013, August 2013, November 2013, August 2014, September 2014 and August 2015.

  

17 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

F.Except as set forth below, the Company believes that neither it, nor any of its subsidiaries, is currently subject to litigation which, in the opinion of management after consultation with counsel, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

The Company may become involved in litigation from time to time relating to claims arising in the ordinary course of its business. These claims, even if not meritorious, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources.

 

NOTE 12 — CONCENTRATIONS

  

  A. Credit Risk — The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents balances at various large financial institutions that, at times, may exceed federally and internationally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk.

 

  B. Customers — Sales to one customer, the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (“SWS”) family of companies, accounted for approximately 35.7% and 40.9% of the Company’s net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Sales to SWS accounted for approximately 34.5% and 39.5% of the Company’s revenues for the six months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and approximately 33.2% and 27.7% of accounts receivable at September 30 and March 31, 2016, respectively.

 

NOTE 13 — GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

 

The Company operates in one reportable segment — the sale of premium beverage alcohol. The Company’s product categories are rum, whiskey, liqueurs, vodka, tequila and related non-alcoholic beverage products. The Company reports its operations in two geographic areas: International and United States.

 

The consolidated financial statements include revenues and assets generated in or held in the U.S. and foreign countries. The following table sets forth the amounts and percentage of consolidated sales, net, consolidated income from operations, consolidated net loss attributable to common shareholders, consolidated income tax expense and consolidated assets from the U.S. and foreign countries and consolidated sales, net by category.

 

   Three Months ended September 30, 
   2016   2015 
Consolidated Sales, net:                    
International  $2,060,044    10.5%  $1,692,542    9.1%
United States   17,567,747    89.5%   16,843,967    90.9%
                     
Total Consolidated Sales, net  $19,627,791    100.0%  $18,536,509    100.0%
                     
Consolidated Income (Loss) from Operations:                    
International  $(6,843)   (2.3)%  $(17,990)   (9.4)%
United States   308,384    102.3%   208,778    109.4%
                     
Total Consolidated Income from Operations  $301,541    100.0%  $190,788    100.0%
                     
Consolidated Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders:                    
International  $17,871    2.6%  $(10,420)   1.0%
United States   (718,581)   (102.6)%   (1,000,851)   99.0%
                     
Total Consolidated Net Loss Attributable to Common Shareholders  $(700,710)   100.0%  $(1,011,271)   100.0%
                     
Income tax expense, net:                    
United States  $(477,962)   100.0%  $(579,962)   100.0%
                     
Consolidated Sales, net by category:                    
Whiskey  $6,486,287    33.0%  $5,442,195    29.4%
Rum   4,837,653    24.7%   4,827,273    26.0%
Liqueur   2,560,819    13.0%   2,916,310    15.7%
Vodka   414,052    2.1%   606,317    3.3%
Tequila   68,731    0.4%   50,130    0.3%
Related Non-Alcoholic Beverage Products   5,260,249    26.8%   4,694,285    25.3%
                     
Total Consolidated Sales, net  $19,627,791    100.0%  $18,536,509    100.0%

 

18 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

   Six Months ended September 30, 
   2016   2015 
Consolidated Sales, net:                    
International  $3,799,543    10.4%  $3,797,964    10.8%
United States   32,579,173    89.6%   31,251,624    89.2%
                     
Total Consolidated Sales, net  $36,378,716    100.0%  $35,049,588    100.0%
                     
Consolidated Income (Loss) from Operations:                    
International  $(105,068)   (73.5)%  $37,033    21.6%
United States   247,940    173.5%   134,767    78.4%
                     
Total Consolidated Income from Operations  $142,872    100.0%  $171,810    100.0%
                     
Consolidated Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders:                    
International  $(62,134)   4.2%  $54,456    2.6%
United States   (1,404,395)   95.8%   (2,189,389)   (102.6)%
                     
Total Consolidated Net Loss Attributable to Common Shareholders  $(1,466,529)   100.0%  $(2,134,933)   100.0%
                     
Income tax expense, net:                    
United States   (688,775)   100.0%   (1,103,924)   100.0%
                     
Consolidated Sales, net by category:                    
Whiskey  $11,985,706    32.8%  $11,633,254    33.2%
Rum   9,449,569    26.0%   9,390,780    26.8%
Liqueur   4,506,191    12.4%   4,740,824    13.5%
Vodka   791,637    2.2%   1,130,541    3.2%
Tequila   127,339    0.4%   124,036    0.4%
Related Non-Alcoholic Beverage Products   9,518,274    26.2%   8,030,153    22.9%
                     
Total Consolidated Sales, net  $36,378,716    100.0%  $35,049,588    100.0%

 

19 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

   As of September 30, 2016   As of March 31, 2016 
Consolidated Assets:                    
International  $3,328,967    6.5%  $2,786,333    5.6%
United States   48,040,812    93.5%   47,317,180    94.4%
                     
Total Consolidated Assets  $51,369,779    100.0%  $50,103,513    100.0%

 

*Includes related non-beverage alcohol products.

 

20 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Overview

 

We develop and market premium and super premium brands in the following beverage alcohol categories: rum, whiskey, liqueurs, vodka and tequila. We also develop and market related non-alcoholic beverage products, including Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer. We distribute our products in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, in thirteen primary international markets, including Ireland, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada, Israel, France, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Australia and the Duty Free markets, and in a number of other countries. We market the following brands, among others:

 

·Goslings rum®
·Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer
·Goslings Dark ‘n Stormy® ready-to-drink cocktail
·Jefferson’s® bourbon
·Jefferson’s Reserve®
·Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea®
·Jefferson’s Wine Finish Collection
·Jefferson’s The Manhattan: Barrel Finished Cocktail
·Jefferson’s Chef’s Collaboration
·Jefferson’s Wood Experiment
·Jefferson’s Presidential Select™
·Jefferson’s Rye whiskey
·Pallini® liqueurs
·Clontarf® Irish whiskey
·Knappogue Castle Whiskey®
·Brady’s® Irish Cream
·Boru® vodka
·Tierras™ tequila
·Celtic Honey® liqueur
·Gozio® amaretto

 

Our objective is to continue building Castle Brands into a profitable international spirits company, with a distinctive portfolio of premium and super premium spirits brands. To achieve this, we continue to seek to:

 

·focus on our more profitable brands and markets. We continue to focus our distribution efforts, sales expertise and targeted marketing activities on our more profitable brands and markets;
·grow organically. We believe that continued organic growth will enable us to achieve long-term profitability. We focus on brands that have profitable growth potential and staying power, such as our rums and whiskeys, sales of which have grown substantially in recent years;
·build consumer awareness. We use our existing assets, expertise and resources to build consumer awareness and market penetration for our brands;
·leverage our distribution network. Our established distribution network in all 50 U.S. states enables us to promote our brands nationally and makes us an attractive strategic partner for smaller companies seeking U.S. distribution; and
·selectively add new brand extensions and brands to our portfolio. We intend to continue to introduce new brand extensions and expressions. For example, we have leveraged our successful Jefferson’s portfolio by introducing a number of brand extensions. We continue to explore strategic relationships, joint ventures and acquisitions to selectively expand our premium spirits portfolio. We expect that future acquisitions or agency relations, if any, would involve some combination of cash, debt and the issuance of our stock.

 

Recent developments

 

Bourbon Purchase

 

In October 2016, we acquired an additional $1.6 million in aging bulk bourbon in support of our current and near term needs for the Jefferson’s brand. We paid for $1.4 million of this purchase using funds from the Purchased Inventory Sublimit of our Credit Facility, each as defined below under “Liquidity and capital resources – Existing Financing.”

 

21 

 

 

Currency Translation

 

The functional currencies for our foreign operations are the Euro in Ireland and the British Pound in the United Kingdom. With respect to our consolidated financial statements, the translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. Dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.

 

Where in this report we refer to amounts in Euros or British Pounds, we have for your convenience also in certain cases provided a conversion of those amounts to U.S. Dollars in parentheses. Where the numbers refer to a specific balance sheet account date or financial statement account period, we have used the exchange rate that was used to perform the conversions in connection with the applicable financial statement. In all other instances, unless otherwise indicated, the conversions have been made using the exchange rates as of September 30, 2016, each as calculated from the Interbank exchange rates as reported by Oanda.com. On September 30, 2016, the exchange rate of the Euro and the British Pound in exchange for U.S. Dollars was €1.00 = U.S. $1.12218 (equivalent to U.S. $1.00 = €0.89112) and £1.00 = U.S. $1.30059 (equivalent to U.S. $1.00 = £0.76888).

 

These conversions should not be construed as representations that the Euro and British Pound amounts actually represent U.S. Dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. Dollars at the rates indicated.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

There are no material changes from the critical accounting policies set forth in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2016, as amended, which we refer to as our 2016 Annual Report. Please refer to that section for disclosures regarding the critical accounting policies related to our business.

 

Financial performance overview

 

The following table provides information regarding our spirits case sales for the periods presented based on nine-liter equivalent cases, which is a standard spirits industry metric (table excludes related non-alcoholic beverage products):

 

   Three months ended   Six months ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Cases                    
United States   88,181    91,064    165,021    169,339 
International   19,843    15,704    36,945    37,598 
                     
Total   108,024    106,768    201,966    206,937 
                     
Rum   46,510    46,951    90,793    92,676 
Whiskey   27,111    21,561    48,255    47,398 
Liqueur   25,950    26,457    46,388    45,297 
Vodka   8,084    11,545    15,849    20,939 
Tequila   369    254    681    627 
                     
Total   108,024    106,768    201,966    206,937 
                     
Percentage of Cases                    
United States   81.6%   85.3%   81.7%   81.8%
International   18.4%   14.7%   18.3%   18.2%
                     
Total   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%
                     
Rum   43.1%   44.0%   45.0%   44.7%
Whiskey   25.1%   20.2%   23.9%   22.8%
Liqueur   24.0%   24.8%   23.0%   22.1%
Vodka   7.5%   10.8%   7.8%   10.1%
Tequila   0.3%   0.2%   0.3%   0.3%
                     
Total   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%

 

22 

 

  

The following table provides information regarding our case sales of related non-alcoholic beverage products, which primarily consists of Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer, for the periods presented:

 

   Three months ended   Six months ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Cases                    
United States   344,132    311,501    620,297    534,936 
International   15,915    13,593    40,732    18,213 
                     
Total   360,047    325,094    661,029    553,149 
                     
Percentage of Cases                    
United States   95.6%   95.8%   93.8%   96.7%
International   4.4%   4.2%   6.2%   3.3%
                     
Total   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%

 

Results of operations

 

The table below provides, for the periods indicated, the percentage of net sales of certain items in our consolidated financial statements:

 

   Three months ended September 30,   Six months ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Sales, net   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%
Cost of sales   60.6%   61.9%   60.3%   61.0%
                     
Gross profit   39.4%   38.1%   39.7%   39.0%
                     
Selling expense   25.7%   26.7%   26.6%   26.5%
General and administrative expense   10.9%   9.1%   11.4%   10.7%
Depreciation and amortization   1.3%   1.3%   1.4%   1.3%
                     
Income from operations   1.5%   1.0%   0.3%   0.5%
                     
Other (expense) income, net   0.0%   0.0%   0.1%   0.1%
Foreign exchange loss   0.0%   (0.2)%   0.2%   (0.3)%
Income from equity investment in non-consolidated affiliate   0.1%   0.0%   0.1%   0.0%
Interest expense, net   (1.7)%   (1.4)%   (1.8)%   (1.5)%
                     
Loss before provision for income taxes   (0.1)%   (0.6)%   (1.1)%   (1.2)%
Income tax expense, net   (2.4)%   (3.1)%   (1.9)%   (3.1)%
                     
Net loss   (2.5)%   (3.7)%   (3.0)%   (4.4)%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (1.1)%   (1.8)%   (1.0)%   (1.7)%
Net loss attributable to common shareholders   (3.6)%   (5.5)%   (4.0)%   (6.1)%

 

23 

 

  

The following is a reconciliation of net loss attributable to common shareholders to EBITDA, as adjusted:

 

   Three months ended   Six months ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders  $(700,710)  $(1,011,271)  $(1,466,529)  $(2,134,933)
Adjustments:                    
Interest expense, net   328,868    257,636    639,129    514,800 
Income tax expense, net   477,962    579,962    688,775    1,103,924 
Depreciation and amortization   253,463    233,069    507,097    461,325 
EBITDA income (loss)   359,583    59,396    368,472    (54,884)
Allowance for doubtful accounts   11,550    9,000    23,100    43,000 
Allowance for obsolete inventory   50,000        100,000    100,000 
Stock-based compensation expense   410,097    458,450    762,497    698,390 
Other expense (income), net   27    (600)   333    221 
Income from equity investments in non-consolidated affiliate   (18,837)   (4,513)   (23,320)   (4,513)
Foreign exchange loss (gain)   3,375    40,360    (76,488)   89,579 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   210,856    329,214    380,972    602,732 
EBITDA, as adjusted   1,026,651    891,307    1,535,566    1,474,525 

 

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, adjusted for allowances for doubtful accounts and obsolete inventory, stock-based compensation expense, other expense (income), net, income from equity investment in non-consolidated affiliate, foreign exchange and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is a key metric we use in evaluating our financial performance. EBITDA, as adjusted, is considered a non-GAAP financial measure as defined by Regulation G promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We consider EBITDA, as adjusted, important in evaluating our performance on a consistent basis across various periods. Due to the significance of non-cash and non-recurring items, EBITDA, as adjusted, enables our Board of Directors and management to monitor and evaluate the business on a consistent basis. We use EBITDA, as adjusted, as a primary measure, among others, to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future operating investments and allocation of capital resources. We believe that EBITDA, as adjusted, eliminates items that are not indicative of our core operating performance or are based on management’s estimates, such as allowance accounts, are due to changes in valuation, such as the effects of changes in foreign exchange or do not involve a cash outlay, such as stock-based compensation expense. Our presentation of EBITDA, as adjusted, should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items or by non-cash items, such as stock-based compensation, which is expected to remain a key element in our long-term incentive compensation program. EBITDA, as adjusted, should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, income from operations, net income and cash flows from operating activities.

 

Our EBITDA, as adjusted, increased to income of $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to income of $0.9 million for the comparable prior-year period, and our EBITDA, as adjusted, increased to income of $1.54 million for the six months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to income of $1.47 million for the comparable prior-year period, both primarily as a result of increased revenue.

 

Three months ended September 30, 2016 compared with three months ended September 30, 2015

 

Net sales. Net sales increased 5.9% to $19.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to $18.5 million for the comparable prior-year period, due to U.S. sales growth of Jefferson’s bourbons and Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer, partially offset by decreases in vodka, liqueur and rum sales. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, sales of our Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer increased 12.1% to $5.3 million. We anticipate continued growth of Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer in the near term due to the popularity of cocktails containing ginger beer, Goslings brand awareness and the planned distribution to new large national retailers, although there is no assurance that we will attain such results. We continue to focus on our faster growing brands and markets, both in the U.S. and internationally.

 

The table below presents the increase or decrease, as applicable, in case sales by spirits product category for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015:

 

   Increase/(decrease)   Percentage 
   in case sales   increase/(decrease) 
   Overall   U.S.   Overall   U.S. 
Rum   (441)   (3,685)   (0.9)%   (9.5)%
Whiskey   5,550    3,265    25.7%   20.7%
Liqueur   (507)   (270)   (1.9)%   (1.0)%
Vodka   (3,461)   (2,307)   (30.0)%   (22.9)%
Tequila   115    115    45.3%   45.3%
Total   1,256    (2,883)   1.2%   (3.2)%

 

24 

 

  

Our international spirits case sales as a percentage of total spirits case sales grew to 18.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to 14.7% for the comparable prior-year period, due to increased whiskey and rum sales in certain international markets.

 

The following table presents the increase in case sales of related non-alcoholic beverage products for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015:

 

   Increase   Percentage 
   in case sales   increase 
   Overall   U.S.   Overall   U.S. 
Related Non-Alcoholic Beverage Products   34,953    32,631    10.8%   10.5%

 

Gross profit. Gross profit increased 9.5% to $7.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $7.1 million for the comparable prior-year period, and gross margin improved to 39.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to 38.1% for the comparable prior-year period. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to increased aggregate revenue in the current period, while the increase in gross margin was due to the increase in our whiskey sales over the prior-year period. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded an allowance for obsolete and slow moving inventory of $0.05 million, as compared to $0 for the comparable prior-year period. We recorded this allowance on both raw materials and finished goods, primarily in connection with label and packaging changes made to certain brands, as well as certain cost variances. The net charge has been recorded as an increase to cost of sales in the current period. Net of the allowance for obsolete inventory, gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was 39.6%.

 

Selling expense. Selling expense increased 1.8% to $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $4.9 million for the comparable prior-year period, primarily due to a $0.3 million increase in salaries and personnel expense due to increased sales staff and compensation costs, partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in shipping costs from lower sales volume in the U.S. The increase in revenue, however, resulted in selling expense as a percentage of net sales decreasing to 25.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to 26.7% for the comparable prior-year period.

 

General and administrative expense. General and administrative expense increased 26.6% to $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $1.7 million for the comparable prior-year period, primarily due to a $0.3 million increase in salaries and personnel expense due to increased staff and compensation costs, and a $0.1 million increase in professional fees. Increased revenue for the period partially offset the increase in general and administrative expense. As a result, general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 10.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to 9.1% for the comparable prior-year period.

 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to $0.2 million for the comparable prior-year period.

 

Income from operations. As a result of the foregoing, we had income from operations of $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to income from operations of $0.2 million for the comparable prior-year period. As a result of our focus on our stronger growth markets and better performing brands, and expected growth from our existing brands, we anticipate improved results of operations in the near term as compared to prior years, although there is no assurance that we will attain such results.

 

Income tax expense, net. Income tax expense, net is the estimated tax expense attributable to the net taxable income recorded by our 60% owned subsidiary, GCP, adjusted for changes in the deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability during the periods, and was net expense of ($0.5) million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to net expense of ($0.6) million for the comparable prior-year period.

 

Foreign exchange loss. Foreign exchange loss for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was de minimis as compared to a loss of ($0.04) million for the comparable prior-year period due to the net effects of fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and its impact on our Euro-denominated intercompany balances due to our foreign subsidiaries for inventory purchases.

 

Interest expense, net. We had interest expense, net of ($0.3) million for each of the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 due to balances outstanding under our credit facilities. Due to expected borrowings under credit facilities to finance additional purchases of aged whiskies in support of the growth of our Jefferson’s bourbons and other working capital needs, we expect interest expense, net to increase in the near term as compared to prior years.

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to $0.3 million for the comparable prior-year period, both the result of net income allocated to the 40% noncontrolling interests in GCP.

 

25 

 

 

Net loss attributable to common shareholders. As a result of the net effects of the foregoing, net loss attributable to common shareholders improved to ($0.7) million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to ($1.0) million for the comparable prior-year period. Net loss per common share, basic and diluted, was ($0.00) per share for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to ($0.01) for the comparable prior-year period.

 

Six months ended September 30, 2016 compared with six months ended September 30, 2015

 

Net sales. Net sales increased 3.8% to $36.4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to $35.0 million for the comparable prior-year period, due to U.S. sales growth of Jefferson’s bourbons and Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer, partially offset by decreases in vodka and rum sales. For the six months ended September 30, 2016, sales of our Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer increased 18.5% to $9.5 million. We anticipate continued growth of Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer in the near term due to the popularity of cocktails containing ginger beer, Goslings brand awareness and the planned distribution to new large national retailers, although there is no assurance that we will attain such results. We continue to focus on our faster growing brands and markets, both in the U.S. and internationally.

 

The table below presents the increase or decrease, as applicable, in case sales by spirits product category for the six months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the six months ended September 30, 2015:

 

   Increase/(decrease)   Percentage 
   in case sales   increase/(decrease) 
   Overall   U.S.   Overall   U.S. 
Rum   (1,883)   (2,549)   (2.0)%   (3.6)%
Whiskey   857    1,044    1.8%   3.1%
Liqueur   1,091    1,167    2.4%   2.6%
Vodka   (5,090)   (4,034)   (24.3)%   (21.4)%
Tequila   54    54    8.6%   8.6%
Total   (4,970)   (4,317)   (2.4)%   (2.5)%

 

Our international spirits case sales as a percentage of total spirits case sales remained relatively constant at 18.3% for the six months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to 18.2% for the comparable prior-year period, as increased rum sales were offset by decreased vodka sales.

 

The following table presents the increase in case sales of related non-alcoholic beverage products for the six months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the six months ended September 30, 2015:

 

   Increase   Percentage 
   in case sales   Increase 
   Overall   U.S.   Overall   U.S. 
Related Non-Alcoholic Beverage Products   107,880    85,361    19.5%   16.0%

 

Gross profit. Gross profit increased 5.6% to $14.4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2016 from $13.7 million for the comparable prior-year period, and gross margin improved to 39.7% for the six months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to 39.0% for the comparable prior-year period. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to increased aggregate revenue in the current period, while the increase in gross margin was due to the increase in our whiskey sales over the prior-year period. During each of the six-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, we recorded an addition to allowance for obsolete and slow moving inventory of $0.1 million. We recorded these allowances on both raw materials and finished goods, primarily in connection with label and packaging changes made to certain brands, as well as certain cost variances. The net charges have been recorded as an increase to cost of sales in the relevant period. Net of the allowance for obsolete inventory, gross margin for the six months ended September 30, 2016 was 40.0% as compared to 39.3% for the prior-year period.

 

Selling expense. Selling expense increased 4.0% to $9.7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2016 from $9.3 million for the comparable prior-year period, primarily due to a $0.6 million increase in advertising, marketing and promotion expense related to the timing of certain sales and marketing programs, including Goslings’ sponsorship of the 35th America’s Cup, and a $0.3 million increase in salaries and personnel expense due to increased staff and compensation costs, partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in shipping costs from lower sales volume. The increase in selling costs resulted in selling expense as a percentage of net sales increasing to 26.6% for the six months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to 26.5% for the comparable prior-year period.

 

General and administrative expense. General and administrative expense increased 9.9% to $4.1 million for the six months ended September 30, 2016 from $3.8 million for the comparable prior-year period, primarily due to a $0.2 million increase in salaries and personnel expense due to increased staff and compensation costs, and a $0.1 million increase in professional fees. Increased revenue for the period partially offset the increase in general and administrative expenses, which resulted in general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales increasing to 11.4% for the six months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to 10.7% for the comparable prior-year period.

 

26 

 

  

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $0.5 million for each of the six-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

Income from operations. As a result of the foregoing, we had income from operations of $0.1 million for the six months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to income from operations of $0.2 million for the comparable prior-year period. As a result of our focus on our stronger growth markets and better performing brands, and expected growth from our existing brands, we anticipate improved results of operations in the near term as compared to prior years, although there is no assurance that we will attain such results.

 

Income tax expense, net. Income tax expense, net is the estimated tax expense attributable to the net taxable income recorded by our 60% owned subsidiary, GCP, adjusted for changes in the deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability during the periods, and was net expense of ($0.7) million for the six months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to net expense of ($1.1) million for the comparable prior-year period.

 

Foreign exchange gain (loss). Foreign exchange gain for the six months ended September 30, 2016 was $0.1 million as compared to a loss of ($0.1) million for the comparable prior-year period due to the net effects of fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and its impact on our Euro-denominated intercompany balances due to our foreign subsidiaries for inventory purchases.

 

Interest expense, net. We had interest expense, net of ($0.6) million for the six months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to ($0.5) million for the comparable prior-year period due to balances outstanding under our credit facilities. Due to expected borrowings under credit facilities to finance additional purchases of aged whiskies in support of the growth of our Jefferson’s bourbons and other working capital needs, we expect interest expense, net to increase in the near term as compared to prior years.

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $0.4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to $0.6 million for the comparable prior-year period, both the result of net income allocated to the 40% noncontrolling interests in GCP.

 

Net loss attributable to common shareholders. As a result of the net effects of the foregoing, net loss attributable to common shareholders improved to ($1.5) million for the six months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to ($2.1) million for the comparable prior-year period. Net loss per common share, basic and diluted, was ($0.01) per share for the six months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to ($0.01) for the comparable prior-year period.

 

Liquidity and capital resources

 

Overview

 

Since our inception, we have incurred significant operating and net losses and have not generated cumulative positive cash flows from operations. For the six months ended September 30, 2016, we had a net loss of ($0.6) million, and used cash of $1.0 million in operating activities. As of September 30, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of $0.7 million and had an accumulated deficit of $147.0 million.

 

We believe our current cash and working capital, the availability under the Credit Facility (as defined below) and the additional funds that may be raised under our 2014 Distribution Agreement (as defined below) will enable us to fund our losses until we achieve profitability, ensure continuity of supply of our brands, and support new brand initiatives and marketing programs through at least November 2017.

 

Existing Financing

 

We and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Castle Brands (USA) Corp. (“CB-USA”), are parties to an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (as amended, the “Loan Agreement”) with ACF FinCo I LP (“ACF”), which provides for availability (subject to certain terms and conditions) of a facility (the “Credit Facility”) to provide us with working capital, including capital to finance purchases of aged whiskeys in support of the growth of our Jefferson’s bourbons, in the amount of $19.0 million, including a sublimit in the maximum principal amount of $7.0 million to permit us to acquire aged whiskey inventory (the “Purchased Inventory Sublimit”) subject to certain conditions set forth in the Loan Agreement. The Credit Facility matures on July 31, 2019 (the “Maturity Date”). The monthly facility fee is 0.75% per annum of the maximum Credit Facility amount (excluding the Purchased Inventory Sublimit).

 

Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, we and CB-USA may borrow up to the lesser of (x) $19.0 million and (y) the sum of the borrowing base calculated in accordance with the Loan Agreement and the Purchased Inventory Sublimit. We and CB-USA may prepay the Credit Facility in whole or the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, in whole or in part, subject to certain prepayment penalties as set forth in the Loan Agreement. The Purchased Inventory Sublimit replaced our bourbon term loan (the “Bourbon Term Loan”), which was paid in full in the normal course of business in May 2015.

 

In connection with the Loan Agreement, we entered into a Reaffirmation Agreement with (i) certain of our officers, including John Glover, our Chief Operating Officer, T. Kelley Spillane, our Senior Vice President - Global Sales, and Alfred J. Small, our Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Secretary and (ii) certain junior lenders of ours, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust, an entity affiliated with Phillip Frost, M.D., a director of ours and a principal shareholder of ours, Mark E. Andrews, III, a director of ours and our Chairman, an affiliate of Richard J. Lampen, a director of ours and our President and Chief Executive Officer, an affiliate of Glenn Halpryn, a former director of ours, Dennis Scholl, a former director of ours, and Vector Group Ltd., a more than 5% shareholder of ours, of which Richard Lampen is an executive officer, Henry Beinstein, a director of ours, is a director and Phillip Frost, M.D. is a principal shareholder, which, among other things, reaffirms the existing Validity and Support Agreements by and among each officer, us and ACF.

 

27 

 

  

ACF required as a condition to entering into an amendment to the Loan Agreement in August 2015 that ACF enter into a participation agreement with certain related parties of ours, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust ($150,000), Mark E. Andrews, III ($50,000), Richard J. Lampen ($100,000), and Alfred J. Small ($15,000), to allow for the sale of participation interests in the Purchased Inventory Sublimit and the inventory purchased with the proceeds thereof. The participation agreement provides that ACF’s commitment to fund each advance of the Purchased Inventory Sublimit shall be limited to seventy percent (70%), up to an aggregate maximum principal amount for all advances equal to $4.9 million. Under the terms of the participation agreement, the participants receive interest at the rate of 11% per annum. We are not a party to the participation agreement. However, we and CB-USA are party to a fee letter with the junior participants (including the related party junior participants) pursuant to which we and CB-USA were obligated to pay the junior participants a closing fee of $18,000 on the effective date of the amendment to the Loan Agreement and are obligated to pay a commitment fee of $18,000 on each anniversary of the effective date until the junior participants’ obligations are terminated pursuant to the participation agreement.

 

We may borrow up to the maximum amount of the Credit Facility, provided that we have a sufficient borrowing base (as defined in the Loan Agreement). The Credit Facility interest rate (other than with respect to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit) is the rate that, when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 3.00%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 5.50% and (c) 6.0%. The interest rate applicable to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit is the rate, that when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 4.25%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 6.75% and (c) 7.50%. Interest is payable monthly in arrears, on the first day of every month on the average daily unpaid principal amount of the Credit Facility. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any “Default” or “Event of Default” (as defined under the Loan Agreement) we are required to pay interest at a rate that is 3.25% per annum above the then applicable Credit Facility interest rate. The Loan Agreement contains EBITDA targets allowing for further interest rate reductions in the future. The Credit Facility currently bears interest at 6.0% (reflecting a discount for achieving one such EBITDA target) and the Purchased Inventory Sublimit currently bears interest at 7.75%. We are required to pay down the principal balance of the Purchased Inventory Sublimit within 15 banking days from the completion of a bottling run of bourbon from our bourbon inventory stock purchased with funds borrowed under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit in an amount equal to the purchase price of such bourbon. The unpaid principal balance of the Credit Facility, all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and all fees, costs and expenses payable in connection with the Credit Facility, are due and payable in full on the Maturity Date. In addition to closing fees, ACF receives facility fees and a collateral management fee (each as set forth in the Loan Agreement). Our obligations under the Loan Agreement are secured by the grant of a pledge and a security interest in all of our assets.

 

In October 2016, we acquired $1.6 million in aged bulk bourbon, including $1.4 million purchased under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit. Certain related parties, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust ($72,000), Richard J. Lampen ($48,000), Mark E. Andrews, III ($24,000) and Alfred J. Small ($7,200), were junior participants in the Purchased Inventory Sublimit with respect to such purchase.

 

The Loan Agreement contains standard borrower representations and warranties for asset-based borrowing and a number of reporting obligations and affirmative and negative covenants. The Loan Agreement includes negative covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to create additional indebtedness, dispose of properties, incur liens, and make distributions or cash dividends. At September 30, 2016, we were in compliance, in all material respects, with the covenants under the Loan Agreement.

 

In December 2009, GCP, a 60% owned subsidiary, issued a promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $0.2 million to Gosling’s Export (Bermuda) Limited in exchange for credits issued on certain inventory purchases. This note matures on April 1, 2020, is payable at maturity, subject to certain acceleration events, and calls for annual interest of 5%, to be accrued and paid at maturity.

 

We have arranged various credit facilities aggregating €0.3 million or $0.3 million (translated at the September 30, 2016 exchange rate) with an Irish bank, including overdraft coverage, creditors’ insurance, customs and excise guaranty, and a revolving credit facility. These facilities are payable on demand, continue until terminated by either party, are subject to annual review, and call for interest at the lender’s AA1 Rate minus 1.70%. We have deposited €0.3 million or $0.3 million (translated at the September 30, 2016 exchange rate) with the bank to secure these borrowings.

 

In October 2013, we issued an aggregate principal amount of $2.1 million of unsecured 5% convertible subordinated notes (the “Convertible Notes”). We used a portion of the proceeds to finance the acquisition of additional bourbon inventory in support of the growth of our Jefferson’s bourbon brand.

 

The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 5% per annum and mature on December 15, 2018. The Convertible Notes and accrued but unpaid interest thereon are convertible in whole or in part from time to time at the option of the holders thereof into shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), at a conversion price of $0.90 per share (the “Conversion Price”). The Convertible Notes may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time without penalty or premium, but with payment of accrued interest to the date of prepayment. The Convertible Notes contain customary events of default, which, if uncured, entitle each noteholder to accelerate the due date of the unpaid principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Note purchasers included certain related parties of ours, including an affiliate of Dr. Phillip Frost ($500,000), Mark E. Andrews, III ($50,000), an affiliate of Richard J. Lampen ($50,000), an affiliate of Glenn Halpryn ($200,000), Dennis Scholl ($100,000) and Vector Group Ltd. ($200,000).

 

We may forcibly convert all or any part of the Convertible Notes and all accrued but unpaid interest thereon if (i) the average daily volume of the Common Stock (as reported on the principal market or exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading) exceeds $50,000 per trading day and (ii) the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for at least twenty (20) trading days during any thirty (30) consecutive trading day period exceeds 250% of the then-current Conversion Price. Any forced conversion will be applied ratably to the holders of all Convertible Notes based on each holder’s then-current note holdings.

 

28 

 

  

In November 2014, we entered into a distribution agreement (the “2014 Distribution Agreement”) with Barrington Research Associates, Inc. (“Barrington”) as sales agent, under which we may issue and sell over time and from time to time, to or through Barrington, shares (the “Shares”) of our Common Stock having a gross sales price of up to $10.0 million.

 

Sales of the Shares pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement may be effected by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at-the-market” offering as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including without limitation directly on the NYSE MKT LLC or any other existing trading market for the Common Stock or through a market maker, up to the amount specified, and otherwise to or through Barrington in accordance with the placement notices delivered by us to Barrington. Also, with our prior consent, some of the Shares issued pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement may be sold in privately negotiated transactions.

 

As of November 9, 2016, Shares having a gross sales price of up to approximately $4.7 million remained available for issuance pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement.

 

Liquidity Discussion

 

As of September 30, 2016, we had shareholders’ equity of $23.6 million as compared to $23.8 million at March 31, 2016. Our $1.1 million net loss and our total comprehensive loss for the six months ended September 30, 2016, were partially offset by the exercise of stock options and stock based compensation expense of $0.9 million.

 

We had working capital of $29.7 million at September 30, 2016 as compared to $29.3 million at March 31, 2016, primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in accounts receivable and an $0.8 million increase in inventory, which was partially offset by a $0.5 million increase in due to shareholders and affiliates, a net $0.7 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses and a $0.8 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents.

 

As of September 30, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $0.7 million, as compared to $1.4 million as of March 31, 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to the funding of our operations and working capital needs. At September 30, 2016, we also had approximately $0.3 million of cash restricted from withdrawal and held by a bank in Ireland as collateral for overdraft coverage, creditors’ insurance, revolving credit and other working capital purposes.

 

The following may materially affect our liquidity over the near-to-mid term:

 

·continued cash losses from operations;
·our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing should it be required;
·an increase in working capital requirements to finance higher levels of inventories and accounts receivable;
·our ability to maintain and improve our relationships with our distributors and our routes to market;
·our ability to procure raw materials at a favorable price to support our level of sales;
·potential acquisitions of additional brands; and
·expansion into new markets and within existing markets in the U.S. and internationally.

 

We continue to implement sales and marketing initiatives that we expect will generate cash flows from operations in the next few years. We seek to grow our business through expansion to new markets, growth in existing markets and strengthened distributor relationships. As our brands continue to grow, our working capital requirements will increase. In particular, the growth of our Jefferson’s brands requires a significant amount of working capital relative to our other brands, as we are required to purchase and hold ever increasing amounts of aged bourbon to meet growing demand. While we are seeking solutions to our long-term bourbon supply needs, we are required to purchase and hold several years’ worth of aged bourbon in inventory until such time as it is aged to our specific brand taste profiles, increasing our working capital requirements and negatively impacting cash flows.

 

We may also seek additional brands and agency relationships to leverage our existing distribution platform. We intend to finance any such brand acquisitions through a combination of our available cash resources, borrowings and, in appropriate circumstances, additional issuances of equity and/or debt securities. Acquiring additional brands could have a significant effect on our financial position, could materially reduce our liquidity and could cause substantial fluctuations in our quarterly and yearly operating results. We continue to control expenses, seek improvements in routes to market and contain production costs to improve cash flows.

 

As of September 30, 2016, we had borrowed $12.3 million of the $19.0 million available under the Credit Facility, including $2.2 million of the $7.0 million available under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, leaving $1.9 million in potential availability for working capital needs under the Credit Facility and $4.8 million available for aged whiskey inventory purchases. As of the date of this report, we had borrowed $9.7 million of the $19.0 million available under the Credit Facility, including $3.6 million of the $7.0 million available under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, leaving $2.3 million in potential availability for working capital needs under the Credit Facility and $3.4 million available for aged whiskey inventory purchases. We believe our current cash and working capital, the availability under the Credit Facility and the additional funds that may be raised under the 2014 Distribution Agreement will enable us to fund our losses until we achieve profitability, ensure continuity of supply of our brands, and support new brand initiatives and marketing programs through at least November 2017.

 

29 

 

  

Cash flows

 

The following table summarizes our primary sources and uses of cash during the periods presented: 

 

   Six months ended
September 30,
 
   2016   2015 
   (in thousands) 
Net cash provided by (used in):          
Operating activities  $(987)  $(1,125)
Investing activities   (172)   (719)
Financing activities   409    2,395 
Subtotal   (749)   551 
Effect of foreign currency translation   (1)   (3)
           
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents  $(751)  $548 

 

Operating activities. A substantial portion of available cash has been used to fund our operating activities. In general, these cash funding requirements are based on operating losses, driven chiefly by the costs in maintaining our distribution system and our sales and marketing activities. We have also utilized cash to fund our inventories. In general, these cash outlays for inventories are only partially offset by increases in our accounts payable to our suppliers.

 

On average, the production cycle for our owned brands is up to three months from the time we obtain the distilled spirits and other materials needed to bottle and package our products to the time we receive products available for sale, in part due to the international nature of our business. We do not produce Goslings rums or ginger beer, Pallini liqueurs, Tierras tequila or Gozio amaretto. Instead, we receive the finished product directly from the owners of such brands. From the time we have products available for sale, an additional two to three months may be required before we sell our inventory and collect payment from customers. Further, our inventory at September 30, 2016 included significant additional stores of aged bourbon purchased in advance of forecasted production requirements. We expect to use the aged bourbon in the normal course of future sales, generating positive cash flows in future periods.

 

During the six months ended September 30, 2016, net cash used in operating activities was $1.0 million, consisting primarily of a $1.2 million increase in accounts receivable, an $0.8 million increase in inventory, a net loss of $0.6 million and a $0.4 million increase in prepaid expenses. These uses of cash were partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses, a $0.5 million increase in due to related parties, stock based compensation expense of $0.8 million and depreciation and amortization expense of $0.5 million

 

During the six months ended September 30, 2015, net cash used in operating activities was $1.1 million, consisting primarily of a net loss of $1.5 million, a $2.7 million increase in inventory and a $0.5 million decrease in due to related parties. These uses of cash were partially offset by a $1.6 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expense, a $0.2 million decrease in accounts receivable, a $0.1 million increase in due from affiliates, stock based compensation expense of $0.7 million and depreciation and amortization expense of $0.5 million.

 

Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $0.2 million for the six months ended September 30, 2016, representing $0.2 million used in the acquisition of fixed and intangible assets.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $0.7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2015, representing a $0.5 million investment in Copperhead Distillery and $0.2 million used in the acquisition of fixed and intangible assets.

 

Financing activities. Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended September 30, 2016 was $0.4 million, consisting of $0.2 million in net proceeds from the Credit Facility and $0.2 million from the exercise of stock options.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended September 30, 2015 was $2.4 million, consisting of $3.2 million in net proceeds from the issuance of common stock pursuant to the at-the-market offering, $0.4 million in net proceeds from the Credit Facility and $0.2 million from the exercise of common stock options, partially offset by $0.7 million paid on the Bourbon Term Loan and $0.6 million in dividends paid to non-controlling interests of GCP.

 

Recent accounting standards issued and adopted

 

We discuss recently issued and adopted accounting standards in the “Recent accounting pronouncements” section of Note 1 of the “Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

30 

 

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 

This annual report includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate 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 use words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “seeks”, “predicts”, “could”, “projects”, “potential” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, in this report 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. These risks and other factors include those listed under “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2016, as amended, and as follows:

 

·our history of losses;
·recent worldwide and domestic economic trends and financial market conditions could adversely impact our financial performance;
·our potential need for additional capital, which, if not available on acceptable terms or at all, could restrict our future growth and severely limit our operations;
·our brands could fail to achieve more widespread consumer acceptance, which may limit our growth;
·our dependence on a limited number of suppliers, who may not perform satisfactorily or may end their relationships with us, which could result in lost sales, incurrence of additional costs or lost credibility in the marketplace;
·our annual purchase obligations with certain suppliers;
·the failure of even a few of our independent wholesale distributors to adequately distribute our products within their territories could harm our sales and result in a decline in our results of operations;
·the potential limitation to our growth if we are unable to identify and successfully acquire additional brands that are complementary to our existing portfolio, or integrate such brands after acquisitions;
·currency exchange rate fluctuations and devaluations may significantly adversely affect our revenues, sales, costs of goods and overall financial results;
·our need to maintain a relatively large inventory of our products to support customer delivery requirements, which could negatively impact our operations if such inventory is lost due to theft, fire or other damage;
·the possibility that we or our strategic partners will fail to protect our respective trademarks and trade secrets, which could compromise our competitive position and decrease the value of our brand portfolio;
·the possibility that we cannot secure and maintain listings in control states, which could cause the sales of our products to decrease significantly;
·an impairment in the carrying value of our goodwill or other acquired intangible assets could negatively affect our operating results and shareholders’ equity;
·changes in consumer preferences and trends could adversely affect demand for our products;
·there is substantial competition in our industry and the many factors that may prevent us from competing successfully;
·adverse changes in public opinion about alcohol could reduce demand for our products;
·class action or other litigation relating to alcohol misuse or abuse could adversely affect our business; and
·adverse regulatory decisions and legal, regulatory or tax changes could limit our business activities, increase our operating costs and reduce our margins.

 

We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Market risk

 

We are exposed to market risks arising from changes in market rates and prices, including movements in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. In the future, we may enter into financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, although we do not currently have any such instruments in place. The following is additional information about the market risks we are exposed to and how we manage these risks:

 

31 

 

 

Interest rate risk

 

Interest on our Credit Facility is charged at the rate that, when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 3.00%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 5.50% and (c) 6.00%. As of September 30, 2016, we had $10,093,507 outstanding under the Credit Facility (excluding the Purchased Inventory Sublimit), none of which is currently being hedged. Interest on our Purchased Inventory Sublimit is the rate, that when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 4.25%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 6.75% and (c) 7.50%. As of September 30, 2016, we had $2,237,000 outstanding under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, none of which is currently being hedged. Interest on our foreign revolving credit facilities is charged at the lender’s AA1 Rate minus 1.70%. As of September 30, 2016, we had €0 outstanding under our foreign revolving credit facilities.

 

A hypothetical one percentage point (100 basis points) increase in the interest rate being charged on the $12,330,507 of unhedged debt outstanding under our Credit Facility, Purchased Inventory Sublimit and our foreign revolving credit facilities at September 30, 2016 would have an impact of approximately $32,059 on our interest expense for the quarter.

 

Foreign exchange rate risk

 

The majority of our sales, net and expenses are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, in the three months ended September 30, 2016, Euro denominated sales accounted for approximately 10.5% of our sales, net. We also incur expenses in foreign currencies, primarily the Euro. In the three months ended September 30, 2016, Euro denominated expenses accounted for approximately 7% of our expenses. A substantial change in the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the Euro could have a significant adverse effect on our financial results. A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Euro would have had an impact of approximately $134,151 on our income from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

 

If we do not enter into hedging arrangements, the more we expand our business outside the United States, the more our financial results will be exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. In the past, we have entered into forward contracts from time to time to reduce our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. We recognize derivative contracts in the balance sheet at fair value, and reflect any net gains and losses currently in earnings. At September 30 and March 31, 2016, we had no forward contracts outstanding. Gain or loss on foreign currency forward contracts, which was de minimis during the periods presented, is included in other income and expense.

 

The functional currencies for our foreign operations are the Euro in Ireland and the British Pound in the United Kingdom. With respect to our consolidated financial statements, the translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. Dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. The effect of foreign currency translation was income of $19,627 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and income of $27,199 for the three months ended September 30, 2015. A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Euro would have had an impact of approximately $3,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as a result of foreign currency translation.

 

Commodity price risk

 

We currently are not exposed to commodity price risks. We do not purchase the basic ingredients such as grain, sugar cane or agave that are converted into alcohol through distillation. Instead, we have relationships with various companies to provide distillation, bottling or other production services for us. These relationships vary on a brand-by-brand basis.

 

As of September 30, 2016, we did not have any hedging arrangements in place to protect our exposure to commodity price fluctuations.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Disclosure controls and procedures are our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

 

32 

 

  

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a—15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report, and, based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective as of such date.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Please see Note 11 F. to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

33 

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit    
Number   Description
     
31.1 *   Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2 *   Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1 *   Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101.INS*   XBRL Instance Document.
     
101.SCH*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
     
101.CAL*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
     
101.DEF*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
     
101.LAB*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
     
101.PRE*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

*     Filed herewith

 

34 

 

  

SIGNATURES

 

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 thereunto duly authorized.

 

  CASTLE BRANDS INC.
     
     
  By:   /s/ Alfred J. Small
    Alfred J. Small
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial Officer and
    Principal Accounting Officer)

 

November 9, 2016

 

35