UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark one)
| [X] | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2018
| [ ] | 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: 000-55209
Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| Delaware | 52-2158952 | |
| (State
or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification No.) | |
| 135 Fifth Avenue, Floor 10, New York, NY | 10010 | |
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(212) 739-7700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Not applicable
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [X]
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 [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
| Large accelerated filer [ ] | Accelerated filer [ ] | ||
| Non-accelerated filer [X] | Smaller reporting company [X] | ||
| Emerging growth company [ ] |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act): Yes [ ] No [X]
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter ($0.70) was $28,583,125. Solely for the purposes of this calculation, shares held by directors, executive officers and 10% owners of the registrant have been excluded. Such exclusion should not be deemed a determination or an admission by the registrant that such individuals are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant.
As of April 1, 2019, there were 49,215,857 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
INDEX
Forward Looking Statements
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Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). To the extent that any statements made in this Annual Report contain information that is not historical, these statements are essentially forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as expects,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “should,” “intends,” “estimates” and other words or phrases of similar meaning. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable and achievable, these statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties discussed under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these and other factors. We cannot assure you that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements.
Information regarding market and industry statistics contained in this Annual Report is included based on information available to us that we believe is accurate. Forecasts and other forward-looking information obtained from this available information is subject to the same qualifications and the additional uncertainties accompanying any estimates of future market size, revenue and market acceptance of products and services. The forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements. As a result, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
Business and Overview of Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc.
Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated on April 5, 1999. Effective October 1, 2018, the Company changed its name from Algodon Wines & Luxury Development, Inc. to Algodon Group, Inc., and effective March 11, 2019, the Company changed its name from Algodon Group, Inc. to Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc. (“GGH”). Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, GGH invests in, develops and operates real estate projects in Argentina. GGH operates a hotel, golf and tennis resort, vineyard and producing winery in addition to developing residential lots located near the resort. In 2016, GGH formed a new subsidiary and in 2018, established an e-commerce platform for the manufacture and sale of high-end fashion and accessories. The activities in Argentina are conducted through its operating entities: InvestProperty Group, LLC, Algodon Global Properties, LLC, The Algodon – Recoleta S.R.L, Algodon Properties II S.R.L., and Algodon Wine Estates S.R.L. Algodon distributes its wines in Europe through its United Kingdom entity, Algodon Europe, LTD.
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The below table provides an overview of GGH’s operating entities.
| Entity Name | Abbreviation | Jurisdiction
& Date of Formation |
Ownership | Business | ||||
| InvestProperty Group, LLC (“InvestProperty Group”) | IPG | Delaware,
October 27, 2005 |
100% by GGH | Real estate acquisition and management in Argentina | ||||
| Algodon Global Properties, LLC | AGP | Delaware,
March 17, 2008 |
100% by GGH | Holding company | ||||
| The Algodon - Recoleta S.R.L. | TAR | Argentina, September 29, 2006 |
100% by GGH through IPG, AGP and APII | Hotel owner and operating entity in Buenos Aires | ||||
| Algodon Europe, Ltd | AEU | United
Kingdom, September 23, 2009 |
100% by GGH through IPG | Algodon Wines distribution company | ||||
| Algodon Properties II S.R.L. | APII | Argentina, March 13, 2008 |
100% by GGH through IPG and AGP | Holding company in Argentina | ||||
| Algodon Wine Estates S.R.L. | AWE | Argentina,
July 16, 1998 |
100% by GGH through IPG, AGP, APII and TAR | Resort complex including real estate development and wine making in Argentina; owns vineyard, hotel, restaurant, golf and tennis resort in San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina | ||||
| Gaucho Group, Inc. | GG | Delaware, September 12, 2016 |
100% by GGH | Manufacture and sales and e-commerce platform |
Argentina Activities
GGH, through its wholly-owned subsidiary and holding company, InvestProperty Group (“IPG”), identifies and develops specific investments in the boutique hotel, hospitality and luxury property markets and in other lifestyle businesses such as wine production and distribution, golf, tennis and real estate development. GGH also operates hotel, hospitality and related properties and is actively seeking to expand its real estate investment portfolio by acquiring additional properties and businesses in Argentina, or by entering into strategic joint ventures. Using GGH’s icon wines as its ambassador, GGH’s mission is to develop a group of real estate projects under its ALGODON® brand with the goal of developing synergies among its luxury properties. In 2016, GGH formed a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Gaucho Group Inc. (“GG”), and in 2019, the entity became active in the manufacture and sale of high-end fashion and accessories in Argentina. As of December 31, 2018, GG was still in the final stage of development and not yet operational. GGH’s senior management is based in its corporate offices in New York City. GGH’s local operations are managed by professional staff with substantial hotel, hospitality and resort experience in Buenos Aires and San Rafael, Argentina.
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GGH’s Concept and Business: Repositioning of Hotel Properties, Luxury Destinations and Residential Properties
GGH, through IPG, focuses on opportunities that create value through repositioning of underperforming hotel and commercial assets such as hotel/residential/retail destinations. Repositioning means we are working to gradually increment our average fares to solidify our position as a luxury option. This trend has been well received in large metropolitan areas which have become quite competitive. We believe that the trend is now trickling down to secondary metropolitan, resort and foreign markets where there is significantly less competition from the established major operators. We continue to seek opportunities where value can be added through re-capitalization, repositioning, expansion, improved marketing and/or professional management. We believe that GGH can increase demand for all of a property’s various offerings, from its rooms, to its dining, meeting and entertainment facilities, to its retail establishments through careful branding and positioning of properties. While the maxim remains true that the three most important factors in real estate are “location, location, location,” management believes that “style and superior service” have grown in importance and can lead to increased operating revenues and capital appreciation.
We are currently increasing our activity, occupancy and presence in the market by using direct marketing actions (Facebook, Trip Advisor, Relais & Chateau chains, internet presence), and expanding our net of travel agencies and operators, introducing effective changes in our direct sales capacity (new sales-oriented webpages, joint ventures with other hotel organizations, training of our reservations employees, implementing new reservation software). We have also reached out to travel industry media operators to develop new strategic relationships and we are implementing a new commercial management operation for a more aggressive approach with a sales-oriented objective. GGH has built a team of industry professionals to assist in implementing its vision toward repositioning real estate assets. See “Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.”
Plan of Operations
GGH continues to implement its growth and development strategy that includes a luxury boutique hotel, a resort estate, vineyard and winery, the sale of high-end fashion and accessories, and a large land development project including residential houses within the vineyard. See “Algodon Wine Estates” below.
Long Term Growth Strategy
One of GGH’s goals include positioning its brand ALGODON® as one of luxury. We continue to form strategic alliances with well-established luxury brands that have strong followings to create awareness of the GGH brand and help build customer loyalty. To date, GGH has been associated and co-branded with several world-class luxury brands including Relais & Châteaux, Veuve Clicquot Champagne (owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), Davidoff Cigars, and L’Occitane.
The Company hopes to continue to self-finance future acquisition and development projects because in countries like Argentina, having cash available to purchase land and other assets provides an advantage to buyers. Bank financing in such countries is often difficult or impossible to obtain. To be able to grow our business and expand into new projects, the Company would first want to deploy excess cash generated by operations, but significant amounts of excess cash flow is not anticipated for at least a number of years. Another option would be obtaining new investment funds from investors, including a possible public offering, and/or borrowing from institutional lenders. GGH may also be able to acquire property for stock instead of cash.
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The ALGODON® Brand
We believe that the force and power of brand is of paramount importance in the luxury real estate/hotel market. GGH has developed the ALGODON® brand, one of distinction, refinement and elegance. Inspired by both the Cotton Club days of the Roaring 20’s and the distinctive style and glamour of the 50’s Rat Pack when travel and leisure was synonymous with cultural sophistication, this brand concept was taken from the Spanish word for “cotton.” ALGODON® connotes a clean and pure appreciation for the good life, a sense of refined culture, and ultimately a destination where the best elements of the illustrious past meet the affluent present. GGH is looking to attract attention and upscale demographic visitors to the ALGODON® properties and to round out the brand experience in various other forms including music, dining, wine, sports and apparel, by marketing themes that highlight active lifestyles and the pleasures of life. Management believes that these types of brand extensions will serve to reinforce the overall brand recognition and further build upon GGH’s core presence in the luxury hotel segment.
Description of Specific Investment Projects
GGH has invested in two ALGODON® brand properties located in Argentina. The first property is Algodon Mansion, a Buenos Aires-based luxury boutique hotel that opened in 2010 and is held in IPG’s subsidiary, The Algodon – Recoleta S.R.L. (“TAR”). The second property, held by Algodon Wine Estates S.R.L., is a Mendoza-based winery and golf resort called Algodon Wine Estates, which was subdivided for residential development, and expanded by acquiring adjoining wine producing properties.
Algodon Mansion
The Company, through TAR, has renovated a hotel in the Recoleta section of Buenos Aires called Algodon Mansion, a stately six-story mansion (including roof-top facilities and basement) located at 1647 Montevideo Street, a tree-lined street in Recoleta, one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. The property is approximately 20,000 square feet and is a ten-suite premium-luxury hotel with a restaurant (seating approximately 62), a wine bar (seating approximately 20), a dining room for private events (seating approximately 16) and a rooftop that houses a luxury spa, terrace pool, and chic open-air cigar bar and lounge. Each guest room is an ultra-luxury two-to-three room suite, each approximately 510-1,200 square feet. Recoleta is Buenos Aires’ embassy and luxury hotel district and has fashionable boutiques, high-end restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and opulent belle époque architecture. The Algodon Mansion was featured in an article by Huffington Post in January 2018, which praised the luxurious accommodations, impressive suites, and fine amenities of the hotel. In 2016, the Algodon Mansion hotel received an international award of excellence from TripExpert and was awarded 8th place in the ‘Top 20 International Hideaway’ category for Andrew Harper’s 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards.
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In November 2011, it was announced that Relais & Châteaux, the renowned fellowship of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants, extended membership to Algodon Mansion hotel. Having reached the highest standards of service required by Relais & Châteaux only a year after celebrating its grand openings, Algodon Mansion is the first Relais & Châteaux hotel in Buenos Aires to be awarded this distinction. As of March 13, 2018, Relais & Châteaux’s global fellowship of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants has nearly 552 members in 63 countries on six continents.
Algodon Wine Bar, located in the Algodon Mansion lobby, offers a unique wine list that exemplifies the Argentinean wine portfolio, with emphasis on the premium and icon vintages of GGH’s own private collection from Algodon Wine Estates in Mendoza.
Algodon Mansion’s rooftop pool features teak decks and loungers that invite afternoon tanning in the summer sun. An open-air bar and tented cigar lounge, the “Davidoff Lounge,” in association with the world-renowned Davidoff Cigars, features a menu of drinks from around the world, and is well suited for twilight soirées, rooftop parties and late-night cocktail events. Also on the rooftop is Le Spa, which features steam, sauna, and massage rooms as well as relaxation areas where guests may be pampered in a calm and tranquil atmosphere and indulge in a variety of treatment options. Le Spa at Algodon Mansion combines natural elements of Argentina’s native regions with the latest treatments and technology from Europe’s finest spas. Le Spa’s licensed medical specialists help to design customized holistic treatments for each individual with an emphasis on organic, non-invasive and non-aggressive products for the face and body.
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Algodon Wine Estates
In July 2007, Algodon Wine Estates S.R.L. (“AWE”) acquired 718 acres located in the Cuadro Benegas district of San Rafael, Mendoza. Since 2007, AWE has purchased additional land adjacent to the original 718-acre property, culminating in a 4,138-acre area known as Algodon Wine Estates. The resort property is part of the Mendoza wine region nestled in the foothills of the Andes mountain range. This property includes a winery (whose vines date back to the mid-1940’s), a 9-hole golf course, tennis, restaurant and hotel. The estate is situated on Mendoza’s Ruta del Vino (Wine Trail). The 4,138-acre property has an impressive lineage, both in terms of wine production and golf, and features structures on the property that date back to 1921.
Algodon Wine Estates features Algodon Villa, a private lodge originally built in 1921 that has been fully restored and refurbished to its original farmhouse design of adobe walls and cane roof. The lodge offers three suites, a gallery for private gatherings, a living area that may also serve as a dining and conference room, swimming pool, and adjacent vine-covered picnic area. The Algodon Villa offers five-star service and is situated for vacationing families, business conferences, retreat travelers, golfing companions, or wine route globe trekkers. Algodon Wine Estates has also recently completed the construction of a new lodge which lies adjacent to the original one. The new lodge features six additional suites and a gallery with two fireplaces and a bar.
Algodon Wine Estates completed the expansion of its nine-hole golf course to 18 holes during 2013, including irrigation canals and ponds. Adjacent to the course is a clubhouse, pro shop, driving range, and award-winning restaurant and the Tennis Center.
Algodon Wines
Algodon Wine Estates contains a vineyard with 290 acres of vines. Over 60 acres have been cultivated since the 1940’s, and approximately 20 acres since the 1960’s. The property produces eight varieties of grapes, including Argentina’s signature varietal, Malbec, as well as Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvingnon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Semillon. The primary difference between the old and new vines is the style of pruning. Algodon Wine Estates utilizes a boutique wine making process, typified by production of a low volume of premium wines sold at a higher than average price in the market.
In March 2014, Algodon Wine Estates acquired its own bottling machine in order to improve the winery’s production capacity. This bottling machine allows our winemakers to bottle when desired and when necessary, rather than depending on the availability of external bottling facilities. In April 2014, new stainless-steel wine tanks were added to the winery, increasing storage capacity by 55,000 liters. This includes five 5,000-liter tanks and three 10,000-liter tanks. These upgrades have significantly increased our production capacity. During the production year of 2017 we produced 74,710 liters, which translates to about 99,613 bottles or 8,300 cases of wine. During the production year of 2018 we produced 57,775 liters of wine, which translates to about 77,000 bottles or 6,500 cases of wine, representing a reduction in production of 23% from 2017 due to changes in the wine market.
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In an effort to increase distribution of its wines, Algodon Wine Estates is working with a number of importers operating in some of the world’s chief markets for premium wines. In Europe, Algodon Wine Estates warehouses its wines in Amsterdam for central distribution to clients in Germany and in the U.K. through Condor Wines (www.condorwines.co.uk), which works with regional distribution partners throughout the U.K. such as hotel and restaurant chains, regional and national brewers, pub companies, wholesalers and wine merchants. In the United States, Algodon Fine Wines is available for sale online at Sherry-Lehmann.com (which ships to 39 states), at Sherry-Lehmann’s iconic retail store in New York City, at Spec’s Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods retail stores in Texas, and Wally’s Wine & Spirits retail store located in Los Angeles. GGH’s Fine Wine’s Malbec is currently featured on the esteemed wine list of West London’s The Fat Duck, a Michelin 3-Star Restaurant, and arguably the U.K.’s most famous eatery.
On June 1, 2016, the Company executed an import and distribution agreement with Seaview Imports, whose principal location is 48 Harbor Park Drive, Suite D, Port Washington, NY 10150.
None of the understandings with wine importers constitute a binding commitment by either party to produce, import or export the Company’s wines; performance by any of the parties is dependent upon numerous factors such as economic and political climate, consumer spending, weather, the Company’s ability to continue wine production operations, the market acceptance of the Company’s products, and other matters described in the Item 1A - Risk Factors.
AWE uses microvinification (barrel fermentation) for its premium varietals and blends. Microvinification is commonly used in France, but is uncommon in Argentina, and Algodon Wine Estates is one of the few wineries in the country to implement this specialized process.
James Galtieri holds the title of Senior Wine Advisor on GGH’s Advisory Board. James is a founding partner and former President/CEO of Pasternak Wine Imports, a renowned national wine importer and distributor, founded in 1988 in partnership with Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). He currently maintains an advisory role to Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), and he is the current President/CEO at Seaview Imports LLC., a national wine importer (based in New York) covering the U.S. market with high-quality, exclusive wine brands. James has considerable background and experience in wine knowledge and wine market dynamics, and he is specialized in corporate management in the wine & spirit industry.
Algodon Wine Estates launched its ultra-premium wine under the “PIMA” brand in November 2012. PIMA by GGH is a single vineyard wine that has been crafted from the finest handpicked grapes of GGH’s 1946 Malbec and 1946 Bonarda vineyards utilizing microvinification (barrel fermentation) process from day one of harvest. PIMA wine is a limited collection which currently retails for approximately $100 per bottle. Most recently, Algodon Wine’s 2010 Bonarda ranked among the World Association of Wine & Spirit Writers’ and Journalists’ (WAWWJ®) Top 100 Wines of the World 2014, and its 2014 Bonarda was awarded a gold medal at the 2017 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition. In 2016, GGH’s Black Label Malbec was awarded a gold medal in the Global Malbec Masters 2016 Wine Competition.
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Algodon Wine Estates – Real Estate Development
AWE has acquired a substantial amount of contiguous real estate surrounding its project in Mendoza, Argentina. This land was purchased with the purpose of developing a vineyard-resort and attracting investment in second or third homes for the well-to-do from around the world. GGH continues to invest in the ongoing costs of building out infrastructure and anticipates that sales of lots will gradually improve and accelerate as worldwide economic conditions improve.
GGH is currently marketing portions of the property to be developed into luxury residential homes and vineyard estates. Management believes that the power of the ALGODON® brand combined with an attractive package of amenities will promote interest in the surrounding real estate. The estate’s master plan features a luxury golf and vineyard living community, made up of six distinct village sectors, with 610 home sites ranging in size from 0.2 to 2.8 hectares (0.5 to 7 acres) for private sale and development. The development’s village sectors have been designed and named in accordance with their characteristic surroundings and landscape: the Wine & Golf Village, the Polo & Equestrian Village, the Sierra Pintada Village, The North Vineyard & Orchard Village, The South Vineyard & Orchard Village, and the Desert Vista Village. The development is located fifteen minutes from both the local airport and city center.
Ginevra Sotheby’s International Realty provides sales representation for GGH’s residential development. Ginevra Sotheby’s International Realty is a leading luxury real estate firm in Buenos Aires, Argentina with listings in the most prestigious neighborhoods in the city of Buenos Aires and the rest of the country. Through Ginevra Sotheby’s International Realty’s website (ginevrasir.com), Algodon Wine Estates listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com, to a global clientele.
GGH is developing lots for sale to third party builders and is not engaged in any construction activity. To date, twenty-five lots have been sold. Revenue is recorded when the sale closes and the deeds are issued. During 2018, the Company closed on the sale of 12 of its lots and recorded revenue of $1,468,000. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has $995,327 of deposits for pending sales.
Owning real estate in Argentina is subject to risk. For more information see “Risk Factors.”
Projects and Business Initiatives in Development
GGH’s luxury branded assets have come to be associated with the country’s finest experiences through award-winning wines and exceptional luxury destinations. We have begun developing U.S.-based e-commerce websites designed to deliver Argentine luxury goods to the U.S. marketplace and elsewhere around the globe. We believe the potential for scale here is particularly significant as Argentina is now making noteworthy re-entry to international trade. With Argentina in the process of re-opening its borders, we believe it is poised to regain its status as a cultural and fashion exporter, and that there may be a sizeable appetite in the U.S. and elsewhere for luxury products that feature a distinctly Argentine point of view. We are excited about the potential for scale here.
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Gaucho - Buenos Aires™
Gaucho – Buenos Aires™ is a new luxury fashion and accessories brand that is the result of more than a decade’s investment in Argentina’s heart and soul, featuring luxury products that merge the traditional Gaucho style with a modern twist, infused with uniqueness and modern Buenos Aires glamour. Gaucho – Buenos Aires™, GGH adds a high-end fashion and accessories e-commerce sector to GGH’s collection of luxury assets, connecting buyers with some of Argentina’s best creative talents that harness the country’s unique heritage and artisanship of products such as woven fabrics, leather goods and precious metal jewelry. Today there is not a single Argentine fashion brand that is a household name; GGH believes Gaucho - Buenos Aires™ has the ability to fill that void.
Mercari Communications Group, Ltd.
On December 20, 2016, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Transaction”) with China Concentric Capital Group, Inc. (the “Purchaser”), in which the Purchaser would purchase all 43,822,001 shares of common stock of Mercari Communications Group, Ltd., a Colorado corporation (“Mercari”) held by the Company and any additional shares of Mercari currently held by the Company (the “Shares”) for $260,000 (a net after fees and expenses of less than $200,000) (the “Purchase Price”).
On January 20, 2017, the Transaction was completed, and the Company assigned to the Purchaser all its right, title and interest to the Shares and to amounts payable to the Company for non-interest-bearing advances to Mercari, which advances, as of January 20, 2017, were in the aggregate amount of $150,087.
In connection with the Transaction, J.M. Walker & Associates (the “Escrow Agent”) disbursed a total of $199,250 to the Company, a total of $60,000 in business consulting fees to three consultants, and $750 to the Escrow Agent for services.
Ticker Symbol
GGH was verified for trading on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace under the symbol “VINO” on March 7, 2016.
Employees
Including the operating subsidiaries in Argentina, the Company has approximately 58 full-time employees. In Argentina, GGH also employs temporary, seasonal employees during the busy harvest season. In the United States, GGH currently employs approximately 8 full-time employees. None of the employees in the United States are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and management believes it has good relations with its employees.
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Available Information
We maintain a website at http://www.algodongroup.com. The information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are available on our website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish those reports to, the SEC.
In addition, we maintain our corporate governance documents on our website, including:
| ● | a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, Officers and Employees which contains information regarding our whistleblower procedures, | |
| ● | our Insider Trading Policy, | |
| ● | our Audit Committee Charter, | |
| ● | our Trading Blackout Policy, and | |
| ● | our Related Party Transaction Policy. |
An investment in our securities involves certain risks relating to our structure and investment objective. The risks set forth below are the risks we have identified and which we currently deem material or predictable. We also may face additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or which as of the date of this annual report we might not consider significant, which may adversely affect our business. In general, you take more risk when you invest in the securities of issuers in emerging markets such as Argentina than when you invest in the securities of issuers in the United States. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, our net asset value and the price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
In evaluating the Company, its business and any investment in the Company, readers should carefully consider the following factors:
Risks Relating to Argentina
As of the date of this annual report, the majority of our operations, property and sales are located in Argentina. As a result, the quality of our assets, our financial condition and the results of our operations are dependent upon the macroeconomic, regulatory, social and political conditions prevailing in Argentina from time to time. These conditions include growth rates, inflation rates, exchange rates, taxes, foreign exchange controls, changes to interest rates, changes to government policies, social instability, and other political, economic or international developments either taking place in, or otherwise affecting, Argentina.
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Economic and political instability in Argentina may adversely and materially affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Argentine economy has experienced significant volatility in recent decades, characterized by periods of low or negative GDP growth, high and variable levels of inflation and currency depreciation and devaluation. The economy has experienced high inflation and GDP growth has been sluggish in the last few years. On October 8, 2018, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) published the “World Economic Outlook” report. The IMF noted that after growing by 2.9 percent in 2017, Argentina is expected to contract by 2.6 percent in 2018, a large downward revision relative to the April 2018 forecast, reflecting recent financial market disruptions, high real interest rates, and the faster fiscal consolidation under the exceptional access Stand-By Arrangement approved in June 2018. Further, the IMF forecasted that the economy is expected to contract by a further 1.6 percent in 2019 with growth of 3.2 percent expected over the medium term under the steady implementation of reforms and returning confidence.
The IMF noted that in Argentina, tighter global financial conditions, together with a domestic corruption scandal and persistent uncertainty over the success of the stabilization plan underlying the program with the IMF, have contributed to financial market volatility. The IMF estimated that inflation in Argentina is expected to reach 31.8 percent in 2018, driven by the significant currency depreciation, and to remain at broadly the same level (31.7 percent) in 2019.
The operating environment in Argentina continues to be a challenging business environment, including the continuing significant devaluation of Argentina’s currency, high inflation and economic recession. Volatility and declines in the exchange rate are expected in the future, which could have an adverse impact on our Argentine revenues, net earnings, cash flows and net monetary asset position.
On December 10, 2015, Mauricio Macri took office as the new president of Argentina, along with his former finance minister Alfonso Prat-Gay and Luis Caputo, who replaced Prat-Gay in late 2016, have made a number of decisions in pursuit of economic reform, including removing currency controls, which resulted in a 30% devaluation of the peso in 2015. Is it not certain what other changes may take place, as President Macri implements his financial policy over time, or what the impact of the changes may be on the economy of Argentina. Our discussion below is based on recent history.
Economic and Political Risks Specific to Argentina
The Argentinian economy has been characterized by frequent and occasionally extensive intervention by the Argentinian government and by unstable economic cycles. The Argentinian government has often changed monetary, taxation, credit, tariff and other policies to influence the course of Argentina’s economy, and taken other actions which do, or are perceived to weaken the nation’s economy especially as it relates to foreign investors and other overall investment climate. For example, in 2008, the Argentine government assumed control over approximately $30 billion held in private pension funds, which caused a significant temporary decline in the Argentine stock market, a decline in the Argentine peso and prompted Standard & Poor’s to downgrade Argentina’s credit rating. The Argentine peso has devalued significantly against the U.S. dollar, from about 6.1 Argentine pesos per dollar in December 2013 to an average of 38.3 pesos per dollar in February 2019.
The overall state of Argentinian politics and the Argentina economy have resulted in numerous investment reports that warn about foreign investment in Argentina. In February 2019, the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) index allowed Argentina to remain in the frontier emerging market despite the country technically being ineligible based on available 2017 Gross National Income data. In June 2018, MSCI had said that Argentina would be reclassified an emerging rather than a pure frontier market from mid-2019. Investors considering an investment in GGH should be mindful of these potential political and financial risks.
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Argentina’s economy may not support foreign investment or our business.
The Argentine economy has experienced significant volatility in recent decades, characterized by periods of low or negative growth, high inflation and currency deflation. Currently there is significant inflation, labor unrest, and currency deflation. There has also been significant governmental intervention into the Argentine economy, including price controls and foreign currency restrictions. As a result, uncertainty remains as to whether economic growth in Argentina is sustainable and whether foreign investment will be successful.
As of July 1, 2018, Argentina has a highly inflationary economy which may increase our accounting and legal costs.
The International Practices Task Force (“IPTF”) of the Center for Audit Quality discussed the inflationary status of Argentina at its meeting on May 16, 2018 and categorized Argentina as a country with a projected three-year cumulative inflation rate greater than 100%. Therefore, the Company has transitioned its Argentine operations to highly inflationary status as of July 1, 2018. As a result, the Company is required to change the functional currency of its Argentine operations to the U.S. dollar, effective as of July 1, 2018. For operations in highly inflationary economies, monetary asset and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates. Income and expense accounts are translated at the weighted average exchange rate in effect during the period. Translation adjustments are reflected in loss on foreign currency translation on the accompanying statements of operations. The Company was delayed in filing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2018 as a result of this change and may incur additional expense to adjust to this new method in the form of increased accounting and legal fees.
Past efforts by Argentina to nationalize businesses.
In April 2012, then Argentine President Cristina Fernández announced her decision to nationalize YPF, the country’s largest oil company, from its majority stakeholder, thus contributing to declining faith from foreign investors in the country and again resulting in a downgrade by Standard and Poor’s of Argentina’s economic and financial outlook to “negative”. There were other discussions in Argentina about the possibility of nationalizing other businesses and industries under former President Fernández, and even though she is no longer President, she was elected a Senator in late 2017. She has made several public statements about her intent to debate everything and take firm positions on her political ideals. In December 2018 Ms. Fernández announced plans to run against current President Macri in the October 2019. It is too soon to know the impact and influence she will have on Argentine policies. The Macri administration has not announced any plans for nationalization and he spoke out against it during his campaign. However, there is no assurance that any investment in GGH will be safe from government control or nationalization if he reverses his policies or is removed from office or replaced.
Current corruption investigations in Argentina could have an adverse impact on the development of the economy and investor confidence.
The Argentine Government has announced a large-scale corruption investigation in Argentina. The investigation relates to payments over the past decade to government officials from businessmen and companies who had been awarded large government contracts. As of the date of this annual report, several Argentine businessmen, mainly related to public works, and over a dozen former government officials of the Fernández de Kirchner administration are being investigated for bribery to the State. As a result, on September 17, 2018, the former president of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, and several businessmen were prosecuted for illegal association, and goods for 4 billion pesos were seized. Depending on the results of such investigations and the time it takes to conclude them, the companies involved could face, among other consequences, a decrease in their credit rating, be subject to claims by their investors, as well as experiencing restrictions on financing through the capital markets. These adverse effects could hamper the ability of these companies to meet their financial obligations on time. In connection with the aforementioned, the lack of future financing for these companies could affect the realization of the projects or works that are currently in execution.
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In addition, the effects of these investigations could affect the investment levels in infrastructure in Argentina, as well as the continuation, development and completion of public works, which could ultimately lead to lower growth in the Argentine economy.
As of the date of this annual report, we have not estimated the impact that this investigation could have on the Argentine economy. Likewise, we cannot predict for how long corruption investigations could continue, what other companies might be involved, or how important the effects of these investigations might. In turn, the decrease in investors’ confidence, among other factors, could have a significant adverse impact on the development of the Argentine economy, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and the results of our operations.
Due to the Company’s operations in Argentina, the Company is exposed to the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates.
Due to the international nature of Gaucho Group Holdings’ business, movements in foreign exchange rates may impact the consolidated statements of operations, consolidated balance sheets and cash flows of the Company. Since all of the Company’s sales are located in Argentina, the Company’s consolidated net sales are impacted negatively by the strengthening or positively by the weakening of the U.S. dollar as compared to Argentina’s currencies. Additionally, movements in the foreign exchange rates may unfavorably or favorably impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Argentina’s ability to obtain financing from international markets is limited, which may impair its ability to implement reforms and foster economic growth.
After the economic crisis in 2002, the Argentine government has maintained a policy of fiscal surplus. To be able to repay its debt, the Argentine government may be required to continue adopting austere fiscal measures that could adversely affect economic growth.
In 2005 and 2010, Argentina restructured over 91% of its sovereign debt that had been in default since the end of 2001. Some of the creditors who did not participate in the 2005 or 2010 exchange offers continued their pursuit of a legal action against Argentina for the recovery of debt.
In April 2010, a New York court granted an attachment over reserves of the Argentine Central Bank in the United States requested by creditors of Argentina on the basis that the Central Bank was its alter ego. In subsequent court rulings, Argentina was ordered to pay $1.33 billion to hedge fund creditors who refused to participate in the debt restructuring along with those who did. In February 2014, Argentina filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to reverse these lower court decisions, but the U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider Argentina’s appeal.
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A U.S. Court of Appeals blocked the most recent debt payment made by Argentina in June 2014 because it was improperly structured, giving Argentina through the end of July 2014 to find a way to pay to fulfill its obligations. On or about July 30, 2014, credit rating agencies Fitch and S&P declared Argentina to be in “selective default” after a U.S. judge blocked trustee Bank of New York Mellon from making payments to Argentine bond holders, after Argentina deposited the $539 million in funds due to bond holders with the trustee. The court’s reason for blocking the payments was due to Argentina failing to reach an agreement with a group of hedge funds that are holding out for better terms on old Argentine defaulted debt. In March 2015, more than 500 creditors, separate from the hedge fund creditors, filed suit against Argentina for payment on the debt of $5.4 billion. Argentina filed a motion opposing those claims noting that there were now $10 billion in judgments and claims before the court. In February 2016, Argentina and four of its major bond creditors entered into a settlement agreement whereby Argentina agreed to pay roughly $4.65 billion to those creditors to resolve the fifteen-year litigation. Subsequently, Argentina has also entered into settlement agreements with other bond default creditors who were not party to the original settlement which, in the aggregate, could have an estimated dollar value upwards of $10 billion.
As a result of Argentina’s default and its aftermath of litigation, the government may not have the financial resources necessary to implement reforms and foster economic growth, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the country’s economy and, consequently, our businesses and results of operations. Furthermore, Argentina’s inability to obtain credit in international markets could have a direct impact on our own ability to access international credit markets to finance our operations and growth.
In April of 2016, after settling the litigation, Argentina was able to return to the international debt markets with a $16.5 billion century bond. The attractiveness of a century bond is debatable amongst investment advisers and its impact over the long-term in is this case unknown. In 2017, Argentina engaged in additional sales of bonds on international markets for around $13.4 billion. There can be no assurance that the Argentine government will not default on its obligations under these or any of its bonds if it experiences another economic crisis or has a change in political control. A new default by the Argentine government could lead to a new recession, even higher inflation, restrictions on Argentine companies access to financing and funds, limit the operations of Argentine companies in the international markets, higher unemployment and social unrest, which would negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In June 2018, the Argentine Government entered into a US$50 billion, 36-month stand-by arrangement with the IMF. This measure was intended to halt the significant depreciation of the peso during the first half of 2018. In December 2018, the IMF completed a second review under the stand-by arrangement and although there were indications that the financial markets in Argentina have stabilized since the end of September 2018 following the adoption of the new monetary policy framework, the IMF noted that external risks are centered around an unanticipated tightening of global financial conditions, which could resurface concerns about Argentina’s ability to meet its large gross financing needs. The IMF also warned that greater than expected inertia in the inflation process may delay the expected easing of monetary policy and generate a greater economic loss during the needed disinflation and that a deeper recession or more persistent inflation could generate a more forceful opposition to the policies underpinning the program and hinder their implementation. Finally, the IMF noted that uncertainty associated with the 2019 electoral cycle may trigger new rounds of financial market turbulence and capital account pressures.
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The Argentine government may again place currency limitations on withdrawals of funds.
Through 2015, the Argentine government, led by then president Cristina Fernández, instituted economic controls that included limiting the ability of individuals and companies to exchange local currency (Argentine peso) into U.S. dollars and to transfer funds out of the country. At the time, public reports stated that government officials were micromanaging money flows by limiting dollar purchases and discouraging dividend payments and international wire transfers. As a result of these controls, Argentine companies had limited access to U.S. dollars through regular channels (e.g., banks) and consumers faced difficulty withdrawing and exchanging invested funds. Given the Company’s investment in Argentine projects and developments, its ability to mobilize and access funds may be affected by the above-mentioned political actions, despite the efforts to repeal economic controls in the recent past.
In December 2015, newly elected President Mauricio Macri ended the central bank’s support of the peso and removed the currency controls that limited the ability of Argentines to buy dollars, resulting in a 30% devaluation of the Argentine peso. In January 2017, the country lifted the 120-day holding period for incoming funds hoping to increase the flow of money into the country and ease access for tourists, citizens and businesses. However, Argentina is still feeling the impact of removing currency controls and has continued experiencing a decrease in the value of the Argentine peso throughout 2019.
The Argentine government may, in the future, impose additional controls on the foreign exchange market and on capital flows from and into Argentina, in response to capital flight or depreciation of the peso. These restrictions may have a negative effect on the economy and on our business if imposed in an economic environment where access to local capital is constrained.
The stability of the Argentine banking system is uncertain.
Adverse economic developments, even if not related to or attributable to the financial system, could result in deposits flowing out of the banks and into the foreign exchange market, as depositors seek to shield their financial assets from a new crisis. Any run on deposits could create liquidity or even solvency problems for financial institutions, resulting in a contraction of available credit.
Additionally, unrest among the employment sector of the banking industry has led to strikes led by strong labor unions. This makes it difficult for citizens and businesses to conduct banking activities and decreases the level of trust people put into the Argentine banking system.
In the event of a future shock, such as the failure of one or more banks or a crisis in depositor confidence, the Argentine government could impose further exchange controls or transfer restrictions and take other measures that could lead to renewed political and social tensions and undermine the Argentine government’s public finances, which could adversely affect Argentina’s economy and prospects for economic growth which could adversely affect our business.
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Government measures to preempt or respond to social unrest may adversely affect the Argentine economy and our business.
The Argentine government has historically exercised significant influence over the country’s economy. Additionally, the country’s legal and regulatory frameworks have at times suffered radical changes, due to political influence and significant political uncertainties. In April 2014, there were nationwide strikes that paralyzed the Argentine economy, shutting down air, train and bus traffic, closing businesses and ports, emptying classrooms, shutting down non-emergency hospital attention and leaving trash uncollected. This is consistent with past periods of significant economic unrest and social and political turmoil.
Future government policies to preempt, or in response to, social unrest may include expropriation, nationalization, forced renegotiation or modification of existing contracts, suspension of the enforcement of creditors’ rights, new taxation policies, including royalty and tax increases and retroactive tax claims, and changes in laws and policies affecting foreign trade and investment. Such policies could destabilize the country and adversely and materially affect the economy, and thereby our business.
The Argentine economy could be adversely affected by economic developments in other global markets.
Financial and securities markets in Argentina are influenced, to varying degrees, by economic and market conditions in other global markets. Although economic conditions vary from country to country, investors’ perception of the events occurring in one country may substantially affect capital flows into other countries. Lower capital inflows and declining securities prices negatively affect the real economy of a country through higher interest rates or currency volatility.
In addition, Argentina is also affected by the economic conditions of major trade partners, such as Brazil and/or countries that have influence over world economic cycles, such as the United States. If interest rates rise significantly in developed economies, including the United States, Argentina and other emerging market economies could find it more difficult and expensive to borrow capital and refinance existing debt, which would negatively affect their economic growth. In addition, if these developing countries, which are also Argentina’s trade partners, fall into a recession the Argentine economy would be affected by a decrease in exports. All of these factors would have a negative impact on us, our business, operations, financial condition and prospects.
The Argentine government may order salary increases to be paid to employees in the private sector, which would increase our operating costs.
There have been nationwide strikes in Argentina over wages and benefits paid to workers which workers believe to be inadequate in light of the high rate of inflation and rising utility rates. In the past, the Argentine government has passed laws, regulations and decrees requiring companies in the private sector to maintain minimum wage levels and provide specified benefits to employees and may do so again in the future. In the aftermath of the Argentine economic crisis, employers both in the public and private sectors have experienced significant pressure from their employees and labor organizations to increase wages and to provide additional employee benefits. Due to the high levels of inflation, the employees and labor organizations have begun again demanding significant wage increases. It is possible that the Argentine government could adopt measures mandating salary increases and/or the provision of additional employee benefits in the future. Any such measures could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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Restrictions on the supply of energy could negatively affect Argentina’s economy.
As a result of a prolonged recession, and the forced conversion into pesos and subsequent freeze of gas and electricity tariffs in Argentina, there has been a lack of investment in gas and electricity supply and transport capacity in Argentina in recent years. At the same time, demand for natural gas and electricity has increased substantially, driven by a recovery in economic conditions and price constraints, which has prompted the government to adopt a series of measures that have resulted in industry shortages and/or cost increases. In 2017, the government increased the tariffs on electricity and gas hoping to spur an increase in domestic energy production which increased the cost for these utilities for citizens. On May 31, 2018, the Argentine Congress approved a law seeking to limit the increase in energy tariffs implemented by the Macri administration, which was subsequently vetoed by President Macri.
The federal government has been taking a number of measures, including the tariff increase, to alleviate the short-term impact of energy shortages on residential and industrial users. If these measures prove to be insufficient, or if the investment that is required to increase natural gas production and transportation capacity and energy generation and transportation capacity over the medium-and long-term fails to materialize on a timely basis, economic activity in Argentina could be limited, which could have a significant adverse effect on our business.
We are exposed to risks in relation to compliance with anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and regulations.
Our operations are subject to various anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and regulations, including the Corporate Criminal Liability Law 27,401 effective March 1, 2018 and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (the “FCPA”). Both the Corporate Criminal Liability Law and the FCPA impose liability against companies who engage in bribery of government officials, either directly or through intermediaries. The Corporate Criminal Liability Law establishes a system of criminal liability of private legal persons which include companies created under any legal form (LLCs, PLCs, partnerships, etc.) whether of national or foreign capital for criminal offenses against public administration and national and cross-border bribery committed by, among others, its shareholders, attorneys-in-fact, directors, managers, employees, or representatives. The anti-corruption laws generally prohibit providing anything of value to government officials for the purposes of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper business advantage. As part of our business, we may deal with entities in which the employees are considered government officials. We have a compliance program that is designed to manage the risks of doing business in light of these new and existing legal and regulatory requirements.
Although we have internal policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with applicable anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that such policies and procedures will be sufficient. Violations of anti-corruption laws and sanctions regulations could lead to financial penalties being imposed on us, limits being placed on our activities, our authorizations and licenses being revoked, damage to our reputation and other consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Further, litigations or investigations relating to alleged or suspected violations of anti-corruption laws and sanctions regulations could be costly.
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Real Estate Considerations and Risks Associated with the International Projects that GGH Operates
The Real Estate Industry and International Investing
Investments in real estate are subject to numerous risks, including the following:
| ● | Increased expenses and uncertainties related to international operations; | |
| ● | Risks associated with Argentina’s past political uncertainties, economic crises, and high inflation; | |
| ● | Risks associated with currency, exchange, and import/export controls; | |
| ● | Adverse changes in national or international economic conditions; | |
| ● | Adverse local market conditions; | |
| ● | Construction and renovation costs exceeding original estimates; | |
| ● | Price increases in basic raw materials used in construction; | |
| ● | Delays in construction and renovation projects; | |
| ● | Changes in availability of debt financing; | |
| ● | Risks due to dependence on cash flow; | |
| ● | Changes in interest rates, real estate taxes and other operating expenses; | |
| ● | Changes in the financial condition of tenants, buyers and sellers of properties; | |
| ● | Competition with others for suitable properties; | |
| ● | Changes in environmental laws and regulations, zoning laws and other governmental rules and fiscal policies; | |
| ● | Changes in energy prices; | |
| ● | Changes in the relative popularity of properties; | |
| ● | Risks related to the potential use of leverage; | |
| ● | Costs associated with the need to periodically repair, renovate and re-lease space; | |
| ● | Increases in operating costs including real estate taxes; | |
| ● | Risks and operating problems arising out of the presence of certain construction materials; | |
| ● | Environmental claims arising in respect of real estate acquired with undisclosed or unknown environmental problems or as to which inadequate reserves had been established; | |
| ● | Uninsurable losses and acts of terrorism; | |
| ● | Acts of God; and | |
| ● | Other factors beyond the control of the Company. |
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Investment in Argentine real property is subject to economic and political risks.
Investment in foreign real estate requires consideration of certain risks typically not associated with investing in the United States. Such risks include, among other things, trade balances and imbalances and related economic policies, unfavorable currency exchange rate fluctuations, imposition of exchange control regulation by the United States or foreign governments, United States and foreign withholding taxes, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets, policies of governments with respect to possible nationalization of their industries, political difficulties, including expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation and economic or political instability in foreign nations or changes in laws which affect foreign investors. Any one of these risks has the potential to reduce the value of our real estate holdings in Argentina and have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.
The real estate market is uncertain in Argentina.
President Macri has attempted to boost the real estate market in Argentina by lifting various currency restrictions. However, the real estate market has not rebounded from the crippling effect of past currency controls. As a result, the real estate market in Argentina is uncertain. It is possible that with time the efforts of President Macri will be fruitful, but it is too soon to evaluate what the impact will be as the economy continues to change. Continued investment in real estate in Argentina is very risky and could never materialize in the way our business model plans. However, waiting to act on certain real estate endeavors will have negative consequences if the market sees an increase in competitiveness. The main competitive factors in the real estate development business include availability and location of land, price, funding, design, quality, reputation and partnerships with developers. A number of residential and commercial developers and real estate services companies will may desire to enter the market and compete with the Company in seeking land for acquisition, financial resources for development and prospective purchasers. To the extent that one or more of the Company’s competitors are able to acquire and develop desirable properties, as a result of greater financial resources or otherwise, the Company’s business could be materially and adversely affected. If the Company is not able to acquire and develop sought-after property as promptly as its competitors, or should the level of competition increase, its financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected.
An adverse economic environment for real estate companies such as a credit crisis may adversely impact our results of operations and business prospects significantly.
The success of our business and profitability of our operations depend on continued investment in real estate and access to capital and debt financing. A prolonged crisis of confidence in real estate investments and lack of credit for acquisitions may constrain our growth. In order to pursue acquisitions, we may need access to equity capital and/or debt financing. Any disruptions in the financial markets may adversely impact our ability to refinance existing debt and the availability and cost of credit in the near future. Any consideration of sales of existing properties or portfolio interests may be offset by lower property values. Our ability to make scheduled payments or to refinance our existing debt obligations depends on our operating and financial performance, which in turn is subject to prevailing economic conditions. If a recurrence of the disruptions in financial markets remains or arises in the future, there can be no assurances that government responses to such disruptions will restore investor confidence, stabilize the markets or increase liquidity and the availability of credit.
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There are limitations on the ability of foreign persons to own Argentinian real property.
In December 2011, the Argentine Congress passed Law 26.737 (Regime for Protection of National Domain over Ownership, Possession or Tenure of Rural Land) limiting foreign ownership of rural land, even when not in border areas, to a maximum of 15 percent of all national, provincial or departmental productive land. Ownership by the same foreign owner (i.e., foreign individuals, foreign entities or local entities controlled by a foreign person) may not exceed 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) of the ‘core area’ or the ‘equivalent surface’ determined according to the location of the lands. The Interministerial Council of Rural Lands, the enforcement agency, defines the ‘equivalent surface’ taking into consideration: (1) the proportion of the ‘rural lands’ in relation to the municipality, department and province; and (2) the potential and quality of the rural lands for their use and exploitation. Every non-Argentine national must request permission from the National Land Registry of Argentina in order to acquire non-urban real property.
As approved, the law has been in effect since February 28, 2012 but is not retroactive. Furthermore, the general limit of 15 percent ownership by non-nationals must be reached before the law is applicable and each provincial government may establish its own maximum area of ownership per non-national.
In the Mendoza province, the maximum area allowed per type of production and activity per non-national is as follows: Mining—25,000 hectares (61,776 acres), cattle ranching—18,000 hectares (44,479 acres), cultivation of fruit or vines—15,000 hectares (37,066 acres), horticulture—7,000 hectares (17,297 acres), private lot—200 hectares (494 acres), and other—1,000 hectares (2,471 acres). A hectare is a unit of area in the metric system equal to approximately 2.471 acres. However, these maximums will only be considered if the total 15 percent is reached. Currently, the Company owns approximately 4,138 acres of Argentine rural land through AWE, 2,050 acres are considered land held for cultivation of fruit or vines and 2,088 was purchased during 2017 to provide additional access to AWE. Because the maximum area for this type of land allowed per non-national is 25,000 hectares, the Company is compliant with the law’s limit, were it to apply today. Costs of compliance with the law may be significant in the future. Although currently, the area under foreign ownership in Mendoza is approximately 8.6 percent, this law may apply to the Company in the future and could affect the Company’s ability to acquire additional real property in Argentina. The inability to acquire additional land could curtail the Company’s growth strategy.
Our business is subject to extensive regulation and additional regulations may be imposed in the future.
Our activities are subject to Argentine federal, state and municipal laws, and to regulations, authorizations and licenses required with respect to construction, zoning, use of the soil, environmental protection and historical patrimony, consumer protection, antitrust and other requirements, all of which affect our ability to acquire land, buildings and shopping malls, develop and build projects and negotiate with customers.
In addition, companies in this industry are subject to increasing tax rates, the creation of new taxes and changes in the taxation regime. We are required to obtain licenses and authorizations with different governmental authorities in order to carry out our projects. Maintaining our licenses and authorizations can be a costly provision. In the case of non-compliance with such laws, regulations, licenses and authorizations, we may face fines, project shutdowns, and cancellation of licenses and revocation of authorizations.
In addition, public authorities may issue new and stricter standards, or enforce or construe existing laws and regulations in a more restrictive manner, which may force us to make expenditures to comply with such new rules. Development activities are also subject to risks relating to potential delays in obtaining or an inability to obtain all necessary zoning, environmental, land-use, development, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations. Any such delays or failures to obtain such government approvals may have an adverse effect on our business.
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There may be a lack of liquidity in the underlying real estate.
Because a substantial part of the assets managed by the Company will be invested in illiquid real estate, there is a risk that the Company will be unable to realize its investment objectives through the sale or other disposition of properties at attractive prices or to do so at a desirable time. This could hamper the Company’s ability to complete any exit strategy with regard to investments it has structured or participated in.
There is limited public information about real estate in Argentina.
There is generally limited publicly available information about real estate in Argentina, and the Company will be conducting its own due diligence on future transactions. Moreover, it is common in Argentinian real estate transactions that the purchaser bears the burden of any undiscovered conditions or defects and has limited recourse against the seller of the property. Should the pre-acquisition evaluation of the physical condition of any future investments have failed to detect certain defects or necessary repairs, the total investment cost could be significantly higher than expected. Furthermore, should estimates of the costs of developing, improving, repositioning or redeveloping an acquired property prove too low or estimates of the market demand or the time required to achieve occupancy prove too optimistic, the profitability of the investment may be adversely affected.
Our construction projects may be subject to delays in completion.
Algodon Wine Estates has required significant redevelopment construction (including potentially building residential units for Algodon Wine Estates). The quality of the construction and the timely completion of these projects are factors affecting operations and significant delays or cost overruns could materially adversely affect the Company’s operations. Delays in construction or defects in materials and/or workmanship have occurred and may continue to occur. Defects could delay completion of one or all of the projects or, if such defects are discovered after completion, expose the Company to liability. In addition, construction projects may also encounter delays due to adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, fires, delays in the provision of materials or labor, accidents, labor disputes, unforeseen engineering, environmental or geological problems, disputes with contractors and subcontractors, or other events. If any of these materialize, there may be a delay in the commencement of cash flow and/or an increase in costs that may adversely affect the Company.
The Company may be subject to certain losses that are not covered by insurance.
GGH, its affiliates and/or subsidiaries currently maintain insurance coverage against liability to third parties and property damage as is customary for similarly situated businesses, however the Company does not hold any country-risk insurance. There can be no assurance, however, that insurance will continue to be available or sufficient to cover any such risks. Insurance against certain risks, such as earthquakes, floods or terrorism may be unavailable, available in amounts that are less than the full market value or replacement cost of the properties or subject to a large deductible. In addition, there can be no assurance the particular risks which are currently insurable will continue to be insurable on an economic basis.
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Boutique Hotel
In addition to the risks that apply to all real estate investments, hotel and hospitality investments are subject to additional risks which include:
| ● | Competition for guests from other hotels based upon brand affiliations, room rates offered including those via internet wholesalers and distributors, customer service, location and the condition and upkeep of each hotel in general and in relation to other hotels in their local market; | |
| ● | Specific competition from well-established operators of “boutique” or “lifestyle” hotel brands which have greater financial resources and economies of scale; | |
| ● | Adverse effects of general and local political and/or economic conditions; | |
| ● | Dependence on demand from business and leisure travelers, which may fluctuate and be seasonal; | |
| ● | Increases in energy costs, airline fares and other expenses related to travel, which may deter travel; | |
| ● | Impact of financial difficulties of the airline industry and potential reduction in demand on hotel rooms; | |
| ● | Overbuilding in the hotel industry, especially in individual markets; and | |
| ● | Disruption in business and leisure travel patterns relating to perceived fears of terrorism or political unrest. |
The boutique hotel market is highly competitive.
The Company competes in the boutique hotel segment, which is highly competitive, is closely linked to economic conditions and may be more susceptible to changes in economic conditions than other segments of the hospitality industry. Competition within the boutique hotel segment is also likely to continue to increase in the future. Competitive factors include name recognition, quality of service, convenience of location, quality of the property, pricing, and range and quality of dining, services and amenities offered. Additionally, success in the boutique hotel market depends, largely, on an ability to shape and stimulate consumer tastes and demands by producing and maintaining innovative, attractive, and exciting properties and services. The Company competes in this segment against many well-known companies that have established brand recognition and significantly greater financial resources. If it is unable to achieve and maintain consumer recognition for its brand and otherwise compete with well-established competitors, the Company’s business and operations will be negatively impacted. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully in this market or that the Company will be able to anticipate and react to changing consumer tastes and demands in a timely manner.
Currently, the Company’s hotel incurs overhead costs higher than the total gross margin.
The overhead costs for the Algodon Mansion hotel currently exceed its total gross margin. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to increase revenues and lower the hotel’s overhead cost in the future.
The profitability of the Company’s hotels will depend on the performance of hotel management.
The profitability of the Company’s hotel and hospitality investment will depend largely upon the ability of management that it employs to generate revenues that exceed operating expenses. The failure of hotel management to manage the hotels effectively would adversely affect the cash flow received from hotel and hospitality operations.
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We are subject to risks affecting the hotel industry.
In addition, the profitability of our hotels depends on:
| ● | our ability to form successful relationships with international and local operators to run our hotels; | |
| ● | changes in tourism and travel trends, including seasonal changes and changes due to pandemic outbreaks, weather phenomena or other natural events and social unrest; | |
| ● | affluence of tourists, which can be affected by a slowdown in global economy; and | |
| ● | taxes and governmental regulations affecting wages, prices, interest rates, construction procedures and costs. |
Algodon Wine Estates and Land Development
The tourism industry is highly competitive and may affect the success of the Company’s projects.
The success of the tourism and real estate development projects underway at Algodon Wine Estates depends primarily on recreational and secondarily on business tourists and the extent to which the Company can attract tourists to the region and to its properties. The Company is in competition with other hotels and developers based upon brand affiliations, room rates, customer service, location, facilities, and the condition and upkeep of the lodging in general, and in relation to other lodges/hotels/investment opportunities in the local market. Algodon Wine Estates operates as a multi-functional resort and winery and serves a niche market, which may be difficult to target. Algodon Wine Estates may also be disadvantaged because of its geographical location in the greater Mendoza region. While the San Rafael area continues to increase in popularity as a tourist destination, it is currently less traveled than other regions of Mendoza, where tourism is more established.
The profitability of Algodon Wine Estates will depend on consumer demand for leisure and entertainment.
Algodon Wine Estates is dependent on demand from leisure and business travelers, which may be seasonal and fluctuate based on numerous factors. Demand may decrease with increases in energy costs, airline fares and other expenses related to travel, which may deter travel. Business and leisure travel patterns may be disrupted due to perceived fears of local unrest or terrorism both abroad and in Argentina. General and local economic conditions and their effects on travel may adversely affect Algodon Wine Estates.
Development of the Company’s projects will proceed in phases and is subject to unpredictability in costs and expenses.
It is contemplated that the expansion and development plans of Algodon Wine Estates will be completed in phases and each phase will present different types and degrees of risk. Algodon Wine Estates may be unable to acquire the property it needs for further expansion or be unable to raise the property to the standards anticipated for the ALGODON® brand. This may be due to difficulties associated with obtaining required future financing, purchasing additional parcels of land, or receiving the requisite zoning approvals. Algodon Wine Estates may have problems with local laws and customs that cannot be predicted or controlled. Development costs may also increase due to inflation or other economic factors.
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The ability of the Company to operate its businesses may be adversely affected by U.S. and Argentine government regulations.
Many aspects of the Company’s businesses face substantial government regulation and oversight. For example, hotel properties are subject to numerous laws, including those relating to the preparation and sale of food and beverages, including alcohol and those governing relationships with employees such as minimum wage and maximum working hours, overtime, working conditions, hiring and firing employees and work permits. Additionally, hotel properties may be subject to various laws relating to the environment and fire and safety. Compliance with these laws may be time consuming and costly and may adversely affect hotel operations in Argentina.
Another example is the wine industry which is subject to extensive regulation by local and foreign governmental agencies concerning such matters as licensing, trade and pricing practices, permitted and required labeling, advertising and relations with wholesalers and retailers. New or revised regulations in Argentina, or other foreign countries and U.S. import laws could have a material adverse effect on Algodon Wine Estates’ financial condition or operations.
Finally, because many of the Company’s properties are located in Argentina, they are subject to its laws and to the laws of various local districts that affect ownership and operational matters. Compliance with applicable rules and regulations requires significant management attention and any failure to comply could jeopardize the Company’s ability to operate or sell a particular property and could subject the Company to monetary penalties, additional costs required to achieve compliance, and potential liability to third parties. Regulations governing the Argentinian real estate industry as well as environmental laws have tended to become more restrictive over time. The Company cannot assure that new and stricter standards will not be adopted or become applicable to the Company, or that stricter interpretations of existing laws and regulations will not be implemented.
Algodon Wine Estates—Vineyard and Wine Production
Competition within the wine industry could have a material adverse effect on the profitability of wine sales.
The operation of a winery is a highly competitive business and the dollar amount and unit volume of wine sales through the ALGODON® label could be negatively affected by a variety of competitive factors. Many other local and foreign producers of wine have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and public relations resources and wine producing expertise than the Company, and many have more refined, developed and established brands. The wine industry is characterized by fickle demand and success in this industry relies heavily on successful branding. Thus, the ALGODON® brand concept may not appeal to a large segment of the market, preventing the Company from successfully competing against other Argentinian and foreign brands. Wholesaler, retailer and consumer purchasing decisions are also influenced by the quality, pricing and branding of the product, as compared to competitive products. Unit volume and dollar sales could be adversely affected by pricing, purchasing, financing, operational, advertising or promotional decisions made by competitors, which could affect the supply of, or consumer demand for, product produced under the ALGODON® brand.
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Algodon Wine Estates is subject to import and export rules and taxes which may change.
Algodon Wine Estates primarily exports its products to the United States and Europe. In countries to which Algodon Wine Estates intends to export its products, Algodon Wine Estates will be subject to excise and other taxes on wine products in varying amounts, which are subject to change. Significant increases in excise or other taxes could have a material adverse effect on Algodon Wine Estates’ financial condition or operations. Political and economic instabilities of foreign countries may also disrupt or adversely affect Algodon Wine Estates’ ability to export or make profitable sales in that country. Moreover, exporting costs are subject to macro-economic forces that affect the price of transporting goods (e.g., the cost of oil and its impact on transportation systems), and this could have an adverse impact on operations.
The Company’s business would be adversely affected by natural disasters.
Natural disasters, floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, hailstorms or other environmental disasters could damage the vineyard, its inventory, or other physical assets of the Algodon Wine Estates’ resort, including the golf course. If all or a portion of the vineyard or inventory were to be lost prior to sale or distribution as a result of any adverse environmental activity, or if the golf course and facilities were damaged, Algodon Wine Estates would become significantly less attractive as a destination resort and therefore lose a substantial portion of its anticipated profit and cash flow. Such a loss would seriously harm the business and reduce overall sales and profits. The Company is not insured against crop losses as a result of weather conditions or natural disasters. Moderate, but irregular weather conditions may adversely affect the grapes, making any one season less profitable than expected. In addition to weather conditions, many other factors, such as pruning methods, plant diseases, pests, the number of vines producing grapes, and machine failure could also affect the quantity and quality of grapes. Any of these conditions could cause an increase in the price of production or a reduction in the amount of wine Algodon Wine Estates is able to produce and a resulting reduction in business sales and profits.
Climate change, or legal, regulatory or market measures to address climate change, may negatively affect our business, operations or financial performance, and water scarcity or poor water quality could negatively impact our production costs and capacity.
Our wine business depends upon agricultural activity and natural resources. There has been much public discussion related to concerns that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere may have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. Severe weather events and climate change may negatively affect agricultural productivity in the regions from which we presently source our agricultural raw materials such as grapes. Decreased availability of our raw materials may increase the cost of goods for our products. Severe weather events or changes in the frequency or intensity of weather events can also disrupt our supply chain, which may affect production operations, insurance cost and coverage, as well as delivery of our products to wholesalers, retailers and consumers.
Water is essential in the production of our products. The quality and quantity of water available for use is important to the supply of grapes and our ability to operate our business. Water is a limited resource in many parts of the world and if climate patterns change and droughts become more severe, there may be a scarcity of water or poor water quality that may affect our production costs or impose capacity constraints.
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Various diseases, pests and certain weather conditions may negatively affect our business, operations or financial performance.
Various diseases, pests, fungi, viruses, drought, frosts and certain other weather conditions could affect the quality and quantity of grapes other agricultural raw materials available, decreasing the supply of our products and negatively impacting profitability. We cannot guarantee that our grape suppliers or our suppliers of other agricultural raw materials will succeed in preventing contamination in existing vineyards or fields or that we will succeed in preventing contamination in our existing vineyards or future vineyards we may acquire. Future government restrictions regarding the use of certain materials used in growing grapes or other agricultural raw materials may increase vineyard costs and/or reduce production of grapes or other crops. Growing agricultural raw materials also requires adequate water supplies. A substantial reduction in water supplies could result in material losses of grape crops and vines or other crops, which could lead to a shortage of our product supply.
Contamination could adversely affect our sales.
The success of our brands depends upon the positive image that consumers have of those brands. Contamination, whether arising accidentally or through deliberate third-party action, or other events that harm the integrity or consumer support for our brands, could adversely affect their sales. Contaminants in raw materials, packaging materials or product components purchased from third parties and used in the production of our wine or defects in the fermentation or distillation process could lead to low beverage quality as a perceived failure to maintain high ethical, social and environmental standards for all of our operations and activities; a perceived failure to address concerns relating to the quality, safety or integrity of our products; our environmental impact, including use of agricultural materials, packaging, water and energy use, and waste management; or effects that are perceived as insufficient to promote the responsible use of alcohol.
Loss of one or more of the Company’s key employees could adversely affect the Company’s businesses.
The production of wine depends on the services and expertise of highly skilled individuals in all facets of the growth and production process. Although arrangements have been made with additional winemaking talent to assist in the process, the loss of service of any of Algodon Wine Estates’ significant employees (Anthony Foster, Master of Wine and Mauro Nosenzo, winemaker, AWE) could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Further, as the manager of the property, the profitability of Algodon Wine Estates will depend largely upon Algodon Wine Estates to generate revenues that exceed operating expenses. Any failure to manage the vineyard, winery and resort effectively, or up to the caliber of the ALGODON® brand, would adversely affect Algodon Wine Estates’ cash flow received from operations and consequently the Company’s investment. Problems with local labor could also have a material adverse effect on Algodon Wine Estates.
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General Corporate Business Considerations
Insiders continue to have substantial control over the Company.
As of April 1, 2019, the Company’s directors and executive officers hold the current right to vote approximately 17.2% of the Company’s outstanding voting stock, not including the Series B Preferred on an as-converted basis. Of this total, 14.1% is owned or controlled, directly or indirectly by Company CEO Scott Mathis. In addition, the Company’s directors and executive officers have the right to acquire additional shares which could increase their voting percentage significantly. As a result, Mr. Mathis acting alone, and/or many of these individuals acting together, may have the ability to exert significant control over the Company’s decisions and control the management and affairs of the Company, and also to determine the outcome of matters submitted to stockholders for approval, including the election and removal of a director, the removal of any officer and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership may harm a future market price of the shares by:
| ● | Delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company; | |
| ● | Impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving the Company; or | |
| ● | Discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company. |
There is a limited public market for trading the Company’s common stock and stockholders must be prepared to hold onto their shares indefinitely even after they are eligible for resale.
Although the Company’s shares are quoted on the over-the-counter market, there is a limited public trading market for our common stock, and there can be no assurance that a trading market will ever develop or be sufficiently liquid for an investor to sell his or her shares. Stock prices on the OTCQB can vary dramatically and can be very volatile, especially where the volume of trading is relatively modest, as has been the case for GGH shares. Investors must be prepared to hold such securities for an indefinite period of time even after the restricted stock holding period has expired.
There is no guarantee that the Company’s securities will be available for trading on a national stock exchange.
Although the Company has announced its intent to list a class of its securities on a national exchange such as NYSE American or NASDAQ, there is no assurance that the Company will ever do so or meet the requirements of such exchanges to list its securities. Currently, the Company would need to execute a reverse stock split on or before June 30, 2019 in order to uplist. We are required by Delaware law to have stockholder approval on a stock split and may need to wait until our annual meeting to obtain stockholder consent. As a result of not being listed on a national securities exchange, the stockholders of the Company may have a difficult time reselling their shares due to the thinly-traded volume of the shares on the OTCQB.
The Company may not be able to continue as a going concern.
The Company has incurred recurring losses from operations (continuing) of $5,254,781 and $7,685,390 and has reported negative net operating cash flows of $4,345,933 and $8,075,299 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We believe that these conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. This may hinder our future ability to obtain financing or may force us to obtain financing on less favorable terms than would otherwise be available.
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Should the Company’s application to uplist to NASDAQ not be approved, the Company may be required in December 2019 to redeem up to 902,670 Series B Shares at $10.00 per share.
While the Company expects that it will be successful in uplisting its common stock to the NASDAQ market, should that effort not be successful, the Company would be required, on December 4, 2019, to redeem all Series B Shares that have not been previously converted to common stock. The cost to redeem these shares would likely have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and would likely require either the liquidation of certain Company assets or an effort to raise new equity or debt financing. Whether the Company would be able to consummate any such transaction, should it need to do so, on economically beneficial terms or otherwise, cannot be presently known.
Revenues are currently insufficient to pay operating expenses and costs which may result in the inability to execute the Company’s business concept.
The Company’s operations have to date generated significant operating losses, as reflected in the financial information included in this Annual Report. Management’s expectations in the past regarding when operations would become profitable have been not been realized, and this has continued to put a strain on working capital. Business and prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses, and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in the early stages of operations. If the Company is not successful in addressing these risks, its business and financial condition will be adversely affected. In light of the uncertain nature of the markets in which the Company operates, it is impossible to predict future results of operations.
We may incur losses and liabilities in the course of business which could prove costly to defend or resolve.
Companies that operate in one or more of the businesses that we operate face significant legal risks. There is a risk that we could become involved in litigation wherein an adverse result could have a material adverse effect on our business and our financial condition. There is a risk of litigation generally in conducting a commercial business. These risks often may be difficult to assess or quantify and their existence and magnitude often remain unknown for substantial periods of time. We may incur significant legal expenses in defending against litigation.
The Company is dependent upon additional financing which it may not be able to secure in the future.
As it has in the past, the Company will likely continue to require financing to address its working capital needs, continue its development efforts, support business operations, fund possible continuing operating losses, and respond to unanticipated capital requirements. For example, the continuing development of the Algodon Wine Estates project requires significant ongoing capital expenditures. There can be no assurance that additional financing or capital will be available and, if available, upon acceptable terms and conditions. To the extent that any required additional financing is not available on acceptable terms, the Company’s ability to continue in business may be jeopardized and the Company may need to curtail its operations and implement a plan to extend payables and reduce overhead until sufficient additional capital is raised to support further operations. There can be no assurance that such a plan will be successful. Such a plan could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, and ultimately the Company could be forced to discontinue its operations, liquidate and/or seek reorganization in bankruptcy.
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Our level of debt may adversely affect our operations and our ability to pay our debt as it becomes due.
The fact that we are leveraged may affect our ability to refinance existing debt or borrow additional funds to finance working capital requirements, acquisitions and capital expenditures. In addition, the recent disruptions in the global financial markets, including the bankruptcy and restructuring of major financial institutions, may adversely impact our ability to refinance existing debt and the availability and cost of credit in the future. In such conditions, access to equity and debt financing options may be restricted and it may be uncertain how long these economic circumstances may last. This would require us to allocate a substantial portion of cash flow to repay principal and interest, thereby reducing the amount of money available to invest in operations, including acquisitions and capital expenditures. Our leverage could also affect our competitiveness and limit our ability to changes in market conditions, changes in the real estate industry and economic downturns.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to satisfy our debt service requirements or to obtain future financing. If we cannot satisfy our debt service requirements or if we default on any financial or other covenants in our debt arrangements, the lenders and/or holders of our debt will be able to accelerate the maturity of such debt or cause defaults under the other debt arrangements. Our ability to service debt obligations or to refinance them will depend upon our future financial and operating performance, which will, in part, be subject to factors beyond our control such as macroeconomic conditions and regulatory changes in Argentina. If we cannot obtain future financing, we may have to delay or abandon some or all of our planned capital expenditures, which could adversely affect our ability to generate cash flows and repay our obligations as they become due.
The Company may not pay dividends on its common stock and may not pay additional dividends on its Series B convertible preferred stock.
The Company has not paid dividends to date on its common stock. The Company does not contemplate or anticipate declaring or paying any dividends with respect to its common stock. During 2018, the Company issued 378,193 shares of common stock valued at $0.70 per share, or $264,272, in satisfaction of certain dividends payable and paid cash dividends of $127,502 covering the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018. In May 2018, Argentina’s currency began a steep slide in its value, so that the exchange rate of the Argentine peso dropped from 15 pesos to the U.S. dollar, to 41 pesos to the U.S. dollar. At the same, the local inflation rate reached upwards of 40% annually. Not surprisingly, these macro-economic developments have been having a negative impact on the Company. At the end of 2018, the Company concluded in that it must still tread cautiously and manage its available cash resources prudently and the decisions were made to not declare any additional cash dividends. The Company reserves the right to declare a dividend when operations merit. However, payments of any cash dividends in the future will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, and capital requirements as well as other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. It is anticipated that earnings, if any, will be used to finance the development and expansion of the Company’s business.
The Company faces significant regulation by the SEC and state securities administrators.
The holders of shares of GGH’s common stock may not offer or sell the shares in private transactions or public transactions without compliance with regulations imposed by the SEC and various state securities administrators. To the extent that any holder desires to offer or sell any such shares, the holder must prove to the reasonable satisfaction of GGH that he has complied with all applicable securities regulations, and GGH may require an opinion of the holder’s legal counsel to that effect. Thus, there can be no assurance that the holder will be able to resell the shares or any interest therein when the holder desires to do so.
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Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses and could create a risk of non-compliance.
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure have created uncertainty for public companies and significantly increased the costs and risks associated with accessing the public markets and public reporting. These corporate governance standards are the product of many sources, including, without limitation, public market perception, stock exchange regulations and SEC disclosure requirement. Our management team expects to invest significant management time and financial resources to comply with both existing and evolving standards for public companies, which will lead to increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue generating activities to compliance activities. Changing regulation may cause us to fall out of compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, which could lead to enforcement action against us and a negative impact on our stock price.
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of GGH are also involved in outside businesses which may affect their ability to fully devote their time to the Company.
Scott Mathis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GGH, Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer of GGH is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc., a private company he founded which is developing Hollywood-themed American fast food restaurants in Argentina and the United States. His duties as CEO of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. consume approximately 15-25% of his time, which may interfere with Mr. Mathis’s duties as the CEO of GGH.
In addition, Maria Echevarria, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of GGH also serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. Ms. Echevarria’s duties as CFO of Hollywood Burger Holdings Inc. consume approximately 10% of her time, which may interfere with her duties as the CFO of GGH.
The Company’s officers and directors are indemnified against certain conduct that may prove costly to defend.
The Company may have to spend significant resources indemnifying its officers and directors or paying for damages caused by their conduct. The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation exculpates the Board of Directors and its affiliates from certain liability, and the Company has procured directors’ and officers’ liability insurance to reduce the potential exposure to the Company in the event damages result from certain types of potential misconduct. Furthermore, the General Corporation Law of Delaware provides for broad indemnification by corporations of their officers and directors, and the Company’s bylaws implement this indemnification to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law as it currently exists or as it may be amended in the future. Consequently, subject to the applicable provisions of the General Corporation Law of Delaware and to certain limited exceptions in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s officers and directors will not be liable to the Company or to its stockholders for monetary damages resulting from their conduct as an officer or director.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
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GGH and its operating subsidiaries maintain their corporate headquarters at 135 Fifth Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY under a lease covering approximately 3,300 square feet, which expires in August 2020. The Company expects to remain in these offices for the immediate future, unless its growth, or the growth of its affiliates, necessitates a move into larger or separate offices.
The Algodon – Recoleta, SRL (“TAR”) owns a hotel in the Recoleta section of Buenos Aires called Algodon Mansion, located at 1647 Montevideo Street. The hotel is approximately 20,000 square feet and has ten suites, a restaurant and wine bar, a dining room, and a luxury spa, pool, and cigar bar and lounge on the rooftop. This property is subject to encumbrances of which TAR is the guarantor.
Algodon Wine Estates owns and operates a resort property located Ruta Nacional 144 Km 674, Cuadro Benegas, San Rafael (5603) in Argentina and consisting of 4,138 acres. The property has a winery, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, dining and a hotel. This property is also subject to encumbrances of which TAR is the guarantor.
From time to time GGH and its subsidiaries and affiliates are subject to litigation and arbitration claims incidental to its business. Such claims may not be covered by its insurance coverage, and even if they are, if claims against GGH and its subsidiaries are successful, they may exceed the limits of applicable insurance coverage. We are not involved in any litigation that we believe is likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
On January 20, 2016 FINRA cleared the request to submit quotations on the OTC Bulletin Board and in OTC Link by Glendale Securities, Inc. of Sherman Oaks, California. On March 7, 2016, Company was upgraded from the Pink Sheets of OTC Markets to the OTCQB Venture Marketplace. In fiscal years 2017 and 2018, because there were only limited and sporadic quotations of the Company’s common stock and low volume, the Company does not believe that there was an established public trading market.
In light of the above, transactions of our common stock are currently reported under the symbol “VINO” on the OTCQB. The first trade on the over-the-counter market occurred on September 23, 2016. The following table sets forth the range of high and low bids reported in the over-the-counter market for our common stock. The prices reflect inter-dealer prices, do not include retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions, and may not necessary reflect actual transactions.
| Fiscal Year 2018 | High | Low | ||||||
| First Quarter | $ | 1.00 | $ | 0.37 | ||||
| Second Quarter | $ | 1.00 | $ | 0.55 | ||||
| Third Quarter | $ | 0.95 | $ | 0.30 | ||||
| Fourth Quarter | $ | 0.78 | $ | 0.31 | ||||
| Fiscal Year 2017 | High | Low | ||||||
| First Quarter | $ | 1.85 | $ | 0.91 | ||||
| Second Quarter | $ | 1.20 | $ | 0.90 | ||||
| Third Quarter | $ | 1.11 | $ | 0.80 | ||||
| Fourth Quarter | $ | 2.50 | $ | 0.65 | ||||
During 2018 and 2017, the Company declared $474,719 and $60,515, respectively, of dividends on its Series B convertible preferred stock. The Company has not declared any dividends with respect to its common stock. The Company reserves the right to declare a dividend when operations merit. However, payments of any cash dividends in the future will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, and capital requirements as well as other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
There were approximately 700 holders of the Company’s common stock as of April 1, 2019.
On February 28, 2017, the Company amended its Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to reduce the number of shares designated as Series A Preferred Stock from 11,000,000 to 10,097,330.
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Also on February 28, 2017, the Company filed the Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock designating 902,670 shares of preferred stock of the Company, par value $0.01 as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Shares”). There are 902,670 Series B Shares currently outstanding. Holders of Series B Preferred Shares are entitled to, among other things, the following:
| ● | 8% annual dividend, payable quarterly, within thirty (30) following the end of the quarter, subject only to a determination by the Company’s Board of Directors that payment of dividends would jeopardize the Company’s ongoing operations. | |
| ● | A liquidation preference to be paid ahead of shares of the Company’s common stock. | |
| ● | Upon any uplisting or elevation of the Company’s common stock to a national exchange such as NASDAQ or NYSE American, mandatory conversion to common stock, at a ratio of ten shares of common stock for each Series B Share. | |
| ● | If Series B Shares have not been previously converted into common stock, redemption of Series B Shares on the date that is two years following the termination of any offering of the Series B Shares. | |
| ● | Each holder of Series B Shares shall be entitled to vote on all matters and shall be entitled to the number of votes determined by a formula set forth in the certificate of designation, subject to a maximum of ten votes per Series B Share. Holders of Series B Shares also vote as a class to the extent Series B Shares would be treated differently from another series of preferred stock, such as any action that would amend any of the rights, preferences or privileges of the holders of Series B Shares, or that would authorize the Company to issue a class of preferred stock that would be senior to Series B Shares, and in each such instance consent or approval of holders of at least 50.01% of the then outstanding Series B Shares would be required for such action to become effective. |
On September 28, 2018, the stockholders of the Company approved a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of common stock in a range from one-for-two (1:2) up to one-for-twenty (1:20), or anywhere between, if required for the uplisting of the Company’s common stock to a national exchange on or before June 30, 2019.
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Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2018.
| Plan category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) | |||||||||
| (a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||||||
| Equity
compensation plans approved by security holders: | ||||||||||||
| 2008 Plan | 4,409,265 | $ | 2.34 | - | ||||||||
| 2016 Plan | 3,564,328 | 1.26 | - | |||||||||
| 2018 Plan | 1,500,000 | 0.54 | - | |||||||||
| Equity
compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Total | 9,473,593 | $ | 1.65 | - | ||||||||
The above table does not include securities of GG available for issuance under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
Between February 2, 2018 and April 26, 2018, the Company sold convertible promissory notes (the “Convertible Notes”) in the amount of $2,026,730 to accredited investors. The Convertible Notes have a 90-day maturity, bear interest at 8% per annum and are convertible into the Company’s common stock at a at a 10% discount to the price used for the sale of the Company’s common stock in the Company’s next private placement offering. On June 30, 2018, a total of 1,285,517 shares of common stock were issued to certain holders of Convertible Notes who were accredited investors upon conversion of certain of the Convertible Notes representing $809,875 of principal and accrued interest. For these sales of securities, no general solicitation was used, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and/or Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act with respect to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering. A Form D was filed with the SEC on May 23, 2018. The remaining principal balance owed on the Convertible Notes of $1,251,854 is past due as of December 31, 2018.
On February 12, 2018, the Company granted options to purchase of 1,330,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.77 to certain employees under the 2016 Stock Option Plan. For these sales of securities, no general solicitation was used, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2).
During March 2018, the Company issued 116,284 shares of common stock at $0.70 per share in settlement of its matching obligations for the year ended December 31, 2017 under the Company’s 401(k) profit sharing plan. For these sales of securities, no general solicitation was used, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and/or Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act with respect to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
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On March 20, 2018, the Company declared a dividend for holders of Series B convertible preferred stock (the “Series B Preferred”) covering the third and fourth quarters of 2017. On May 14, 2018, the Board declared a dividend for the Series B Preferred covering the first quarter of 2018. The Board approved payment of the declared dividends for each of the three quarters either in cash or in shares of common stock.
On June 18, 2018, the Company issued 156,038 shares of common stock in connection with the payment of a dividend to certain holders of Series B Preferred totaling $109,225 in lieu of cash. On June 30, 2018, the Company issued 222,155 shares of common stock in connection with the payment of a dividend to certain holders of Series B Preferred totaling $153,241 in lieu of cash. All holders of Series B Preferred receiving the common stock in lieu of cash were accredited investors. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the sales. A Form D was filed on June 25, 2018 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and an amended Form D was filed with the SEC on July 16, 2018.
Between June 30, 2018 and September 11, 2018, the Company sold 1,890,993 shares of common stock to accredited investors for gross proceeds of $1,323,695 pursuant to a private placement. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the sales. A Form D was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2018, an amended Form D was filed with the SEC on August 1, 2018, and a second amended Form D was filed with the SEC on September 17, 2018.
Between July 11, 2018 and December 31, 2018, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, GG, sold convertible promissory notes in the amount of $1,480,800 to accredited investors. The maturity date of the notes is December 31, 2018, and at the option of the holder, the principal amount of the note plus accrued interest can be converted into GG common stock at a 20% discount to the share price in a future offering of common stock by GG. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and GG relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the sales. A Form D was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2018, an amended Form D was filed on November 20, 2018, an amended Form D was filed on December 10, 2018, and an amended Form D was filed on January 17, 2019.
On September 20, 2018, the Company granted five-year options for the purchase of 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2018 Plan, of which options for the purchase of 725,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to the Company’s President and CEO, Scott L. Mathis, and options for the purchase of 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to Peter J. Lawrence, a member of the Board of Directors. The options have an exercise price of $0.539 per share and vest 25% at the first anniversary of date of grant, with the remaining shares vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following three years. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the issuance of options.
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On December 18, 2018, the Board of Directors of GG granted options under its 2018 Gaucho Plan to purchase common stock of GG to certain employees, consultants, officers, and directors of GG at an exercise price of $0.1375 per share, of which an option to purchase 4,500,000 shares of common stock was granted to the CEO, an option for 200,000 shares was granted to the CFO, and two options, each for 50,000 shares was granted to two members of the Board of Directors of GG. After one year from the date of grant, 25% of the options vest, with the remaining 75% vesting in equal quarterly installments thereafter. The options expire on December 18, 2023. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the issuance of options.
In January 2019, management of GG gave the option to the noteholders of extending the maturity date from December 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019 of their specific convertible promissory notes. All of the noteholders retain their right, but not the obligation, to convert the principal amount of the note plus accrued interest into GG common stock at a 20% discount to the share price in a future offering of common stock by GG. As of February 11, 2019, all noteholders representing have agreed to the extension of the maturity date on their convertible notes, except for noteholders holding notes in the amount of $10,500 which have matured.
Between January 1, 2019 and March 4, 2019, GG sold convertible promissory notes in the total amount of $751,000 to accredited investors. The maturity date of the notes is March 31, 2019, and at the option of the holder, the principal amount of the note plus accrued interest can be converted into GG common stock at a 20% discount to the share price in a future offering of common stock by GG. Together with the notes sold in 2018, a total of $1,936,800 were sold. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and GG relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the sales. A Form D was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2018, an amended Form D was filed on November 20, 2018, an amended Form D was filed on December 10, 2018, an amended Form D was filed on January 17, 2019, an amended Form D was filed on February 8, and another amended Form D was filed on February 21, 2019.
Between February 8, 2019 and March 27, 2019, the Company sold a total of 2,527,857 shares of its common stock to accredited investors for total gross proceeds of $884,750. No general solicitation was used, no commissions were paid, and Algodon relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with the sales. A Form D will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission after the filing of this Current Report.
On March 13, 2019, the Company issued 181,185 shares of common stock at $0.35 per share to employees for the year ended December 31, 2018 of the 401(k) profit sharing plan. For these sales of securities, no general solicitation was used, and the Company relied on the exemption from registration available under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act with respect to transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
Other than as set forth herein or in the Company’s current reports on Form 8-K or quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, there have not been any sales of unregistered securities for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Other than as set forth herein or in the Company’s current reports on Form 8-K or quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, there have not been any purchases of equity securities by the Company or its affiliated persons for the year ended December 31, 2018.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K filing. References in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to “us,” “we,” “our,” and similar terms refer to Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation. This discussion includes forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the federal securities laws, based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements.
We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks and other influences, many of which are beyond our control, which may influence the accuracy of the statements and the projections upon which the statements are based. See “Special Note - Forward-Looking Statements.” Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors discussed in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K filing. Any one or more of these uncertainties, risks and other influences could materially affect our results of operations and whether forward-looking statements made by us ultimately prove to be accurate. Our actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether from new information, future events or otherwise.
Overview
We are an integrated, lifestyle related real estate development company, capitalizing on our unique brand of affordable luxury, branded as “Algodon”, to create a diverse set of interrelated products and services. Our wines, hotels and real estate ventures, currently concentrated in Argentina, offer a blend of high-end, luxury and adventures products. We hope to further broaden the reach and depth of our services to strengthen and cement the reach of our brand. Ultimately, we intend to further expand and grow our business by combining unique and promising opportunities with our brand and clientele.
We are also in the final stages of developing Gaucho – Buenos Aires™ (“Gaucho”), a new high-end fashion and accessories brand collection of luxury assets, connecting buyers with some of Argentina’s best creative talents that harness the country’s unique heritage and artisanship of products such as woven fabrics, leather goods and precious metal jewelry.
Through our subsidiaries, we currently operate Algodon Mansion, a Buenos Aires-based luxury boutique hotel property and we have redeveloped, expanded and repositioned a winery and golf resort property called Algodon Wine Estates for subdivision of a portion of this property for residential development.
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Developments and Trends
Investment in foreign real estate requires consideration of certain risks typically not associated with investing in the United States. Such risks include, trade balances and imbalances and related economic policies, unfavorable currency exchange rate fluctuations, imposition of exchange control regulation by the United States or foreign governments, United States and foreign withholding taxes, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets, policies of governments with respect to possible nationalization of their industries, political difficulties, including expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation and economic or political instability in foreign nations or changes in laws which affect foreign investors. See also Item 1A—Risk Factors for more information.
In December 2011, the Argentine Congress passed Law 26.737 (Regime for Protection of National Domain over Ownership, Possession or Tenure of Rural Land) limiting foreign ownership of rural land, even when not in border areas, to a maximum of 15 percent of all national, provincial or departmental productive land. Every non-Argentine national must request permission from the National Land Registry of Argentina in order to acquire non-urban real property. Additionally, no foreign individual or entity can acquire more than 30 percent within the allowed 15 percent of the total land of the department.
As approved, the law has been in effect since February 28, 2012 but is not retroactive. Furthermore, the general limit of 15 percent ownership by non-nationals must be reached before the law is applicable and each provincial government may establish its own maximum area of ownership per non-national.
In the Mendoza province, the maximum area allowed per type of production and activity per non-national is as follows: Mining—25,000 hectares (61,776 acres), cattle ranching—18,000 hectares (44,479 acres), cultivation of fruit or vines—15,000 hectares (37,066 acres), horticulture—7,000 hectares (17,297 acres), private lot—200 hectares (494 acres), and other—1,000 hectares (2,471 acres). A hectare is a unit of area in the metric system equal to approximately 2.471 acres. However, these maximums will only be considered if the total 15 percent is reached. Although currently, the area under foreign ownership in Mendoza is approximately 8.6 percent, this law may apply to the Company in the future and could affect the Company’s ability to acquire additional real property in Argentina. Currently, the Company owns approximately 4,138 acres of Argentine rural land through AWE, 2,050 acres are considered land held for cultivation of fruit or vines and 2,088 was purchased during 2017 to provide additional access to AWE. Because the maximum area for this type of land allowed per non-national is 25,000 hectares, the Company is compliant with the law’s limit, were it to apply today. Costs of compliance with the law may be significant in the future.
Currently, GGH is developing lots for sale to third party builders and is not engaged in any construction activity. To date, twenty-five lots have been sold. The Company has closed on the sale of all 25 lots and recorded revenue of $1,468,000. Revenue is recorded when the deeds are issued. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has $995,327 of deposits for pending sales.
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As reflected in our consolidated financial statements we have generated significant losses from operations of $5,254,781 and $7,685,390 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, consisting primarily of general and administrative expenses, raising substantial doubt that we will be able to continue operations as a going concern. We have suffered recurring losses from operations and our independent registered public accounting firm issued a report which includes an explanatory paragraph relating to our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to execute our business plan is dependent upon our generating cash flow and obtaining additional debt or equity capital sufficient to fund operations. Our business strategy may not be successful in addressing these issues and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain any additional capital. If we cannot execute our business plan (including acquiring additional capital), our stockholders may lose their entire investment in us. If we are able to obtain additional debt or equity capital (of which there can be no assurance), we hope to acquire additional management as well as increase marketing our products and continue the development of our real estate holdings.
Financings
In 2018 and 2017, we raised, net of repayments, approximately $5,084,000 and $9,271,000, respectively of new capital through the issuance of debt and equity. We used the net proceeds from the closings of these private placement offerings for general working capital and capital expenditures.
Initiatives
We have implemented a number of initiatives designed to expand revenues and control costs. Revenue enhancement initiatives include expanding marketing, investment in additional winery capacity and developing new real estate development revenue sources. In August 2017, the Company completed a strategic acquisition of land directly adjacent to its existing property at AWE for $700,000, which more than doubles the size of AWE and provides room for continued expansion and growth. Cost reduction initiatives include investment in equipment that will decrease our reliance on subcontractors, plus outsourcing and restructuring of certain functions. Our goal is to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on outside financing.
Liquidity
As reflected in our accompanying consolidated financial statements, we have generated significant losses which have resulted in a total accumulated deficit of approximately $81.2 million, raising substantial doubt that we will be able to continue operations as a going concern. Our independent registered public accounting firm included an explanatory paragraph in their report for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, stating that we have incurred significant losses and need to raise additional funds to meet our obligations and sustain our operations. Our ability to execute our business plan is dependent upon our generating cash flow and obtaining additional debt or equity capital sufficient to fund operations. If we are able to obtain additional debt or equity capital (of which there can be no assurance), we hope to acquire additional management as well as increase the marketing of our products and continue the development of our real estate holdings.
Our business strategy may not be successful in addressing these issues and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain any additional capital. If we cannot execute our business plan on a timely basis (including acquiring additional capital), our stockholders may lose their entire investment in us, because we may have to delay vendor payments and/or initiate cost reductions, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and we could ultimately be forced to discontinue our operations, liquidate and/or seek reorganization under the U.S. bankruptcy code.
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Consolidated Results of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2017
The following table represents selected items in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively:
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Sales | $ | 3,099,608 | $ | 1,817,302 | ||||
| Cost of sales | (1,441,696 | ) | (1,946,900 | ) | ||||
| Gross profit (loss) | 1,657,912 | (129,598 | ) | |||||
| Operating Expenses | ||||||||
| Selling and marketing | 317,404 | 347,808 | ||||||
| General and administrative | 6,423,540 | 7,014,919 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 171,749 | 193,065 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 6,912,693 | 7,555,792 | ||||||
| Loss from Operations | (5,254,781 | ) | (7,685,390 | ) | ||||
| Other Expense (Income) | ||||||||
| Interest expense | 611,297 | 320,571 | ||||||
| Gain on sale of investment in subsidiary | - | (199,200 | ) | |||||
| Gain on foreign currency translation | (187,660 | ) | - | |||||
| Total other expense | 423,637 | 121,371 | ||||||
| Loss from Continuing Operations | (5,678,418 | ) | (7,806,761 | ) | ||||
| Loss from Discontinued Operations | - | (105,751 | ) | |||||
| Net Loss | (5,678,418 | ) | (7,912,512 | ) | ||||
| Series B preferred stock dividends | (724,108 | ) | (345,079 | ) | ||||
| Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | (6,402,526 | ) | $ | (8,257,591 | ) | ||
Overview
We reported net losses from continuing operations of approximately $5.7 million and $7.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The improvement in net loss from continuing operations is primarily the results of a decrease in operating expenses, partially offset by an increase in interest expense as described below.
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Revenues
Revenues from continuing operations were approximately $3.1 million and $1.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, reflecting an increase of approximately $1.3 million or 71%. Increases in hotel and restaurant revenues of $0.9 million, real estate sale revenue of $2.6 million and agricultural revenues of approximately $0.1 were partially offset by a decrease of approximately $2.3 million resulting from the impact of the decline in the value of the Argentine peso (“ARS”) vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar during 2018. The average exchange rate of the Argentina peso increased from 16.55 for the year ended December 31, 2017 to 28.88 for the year ended December 31, 2018, which represents a decrease in the average worth of the Argentine peso from US $0.06 to $0.03.
Total sales from Argentina were ARS $83.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to ARS $26.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, reflecting a net increase of approximately ARS $57.0 million or 212%. Hotel room and event revenues were approximately ARS $25.6 million and ARS $14.1 million during years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing an increase of approximately ARS $11.5 million, or 82% due to higher occupancy and higher room rates. Real estate sale revenues were approximately ARS $39.4 million and ARS $0 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as a result of lot sales during 2018. Restaurant revenues were approximately ARS $7.5 million and ARS $5.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing an increase of approximately ARS $2.3 million or 44%. Argentine winemaking revenues were approximately ARS $6.2 million and ARS $4.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing an increase of approximately ARS $1.9 million or 43%. Other revenues, including golf, tennis and agricultural revenues, were ARS $5.1 million and ARS $3.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing an increase of approximately ARS $1.8 million or 56%, of which ARS $1.4 million represents an increase in agricultural revenues.
Gross loss
We generated a gross profit of approximately $1,658,000 from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to a gross loss of approximately $130,000 from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2017, representing an increase of $1,788,000. The improvement results primarily from the increase in real estate sale revenues of approximately $2,561,000 and the increase in hotel and restaurant sales of approximately $859,000. The improvement in gross profit was partially offset by $1,276,000 impact of the decline in the value of the Argentine peso vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, and by the increase in the cost of goods sold as described below.
Cost of sales, which consists of raw materials, direct labor and indirect labor associated with our business activities, decreased by approximately $505,000, from approximately $1,947,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017, to approximately $1,442,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018. A decrease of approximately $1,009,000 resulting from the decline in the value of the Argentine peso vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017 was partially offset by approximately $181,000 increase in hotel and restaurant costs, approximately $110,000 increase in real estate costs and $165,000 increase in agricultural costs.
The restaurant and golf and tennis business units at AWE realized negative margins in 2018 and 2017, due to significant fixed costs (i.e. depreciation on golf courses and tennis courts) related to these business units. The restaurant and golf and tennis are kept open every day at a loss, in order to support the image of the winery. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded approximately $61,000 of inventory write downs as the result of significant hailstorms which damaged the vineyard in process during the year.
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Selling and marketing expenses
Selling and marketing expenses were approximately $317,000 and $348,000 from continuing operations, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing a decrease of approximately $31,000 or 9%. Decreases of approximately $84,000 resulting from the decline in the value of the Argentine peso vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017 were partially offset by an increase of approximately $53,000 in advertising costs and marketing efforts to promote the Algodon brand.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses were approximately $6,424,000 and $7,015,000 from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing a decrease of approximately $401,000 or 6%, resulting primarily from the impact of the decline in the value of the Argentine peso vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017.
Depreciation and amortization expense
Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $172,000 and $193,000 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing a decrease of approximately $21,000 or 11%. It should be noted that approximately an additional $26,000 and $94,000 of depreciation and amortization expense was capitalized to inventory during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in depreciation expense results from the impact of the decline in the value of the Argentine peso relative to the U.S. dollar during the period, partially offset by increases resulting from the purchases of property and equipment during the period. Most of our property and equipment is located in Argentina and the gross cost being depreciated is impacted by the devaluation of the Argentine peso relative to the U.S. dollar.
Interest expense, net
Interest expense was approximately $611,000 and $321,000 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, representing an increase of approximately $291,000 or 91%. The increase is primarily due to the increase in debt principal outstanding during the period.
Loss from Discontinued Operations
On November 29, 2016, our Board of Directors determined that it was in the Company’s best interest to close down DPEC Capital and we ceased our broker-dealer operations December 31, 2016. On February 21, 2017, our request to FINRA for Broker-Dealer Withdrawal (“BDW”) became effective. The loss from discontinued operations, incurred by the broker dealer operations, was approximately $106,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017.
GGH also owned approximately 96.5% of Mercari Communications Group, Ltd. (“Mercari”), a public shell corporation current in its SEC reporting obligations. On December 20, 2016, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with a Purchaser, whereby the Purchaser agreed to purchase all of our shares or Mercari for $260,000. The sale of Mercari stock was completed on January 20, 2017 and we received net proceeds after expenses of $199,200.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
We measure our liquidity in variety of ways, including the following:
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Cash | $ | 58,488 | $ | 358,303 | ||||
| Working Capital Deficiency | $ | (4,188,924 | ) | $ | (62,464 | ) | ||
Based upon our working capital situation as of December 31, 2018, we require additional equity and/or debt financing in order to sustain operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we have relied primarily on debt and equity offerings to third party independent, accredited investors to sustain operations. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we received proceeds of approximately $3,508,000 from the issuance of convertible debt, approximately $580,000 of proceeds from loans payable and approximately $1,324,000 proceeds from the sale of our common stock
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we issued 775,931 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock at $10.00 per share to accredited investors in a private placement transaction for gross proceeds of approximately $7,759,000, received proceeds of $1,280,000 from the issuance of convertible debt (of which $1,260,000 was subsequently converted to Series B convertible preferred stock), and issued 22,500 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share to accredited investors in a private placement transaction for net proceeds of $40,500. We also received approximately $519,000 of cash proceeds from a bank loan.
The proceeds from these financing activities were used to fund our existing operating deficits, expenditures associated with our real estate development projects, enhanced marketing efforts to increase revenues and the general working capital needs of the business. We will need to raise additional capital in order to meet our future liquidity needs for operating expenses, capital expenditures for the winery expansion and to further invest in our real estate development. If we are unable to obtain adequate funds on reasonable terms, we may be required to significantly curtail or discontinue operations.
Availability of Additional Funds
As a result of the above developments, we have been able to sustain operations. However, we will need to raise additional capital in order to meet our future liquidity needs for operating expenses, capital expenditures for the winery expansion and to further invest in our real estate development. If we are unable to obtain adequate funds on reasonable terms, we may be required to significantly curtail or discontinue operations.
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Sources and Uses of Cash for the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, amounted to approximately $4,346,000 and $8,075,000, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018 the net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the net loss of approximately $5,678,000, adjusted for approximately $878,000 of non-cash expenses and $454,000 of cash provided by changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2017 the net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the net loss of approximately $7,913,000, adjusted for approximately $865,000 of non-cash expenses and $1,028,000 cash used by changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 amounted to approximately $292,000 and $849,000, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018 the net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to the purchase of property and equipment of approximately $292,000. During the year ended December 31, 2017 the net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to the purchase of property and equipment of approximately $930,000, partially offset by the proceeds from sale of investment in subsidiary of approximately $81,000.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 amounted to approximately $5,084,000 and $9,271,000, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the net cash provided by financing activities resulted primarily from the proceeds from convertible debt obligations of approximately $3,508,000, net proceeds from the issuance of equity securities of approximately $1,324,000, proceeds from loans payable of approximately $580,000 partially offset by net repayments of debt of approximately $200,000, and dividends paid of approximately $128,000. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the net cash provided by financing activities resulted primarily from the net proceeds from a preferred stock offering of approximately $7,760,000, proceeds from convertible debt obligations of approximately $1,280,000, net proceeds from the issuance of common stock of approximately $41,000 and proceeds from loans payable of approximately $519,000, partially offset by net repayments of debt of approximately $267,000, and dividends paid of approximately $61,000.
Going Concern and Management’s Liquidity Plans
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As discussed in Note 2 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, we have not achieved a sufficient level of revenues to support our business and development activities and have suffered substantial recurring losses from operations since our inception, which conditions raise substantial doubt that we will be able to continue operations as a going concern. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we were unable to continue as a going concern.
Based on current cash on hand and subsequent activity as described herein, our cash-on-hand only allows us to operate our business operations on a month-to-month basis. Because of our limited cash availability, we have scaled back our operations to the extent possible. While we are exploring opportunities with third parties and related parties to provide some or all of the capital we need, we have not entered into any agreement to provide us with the necessary capital. Historically, we have been successful in raising funds to support our capital needs. However, if we are unable to obtain additional financing on a timely basis, we may have to delay vendor payments and/or initiate cost reductions, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and ultimately, we could be forced to discontinue our operations, liquidate and/or seek reorganization under the U.S. bankruptcy code. As a result, our auditors have issued a report which includes an explanatory paragraph relating to our ability to continue as a going concern in conjunction with their audit of our December 31, 2018 and 2017 consolidated financial statements.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
Contractual Obligations
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by paragraph (a)(5) of this Item.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Use of Estimates
To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we must make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts in the financial statements, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our significant estimates and assumptions are the valuation of equity instruments, the useful lives of property and equipment and reserves associated with the realizability of certain assets.
Highly Inflationary Status in Argentina
The International Practices Task Force (“IPTF”) of the Center for Audit Quality discussed the inflationary status of Argentina at its meeting on May 16, 2018 and categorized Argentina as a country with a projected three-year cumulative inflation rate greater than 100%. Therefore, the Company has transitioned its Argentine operations to highly inflationary status as of July 1, 2018.
For operations in highly inflationary economies, monetary asset and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates. Income and expense accounts are translated at the weighted average exchange rate in effect during the period. Translation adjustments are reflected in loss on foreign currency translation on the accompanying statements of operations.
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Foreign Currency Translation
The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the United States dollar. The functional currencies of the Company’s operating subsidiaries are their local currencies (United States dollar, Argentine peso and British pound) except for the Company’s Argentine subsidiaries for the six-month period from July 31, 2018 through December 31, 2018, as described above. Prior to the transition of Argentine operations to highly inflationary status on July 1, 2018, these foreign subsidiaries translated assets and liabilities from their local currencies to U.S. dollars using period end exchange rates while income and expense accounts were translated at the average rates in effect during the during the period. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as part of other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ deficit. The Company engages in foreign currency denominated transactions with customers and suppliers, as well as between subsidiaries with different functional currencies. Gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in non-functional currencies are recognized in earnings.
Inventory
Inventories are comprised primarily of “vineyard in process,” “wine in process,” “finished wine,” plus food and beverage items and are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out method. Costs associated with winemaking, and other costs associated with the creation of products for resale, are recorded as inventory. “Vineyard in process” represents the monthly capitalization of farming expenses (including farming labor costs, usage of farming supplies and depreciation of the vineyard and farming equipment) associated with the growing of grape, olive and other fruits during the farming year which culminates with the February/March harvest. “Wine in process” represents the capitalization of costs during the winemaking process (including the transfer of grape costs from vineyard in process, winemaking labor costs and depreciation of winemaking fixed assets, including tanks, barrels, equipment, tools and the winemaking building). “Finished wines” represents wine available for sale and includes the transfer of costs from wine in process once the wine is bottled and labeled. Other inventory represents olives, other fruits, golf equipment and restaurant food.
In accordance with general practice within the wine industry, wine inventories are included in current assets, although a portion of such inventories may be aged for periods longer than one year. As required, we reduce the carrying value of inventories that are obsolete or in excess of estimated usage to estimated net realizable value. Our estimates of net realizable value are based on analyses and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, future demand and market requirements. Reductions to the carrying value of inventories are recorded in cost of sales. If future demand and/or pricing for our products are less than previously estimated, then the carrying value of the inventories may be required to be reduced, resulting in additional expense and reduced profitability. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded approximately $61,000 of inventory write downs as a result of hailstorms that occurred during the year.
Convertible Debt
The Company records a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) related to the issuance of notes which are convertible at a price that is below the market value of the Company’s stock when the note is issued. The intrinsic value of the BCF is recorded as debt discount which is amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective note using the effective interest method. Beneficial conversion features that are contingent upon the occurrence of a future event are recorded when the contingency is resolved.
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Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of (a) the useful life of the asset; or (b) the remaining lease term.
The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows:
| Buildings | 10 - 30 years |
| Furniture and fixtures | 3 - 10 years |
| Vineyards | 7 - 20 years |
| Machinery and equipment | 3 - 20 years |
| Leasehold improvements | 3 - 5 years |
| Computer hardware and software | 3 - 5 years |
We capitalize internal vineyard improvement costs when developing new vineyards or replacing or improving existing vineyards. These costs consist primarily of the costs of the vines and expenditures related to labor and materials to prepare the land and construct vine trellises. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operating expense as incurred. The cost of properties sold or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts at the time of disposal and the resulting gains and losses are included as a component of operating income. Real estate development consists of costs incurred to ready the land for sale, including primarily costs of infrastructure as well as master plan development and associated professional fees. Such costs will be allocated to individual lots proportionately based on square meters and those allocated costs will be derecognized upon the sale of individual lots. Given that they are not currently in service, capitalized real estate development costs are currently not being depreciated. Land is an inexhaustible asset and is not depreciated.
Stock-Based Compensation
We measure the cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award. For employees and directors, the fair value of the award is measured on the grant date and for non-employees, the fair value of the award is generally re-measured on financial reporting dates and vesting dates until the service period is complete. The fair value amount of the shares expected to ultimately vest is then recognized over the period services are required to be provided in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. The estimation of stock-based awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from original estimates, such amounts are recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised. We consider many factors when estimating expected forfeitures, including types of awards, employee class, and historical experience.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The guidance requires other comprehensive income (loss) to include foreign currency translation adjustments.
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Real Estate Lots Held for Sale
As the development of a real estate lot is completed and the lot becomes available for immediate sale in its present condition, the lot is marketed for sale and is included in real estate lots held for sale on the Company’s balance sheet. Real estate lots held for sale are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying value of a real estate lot held for sale exceeds its fair value less estimated selling costs, an impairment charge is recorded. The Company did not record any impairment charge in connection with real estate lots held for sale during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may be impaired, we perform an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value, which includes estimating the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses, which reduce net income. There were no impairments of long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Segment Information
The FASB has established standards for reporting information on operating segments of an enterprise in interim and annual financial statements. Since GG is not yet operational, we currently operate as one segment which is the business of real estate development in Argentina. Our chief operating decision-maker reviews our operating results on an aggregate basis and manages our operations as a single operating segment.
Revenue Recognition
We earn revenues from our real estate, hospitality, food & beverage, broker-dealer and other related services. Revenue from rooms, food and beverage, and other operating departments are recognized as earned at the time of sale or rendering of service. Cash received in advance of the sale or rendering of services is recorded as advance deposits or deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenues associated with real estate lot sale deposits are recognized as revenues (along with any outstanding balance) when the lot sale closes and the deed is provided to the purchaser. Other deferred revenues primarily consist of deposits accepted by us in connection with agreements to sell barrels of wine. These wine barrel deposits are recognized as revenues (along with any outstanding balance) when the barrel of wine is shipped to the purchaser. Sales taxes and value added (“VAT”) taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis with revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for both the expected impact of differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities and for the expected future tax benefit to be derived from tax loss and tax credit carry forwards. Additionally, we establish a valuation allowance to reflect the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets.
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New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605 — Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”) and most industry-specific guidance throughout ASC 605. The standard requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance in ASU 2014-09 was revised in July 2015 to be effective for interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017 and should be applied on a transitional basis either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application. In 2016, FASB issued additional ASUs that clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations (ASU 2016-08), on identifying performance obligations and licensing (ASU 2016-10), and on narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients (ASU 2016-12) as well as on the revenue recognition criteria and other technical corrections (ASU 2016-20). These new standards became effective for us on January 1, 2018 and were adopted using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of ASC Topic 606 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as of the date of adoption, and therefore a cumulative-effect adjustment was not required.
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from operating leases. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. This amendment will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10 “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” and ASU No. 2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements” in July 2018, and ASU No. 2018-20 “Leases (Topic 842) - Narrow Scope Improvements for Lessors” in December 2018. ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-20 provide certain amendments that affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 allows all entities adopting ASU 2016-02 to choose an additional (and optional) transition method of adoption, under which an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. We adopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019 and the adoption is expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, primarily related to recording right-of-use assets and obligations for current operating leases on our balance sheets.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230)” which provides guidance on the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows in order to reduce diversity in practice. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
On February 22, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, ‘Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Topic 610-20)”, which requires that all entities account for the derecognition of a business in accordance with ASC 810, including instances in which the business is considered in substance real estate. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of the provisions of ASU 2017-05 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718); Scope of Modification Accounting. The amendments in this ASU provide guidance that clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. If the value, vesting conditions or classification of the award changes, modification accounting will apply. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
On June 20, 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting”, which expands the scope of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. We have elected to early adopt ASU 2018-07 on July 1, 2018. The results of applying ASU 2018-07 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, “Codification Improvements” (“ASU 2018-09”). ASU 2018-09 provides amendments to a wide variety of topics in the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification, which applies to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance. The transition and effective date guidance is based on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some of the amendments in ASU 2018-09 do not require transition guidance and were effective upon issuance of ASU 2018-09. However, many of the amendments do have transition guidance with effective dates for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2018-09 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework (Topic 820). The updated guidance improves the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The updated guidance if effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for any removed or modified disclosures. We are currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.
We have implemented all new accounting standards that are in effect and may impact our consolidated financial statements and we do not believe that there are any other new accounting standards that have been issued that might have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Our consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the financial statements called for by this item appear beginning with the Table of Contents on Page F-1 at the end of this Form 10-K.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls are procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Annual Report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Principal Executive and Accounting Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Internal controls are procedures which are designed with the objective of providing reasonable assurance that (1) our transactions are properly authorized, recorded and reported; and (2) our assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use, to permit the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
In connection with the preparation of this Annual Report, management, with the participation of our Principal Executive and Accounting Officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based upon that evaluation, our Principal Executive and Accounting Officers concluded that, as of December 31, 2018, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Principal Executive and Financial Officer, and effected by the Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP including those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and the disposition of our assets, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and Board of Directors, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies and procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the 2013 framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018.
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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no material changes in our internal controls over financial reporting, or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations of Controls
Management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. Controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
In February 2019, GGH was granted a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the trademark filing of Gaucho – Buenos Aires™.
On October 5, 2018, the Board of Directors of GG declared a forward stock split of its common stock to all holders of record as of the same date at a rate of 200,000 shares for each one (1) share of common stock of GG. After the stock split, the Company owns 20,000,000 common shares as the sole stockholder of GG.
On November 16, 2018, the sole director of the Board of Directors of GG, Scott L. Mathis, appointed Peter Lawrence and Steven Moel as members of the Board of Directors of GG.
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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our management team is led by executives who have experience in real estate investment, hotel management, broker-dealer operations and identifying and pursuing investment opportunities. The management team is assisted by the Company’s key personnel and advisors, who together with their experience and expertise are also discussed below.
| Name | Age | Entity | Title | Year Appointed | |||||||
| Scott L. Mathis | 56 | GGH | Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President | April, 1999 | |||||||
| TAR | General Manager (1) | December, 2007 | |||||||||
| APII | General Manager (1) | March, 2009 | |||||||||
| AWE | General Manager (1) | July, 2007 | |||||||||
| GG | Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President | September, 2016 | |||||||||
| Maria I. Echevarria | 40 | GGH | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Compliance Officer | April, 2015 | |||||||
| AEU | Chief Financial Officer | April, 2015 | |||||||||
| GG | Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary | January, 2017 | |||||||||
| Julian H. Beale | 84 | GGH | Director | April, 1999 | |||||||
| Peter J.L. Lawrence | 85 | GGH | Director | April, 1999 | |||||||
| AEU | Director | November, 2009 | |||||||||
| GG | Director | November, 2018 | |||||||||
| Steven Moel | 75 | GG | Director | November, 2018 | |||||||
| Sergio O. Manzur Odstrcil | 49 | TAR | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer (2) | March, 2011 | |||||||
| APII | Chief Financial Officer | March, 2011 | |||||||||
| AWE | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer (2) | September, 2010 | |||||||||
| (1) | Translation of Argentine statutory corporate office. | |
| (2) | Mr. Manzur Odstrcil was appointed Chief Operating Officer of TAR and AWE on April 11, 2015. |
Executive Officers and Directors
Scott L. Mathis. Mr. Mathis is the founder of GGH and has served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors since its inception in April 1999. Mr. Mathis is also the founder and, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gaucho Group, Inc. Mr. Mathis has over five years’ experience serving as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mercari Communications Group, Ltd., a public company. Mr. Mathis is also the founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of IPG, AGP and various other affiliated entities. Since July 2009, Mr. Mathis has served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc., a company he founded which is developing Hollywood-themed American fast food restaurants in Argentina and the United States. Since June 2011, Mr. Mathis has also served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of InvestBio, Inc., a former subsidiary of GGH that was spun off in 2010. Including his time with GGH and its subsidiaries, Mr. Mathis worked for over 25 years in the securities brokerage field. From 1995-2000, he worked for National Securities Corporation and The Boston Group, L.P. Before that, he was a partner at Oppenheimer and Company and a Senior Vice President and member of the Directors Council at Lehman Brothers. Mr. Mathis also worked with Alex Brown & Sons, Gruntal and Company, Inc. and Merrill Lynch. Mr. Mathis received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Mississippi State University. The determination was made that Mr. Mathis should serve on GGH’s Board of Directors due to his executive level experience working in the real estate development industry and in several consumer-focused businesses. He has also served on the board of directors of a number of non-public companies in the biotechnology industry.
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Maria I. Echevarria. In April 2015, the Board of Directors of GGH appointed Ms. Echevarria as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. On January 3, 2017, Ms. Echevarria was appointed as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of Gaucho Group, Inc. She joined the Company as Corporate Controller in June 2014 and had primary responsibility for the Company’s corporate consolidation, policies and procedures as well as financial reporting for SEC compliance, coordinating budgets and projections, preparing financial presentations and analyzing financial data. Ms. Echevarria has over 15 years of experience in Accounting, Compliance, Finance, Information Systems and Operations. Her experience includes SEC reporting and financial analysis, and her career accomplishments include developing and implementing major initiatives such as SOX, BSA and AML reporting and valuation of financial instruments. Prior to her employment with the Company, Ms. Echevarria served as Director of Finance and Accounting for The Hope Center, a nonprofit, from 2008 to June 2014 overseeing Finance, Information Systems and Operations. From 2001 through 2008 she served as a Quality Control and Compliance Analyst, Financial Analyst, and Accounting Manager for Banco Popular in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she specialized in Mortgage Quality Control, Compliance, Financial Analysis and Mortgage Accounting, and corresponding with the FHA, VA and other mortgage guarantors. Ms. Echevarria also coordinated audits and compliance programs related to reporting, remittances, escrow accounting and default management for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other private investors. She has developed and taught accounting courses for Herzing University, and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University. She is a CPA, licensed in New Jersey and Puerto Rico, and holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico and an MBA in Business from University of Phoenix. Mrs. Echevarria was born and raised in Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish and English.
Julian H. Beale. Mr. Beale has served as a director of GGH since its inception in April 1999. Since 1996, Mr. Beale has managed his own investments, which include listed “blue chip” shares, numerous speculative stocks, and real estate. Mr. Beale has over 10 years’ experience serving as a director of Adacel Technologies Ltd., an Australian Stock Exchange listed company that provides air traffic simulations, training, and management activities. Mr. Beale is also a director of Private Branded Beverage Ltd., a private company, and since July 2009 a director of InvestBio, Inc. After 14 years in engineering and after forming a plastics processing company that he built to employ more than 200 people, Mr. Beale has since the early 1970’s been involved in consulting and investing. In 1977, he was part of a consortium that purchased what became the Moonie Oil Company, a resources corporation that had interests in petroleum production. In 1984, he entered Federal Parliament (Australia). During his 12 years in politics, he held many Shadow Minister portfolios (i.e., cabinet level position with minority party). He has a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Sydney University, Australia and an MBA from Harvard University. The determination was made that Mr. Beale should serve on GGH’s Board of Directors due to his experience as a director for other public companies and as an investor in real estate.
Peter J.L. Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence has served as a director of GGH since July 1999 and as a director of Gaucho Group, Inc. as of November 2018. Since 2000, Mr. Lawrence has been a director of Sprue Aegis plc, a U.K. company traded on the London Stock Exchange that designs and sells smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for fire-fighters principally in the U.K.; Chairman of Infinity IP, a private company involved with intellectual property and distribution in Australasia; and director of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. Since June 2001, he has served as a director of InvestBio, Inc. Until recently, Mr. Lawrence was Chairman of Polastar plc, a UK company that specializes in the development, manufacture and sale of a patent- pending intelligent low-location lighting system. Prior to joining Polastar, Mr. Lawrence served as the Chairman of Associated British Industries plc, a company that manufactured car engine and aviation jointings and sealants for both original equipment manufacturers and after markets, specialty waxes and anti-corrosion coatings for the automotive tire and plastics industries.
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Mr. Lawrence has additional experience as a director of a publicly-traded company by serving as a director of Beacon Investment Trust PLC, a London Stock Exchange-listed company from 2003 to June 2010. Beacon invested in small and recently floated companies on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. Mr. Lawrence served on the investment committee of ABI Pension fund for 20 years as well as the investment committee of Coram Foundation Children Charity founded in 1939 as the Foundling Hospital from 1977 to 2004. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Modern History from Oxford University where he graduated with honors.
Additional Key Personnel
Sergio O. Manzur Odstrcil. Algodon Mansion & Algodon Wine Estates, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Chief Operating Officer (“COO”). Mr. Manzur Odstrcil is an Argentina Certified Public Accountant whose professional experience includes administration and management positions with companies in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Chile. As CFO and COO for all of GGH’s Argentine subsidiaries, he is responsible for day-to-day management including financial planning and analysis, overseeing the implementation of financial strategies for the corporation, and for ensuring prudent corporate governance. Prior to joining GGH, Mr. Manzur Odstrcil was the Administration and Finance Director for Bodega Francois Lurton since May 2007, where he was responsible for the design and development of a financial debt strategy and negotiations with banks and strategic suppliers to obtain credits. He was also responsible for the organization of new funding to the company for $4 million and also served as a member of the company’s executive committee. From March 2002 to September 2006 he previously held the position of Country Controller for the Boston Scientific Corporation (BSC) in Chile, and prior to that he served as Controller for Southern Cone BSC in Buenos Aires and Mexico City. He also served as Senior Financial Analyst for BSC’s Latin American Headquarters in Buenos Aires, as well as in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and prior to that he served as BSC’s Accountant Analyst in Buenos Aires. Mr. Manzur Odstrcil began his career at Cerveceria y Malteria Quilmes in Argentina from 1997 to 1998. He obtained his MBA at INCAE in Costa Rica in 1996, and received his CPA from the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina in 1994.
Steven A. Moel. M.D., J.D. Dr. Moel serves as a Senior Business Advisor for GGH and began serving as a director of Gaucho Group, Inc. as of November 2018. Dr. Moel is a medical doctor and licensed attorney. Dr. Moel had a private legal practice as a business and transactional attorney and is a member of the California and American Bar Associations and has served as legal counsel to many corporations. The Board has determined that he would be a valuable member of the Board due to his extensive and broad experience and knowledge in business. In addition to serving as a member of the Company’s Board of Advisors, Dr. Moel is presently a member of the board of directors of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc., a related party to the Company (International Fast Food Restaurants). Previously, Dr. Moel served in many roles, including most recently as a Senior Business Advisor for Global Job Hunt (International Recruiting and Education). He was also founder of Akorn, Inc., NASDAQ: AKRX (Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical Mfg.), where he served as a Director on the Executive Board and as Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions. Dr. Moel previously served as: the Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions and Business Development of Virgilian, LLC (Nutraceuticals/Agricultural); CEO of U.S. Highland, Inc. BB:UHLN (Mfg. of Motorcycles/Motorsports); CEO of Millennial Research Corp. (Mfg./Ultra-high efficiency motors); Chairman and COO of WayBack Granola Co. (Granola Manufacturing); Executive VP, Mergers and Acquisitions of Agaia Inc. (Green Cleaning Products). He has also served as: President, COO and Executive Director of American Wine Group (Wine Production/Distribution); Senior Business and Advisor, of viaMarket Consumer Products, LLC (Manufacturer of Consumer Products); as a member of the Board of Directors of Grudzen Development Corp. (Real Estate); COO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Paradigm Technologies (Electronics/Computer Developer); President and CEO of Sem-Redwood Enterprises (Stock Pool), and as a member of the Advisory Board of Mahlia Collection (Jewelry Design/ Manufacturing).
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Dr. Moel is a board-certified ophthalmologist who was in private practice and academia. He is an Emeritus Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and his academic history includes Washington University, University of Miami-Coral Gables, Marshall University, West Virginia University, University of Colorado, Harvard University, Louisiana State University-New Orleans, University of Illinois-Chicago, and the College of Law in Santa Barbara.
Advisors
Marc Dumont. Mr. Marc Dumont is an Independent Investment Banker and International Financial Consultant. He is also Chairman and CEO of Château de Messey Wineries, Meursault, France. Mr. Dumont previously served as the President of PSA International SA (a PSA Peugeot Citroen Group company) from January 1981 to March 1995. He consults and advises international clients in Europe and Asia, as well as the United States. He is also the Chairman of Sanderling Ventures (a European affiliate of a U.S. venture capital firm) since 1993, managing five biotechnology funds. Mr. Dumont is also a Board member of Lightwave Systems Inc., Santa Barbara, California (since 1997) and Caret Industries, Oxnard, California (since 1995). He has served on many other boards including Finterbank Zurich, Banque Internationale a Luxemborg, Xiphias International Investment Fund Limited (an alternative investment fund), and also Irvine Sensors Corporation where he was member/Chairman of their Audit, Nominating, and Corporate Governance, and Compensation Committees. Mr. Dumont holds a Degree in Electrical Engineering and Applied Economics from the University of Louvain, Belgium and an MBA from the University of Chicago.
John I. Griffin. Mr. Griffin is Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, and the sole shareholder of Maurice Pincoffs Company, Inc. headquartered in Houston, Texas USA. Pincoffs began product trading operations in 1880 and today specializes in international trade, marketing, and distribution of various products. Following 13 years of active and reserve duty, he retired from the United States Navy as Lieutenant Commander. Mr. Griffin was employed by Corning Glass Works where he was involved in plant management and international business activities and then worked outside of the United States for 13 years, first in Tokyo as President of Graco Japan K.K., a metal related manufacturing and marketing joint venture. This was followed by seven years in Paris as Vice President of Graco Inc. where he managed manufacturing and marketing companies throughout Europe as President Directeur General of Graco France S.A. and Fogautolube S.A. (France). Stationed in Brussels for two years, Mr. Griffin was President of Monroe Auto Equipment S.A. with manufacturing facilities in Belgium and Spain and marketing companies throughout Europe and the Middle East. With the acquisition of Maurice Pincoffs Company in 1978, he assumed his current position.
During his stay in Europe, Mr. Griffin was a partner in a Haut Medoc vineyard, Le Fournas Bernadotte. For several years Pincoffs was heavily involved in the wine import business as the third largest importer in Texas. Mr. Griffin served for a number of years as Founder and President of the American Institute for International Steel (Washington D.C.) and the American Institute for Imported Steel (New York City) as well as serving as a Director of the West Coast Metal Importers Association (Los Angeles). Active in the Greater Houston Partnership, Mr. Griffin was a Director of the World Trade Division and served as Chairman of the Africa Committee. He was a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations and the World Affairs Council of Houston, and a past Director of The Houston World Trade Association and the Armand Bayou Nature Center.
Mr. Griffin is a graduate of Dartmouth College and was an Associate professor at Rice University. He is married, has two children, three grandchildren, and resides in Houston.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers and directors.
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Term of Office
Each director will hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
See Part I, Item 3—Legal Proceedings.
During the past ten years, except as provided below, none of the persons serving as executive officers and/or directors of the Company has been the subject matter of any of the following legal proceedings that are required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K including: (a) any bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; (b) any criminal convictions; (c) any order, judgment, or decree permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities; (d) any finding by a court, the SEC or the CFTC to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud; or (e) any sanction or order of any self-regulatory organization or registered entity or equivalent exchange, association or entity. Further, no such legal proceedings are believed to be contemplated by governmental authorities against any director or executive officer.
While the settlement with the NASD resolved most of the issues in the case, a few remaining charges were not resolved, namely, whether Mr. Mathis inadvertently or willfully failed to properly make certain disclosures on his personal NASD Form U-4, specifically, the existence of certain federal tax liens on his Form U4 during the years 1996-2002.
In December 2007, the FINRA Office of Hearing Officers (“OHO”) held that Mr. Mathis negligently failed to make certain disclosures on his Form U4 concerning personal tax liens, and to have willfully failed to make other required U4 disclosures regarding those tax liens. (All of the underlying tax liabilities were paid in 2003 so the liens were released in 2003.) Mr. Mathis received a three-month suspension, and a $10,000 fine for the lien nondisclosures. With respect to other non-willful late U4 filings relating to two customer complaints, he received an additional 10-day suspension (to run concurrently) plus an additional $2,500 fine. The suspension was completed on September 4, 2012, and all fines have been paid.
Mr. Mathis has never disputed that he failed to make or timely make these disclosures on his Form U4; he only disputed the willfulness finding. He appealed the decision (principally with respect to the willfulness issue) to the FINRA National Adjudicatory Council (“NAC”). In December 2008, NAC affirmed the OHO decision pertaining to the “willful” issue, and slightly broadened the finding. Thereafter, Mr. Mathis appealed the NAC decision to the Securities and Exchange Commission and thereafter to the U.S. Court of Appeals. In each instance, the decision of the NAC was affirmed.
While under FINRA’s rules, the finding that Mr. Mathis was found to have acted willfully subjects him to a “statutory disqualification,” in September 2012, Mathis submitted to FINRA an application on Form MC-400 in which he sought permission to continue to work in the securities industry notwithstanding the fact that he is subject to a statutory disqualification. That application was approved in April 2015.
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Corporate Governance
In considering its corporate governance requirements and best practices, the Company looks to the NYSE American LLC Company Guide. The guide is available through the Internet at http://wallstreet.cch.com/American/CompanyGuide/.
Board’s Role and the Role of the Audit Committee in Risk Oversight
While management is charged with the day-to-day management of risks that the Company faces, the Board of Directors and the audit committee are responsible for oversight of risk management. The full Board and the audit committee have responsibility for general oversight of risks facing the Company. Specifically, the audit committee reviews and assesses the adequacy of the Company’s risk management policies and procedures with regard to identification of the Company’s principal risks, both financial and non-financial, and reviews updates on these risks from the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Executive Officer. The audit committee also reviews and assesses the adequacy of the implementation of appropriate systems in order to mitigate and manage the principal risks.
Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Parties
On March 24, 2015 and effective April 15, 2015, the Board adopted a policy requiring that disinterested directors approve transactions with related parties which are not market-based transactions. Generally, the Board of Directors will approve transactions only to the extent the disinterested directors believe that they are in the best interests of the Company and on terms that are fair and reasonable (in the judgment of the disinterested directors) to the Company.
Audit Committee
The Board of Directors approved the Audit Committee Charter on March 24, 2015 to be effective April 15, 2015, in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act and NYSE American Rule 803(B) as modified for smaller reporting companies by NYSE American Rule 801(h). The Audit Committee was established to oversee the Company’s corporate accounting and financial reporting processes and audits of its financial statements.
The members of our Audit Committee are Messrs. Beale and Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence is the chairman of the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has determined that Julian H. Beale and Peter J.L. Lawrence are independent under SEC Rule 10A-3(b)(1) and NYSE American Rule 803(A). Management has determined that all members of the Audit Committee are “financially literate” as interpreted by management. No members of the audit committee have been qualified as an audit committee financial expert, as defined in the applicable rules of the SEC because the Board believes that the Company’s status as a smaller reporting company does not require expertise beyond financial literacy.
The Audit Committee Charter deals with the establishment of the Audit Committee and sets out its duties and responsibilities. The Audit Committee will review and reassess the adequacy of the Audit Committee Charter on an annual basis. The Audit Committee Charter is available on our Company website at http://www.algodongroup.com.
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No Nominating Committee
The Company has not established a nominating committee. Under the NYSE American Rule 804(a), if there is no nominating committee, nominations must be made by a majority of the independent directors. The Company believes that this is appropriate in light of the NYSE American rules on point and based on the fact that GGH remains a smaller reporting company and (as described below) nominating decisions are made by the independent directors. In order to comply with the NYSE American rules, however effective April 15, 2015, the Board of Directors adopted a nomination procedure by which eligible stockholders may nominate a person to the Board of Directors. That procedure is as follows:
The Company will consider all recommendations from any person (or group) who holds and has (or collectively if a group have) held more than 5% of the Company’s voting securities for longer than one year. Any stockholder who desires to submit a nomination of a person to stand for election of directors at the next annual or special meeting of the stockholders at which directors are to be elected must submit a notification of the stockholder’s intention to make a nomination (“Notification”) to the Company by the date mentioned in the most recent proxy statement under the heading “Proposal From Stockholders” as such date may be amended in cases where the annual meeting has been changed as contemplated in SEC Rule 14a-8(e), Question 5, and in that notification must provide the following additional information to the Company:
| ● | Name, address, telephone number and other methods by which the Company can contact the stockholder submitting the Notification and the total number of shares beneficially owned by the stockholder (as the term “beneficial ownership” is defined in SEC Rule 13d-3); | |
| ● | If the stockholder owns shares of the Company’s voting stock other than on the records of the Company, the stockholder must provide evidence that he or she owns such shares (which evidence may include a current statement from a brokerage house or other appropriate documentation); | |
| ● | Information from the stockholder regarding any intentions that he or she may have to attempt to make a change of control or to influence the direction of the Company, and other information regarding the stockholder any other persons associated with the stockholder that would be required under Items 4 and 5 of SEC Schedule 14A were the stockholder or other persons associated with the stockholder making a solicitation subject to SEC Rule 14a-12(c); | |
| ● | Information from the stockholder regarding any intentions that he or she may have to attempt to make a change of control or to influence the direction of the Company, and other information regarding the stockholder any other persons associated with the stockholder that would be required under Items 4 and 5 of SEC Schedule 14A were the stockholder or other persons associated with the stockholder making a solicitation subject to SEC Rule 14a-12(c); | |
| ● | All information required by Item 7 of SEC Schedule 14A with respect to the proposed nominee, which shall be in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company. |
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No Compensation Committee or Compensation Consultant
The Company has not established a compensation committee. The Company believes that this is appropriate in light of the NYSE American rules on point and based on the fact that the Company remains a smaller reporting company and (as described below) compensation decisions are made by the independent directors. Under the NYSE American Rule 805(a), if there is no compensation committee, compensation of the Chief Executive Officer (being Mr. Mathis) must be determined, or recommended to the Board of Directors for determination, by a majority of the independent directors on its Board. The CEO may not be present during voting or deliberations of his compensation.
In lieu of a formal charter, effective April 15, 2015, the Board adopted these guidelines to assist the Board with its duties and responsibilities in monitoring, approving and disclosing the Company’s compensation philosophies and practices, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Internal Revenue Service and the NYSE American.
All compensation decisions will be made by a majority of the independent directors who are “non-employee directors” as such term is defined Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and not officers or employees of the Company or its subsidiaries and who meet the definition of “independent” as set forth in NYSE American Rule 805, and Section 10C of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. In addition, all independent directors must be “outside directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
NYSE American Rule 805(c)(1) enhances the independence requirements for directors in connection with compensation decisions by requiring that the directors “consider all factors specifically relevant to determining whether a director has a relationship to the listed company which is material to that director’s ability to be independent from management in connection with the duties of a Compensation Committee member.”
Responsibilities and authority of the independent directors are as follows:
| ● | The independent directors will meet as often as they deem necessary or appropriate to perform their responsibilities. The independent directors may meet in person or by telephone conference call and may act by unanimous written consent. | |
| ● | The independent directors will make regular reports to the entire Board of Directors and will propose any necessary or appropriate action to the Board of Directors. | |
| ● | The independent directors will be directly responsible for establishing annual and long-term performance goals and objectives for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, as well as setting the overall compensation philosophy for the Company. The directors should consider various factors when evaluating and determining the compensation terms and structure of its executive officers, including the following: |
| ● | The executive’s leadership and operational performance and potential to enhance long-term value to the Company’s stockholders; | |
| ● | The Company’s financial resources, results of operations, and financial projections; | |
| ● | Performance compared to the financial, operational and strategic goals established for the Company; | |
| ● | The nature, scope and level of the executive’s responsibilities; |
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| ● | Competitive market compensation paid by other companies for similar positions, experience and performance levels; and | |
| ● | The executive’s current salary, the appropriate balance between incentives for long-term and short-term performance. | |
| ● | In fulfilling its compensation responsibilities, the independent directors will: |
| ● | Review and approve performance goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; | |
| ● | Evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers in light of approved performance goals and objectives; | |
| ● | Establish the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers based upon the evaluation of the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers; | |
| ● | Advise the entire Board of Directors on the setting of compensation for senior management whose compensation is not otherwise set by the committee; | |
| ● | Grant options and awards under the Company’s existing stock incentive plan; | |
| ● | Subject to the necessary approval of the Board of Directors and/or the Company’s stockholders, propose the adoption, amendment and termination of any stock option plans, pension and profit-sharing plans, stock bonus plans, stock purchase plans, bonus plans, deferred compensation plans and other similar programs (“Compensation Plans”); | |
| ● | Make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the Compensation Plans; | |
| ● | Administer the Compensation Plans in accordance with their terms; | |
| ● | Review and approve any severance or similar termination payments proposed to be made to any current or former executive officer of the Company; and | |
| ● | Review such other compensation matters as the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors of the Company requests. |
Company management should be responsible for reviewing the base salary, annual bonus and long-term compensation levels for other Company employees. The entire Board of Directors should be responsible for significant changes to, or adoption, of new employee benefit plans.
NYSE American Rule 805(c)(1) enhances the independence requirements for directors in connection with compensation decisions by requiring that the directors “consider all factors specifically relevant to determining whether a director has a relationship to the listed company which is material to that director’s ability to be independent from management in connection with the duties of a Compensation Committee member.” The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Beale and Lawrence were independent under this requirement. Their independence is considered at each audit committee meeting.
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Although NYSE American Rule 805(c)(3)(i) provides that a compensation committee may (in its discretion, not the discretion of the Board) retain compensation consultants, independent legal counsel, and other advisors, the independent directors acting as the compensation committee have not decided to do so.
Code of Ethics
On March 24, 2015 and effective April 15, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a Code of Ethics and Whistleblower Policy that is applicable to all of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ employees, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Office and on December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors approved technical and administrative amendments to the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Whistleblower Policy. The Code of Ethics contains written standards that are designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest; full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable public disclosures and communications, including financial reporting; compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; prompt internal reporting of violations of the code; and accountability for adherence to the code.
On December 17, 2017, the Board of Directors approved technical and administrative amendments to the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Whistleblower Policy. A copy of the amended Code of Business Conduct and Whistleblower Policy of the Company is posted at our website at www.algodongroup.com.
Insider Trading Policy
On March 24, 2015 and effective April 15, 2015, our Board of Directors adopted an Insider Trading Policy. The Insider Trading Policy applies to all of our officers, directors, and employees. Our Insider Trading Policy is posted at our website: www.algodongroup.com.
Stockholder Communications to the Board
Stockholders who are interested in communicating directly with members of the Board, or the Board as a group, may do so by writing directly to the individual Board member c/o Secretary, 135 Fifth Avenue, Floor 10, New York, NY 10010. The Company’s Secretary will forward communications directly to the appropriate Board member. If the correspondence is not addressed to the particular member, the communication will be forwarded to a Board member to bring to the attention of the Board. The Company’s Secretary will review all communications before forwarding them to the appropriate Board member.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16 of the Exchange Act requires that reports of beneficial ownership of common stock and changes in such ownership be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Section 16 “reporting persons,” including directors, certain officers, holders of more than 10% of the outstanding common stock and certain trusts of which reporting persons are trustees. We are required to disclose in this Annual Report each reporting person whom we know to have failed to file any required reports under Section 16 on a timely basis during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 our officers, directors and 10% stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them, except that Mr. Beale has not yet filed a Form 4 related to stock options granted to him in November 2017 or in January 2019; Mr. Lawrence filed one Form 4 late; Mr. Mathis filed three Forms 4 late, Ms. Echevarria filed two Forms 4 late; and Dr. Moel filed a Form 3 late.
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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth, for our named executive officers, the compensation earned in the years ended December 31:
| Summary Compensation Table for Executive Officers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name and Principal Position | Fiscal Year | Salary
($) | Bonus ($) | Stock
Awards ($) | Option Awards (1) ($) | All
Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scott L. Mathis(2) | 2018 | 426,163 | - | - | 538,934 | - | 965,097 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer | 2017 | 426,164 | - | - | 97,243 | - | 523,407 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Maria I Echevarria(3) | 2018 | 150,000 | 35,000 | - | 14,628 | - | 199,628 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer | 2017 | 150,000 | 35,000 | - | 16,407 | - | 201,407 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Represents the grant date full fair value of compensation costs of stock options granted during the respective year for financial statement reporting purposes, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Refer to the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End schedule regarding option details on an award-by-award basis. The above table does not include any options granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan. |
| (2) | On September 28, 2015, we entered into a new employment agreement with Scott Mathis, our CEO (the “Employment Agreement”). Among other things, the agreement provides for a three-year term of employment at an annual salary of $401,700 (subject to a 3% cost-of-living adjustment per year), bonus eligibility, paid vacation and specified business expense reimbursements. The agreement sets limits on the Mr. Mathis’ annual sales of GGH common stock. Mr. Mathis is subject to a covenant not to compete during the term of the agreement and following his termination for any reason, for a period of twelve months. Upon a change of control (as defined by the agreement), all of Mr. Mathis’ outstanding equity-based awards will vest in full and his employment term resets to two years from the date of the change of control. Following Mr. Mathis’s termination for any reason, Mr. Mathis is prohibited from soliciting Company clients or employees for one year and disclosing any confidential information of GGH for a period of two years. The agreement may be terminated by the Company for cause or by the CEO for good reason, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. On September 20, 2018, the Board of Directors extended the Employment Agreement on the same terms for a period of 120 days. On January 31, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company extended Scott Mathis’ employment agreement to expire on April 30, 2019. All other terms of the Employment Agreement remain the same. |
| (3) | Maria Echevarria was appointed Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Compliance Officer effective April 13, 2015. |
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The following table provides information as to option awards granted by the Company and held by each of the named executive officers of GGH as of December 31, 2018. There have been no stock awards made to Mr. Mathis or Ms. Echevarria as of December 31, 2018.
| Option Awards | ||||||||||||||
| Name | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#) | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#) | Option Exercise Price ($) | Option Expiration Date | ||||||||||
| Scott L. Mathis | 500,000 | - | 2.48 | 8/27/2019 | ||||||||||
| 150,000 | - | 2.48 | 8/27/2019 | |||||||||||
| 1,277,404 | (1) | 182,486 | (1) | 2.20 | 6/8/2020 | |||||||||
| 75,000 | (2) | 225,000 | (2) | 1.10 | 11/17/2022 | |||||||||
| - | (3) | 1,000,000 | (3) | 0.77 | 2/14/2023 | |||||||||
| - | (4) | 725,000 | (4) | 0.54 | 9/20/2023 | |||||||||
| Maria I. Echevarria | 131,250 | (5) | 18,750 | (5) | 2.20 | 6/8/2020 | ||||||||
| 12,500 | (6) | 37,500 | (6) | 1.10 | 11/17/2022 | |||||||||
| - | (7) | 25,000 | (7) | 0.77 | 2/14/2023 | |||||||||
| - | (8) | 30,000 | (8) | 0.54 | 9/20/2023 | |||||||||
The above table does not include any options granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.
| (1) | On June 8, 2015, Mr. Mathis was granted an option to acquire 1,459,890 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 364,794 shares underlying the option vest on June 8, 2016, and 91,243 shares vest every three months thereafter. |
| (2) | On November 17, 2017, Mr. Mathis was granted an option to acquire 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 75,000 shares underlying the option vest on December 17, 2018, and 18,750 shares vest every three months thereafter. |
| (3) | On February 14, 2018, Mr. Mathis was granted an option to acquire 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 250,000 shares underlying the option vest on February 14, 2019, and 62,500 shares vest every three months thereafter. |
| (4) | On September 20, 2018, Mr. Mathis was granted an option to acquire 725,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 181,250 shares underlying the option vest on September 20, 2019, and 45,313 shares vest every three months thereafter. |
| (5) | On June 8, 2015, Ms. Echevarria was granted an option to acquire 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 37,500 shares underlying the option vest on June 8, 2016, and 9,375 shares vest every three months thereafter. |
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| (6) | On November 17, 2017, Ms. Echevarria was granted an option to acquire 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 12,500 shares underlying the option vest on December 17, 2018, and 3,125 shares vest every three months thereafter. |
| (7) | On February 14, 2018, Ms. Echevarria was granted an option to acquire 25,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 6,256 shares underlying the option vest on February 14, 2019, and 1,562 shares vest every three months thereafter. |
| (8) | On September 20, 2018, Ms. Echevarria was granted an option to acquire 30,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 7,500 shares underlying the option vest on September 20, 2019, and 1,875 shares vest every three months thereafter. |
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth compensation received by our non-employee directors:
| Director Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards ($) | Option Awards(1) ($) | Total ($) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Peter Lawrence (2) | 2018 | - | - | - | 19,450 | 19,450 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | - | - | - | 16,207 | 16,207 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Julian Beale (3) | 2018 | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | - | - | - | 16,207 | 16,207 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Steven A. Moel (4) | 2018 | - | - | - | 3,890 | 3,890 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
The above table does not include any options granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.
| (1) | Represents the grant date full fair value of compensation costs of stock options granted during the respective year for financial statement reporting purposes, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. |
| (2) | As of December 31, 2018, Mr. Lawrence held options to acquire 600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 362,500 were vested and exercisable. |
| (3) | As of December 31, 2018, Mr. Beale held options to acquire 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 362,500 were vested and exercisable. |
| (4) | As of December 31, 2018, Dr. Moel held options to acquire 40,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, of which none were vested and exercisable. As compensation for his services on the Board of Advisors, Dr. Moel was granted options on August 27, 2014 at $2.48 per share to acquire 100,000 shares of common stock, all of which are vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2018. |
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Summary of the Company’s Equity Incentive Plans
General Plan Information
On July 27, 2018, the Board of Directors determined that no additional awards shall be granted under the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2008 Plan”) or the 2016 Stock Option Plan (the “2016 Plan”), and that no additional shares will be automatically reserved for issuance on each January 1 under the evergreen provision of the 2016 Plan.
On July 27, 2018, the Board of Directors adopted the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”), which was approved by the Company’s shareholders on September 28, 2018. The 2018 Plan provides for grants for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares, including incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted and unrestricted stock, loans and grants, and performance awards. The number of shares available under the 2018 Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each year by the amount equal to 2.5% of the total number of shares outstanding on such date, on a fully diluted basis. Further, any shares subject to an award issued under the 2018 Plan, the 2016 Plan or the 2008 Plan that are canceled, forfeited or expired shall be added to the total number of shares available under the 2018 Plan.
Under the 2018 Plan, awards may be granted to employees, consultants, independent contractors, officers and directors or any affiliate of the Company as determined by the Board of Directors. The term of any award granted shall be fixed by the committee at the date of grant, and the exercise price of any award shall not be less than the fair value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, except that any incentive stock option granted under the 2018 Plan to a person owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company’s common stock must be exercisable at a price of no less than 110% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant.
The 2018 Plan is administered and interpreted by the Company’s compensation committee. The committee has full power and authority to designate participants and determine the types of awards to be granted to each participant under the plan. The committee also has the authority and discretion to determine when awards will be granted, the number of awards to be granted and the terms and conditions of the awards and may adopt modifications to comply with laws of non-U.S. jurisdictions. The committee may appoint such agents as it deems appropriate for the proper administration of the 2018 Plan.
Participants in the 2018 Plan consist of Eligible Persons, who are employees, officers, consultants, advisors, independent contractors, or directors providing services to the Company or any affiliate of the Company as determined by the committee; however, incentive stock options may only be granted to employees of the Company.
Awards remain exercisable for a period of six months (but no longer than the original term of the award) after a participant ceases to be an employee or the consulting services are terminated due to death or disability. All restricted stock held by the participant becomes free of all restrictions, and any payment or benefit under a performance award is forfeited and cancelled at time of termination unless the participant is irrevocably entitled to such award at the time of termination, where termination results from death or disability. Termination of service as a result of anything other than death or disability results in the award remaining exercisable for a period of one month (but no longer than the original term of the award) after termination and any payment or benefit under a performance award is forfeited and cancelled at time of termination unless the participant is irrevocably entitled to such award at the time of termination. All restricted stock held by the participant becomes free of all restrictions unless the participant voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause, in which event the restricted stock is transferred back to the Company.
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The committee may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the 2018 Plan at any time; provided, however, that, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made that, absent such approval: (i) violates the rules or regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) or any other securities exchange that are applicable to the Company; (ii) causes the Company to be unable, under the Internal Revenue Code, to grant incentive stock options under the 2018 Plan; (iii) increases the number of shares authorized under the 2018 Plan other than the 2.5% increase per year; or (iv) permits the award of options or stock appreciation rights at a price less than 100% of the fair market value of a share on the date of grant of such award, as prohibited by the 2018 Plan or the repricing of options or stock appreciation rights, as prohibited by the 2018 Plan.
Gaucho Group, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan
On October 5, 2018, the Company, as the sole stockholder of GG, and the Board of Directors of GG approved the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Gaucho Plan”). The Company and the Board of Directors of GG adopted the 2018 Gaucho Plan to promote long-term retention of key employees of GG and others who contribute to the growth of GG.
Up to 8,000,000 shares of GG’s common stock is made available for grants of equity incentive awards under the 2018 Gaucho Plan. Authorized shares under the 2018 Gaucho Plan may be subject to adjustment upon determination by the committee in the event of a corporate transaction including but not limited to a stock split, recapitalization, reorganization, or merger.
The 2018 Gaucho Plan includes two types of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based awards. Options intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended are referred to as incentive options. Options which are not intended to qualify as incentive options are referred to as non-qualified options.
To date, options to purchase 6,495,000 shares of common stock of the Company have been granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.
The 2018 Gaucho Plan is administered and interpreted by GG’s compensation committee, or the entire Board of Directors. In addition to determining who will be granted options or other awards under the 2018 Gaucho Plan and what type of awards will be granted, the committee has the authority and discretion to determine when awards will be granted and the number of awards to be granted. The committee also may determine the terms and conditions of the awards; amend the terms and conditions of the awards; how the awards may be exercised whether in cash or securities or other property; establish, amend, suspend, or waive applicable rules and regulations and appoint agents to administer the 2018 Gaucho Plan; take any action for administration of the 2018 Gaucho Plan; and adopt modifications to comply with laws of non-U.S. jurisdictions.
Participants in the 2018 Gaucho Plan consist of eligible persons, who are employees, officers, consultants, advisors, independent contractors, or directors providing services to GG or any affiliate of GG as determined by the committee. The committee may take into account the duties of persons selected, their present and potential contributions to the success of GG and such other considerations as the committee deems relevant to the purposes of the 2018 Gaucho Plan.
The exercise price of any option granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan must be no less than 100% of the “fair market value” of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Any incentive stock option granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan to a person owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the common stock must be at a price of no less than 110% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant.
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Awards remain exercisable for a period of six months (but no longer than the original term of the award) after a participant ceases to be an employee or the consulting services are terminated due to death or disability. All restricted stock held by the participant becomes free of all restrictions, and any payment or benefit under a performance award is forfeited and cancelled at time of termination unless the participant is irrevocably entitled to such award at the time of termination, where termination results from death or disability. Termination of service as a result of anything other than death or disability results in the award remaining exercisable for a period of one month (but no longer than the original term of the award) after termination and any payment or benefit under a performance award is forfeited and cancelled at time of termination unless the participant is irrevocably entitled to such award at the time of termination. All restricted stock held by the participant becomes free of all restrictions unless the participant voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause, in which event the restricted stock is transferred back to GG.
The committee may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the 2018 Gaucho Plan at any time; provided, however, that, without the approval of the stockholders of GG, no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made that, absent such approval: (i) violates the rules or regulations of any securities exchange that are applicable to the Company; (ii) causes the Company to be unable, under the Internal Revenue Code, to grant incentive stock options under the 2018 Gaucho Plan; (iii) increases the number of shares authorized under the 2018 Gaucho Plan; or (iv) permits the award of options or stock appreciation rights at a price less than 100% of the fair market value of a share on the date of grant of such award, as prohibited by the 2018 Gaucho Plan or the repricing of options or stock appreciation rights, as prohibited by the 2018 Gaucho Plan.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
As of April 1, 2019, the Company had 49,266,390 shares of common stock issued and 49,215,857 outstanding, as well as 902,670 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock issued and outstanding. The following table sets forth certain information regarding our shares of common stock and Series B convertible preferred stock beneficially owned as of April 1, 2019, for (i) each stockholder known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock (ii) each named executive officer and director, and (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group. A person is considered to beneficially own any shares: (a) over which such person, directly or indirectly, exercises sole or shared voting or investment power, or (b) of which such person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days through an exercise of stock options, warrants or convertible debt. Shares underlying such options, warrants, and convertible promissory notes, however, are only considered outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person and are not considered outstanding when computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, voting and investment power relating to the shares shown in the table for our directors and executive officers is exercised solely by the beneficial owner or shared by the owner and the owner’s spouse or children. In addition, the address of each of the persons set forth below (unless otherwise specified) is c/o GGH, 135 Fifth Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10010. The above table does not include any options granted under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
| Name of Beneficial Owner | Amount
and Nature of Beneficial Ownership | Percent
of Common Stock Outstanding as of April 1, 2019(1) | Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership of Series B Stock | Percent
of Series B Stock Outstanding as of April 1, 2019 (2) | Total Voting Power (3) | |||||||||||||||
| More than 5% Stockholders | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The WOW Group, LLC | 3,777,425 | 7.7 | % | - | - | 6.5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Murdock and Janie Richard (4) | 2,789,913 | 5.7 | % | - | - | 4.8 | % | |||||||||||||
| Ralph & Mary Rybacki (5) | 2,782,348 | 5.7 | % | - | - | 4.8 | % | |||||||||||||
| Directors and Named Executive Officers | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Scott L. Mathis | 7,176,704 | (6) | 13.8 | % | 2,100 | * | 11.9 | % | ||||||||||||
| Julian H. Beale | 463,213 | (7) | * | - | - | * | ||||||||||||||
| Peter J.L. Lawrence | 561,325 | (8) | 1.0 | % | - | - | 1.0 | % | ||||||||||||
| Maria I. Echevarria | 171,552 | (9) | * | - | - | * | ||||||||||||||
| Steven A. Moel | 483,220 | (10) | * | - | - | * | ||||||||||||||
| All directors and executive officers as a group: | 8,856,014 | (11) | 16.8 | % | - | * | 14.4 | % | ||||||||||||
* Less than one percent
| (1) | Based on 46,215,857 shares of our common stock outstanding on April 1, 2019, and, with respect to each individual holder, rights to acquire our common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2019. |
| (2) | Based upon 902,670 shares of Series B preferred stock outstanding on April 1, 2019. |
| (3) | Calculated in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Includes all stockholders holding Series B preferred stock entitled to vote with common stock on an as converted basis, for a total of 8,456,072 votes. |
| (4) | Based on information contained on Schedule 13G filed by Murdock Richard on February 6, 2015. The principal business address of Mr. and Mrs. Richard is 5950 Sherry Lane, Suite 210, Dallas, TX 7522. |
| (5) | Based on information contained on Schedule 13G filed by Ralph and Mary Rybacki on February 11, 2016. The principal business address of Mr. and Mrs. Rybacki is 500 Capital Drive, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. |
| (6) | Consists of (a) 538,362 shares of our common stock owned by Mr. Mathis directly; (b) 3,777,425 shares owned by The WOW Group, LLC, of which Mr. Mathis is a controlling member; (c) 204,803 shares owned by Mr. Mathis’s 401(k) account; (d) 21,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of Series B convertible preferred stock (d) warrants to acquire 210,217 shares of common stock, and (e) the right to acquire 2,424,897 shares of common stock subject to the exercise of options. |
| (7) | Consists of (a) 97,588 shares of our common stock owned by Mr. Beale directly; and (b) 365,625 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options. |
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| (8) | Consist of (a) 184,971 shares of our common stock owned by Mr. Lawrence directly; (b) 10,729 shares owned by Mr. Lawrence and his spouse as trustees for the Peter Lawrence 1992 Settlement Trust; and (c) 368,625 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options. |
| (9) | Consists of (a) 7,484 shares owned by Mrs. Echevarria’s 401(k) account and (b) 164,068 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options. |
| (10) | Consists of (a) 151,491 shares owned by Mr. Moel directly; (b) 176,546 shares held by Mr. Moel’s 401(k); (c) 26,693 shares held by Andrew Moel, his son; (d) 28,490 shares held by Erin Moel, his daughter; and (e) 100,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options. |
| (11) | Consists of 5,204,582 shares of our common stock, 21,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of Series B convertible preferred stock, 3,420,215 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options, and 210,217 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants. |
The WOW Group, LLC
Scott Mathis is a managing member and holds a controlling interest in The WOW Group. Non-managing members include certain former DPEC Capital employees and certain GGH stockholders. The WOW Group’s only asset is its interest in GGH as of December 31, 2018.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The following is a description of transactions during the last fiscal year in which the transaction involved a material dollar amount and in which any of the Company’s directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of GGH common stock and Series A Preferred on an as- converted basis had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than compensation which is described under “Executive Compensation.”
| ● | Scott Mathis is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hollywood Burger Holdings, Inc. (“HBH”), a private company he founded which is developing Hollywood-themed American fast food restaurants in Argentina and the United States. The Company has an expense sharing agreement with HBH to provide office space and other clerical services. The Company was entitled to receive reimbursements of general and administrative expenses incurred during the years ended on December 31, 2018 and 2017 in the amount of $437,074 and $342,299, respectively, as a result of the expense sharing agreement. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, HBH owes $4,644 and $724,591, respectively, to the Company under such and similar prior agreements. |
| ● | InvestBio, Inc. (“InvestBio”) was a wholly-owned subsidiary of GGH until it was spun-off to GGH stockholders, effective September 30, 2010. The owners of more than 5% of InvestBio are Scott Mathis and Ralph Rybacki. The Board of Directors of InvestBio consists of Scott Mathis, Julian Beale, and Peter Lawrence. The Company has an expense sharing agreement with InvestBio to provide office space and other clerical services. The Company was entitled to receive $0 and $10,640 of reimbursements of general and administrative expenses incurred during each the years ended on December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as a result of the agreement. InvestBio owed $396,116 to the Company under the expense sharing agreement as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which $396,000 is deemed unrecoverable and written off. |
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| ● | DPEC Capital paid regular brokerage commissions to its registered representatives according to the standard firm payout schedule, which includes the allocation of earned warrants. On January 7, 2017, in connection with the sale of its equity securities, the Company issued five-year warrants to its subsidiary, DPEC Capital who acted as placement agent, for the purchase of 2,500 shares of its common stock at $2.00 per share. On January 17, 2017, due to the refund to an investor, warrants to purchase 250 shares of common stock and commissions in the amount of $500 were returned by DPEC Capital, Inc. to the Company. The total value of the 2,250 warrants was $1,105. During 2016, in connection with the sale of GGH common stock, the Company issued five-year warrants to its subsidiary DPEC Capital who acted as placement agent, to purchase 342,642 and 16,000 shares of GGH common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 and $2.50 per share, respectively, including 100,188 warrants valued at $87,965 to Scott Mathis in his capacity as a registered representative. Mr. Mathis also received cash commissions of $173,330 related to the sale of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company recorded $0 and $1,105 of stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to the issuance of warrants, which is recorded within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. |
Director Independence
Our Board of Directors has undertaken a review of its composition and the independence of each director. Based on the review of each director’s background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, the Board of Directors has determined that two of our three directors (Julian Beale and Peter J.L. Lawrence) are “independent” under the rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE American. In making this determination, our Board of Directors considered the current and prior relationships that each non-employee director has with the Company and all other facts and circumstances our Board of Directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including the beneficial ownership of the Company’s capital stock. Mr. Mathis was not deemed independent as a result of his service as our Chief Executive Officer, as described in Item 10 and his significant stock ownership as described in Item 12.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to us by Marcum, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Audit fees (1) | $ | 240,000 | $ | 235,000 | ||||
| Audit-related fees(2) | 15,000 | 13,000 | ||||||
| Tax fees | 35,000 | 27,500 | ||||||
| $ | 290,000 | $ | 275,500 | |||||
| (1) | Represents fees associated with the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the reviews of the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q during 2018 and 2017. | |
| (2) | Represents primarily travel costs associated with the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. |
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Audit Committee Policies and Procedures.
The Board of Directors approved the audit committee charter effective April 15, 2015. The audit committee must pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for us by our independent auditors, subject to the de-minimis exceptions for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act. Each year the independent auditor’s retention to audit our financial statements, including the associated fee, is approved by the audit committee before the filing of the previous year’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. At the beginning of the fiscal year, the audit committee will evaluate other known potential engagements of the independent auditor, including the scope of work proposed to be performed and the proposed fees, and approve or reject each service, taking into account whether the services are permissible under applicable law and the possible impact of each non-audit service on the independent auditor’s independence from management. At each such subsequent meeting, the auditor and management may present subsequent services for approval. Typically, these would be services such as due diligence for an acquisition, that would not have been known at the beginning of the year.
Each new engagement of Marcum, LLP, has been approved by the Board, and none of those engagements made use of the de-minimis exception to the pre-approval contained in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act.
| 74 |
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following documents are being filed with the Commission as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10K.
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| 32 | Certification of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002** | |
| 99.1 | Algodon Wine Estates Property Map1 | |
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document | |
| 101.SCH | XBRL Schema Document | |
| 101.CAL | XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document | |
| 101.DEF | XBRL Definition Linkbase Document | |
| 101.LAB | XBRL Label Linkbase Document | |
| 101.PRE | XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document | |
| 1. | Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Registration of Securities Pursuant to Section 12(g) on Form 10 dated May 14, 2014. | |
| 2. | Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 2, 2017. | |
| 3. | Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 31, 2017. | |
| 4. | Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 31, 2015. | |
| 5. | Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 30, 2016. | |
| 6. | Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 16, 2015. | |
| 7. | Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on May 16, 2016. | |
| 8. | Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 20, 2017. | |
| 9. | Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 19, 2018. | |
| 10. | Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 14, 2019. | |
| * | Filed herewith. | |
| ** | Furnished, not filed herewith. |
ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary
This Item is optional and the registrant is not required to furnish this information.
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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. | ||
| Dated: April 1, 2019 | By: | /s/ Scott L. Mathis |
| Scott L. Mathis | ||
| Principal Executive Officer | ||
| Dated: April 1, 2019 | By: | /s/ Maria I. Echevarria |
| Maria I. Echevarria | ||
| Principal Financial and Accounting Officer | ||
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
| Dated: April 1, 2019 | By: | /s/ Scott L. Mathis |
| Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) & Chairman of the Board | ||
| Dated: April 1, 2019 | By: | /s/ Maria I. Echevarria |
| Maria I. Echevarria | ||
| Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer) | ||
| Dated: April 1, 2019 | By: | /s/ Julian H. Beale |
| Julian H. Beale | ||
| Director | ||
| Dated: April 1, 2019 | By: | /s/ Peter J.L. Lawrence |
| Peter J.L. Lawrence | ||
| Director |
| 77 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| F-1 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries,
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Formerly Algodon Wines & Luxury Development, Inc. and Algodon Group, Inc.) (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, changes in temporary equity and stockholders’ (deficiency) equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Explanatory Paragraph – Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in Note 2, the Company has a significant working capital deficiency, has incurred significant losses and needs to raise additional funds to meet its obligations and sustain its operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Marcum LLP
Marcum LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.
New York, NY
April 1, 2019
| F-2 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current Assets | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | 58,488 | $ | 358,303 | ||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 457,745 | 188,067 | ||||||
| Accounts
receivable - related parties, net of allowance of $514,087 at each of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively | 71,650 | 851,016 | ||||||
| Advances to employees | 281,783 | 284,496 | ||||||
| Inventory | 1,033,895 | 1,388,666 | ||||||
| Real estate lots held for sale | 139,492 | 151,906 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 193,360 | 159,465 | ||||||
| Total Current Assets | 2,236,413 | 3,381,919 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 2,972,364 | 4,532,890 | ||||||
| Prepaid foreign taxes, net | 369,590 | 342,312 | ||||||
| Investment - related parties | 7,840 | 26,401 | ||||||
| Deposits | 61,284 | 61,284 | ||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 5,647,491 | $ | 8,344,806 | ||||
| Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Stockholders’ Deficiency | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 497,817 | $ | 415,318 | ||||
| Accrued expenses, current portion | 1,185,367 | 1,000,521 | ||||||
| Deferred revenue | 1,038,492 | 1,732,664 | ||||||
| Loans payable, current portion, net of debt discount | 871,106 | 256,724 | ||||||
| Convertible debt obligations, net of debt discount | 2,732,654 | 20,000 | ||||||
| Current portion of other liabilities | 99,901 | 19,156 | ||||||
| Total Current Liabilities | 6,425,337 | 3,444,383 | ||||||
| Accrued expenses, non-current portion | 57,786 | 247,515 | ||||||
| Other liabilities, non-current portion | - | 11,474 | ||||||
| Loans payable, non-current portion, net of debt discount | 234,791 | 634,930 | ||||||
| Total Liabilities | 6,717,914 | 4,338,302 | ||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||
| Series B convertible redeemable preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 902,670 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Liquidation preference of $9,658,278 at December 31, 2018. | 9,026,824 | 9,026,824 | ||||||
| Stockholders’ Deficiency | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, 11,000,000 shares authorized; | ||||||||
| Series A convertible preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 10,097,330 shares authorized; no shares are available for issuance. | - | - | ||||||
| Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 80,000,000 shares authorized; 46,738,532 and 43,067,546 shares issued and 46,687,999 and 43,063,135 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. | 467,384 | 430,674 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 83,814,442 | 80,902,967 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (13,110,219 | ) | (10,795,810 | ) | ||||
| Accumulated deficit | (81,222,499 | ) | (75,544,081 | ) | ||||
| Treasury
stock, at cost, 50,533 and 4,411 shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. | (46,355 | ) | (14,070 | ) | ||||
| Total Stockholders’ Deficiency | (10,097,247 | ) | (5,020,320 | ) | ||||
| Total Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Stockholders’ Deficiency | $ | 5,647,491 | $ | 8,344,806 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-3 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Consolidated Statements of Operations
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Sales | $ | 3,099,608 | $ | 1,817,302 | ||||
| Cost of sales | (1,441,696 | ) | (1,946,900 | ) | ||||
| Gross profit (loss) | 1,657,912 | (129,598 | ) | |||||
| Operating Expenses | ||||||||
| Selling and marketing | 317,404 | 347,808 | ||||||
| General and administrative | 6,423,540 | 7,014,919 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 171,749 | 193,065 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 6,912,693 | 7,555,792 | ||||||
| Loss from Operations | (5,254,781 | ) | (7,685,390 | ) | ||||
| Other Expense (Income) | ||||||||
| Interest expense | 611,297 | 320,571 | ||||||
| Gain on sale of investment in subsidiary | - | (199,200 | ) | |||||
| Gain on foreign currency translation | (187,660 | ) | - | |||||
| Total other expense | 423,637 | 121,371 | ||||||
| Loss from Continuing Operations | (5,678,418 | ) | (7,806,761 | ) | ||||
| Loss from Discontinued Operations | - | (105,751 | ) | |||||
| Net Loss | (5,678,418 | ) | (7,912,512 | ) | ||||
| Series B preferred stock dividends | (724,108 | ) | (345,079 | ) | ||||
| Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | (6,402,526 | ) | $ | (8,257,591 | ) | ||
| Net Loss per Basic and Diluted Common Share: | ||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations | $ | (0.14 | ) | $ | (0.19 | ) | ||
| Loss from discontinued operations | - | - | ||||||
| Net Loss per Common Share | $ | (0.14 | ) | $ | (0.19 | ) | ||
| Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: | ||||||||
| Basic and Diluted | 44,889,732 | 42,996,124 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-4 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Net Loss | $ | (5,678,418 | ) | $ | (7,912,512 | ) | ||
| Other Comprehensive Loss: | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | (2,314,409 | ) | (336,568 | ) | ||||
| Total Comprehensive Loss | $ | (7,992,827 | ) | $ | (8,249,080 | ) | ||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-5 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Temporary Equity and Stockholders’ (Deficiency) Equity
| Series B | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable | Additional | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Treasury Stock | Paid-In | Comprehensive | Accumulated | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | Loss | Deficit | Deficiency | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2016 | - | $ | - | 42,915,379 | $ | 429,153 | 4,411 | $ | (14,070 | ) | $ | 80,102,189 | $ | (10,459,242 | ) | $ | (67,631,569 | ) | $ | 2,426,461 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Series B preferred stock issued for cash | 775,931 | 7,759,500 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued for cash, net of issuance costs of $4,500 | - | - | 22,500 | 225 | - | - | 40,275 | - | - | 40,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued in satisfaction of deferred revenue | - | - | 62,270 | 622 | - | - | 123,917 | - | - | 124,539 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange of 8% notes for Series B preferred stock | 126,739 | 1,267,324 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued under 401(k) profit sharing plan | - | - | 67,770 | 678 | - | - | 73,190 | - | - | 73,868 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Options and warrants | - | - | - | - | - | - | 623,907 | - | - | 623,907 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends | - | - | - | - | - | - | (60,515 | ) | - | - | (60,515 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| True-up to transfer agent’s records | - | - | (373 | ) | (4 | ) | - | - | 4 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive loss: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (7,912,512 | ) | (7,912,512 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (336,568 | ) | - | (336,568 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2017 | 902,670 | 9,026,824 | 43,067,546 | 430,674 | 4,411 | (14,070 | ) | 80,902,967 | (10,795,810 | ) | (75,544,081 | ) | (5,020,320 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common
stock issued under 401(k) profit sharing plan | - | - | 116,284 | 1,163 | - | - | 80,236 | - | - | 81,399 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Options and warrants | - | - | - | - | - | - | 716,249 | - | - | 716,249 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued for cash | - | - | 1,890,993 | 18,911 | - | - | 1,304,784 | - | - | 1,323,695 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beneficial
conversion feature on convertible debt issued | - | - | - | - | - | - | 227,414 | - | - | 227,414 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common
stock issued upon conversion of convertible debt and interest | - | - | 1,285,517 | 12,855 | - | - | 797,020 | - | - | 809,875 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends
declared on Series B convertible redeemable preferred stock | - | - | - | - | - | - | (474,719 | ) | - | - | (474,719 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common
stock issued in satisfaction of dividends payable | - | - | 378,193 | 3,781 | - | - | 260,491 | - | - | 264,272 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common
stock returned to the Company to satisfy receivable | - | - | - | - | 46,122 | (32,285 | ) | - | - | - | (32,285 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive loss: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (5,678,418 | ) | (5,678,418 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (2,314,409 | ) | - | (2,314,409 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - December 31, 2018 | 902,670 | $ | 9,026,824 | 46,738,533 | $ | 467,384 | 50,533 | $ | (46,355 | ) | $ | 83,814,442 | $ | (13,110,219 | ) | $ | (81,222,499 | ) | $ | (10,097,247 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-6 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (5,678,418 | ) | $ | (7,912,512 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation: | ||||||||
| 401(k) stock | 63,414 | 81,399 | ||||||
| Options and warrants | 716,249 | 623,907 | ||||||
| Gain on foreign currency translation | (187,660 | ) | - | |||||
| Net realized and unrealized investment losses | 18,561 | 16,287 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 171,749 | 193,065 | ||||||
| Amortization of debt discount | 259,709 | 12,217 | ||||||
| Provision for uncollectible assets | (163,613 | ) | 76,215 | |||||
| Write-down of inventory | - | 61,000 | ||||||
| Gain on sale of investment in subsidiary | - | (199,200 | ) | |||||
| Decrease (increase) in assets: | - | - | ||||||
| Accounts receivable | 281,677 | (246,917 | ) | |||||
| Inventory | (191,973 | ) | (394,728 | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (255,240 | ) | (124,378 | ) | ||||
| Increase (decrease) in liabilities: | - | - | ||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 724,014 | (511,915 | ) | |||||
| Deferred revenue | (185,147 | ) | 246,881 | |||||
| Other liabilities | 80,745 | 3,380 | ||||||
| Total Adjustments | 1,332,485 | (162,787 | ) | |||||
| Net Cash Used in Operating Activities | (4,345,933 | ) | (8,075,299 | ) | ||||
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities | ||||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment | (292,213 | ) | (930,368 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from sale of investment in subsidiary | - | 81,114 | ||||||
| Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | (292,213 | ) | (849,254 | ) | ||||
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from loans payable | 580,386 | 519,157 | ||||||
| Repayments of loans payable | (199,910 | ) | (104,645 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from convertible debt obligations | 3,507,530 | 1,280,000 | ||||||
| Repayments of debt obligations | - | (162,500 | ) | |||||
| Dividends paid in cash | (127,502 | ) | (60,515 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from sale of Series B preferred stock | - | 7,759,500 | ||||||
| Proceeds from common stock offering, net of issuance costs | 1,323,695 | 40,500 | ||||||
| Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities | 5,084,199 | 9,271,497 | ||||||
| Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash | (745,868 | ) | (119,831 | ) | ||||
| Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash | (299,815 | ) | 227,113 | |||||
| Cash - Beginning of Period | 358,303 | 131,190 | ||||||
| Cash - End of Period | $ | 58,488 | $ | 358,303 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-7 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: | ||||||||
| Interest paid | $ | 358,114 | $ | 185,364 | ||||
| Income taxes paid | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
| Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activity | ||||||||
| Accrued stock based compensation converted to equity | $ | 81,399 | $ | 73,868 | ||||
| Debt and interest converted to equity | $ | 809,875 | $ | 1,267,324 | ||||
| Common stock returned to Company to satisfy receivable | $ | 32,285 | $ | - | ||||
| Beneficial conversion feature | $ | 227,414 | $ | - | ||||
| Dividends declared on Series B Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock | $ | 474,719 | $ | - | ||||
| Common stock issued to satisfy dividends payable | $ | 264,272 | $ | - | ||||
| Common stock issued in satisfaction of deferred revenue | $ | - | $ | 124,539 | ||||
| Land purchased in exchange for note payable | $ | - | $ | 517,390 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| F-8 |
GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
| 1. | ORGANIZATION |
Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc. (“Company”, “GGH”), a Delaware corporation that was incorporated on April 5, 1999, currently invests in, develops and operates international real estate projects. Effective October 1, 2018, the Company changed its name from Algodon Wines & Luxury Development, Inc. to Algodon Group, Inc., and effective March 11, 2019, the Company changed its name from Algodon Group, Inc. to Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc.
As wholly-owned subsidiaries of GGH, InvestProperty Group, LLC (“IPG”) and Algodon Global Properties, LLC (“AGP”) operate as holding companies that invest in, develop and operate global real estate and other lifestyle businesses such as wine production and distribution, golf, tennis, and restaurants. GGH operates its properties through its ALGODON® brand. IPG and AGP have invested in two ALGODON® brand projects located in Argentina. The first project is Algodon Mansion, a Buenos Aires-based luxury boutique hotel property that opened in 2010 and is owned by the Company’s subsidiary, The Algodon – Recoleta, SRL (“TAR”). The second project is the redevelopment, expansion and repositioning of a Mendoza-based winery and golf resort property now called Algodon Wine Estates (“AWE”), the integration of adjoining wine producing properties, and the subdivision of a portion of this property for residential development. GGH’s wholly owned subsidiary Algodon Europe, Ltd., is a United Kingdom wine distribution company. GGH’s wholly owned subsidiary, Gaucho Group, Inc. (“GG”) is in the final stages of development for the manufacture, distribution and sale of high-end luxury fashion and accessories through a an e-commerce platform.
Through December 31, 2016, GGH’s wholly owned subsidiary, DPEC Capital, Inc. (“CAP”), was a broker-dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) and cleared its securities transactions on a fully disclosed basis with another broker-dealer. CAP provided brokerage securities trading; private equity and venture capital investments; and advisory and other financial services to customers, including GGH and certain related affiliates. On November 29, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors determined that it was in the Company’s best interest to close down CAP and the Company ceased its broker-dealer operations on December 31, 2016. On February 21, 2017, the Company’s request to FINRA for Broker-Dealer Withdrawal (“BDW”) became effective (see Note 4 – Discontinued Operations).
GGH also owned approximately 96.5% of Mercari Communications Group, Ltd. (“Mercari”), a public shell corporation current in its SEC reporting obligations. On December 20, 2016 GGH entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with a Purchaser, whereby the Purchaser agreed to purchase all of GGH’s shares of Mercari for $260,000. The sale of Mercari stock was completed on January 20, 2017 and GGH received net proceeds after expenses of $199,200.
| F-9 |
GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
| 2. | GOING CONCERN AND MANAGEMENT’S LIQUIDITY PLANS |
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of asset amounts or the classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Company incurred losses from continuing operations of $5,678,418 and $7,806,761 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cash used in operating activities was $4,345,838 and $8,075,299 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Based upon projected revenues and expenses, the Company believes that it may not have sufficient funds to operate for the next twelve months from the date these financial statements are made available. The aforementioned factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company needs to raise additional capital in order to continue to pursue its business objectives. To date, the Company has funded its operations primarily from proceeds of sales of its equity interests, loans and convertible notes.
The Company presently has enough cash on hand to sustain its operations on a month to month basis. Historically, the Company has been successful in raising funds to support its capital needs. Management believes that it will be successful in obtaining additional financing; however, no assurance can be provided that the Company will be able to do so. Further, there is no assurance that these funds will be sufficient to enable the Company to attain profitable operations or continue as a going concern. To the extent that the Company is unsuccessful, the Company may need to curtail its operations and implement a plan to extend payables and reduce overhead until sufficient additional capital is raised to support further operations. There can be no assurance that such a plan will be successful. Such a plan could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, and ultimately the Company could be forced to discontinue its operations, liquidate and/or seek reorganization in bankruptcy. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
| 3. | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of Gaucho Group Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
| F-10 |
GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Use of Estimates
To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the Company must make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts in the financial statements, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The significant estimates and assumptions of the Company include the valuation of equity instruments, the useful lives of property and equipment and reserves associated with the realizability of certain assets.
Discontinued Operations
The Company accounted for its decision to close down its broker-dealer subsidiary, CAP, as discontinued operations in accordance with the guidance provided in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 360, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” and ASC Topic 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements,” which require that a disposal of a component of an entity, or a group of components of an entity, that represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the reporting entity’s operations and financial results shall be reported in the financial statements as discontinued operations. Accordingly, the results of operations for CAP during the periods presented are reclassified into separate line items in the statements of operations. Assets and liabilities are also reclassified into separate line items on the related balance sheets for the periods presented. There were no assets or liabilities of discontinued operations as of December 31, 2018 or 2017.
Highly Inflationary Status in Argentina
The International Practices Task Force (“IPTF”) of the Center for Audit Quality discussed the inflationary status of Argentina at its meeting on May 16, 2018 and categorized Argentina as a country with a projected three-year cumulative inflation rate greater than 100%. Therefore, the Company has transitioned its Argentine operations to highly inflationary status as of July 1, 2018.
For operations in highly inflationary economies, monetary asset and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates. Nonmonetary assets and liabilities existing on July 1, 2018 (the date that the Company adopted highly inflation accounting) were translated using the Argentina Peso to United States Dollar exchange rate in effect on June 30, 2018, which was 28.880. Income and expense accounts are translated at the weighted average exchange rate in effect during the period. Translation adjustments are reflected in loss on foreign currency translation on the accompanying statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a $187,660 gain on foreign currency translation as a result of the net monetary liability position of its Argentine subsidiaries.
| F-11 |
GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company’s functional and reporting currency is the United States dollar. The functional currencies of the Company’s operating subsidiaries are their local currencies (United States dollar, Argentine peso and British pound) except for the Company’s Argentine subsidiaries for the six-month period from July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, as described above. Prior to the transition of Argentine operations to highly inflationary status on July 1, 2018, these foreign subsidiaries translated assets and liabilities from their local currencies to U.S. dollars using period end exchange rates while income and expense accounts were translated at the average rates in effect during the during the period. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as part of other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ deficit. The Company engages in foreign currency denominated transactions with customers and suppliers, as well as between subsidiaries with different functional currencies. Gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in non-functional currencies are recognized in earnings.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The guidance requires other comprehensive income (loss) to include foreign currency translation adjustments.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable primarily represent receivables from hotel guests who occupy rooms and wine sales to commercial customers. The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts when it determines that it is more likely than not a specific account will not be collected. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $1,681 and $3,421, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Bad debt expense for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $367 and $127,087, respectively. Write-offs of accounts receivable for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $422 and $2,913, respectively.
Inventory
Inventories are comprised primarily of vineyard in process, wine in process, finished wine, plus food and beverage items and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value (which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation), with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out method. Costs associated with winemaking, and other costs associated with the creation of products for resale, are recorded as inventory. Vineyard in process represents the monthly capitalization of farming expenses (including farming labor costs, usage of farming supplies and depreciation of the vineyard and farming equipment) associated with the growing of grape, olive and other fruits during the farming year which culminates with the February/March harvest. Wine in process represents the capitalization of costs during the winemaking process (including the transfer of grape costs from vineyard in process, winemaking labor costs and depreciation of winemaking fixed assets, including tanks, barrels, equipment, tools and the winemaking building). Finished wines represents wine available for sale and includes the transfer of costs from wine in process once the wine is bottled and labeled. Other inventory consists of olives, other fruits, golf equipment and restaurant food.
| F-12 |
GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In accordance with general practice within the wine industry, wine inventories are included in current assets, although a portion of such inventories may be aged for periods longer than one year. The Company carries inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value in accordance with ASC 330 “Inventory” and reduces the carrying value of inventories that are obsolete or in excess of estimated usage to estimated net realizable value. The Company’s estimates of net realizable value are based on analyses and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical usage, future demand and market requirements. Reductions to the carrying value of inventories are recorded in cost of sales. If future demand and/or pricing for the Company’s products are less than previously estimated, then the carrying value of the inventories may be required to be reduced, resulting in additional expense and reduced profitability. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded approximately $61,000 of inventory write downs as a result of hailstorms that occurred during the year, which is included in the cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of (a) the useful life of the asset; or (b) the remaining lease term.
The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows:
| Buildings | 10 - 30 years | |
| Furniture and fixtures | 3 - 10 years | |
| Vineyards | 7 - 20 years | |
| Machinery and equipment | 3 - 20 years | |
| Leasehold improvements | 3 - 5 years | |
| Computer hardware and software | 3 - 5 years |
The Company capitalizes internal vineyard improvement costs when developing new vineyards or replacing or improving existing vineyards. These costs consist primarily of the costs of the vines and expenditures related to labor and materials to prepare the land and construct vine trellises. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operating expense as incurred. The cost of properties sold or otherwise disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts at the time of disposal and resulting gains and losses are included as a component of operating income. Real estate development consists of costs incurred to ready the land for sale, including primarily costs of infrastructure as well as master plan development and associated professional fees. Such costs are allocated to individual lots proportionately based on square meters and those allocated costs will be derecognized upon the sale of individual lots. Given that they are not placed in service until they are sold, capitalized real estate development costs are not depreciated. Land is an inexhaustible asset and is not depreciated.
| F-13 |
GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Real Estate Lots Held for Sale
As the development of a real estate lot is completed and the lot becomes available for immediate sale in its present condition, the lot is marketed for sale and is included in real estate lots held for sale on the Company’s balance sheet. Real estate lots held for sale are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. If the carrying value of a real estate lot held for sale exceeds its fair value less estimated selling costs, an impairment charge is recorded. The Company did not record any impairment charge in connection with real estate lots held for sale during the years ended December 31, 2018 or 2017.
Convertible Debt
The Company records a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) related to the issuance of notes which are convertible at a price that is below the market value of the Company’s stock when the note is issued. The intrinsic value of the BCF is recorded as debt discount which is amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective note using the effective interest method. Beneficial conversion features that are contingent upon the occurrence of a future event are recorded when the contingency is resolved.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures the cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award. For employees and directors, the fair value of the award is measured on the grant date and for non-employees, the fair value of the award is generally re-measured on financial reporting dates and vesting dates until the service period is complete. The fair value amount of the shares expected to ultimately vest is then recognized over the period for which services are required to be provided in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. The estimation of stock-based awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from original estimates, such amounts are recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period that the estimates are revised. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
Concentrations
The Company maintains cash with major financial institutions. Cash held in US bank institutions is currently insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000 at each institution. No similar insurance or guarantee exists for cash held in Argentina bank accounts. There were aggregate uninsured cash balances of $48,929 and $146,952 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which $48,929 and $102,866, respectively, represents cash held in Argentine bank accounts.
| F-14 |
GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Foreign Operations
The following summarizes key financial metrics associated with the Company’s continuing operations (these financial metrics are immaterial for the Company’s operations in the United Kingdom):
| As of | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Assets - Argentina | $ | 5,151,626 | $ | 6,781,285 | ||||
| Assets - U.S. | 495,865 | 1,563,521 | ||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 5,647,491 | $ | 8,344,806 | ||||
| Liabilities - Argentina | $ | 4,440,345 | $ | 3,743,164 | ||||
| Liabilities - U.S. | 2,277,569 | 595,138 | ||||||
| Total Liabilities | $ | 6,717,914 | $ | 4,338,302 | ||||
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Revenues - Argentina | $ | 3,099,608 | $ | 1,665,568 | ||||
| Revenues - U.S. | - | 151,734 | ||||||
| Total Revenues from Continuing Operations | $ | 3,099,608 | $ | 1,817,302 | ||||
| Net Income (loss) - Argentina | $ | (499,101 | ) | $ | (2,212,286 | ) | ||
| Net loss - U.S. | (5,179,317 | ) | (5,594,475 | ) | ||||
| Total Net Loss from Continuing Operations | $ | (5,678,418 | ) | $ | (7,806,761 | ) | ||
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may be impaired, the Company performs an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value, which includes estimating the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses, which reduce net income. There were no impairments of long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
Segment Information
The FASB has established standards for reporting information on operating segments of an enterprise in interim and annual financial statements. Since GG is not yet operational, the Company currently operates in one segment which is the business of real estate development in Argentina. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker reviews the Company’s operating results on an aggregate basis and manages the Company’s operations as a single operating segment.
| F-15 |
GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Revenue Recognition
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASC Topic 606 provides a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers, and gains and losses arising from transfers of non-financial assets including sales of property and equipment, real estate, and intangible assets. The Company adopted ASC Topic 606 for all applicable contracts using the modified retrospective method, requires a cumulative-effect adjustment, if any, as of the date of adoption. The adoption of ASC Topic 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the date of adoption, and therefore a cumulative-effect adjustment was not required.
The Company earns revenues from the sale of real estate lots and sales of food and wine as well as hospitality, food & beverage, and other related services. The Company recognizes revenue when goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In determining when and how revenue is recognized from contracts with customers, the Company performs the following five-step analysis: (i) identification of contract with customer; (ii) determination of performance obligations; (iii) measurement of the transaction price; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation.
The following table summarizes the revenue recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations:
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Real estate sales | $ | 1,467,714 | $ | - | ||||
| Hotel rooms and events | 882,213 | 850,645 | ||||||
| Restaurants | 277,652 | 314,822 | ||||||
| Winemaking | 315,741 | 471,374 | ||||||
| Golf, tennis and other | 156,288 | 180,461 | ||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 3,099,608 | $ | 1,817,302 | ||||
Revenue from real estate lot sales is recorded when the lot is deeded, and legal ownership of the lot is transferred to the customer. Revenue from the sale of food, wine and agricultural products is recorded when the customer obtains control of the goods purchased. Revenues from hospitality and other services are recognized as earned at the point in time that the related service is rendered, and the performance obligation has been satisfied.
The timing of the Company’s revenue recognition may differ from the timing of payment by its customers. A receivable is recorded when revenue is recognized prior to payment and the Company has an unconditional right to payment. Alternatively, when payment precedes the provision of the related services, the Company records deferred revenue until the performance obligations are satisfied. Deferred revenues associated with real estate lot sale deposits are recognized as revenues (along with any outstanding balance) when the lot sale closes, and the deed is provided to the purchaser. Other deferred revenues primarily consist of deposits accepted by the Company in connection with agreements to sell barrels of wine, advance deposits received for grapes and other agricultural products, and hotel deposits. Wine barrel and agricultural product advance deposits are recognized as revenues (along with any outstanding balance) when the product is shipped to the purchaser. Hotel deposits are recognized as revenue upon occupancy of rooms, or the provision of services.
| F-16 |
GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
During the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company recognized approximately $1,146,017 of revenue related to the sale of real estate lots which was included in deferred revenues as of December 31, 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company did not recognize any revenue related to performance obligations satisfied in previous periods. Contracts related to the sale of wine, agricultural products and hotel services have an original expected length of less than one year. The Company has elected not to disclose information about remaining performance obligations pertaining to contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, as permitted under the guidance.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had deferred revenue of $995,327 and $1,685,725, respectively, associated with real estate lot sale deposits, and had $43,165 and $46,939, respectively, of deferred revenue related to hotel deposits. Sales taxes and value added (“VAT”) taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis within revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for both the expected impact of differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities and for the expected future tax benefit to be derived from tax loss and tax credit carry forwards. The Company additionally establishes a valuation allowance to reflect the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets.
Net Loss per Common Share
Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, plus the impact of common shares, if dilutive, resulting from the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants and the conversion of convertible instruments.
The following securities are excluded from the calculation of weighted average dilutive common shares because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Options | 9,499,265 | 9,234,265 | ||||||
| Warrants | 1,229,630 | 1,465,296 | ||||||
| Series B convertible preferred stock | 9,026,700 | 9,026,700 | ||||||
| Convertible debt(1) | 4,631,356 | - | ||||||
| Total potentially dilutive shares | 24,386,951 | 19,726,261 | ||||||
(1) At December 31, 2017, $20,000 of convertible debt was convertible into common stock at a 10% discount to the price used for the sale of the of the Company’s common stock in a future private placement offering.
| F-17 |
GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Advertising
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $156,006 and $151,749, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605 — Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”) and most industry-specific guidance throughout ASC 605. The standard requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance in ASU 2014-09 was revised in July 2015 to be effective for interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017 and should be applied on a transitional basis either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application. In 2016, FASB issued additional ASUs that clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations (ASU 2016-08), on identifying performance obligations and licensing (ASU 2016-10), and on narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients (ASU 2016-12) as well as on the revenue recognition criteria and other technical corrections (ASU 2016-20). These new standards became effective for on January 1, 2018 and were adopted using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of ASC Topic 606 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the date of adoption, and therefore a cumulative-effect adjustment was not required.
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from operating leases. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10 “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” and ASU No. 2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements” in July 2018, and ASU No. 2018-20 “Leases (Topic 842) - Narrow Scope Improvements for Lessors” in December 2018. ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-20 provide certain amendments that affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 allows all entities adopting ASU 2016-02 to choose an additional (and optional) transition method of adoption, under which an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019 and its adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, primarily as the result of recording right-of-use assets and obligations for current operating leases.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230)” which provides guidance on the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows in order to reduce diversity in practice. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
| F-18 |
GAUCHO GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
On February 22, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, “Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Topic 610-20)”, which requires that all entities account for the derecognition of a business in accordance with ASC 810, including instances in which the business is considered in substance real estate. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of the provisions of ASU 2017-05 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718); Scope of Modification Accounting”. The amendments in this ASU provide guidance that clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. If the value, vesting conditions or classification of the award changes, modification accounting will apply. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
On June 20, 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting”, which expands the scope of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2018-07 on July 1, 2018. The results of applying ASU 2018-07 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-09, “Codification Improvements” (“ASU 2018-09”). ASU 2018-09 provides amendments to a wide variety of topics in the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification, which applies to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance. The transition and effective date guidance is based on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some of the amendments in ASU 2018-09 do not require transition guidance and were effective upon issuance of ASU 2018-09. However, many of the amendments do have transition guidance with effective dates for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted ASU 2018-09 effective January 1, 2019. The ASU 2018-09 will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement - Disclosure Framework (Topic 820). The updated guidance improves the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The updated guidance if effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for any removed or modified disclosures. The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.
| F-19 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On November 29, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors determined that it was in the Company’s best interest to close down CAP and the Company ceased its broker-dealer operations December 31, 2016. On February 21, 2017, the Company’s request to FINRA for Broker-Dealer Withdrawal (“BDW”) became effective.
Results of Discontinued Operations
Summarized operating results of discontinued operations are presented in the following table:
| For the Year Ended | ||||
December
31, | ||||
| Revenues | $ | - | ||
| Gross profit | - | |||
| Operating expenses | (105,772 | ) | ||
| Interest income, net | 21 | |||
| Loss from discontinued operations | $ | (105,751 | ) | |
5. INVENTORY
Inventory at December 31, 2018 and 2017 is comprised of the following:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Vineyard in process | $ | 232,436 | $ | 349,458 | ||||
| Wine in process | 747,862 | 865,762 | ||||||
| Finished wine | 11,003 | 63,964 | ||||||
| Other | 42,594 | 109,482 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 1,033,895 | $ | 1,388,666 | ||||
| F-20 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Buildings | $ | 1,971,057 | $ | 2,793,972 | ||||
| Real estate development | 606,757 | 1,057,002 | ||||||
| Land | 502,949 | 881,035 | ||||||
| Furniture and fixtures | 337,048 | 448,432 | ||||||
| Vineyards | 200,217 | 308,204 | ||||||
| Machinery and equipment | 492,205 | 617,907 | ||||||
| Leasehold improvements | 164,375 | 164,375 | ||||||
| Computer hardware and software | 216,082 | 161,788 | ||||||
| 4,490,690 | 6,432,715 | |||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | (1,518,326 | ) | (1,899,825 | ) | ||||
| Property and equipment, net | $ | 2,972,364 | $ | 4,532,890 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment was $197,729 and $286,695 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which $171,749 and $193,065 was recorded as expense in the accompanying statement of operations, and $25,980 and $93,630 was capitalized to inventory, respectively. Most of the Company’s property and equipment is located in Argentina and gross asset costs and accumulated depreciation reported in US dollars are impacted by the devaluation of the Argentine peso relative to the U.S. dollar.
As of December 31, 2018, real estate development costs in the aggregate of $123,060, incurred in connection with twelve real estate lots that were completed during the period were transferred from property and equipment to real estate lots held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
7. PREPAID FOREIGN TAXES
Prepaid foreign taxes, net, of $369,590 and $342,312 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, consists primarily of prepaid value added tax (“VAT”) credits. VAT credits are recovered through VAT collections on subsequent sales of products by the Company. Prepaid VAT tax credits do not expire. Prepaid foreign taxes also include Argentine minimum presumed income tax (“MPIT”) credits, which are deemed unrealizable and are fully reserved. MPIT credits expire after ten years.
In assessing the realization of the prepaid foreign taxes, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the prepaid foreign taxes will not be realized. Management considers the historical and projected revenues, expenses and capital expenditures in making this assessment. Based on this assessment, management has recorded a valuation allowance related to MPIT credits of $228,613 and $392,593 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
| F-21 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
8. INVESTMENTS AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair value is 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. In determining fair value, the Company utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and/or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or developed by the Company. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1 - Valued based on quoted prices at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities trading in active markets. Financial instruments in this category generally include actively traded equity securities.
Level 2 - Valued based on (a) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (b) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; (c) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or (d) from market corroborated inputs. Financial instruments in this category include certain corporate equities that are not actively traded or are otherwise restricted.
Level 3 - Valued based on valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs is not readily observable. Included in this category are certain corporate debt instruments, certain private equity investments, and certain commitments and guarantees.
Investments – Related Parties at Fair Value:
| As of December 31, 2018 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
| Warrants - Affiliates | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 7,840 | $ | 7,840 | ||||||||
| As of December 31, 2017 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
| Warrants - Affiliates | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 26,401 | $ | 26,401 | ||||||||
A reconciliation of Level 3 assets is as follows:
| Warrants | ||||
| Balance - December 31, 2016 | $ | 42,688 | ||
| Unrealized loss | (16,287 | ) | ||
| Balance - December 31, 2017 | 26,401 | |||
| Unrealized loss | (18,561 | ) | ||
| Balance - December 31, 2018 | $ | 7,840 | ||
| F-22 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
It had been the Company’s policy to distribute part or all of the warrants CAP earned, through serving as placement agent on various private placement offerings for a related but independent entity under common management, to registered representatives or other employees who provided investment banking services. There was no compensation expense recorded related to distributed warrants for the years ended December 31, 2017 or 2018. Warrants retained by the Company are marked-to-market at each reporting date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Unrealized losses on affiliate warrants of $18,561 were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2018 and $16,287 for the year ended December 31, 2017 are included in revenues on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
The fair value of the warrants was determined based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected share price volatility. Given that such shares were not publicly-traded, the Company developed an expected volatility figure based on a review of the historical volatilities, over a period of time, of similarly positioned public companies within the industry.
The Company’s short-term financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, advances and loans to employees, accounts payable, accrued expenses, other liabilities, loans payable and debt obligations. The carrying values of these instruments approximate fair value, as they bear terms and conditions comparable to market, for obligations with similar terms and maturities.
9. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses are comprised of the following:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Accrued compensation and payroll taxes | $ | 149,019 | $ | 463,604 | ||||
| Accrued taxes payable - Argentina | 292,535 | 63,550 | ||||||
| Accrued interest | 404,239 | 255,481 | ||||||
| Other accrued expenses | 339,574 | 217,886 | ||||||
| Accrued expenses, current | 1,185,367 | 1,000,521 | ||||||
| Accrued payroll tax obligations, non-current | 57,786 | 247,515 | ||||||
| Total accrued expenses | $ | 1,243,153 | $ | 1,248,036 | ||||
During May 2015, the Company entered into a payment plan, under which it agreed to pay its Argentine payroll tax obligations over a period of 36 months. The current portion of payments due under the plan is $113,670 and $230,506 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is included in accrued compensation and payroll taxes above. The non-current portion of accrued expenses represents payments under the plan that are scheduled to be paid after twelve months. The Company incurred interest expenses of $52,209 and $113,679 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to this payment plan.
| F-23 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
10. DEFERRED REVENUES
Deferred revenues are comprised of the following:
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Real estate lot sales deposits | $ | 995,327 | $ | 1,685,725 | ||||
| Other | 43,165 | 46,939 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 1,038,492 | $ | 1,732,664 | ||||
The Company accepts deposits in conjunction with agreements to sell real estate building lots at Algodon Wine Estates in the Mendoza wine region of Argentina. These lot sale deposits are generally denominated in U.S. dollars. As of December 31, 2018, and 2017, the Company had executed agreements to sell real estate building lots for aggregate proceeds of $3,725,867 and $3,667,423, respectively. To date, twenty-five lots have been sold. Revenue is recorded when the sale closes, and the deeds are issued. During 2018, the Company closed on the sale of all 25 lots and recorded revenue of $1,468,000.
11. LOANS PAYABLE
On March 31, 2017, the Company received a bank loan in the amount of $519,156 (ARS $8,000,000) (the “2017 Loan”). The 2017 Loan bears interest at 24.18% per annum and is due on March 1, 2021. Principal and interest will be paid in forty-two monthly installments beginning on October 1, 2017 and ending on March 1, 2021. The Company incurred interest expense on this loan of $85,116 and $100,115 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During 2018, the Company defaulted on certain 2017 Loan payments, and as a result, the 2017 Loan is payable upon demand as of December 31, 2018. Of the decrease in principal of $243,438 on the 2017 Loan during the year ended December 31, 2018, $49,206 resulted from principal payments made and $194,232 resulted from the effect of fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate during the period.
On August 19, 2017, the Company purchased 845 hectares of land adjacent to its existing property at AWE. The Company paid $100,000 at the date of purchase and executed a note payable in the amount of $600,000, denominated in U.S. dollars (the “Land Loan”) with a stated interest rate of 0% and with quarterly payments of $50,000 beginning on December 18, 2017 and ending August 18, 2021. At the date of purchase, the Company took possession of the property, with full use and access, but will not receive the deed to the property until after $400,000 of the purchase price has been paid. The Company imputed interest on the note at 7% per annum and recorded a discounted note balance of $517,390 on August 19, 2017, which is being amortized over the term of the loan using the effective interest method. Amortization of the note discount in the amount of $32,295 and $12,217 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, is recorded as interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The balance on the note was $461,902, net of debt discount of $38,098 on December 31, 2018, of which $227,111 (net of discount of $22,889) is included in loans payable, net, current and $234,791 (net of discount of $15,209) is included in loans payable, net, non-current in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
On January 25, 2018 the Company received a bank loan in the amount of $525,000 (the “2018 Loan”), denominated in U.S. dollars. The 2018 Loan bears interest at 6.75% per annum and was due on January 25, 2023. Pursuant to the terms of the 2018 Loan, principal and interest is to be paid in 60 equal monthly installments of $10,311, beginning on February 23, 2018. During 2018, the Company defaulted on certain 2018 Loan payments, and as a result, the 2018 Loan is payable upon demand as of December 31, 2018. The Company incurred interest expense of $33,420 on this loan during the year ended December 31, 2018.
| F-24 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
On June 4, 2018 the Company received a loan in the amount of $55,386 (ARS $1,600,000) which bears interest at 10% per month and is due upon demand of the lender (the “Demand Loan”). Interest is paid monthly. The Company incurred interest expense on this loan of $23,427 during year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in the principal balance of the Demand Loan during the period is the result of changes in the foreign currency exchange rate during the period.
Future minimum principal payments under the loans payable are as follows:
| Total | ||||
| Years ending December 31, | Payment | |||
| 2019 | 893,995 | |||
| 2020 | 150,000 | |||
| 2021 | 100,000 | |||
| 2022 | - | |||
| 2023 | - | |||
| $ | 1,143,995 | |||
The Company’s loans payable are summarized below:
| December 31, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Principal Amount | Debt Discount | Loans Payable, Net of Debt Discount | Gross Principal Amount | Debt Discount | Loans
Payable, Net of Debt Discount | |||||||||||||||||||
| Demand Loan | $ | 10,647 | $ | - | $ | 10,647 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||
| 2018 Loan | 464,739 | - | 464,739 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2017 Loan | 168,609 | - | 168,609 | 412,047 | - | 412,047 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Land Loan | 500,000 | (38,098 | ) | 461,902 | 550,000 | (70,393 | ) | 479,607 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Loans Payable | 1,143,995 | (38,098 | ) | 1,105,897 | 962,047 | (70,393 | ) | 891,654 | ||||||||||||||||
| Less: current portion | 893,995 | (22,889 | ) | 871,106 | 287,838 | (31,114 | ) | 256,724 | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans Payable, non-current | $ | 250,000 | $ | (15,209 | ) | $ | 234,791 | $ | 674,209 | $ | (39,279 | ) | $ | 634,930 | ||||||||||
12. CONVERTIBLE DEBT OBLIGATIONS
During an offering that ended on September 30, 2010, the Company issued convertible notes with an interest rate of 8% and an amended maturity date of March 31, 2011 (the “2010 Debt Obligations”). During 2017, the Company repaid the remaining principal balance of $162,500, such that as of December 31, 2017, there is no principal balance owed on the 2010 Debt Obligations. Accrued interest of $279,735 and $255,481 owed on the 2010 Debt Obligations remained outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company incurred interest expense of $24,254 and $37,219 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, on the 2010 Debt Obligations. Accrued interest on the 2010 Debt Obligations is not convertible.
| F-25 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
On December 31, 2017, the Company sold a convertible promissory note in the amount of $20,000 to an accredited investor. From February 2, 2018 through April 26, 2018, the Company sold additional convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $2,026,730 (together, the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes mature 90 days from the date of issuance, bear interest at 8% per annum and are convertible into the Company’s common stock at $0.63 per share, which represented a 10% discount to the price used for the sale of the Company’s common stock at the commitment date. The conversion option represented a beneficial conversion feature in the amount of $227,414 which was recorded as a debt discount with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital. Debt discount is amortized over the term of the loan using the effective interest method. The Company incurred total interest expense of $317,427 and $7,324 related to this debt during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which $227,414 and $0 represented amortization of debt discount, respectively.
On June 30, 2018, principal and interest of $794,875 and $15,000, respectively, owed on the Convertible Notes were converted into 1,285,517 shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.63 per share. The remaining principal balance owed on the Convertible Notes of $1,251,854 is past due as of December 31, 2018.
Between June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018, the Company sold convertible promissory notes (the “Gaucho Notes”) in the amount of $1,480,800 to accredited investors. The Gaucho Notes, as amended, bear interest at 7% per annum and mature and became due on March 31, 2019. The Company is currently negotiating an extension of the maturity date of the Gaucho notes. The Gaucho Notes and related accrued interest are convertible into GG common stock at the option of the holder, at a price representing 20% discount to the share price in a future offering of GG common stock. The Company incurred total interest expense of $18,786 related to the Gaucho Notes during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Company’s debt obligations as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized below:
| December 31, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal | Interest [1] | Total | Principal | Interest [1] | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2010 Debt Obligations | $ | - | $ | 279,735 | $ | 279,735 | $ | - | $ | 255,481 | $ | 255,481 | ||||||||||||
| Convertible Notes | 1,251,854 | 75,013 | 1,326,867 | 20,000 | - | 20,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gaucho Notes | 1,480,800 | 18,787 | 1,499,587 | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Debt Obligations | $ | 2,732,654 | $ | 373,535 | $ | 3,106,189 | $ | 20,000 | $ | 255,481 | $ | 275,481 | ||||||||||||
| [1] | Accrued interest is included as a component of accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets. (See Note 9 – Accrued Expenses) |
| F-26 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
13. INCOME TAXES
The Company files tax returns in United States (“U.S.”) Federal, state and local jurisdictions, plus Argentina and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”).
United States and international components of income before income taxes were as follows:
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| United States | $ | (5,171,150 | ) | $ | (5,654,598 | ) | ||
| International | (507,269 | ) | (2,257,914 | ) | ||||
| Income before income taxes | $ | (5,678,419 | ) | $ | (7,912,512 | ) | ||
The income tax provision (benefit) consisted of the following:
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Federal | ||||||||
| Current | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
| Deferred | (979,625 | ) | 5,378,411 | |||||
| State and local | ||||||||
| Current | - | - | ||||||
| Deferred | 1,839,145 | (2,099,305 | ) | |||||
| Foreign | ||||||||
| Current | - | - | ||||||
| Deferred | 1,590 | 19,576 | ||||||
| 861,109 | 3,298,682 | |||||||
| Change in valuation allowance | (861,109 | ) | (3,298,682 | ) | ||||
| Income tax provision (benefit) | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
| F-27 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the expected tax expense (benefit) based on the statutory rate is reconciled with the actual tax expense (benefit) as follows:
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| U.S. federal statutory rate | (21.0 | )% | (34.0 | )% | ||||
| State taxes, net of federal benefit | (3.1 | )% | (11.0 | )% | ||||
| Permanent differences | 0.7 | % | 1.8 | % | ||||
| Write-off of deferred tax asset | 3.9 | % | 1.6 | % | ||||
| Change in tax rates | 0.0 | % | 86.0 | % | ||||
| Prior period adjustments | 33.4 | % | (3.0 | )% | ||||
| Other | 1.3 | % | 0.3 | % | ||||
| Change in valuation allowance | (15.2 | )% | (41.7 | )% | ||||
| Income tax provision (benefit) | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s deferred tax assets consisted of the effects of temporary differences attributable to the following:
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Net operating loss | $ | 18,734,230 | $ | 19,315,973 | ||||
| Stock based compensation | 1,120,521 | 1,381,564 | ||||||
| Argentine tax credits | 433,407 | 439,541 | ||||||
| Accruals and other | 4,991 | 5,708 | ||||||
| Receivable allowances | 415,662 | 428,814 | ||||||
| Total deferred tax assets | 20,708,810 | 21,571,600 | ||||||
| Valuation allowance | (20,701,515 | ) | (21,562,624 | ) | ||||
| Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance | 7,295 | 8,976 | ||||||
| Excess of book over tax basis of warrants | (7,295 | ) | (8,976 | ) | ||||
| Net deferred tax assets | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
| F-28 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2018, the Company estimates that approximately $62,000,000, $53,600,000 and $30,100,000 of gross U.S. federal, state and local net operating losses (“NOLs”) may be available to offset future taxable income. Approximately $56,700,000 of the federal NOLs will expire from 2019 to 2037 and approximately $5,400,000 have no expiration. These NOL carryovers are subject to annual limitations under Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code because there was a greater than 50% ownership change, as determined under the regulations, on or about June 30, 2012. We have determined that, due to those annual limitations under Section 382, approximately $6,315,000 of NOLs will expire unused and are not included in the available NOLs stated above. Therefore, we have reduced the related deferred tax asset for NOL carryovers by approximately $2,810,000 from June 30, 2012 forward. The Company’s NOL’s generated through the date of the ownership change on June 30, 2012 are subject to an annual limitation of approximately $1,004,000. To date, no additional annual limitations have been triggered, but the Company remains subject to the possibility that a future greater than 50% ownership change could trigger additional annual limitation on the usage of NOLs.
As of December 31, 2018, the Company had approximately $465,000 of gross U.K. NOL carryovers which do not expire and the Company had approximately $433,000 of Argentine tax credits which may be carried forward 10 years and begin to expire in 2018.
In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the future generation of taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and taxing strategies in making this assessment. Based on this assessment, management has established a full valuation allowance against all of the net deferred tax assets for each period, since it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2018 decreased by approximately $900,000 and for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased by approximately $3,300,000.
Management has evaluated and concluded that there were no material uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company does not expect any significant changes in its unrecognized tax benefits within twelve months of the reporting date. The Company has U.S. tax returns subject to examination by tax authorities beginning with those filed for the year ended December 31, 2015 (or the year ended December 31, 1999 if the Company were to utilize its NOLs). No tax audits were commenced or were in process during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company’s policy is to classify assessments, if any, for tax related interest as interest expense and penalties as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted in December 2017 making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include but are not limited to (a) the reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017; (b) the transition of U.S. international tax taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system; and (c) a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. The transition tax is based on total post-1986 earnings and profits which were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. At December 31, 2018, the Company did not have any undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. As a result, no additional income or withholding taxes have been provided for. The Company does not anticipate any impacts of the global intangible low taxed income (“GILTI”) and base erosion anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”) and as such, the Company has not recorded any impact associated with either GILTI or BEAT. The change in tax law required the Company to remeasure existing net deferred tax assets using the lower rate in the period of enactment resulting in an income tax expense of approximately $6.8 million which is fully offset by the corresponding tax benefit of $6.8 million from the reduction in the valuation allowance in the year ended December 31, 2017.
SAB 118 recognizes that a registrant’s review of certain income tax effects of the Tax Act may be incomplete at the time financial statements are issued for the reporting period that includes the enactment date, including interim periods therein. Specifically, SAB 118 allows a company to report provisional estimates in the reporting period that includes the enactment date if the company does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or fully analyzed for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. The provisional estimates would be adjusted during a measurement period not to exceed 12 months from the enactment date of the Tax Act, at which time the accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act is required to be completed. The Company has completed its accounting for the income tax effects of the enactment of the Tax Act and made no changes to the provisional amounts previously recorded.
| F-29 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Assets
Accounts receivable – related parties of $71,650 and $851,016 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, represents the net realizable value of advances made to related, but independent, entities under common management, of which $4,644 and $724,591 represents amounts owed to the Company in connection with expense sharing agreements as described below.
See Note 8 – Investments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, for a discussion of the Company’s investment in warrants of a related, but independent, entity.
Expense Sharing
On April 1, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with a related, but independent, entity under common management, of which GGH’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and GGH’s Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) is Chief Financial Officer, to share expenses such as office space, support staff and other operating expenses. The agreement was amended on January 1, 2017 to reflect the current use of personnel, office space, professional services. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded a contra-expense of $437,074 and $342,299, respectively, related to the reimbursement of general and administrative expenses as a result of the agreement. The entity owed $4,644 and $724,591, respectively, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, under such and similar prior agreements.
The Company had an expense sharing agreement with a different related entity to share expenses such as office space and other clerical services which was terminated in August 2017. The owners of more than 5% of that entity include (i) GGH’s chairman, and (ii) a more than 5% owner of GGH. During each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company was entitled to receive $0 and $10,640, respectively, in reimbursement of general and administrative expenses as a result of the agreement. The entity owed $396,116 to the Company under the expense sharing agreement at each of December 31, 2018 and 2017 of which the entire balance is deemed unrecoverable and reserved.
15. BENEFIT CONTRIBUTION PLAN
The Company sponsors a 401(k) profit-sharing plan (“401(k) Plan”) that covers substantially all of its employees in the United States. The 401(k) Plan provides for a discretionary annual contribution, which is allocated in proportion to compensation. In addition, each participant may elect to contribute to the 401(k) Plan by way of a salary deduction.
A participant is always fully vested in their account, including the Company’s contribution. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded a charge associated with its contribution of $63,414 and $81,399, respectively. This charge has been included as a component of general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company issues shares of its common stock to settle these obligations based on the fair market value of its common stock on the date the shares are issued (shares were issued at $0.70 and $1.09 per share during 2018 and 2017, respectively.)
| F-30 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
16. TEMPORARY EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY
Amended and Restated Certification of Designation
On February 28, 2017, the Company filed an Amended and Restated Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the state of Delaware, decreasing the number of shares of the Company’s preferred stock designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to 10,097,330 shares.
Authorized Shares
The Company is authorized to issue up to 80,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share effective September 30, 2013. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, there were 46,738,532 and 43,067,546 shares of common stock issued, and 46,687,999 and 43,063,135 shares outstanding, respectively.
The Company is authorized to issue up to 11,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, of which 10,097,330 shares are designated as Series A convertible preferred stock, and 902,670 shares are designated as Series B convertible preferred stock. As of December 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively, there were 902,670 shares of Series B preferred stock outstanding. There were no shares of Series A preferred stock outstanding at December 31, 2018 or 2017, and no additional shares of Series A preferred stock are available to be issued.
Equity Incentive Plans
The Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2008 Plan”), was approved by the Company’s Board and stockholders on August 25, 2008. The 2008 Plan provided for grants for the purchase of up to an aggregate 9,000,000 shares, including incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted and unrestricted stock, loans and grants, and performance awards. As of December 31, 2018, there are 0 shares available for issuance under the 2008 Plan.
On July 11, 2016, the Board of Directors adopted the 2016 Stock Option Plan (the “2016 Plan”), which was approved by the Company’s shareholders on September 28, 2017. Under the 2016 Plan, 1,224,308 shares of common stock of the Company were authorized for issuance, with an automatic annual increase on January 1 of each year equal to 2.5% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on such date, on a fully diluted basis. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, options for the exercise of 1,500,000 and 1,395,000 shares were granted under the 2016 plan, and as of December 31, 2018, there are 0 shares available for issuance under the 2016 Plan.
On July 27, 2018, the Board of Directors determined that no additional awards shall be granted under the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2008 Plan”) or the 2016 Stock Option Plan (the “2016 Plan”), and that no additional shares will be automatically reserved for issuance on each January 1 under the evergreen provision of the 2016 Plan.
| F-31 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
On July 27, 2018, the Board of Directors adopted the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”), which was approved by the Company’s shareholders on September 28, 2018. The 2018 Plan provides for grants for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares, including incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted and unrestricted stock, loans and grants, and performance awards. The number of shares available under the 2018 Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each year by the amount equal to 2.5% of the total number of shares outstanding on such date, on a fully diluted basis. Further, any shares subject to an award issued under the 2018 Plan, the 2016 Plan or the 2008 Plan that are canceled, forfeited or expired shall be added to the total number of shares available under the 2018 Plan. On September 20, 2018, the Company granted options for the purchase of 1,500,000 shares of common stock under the 2018 Plan (see Stock Options, below) such that 0 shares were available to be issued under the 2018 Plan as of December 31, 2018. On January 1, 2019, the number of shares available under the plan was automatically increased by 1,394,131 shares, and on January 31, 2019, 1,350,000 options were granted under the 2018 Plan, such that a total of 44,131 shares are currently available to be issued under the plan.
Under the 2018 Plan, awards may be granted to employees, consultants, independent contractors, officers and directors or any affiliate of the Company as determined by the Board of Directors. The maximum term of any award granted under the 2018 shall be ten years from the date of grant, and the exercise price of any award shall not be less than the fair value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, except that any incentive stock option granted under the 2018 Plan to a person owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company’s common stock must be exercisable at a price of no less than 110% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant.
On October 5, 2018, GGH, as the sole stockholder of GG, and the Board of Directors of GG approved the Gaucho 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Gaucho Plan”). The 2018 Gaucho Plan provides for grants for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 8,000,000 shares of GG’s common stock, including incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, performance awards and other stock-based awards. On December 18, 2018, the Company granted options for the purchase of 6,495,000 shares of GG’s common stock. As of December 31, 2018, there are 1,505,000 shares of GG’s common stock available to be issued under the 2018 Gaucho Plan.
Series B Preferred Stock
On February 28, 2017, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the state of Delaware, designating 902,670 shares of the Company’s preferred stock as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series B”) at a par value of $0.01 per share.
The Series B shares were offered for sale to accredited investors pursuant to a private placement memorandum dated March 1, 2017. The offering ended on December 4, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company sold 775,931 shares of Series B at $10.00 per share for gross proceeds of $7,759,500 and issued 126,739 shares of Series B in connection with the conversion of certain convertible promissory notes (see Note 12 – Convertible Debt Obligations).
| F-32 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Series B stockholders are entitled to cumulative cash dividends at an annual rate of 8% of the Series B liquidation value (equal to face value of $10 per share), as defined, payable when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors. Cumulative dividends earned by the Series B stockholders were $724,108 and $345,079 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared dividends in the amount of $474,719. During 2018, the Company issued 378,193 shares of common stock valued at $0.70 per share, or $264,272, in satisfaction of certain dividends payable and paid cash dividends of $127,502. Dividends payable of $85,945 are included in the current portion of other liabilities at December 31, 2018. Cumulative unpaid dividends in arrears related to the Series B totaled $546,355 and $284,564 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Each share of Series B stock is entitled the number of votes determined by dividing $10 by the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date that the Series B shares were issued, up to a maximum of ten votes per share of Series B stock. Each Series B share is convertible at the option of the holder into 10 shares of the Company’s common stock and is automatically converted into common stock upon the uplisting of the Company’s common stock to a national securities exchange. On the second anniversary of the December 4, 2017 termination of the Series B offering, if the Series B has not previously automatically converted to common stock upon the uplisting of the Company’s common stock to a national exchange, the Company will redeem all then-outstanding Series B shares at a price equal to the liquidation value of $10 per share, plus all unpaid accrued and accumulated dividends. As a result of this redemption feature and the fact that the Series B shares contain a substantive conversion option, the Series B shares are classified as temporary equity.
Common Stock
On January 7, 2017, the Company issued 25,000 shares of common stock at $2.00 per share for gross cash proceeds of $50,000 and paid $5,000 of placement agent fees and issued warrants to purchase 2,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share related to this transaction.
On or about January 17, 2017, at the request of the investor, the Company cancelled 2,500 shares of its common stock previously issued to one accredited investor and refunded the investor the full purchase price of the securities, which was $5,000. Warrants to purchase 250 shares of common stock and commissions in the amount of $500 were returned by DPEC Capital, Inc. to the Company.
On March 31, 2017, the Company issued 67,770 shares of common stock at $1.09 per share to settle its 2016 obligation, (an aggregate of $73,868) representing the Company’s 401(k) matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) profit-sharing plan.
On July 1, 2017, the Company issued 62,270 shares of its common stock valued in the aggregate at $124,539 to refund a real estate lot sale deposit in the amount of $82,500, which had been recorded as deferred revenue, and recorded $42,039 of interest expense related to this transaction.
During March 2018, the Company issued 116,284 shares of common stock at $0.70 per share to settle its 2017 obligation, (an aggregate of $81,399) representing the Company’s 401(k) matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) profit-sharing plan.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company sold 1,890,993 shares of common stock at $0.70 per share for aggregate proceeds of $1,323,695.
| F-33 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company issued 378,193 shares of common stock in satisfaction of preferred stock dividends (see Series B Preferred Stock, above), and 1,285,517 shares of common stock in satisfaction of convertible debt obligations (see Note 12 – Convertible Debt Obligations).
Treasury Stock
On May 19, 2018, a former employee transferred 46,122 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Company, as payment of a $32,285 receivable from the former employee.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
For years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded $2,314,409 and $336,568, respectively, of foreign currency translation adjustments as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), primarily related to fluctuations in the Argentine peso to United States dollar exchange rates (see Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Highly Inflationary Status in Argentina).
Warrants
On January 7, 2017, in connection with the sale of its equity securities, the Company issued five-year warrants to its subsidiary, DPEC Capital who acted as placement agent, for the purchase of 2,500 shares of its common stock at $2.00 per share. On January 17, 2017, due to the refund to an investor, warrants to purchase 250 shares of common stock and commissions in the amount of $500 were returned by DPEC Capital, Inc. to the Company. CAP, in turn, awarded such warrants to its registered representatives and recorded $1,105 of stock-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2017, within discontinued operations in the accompanying statement of operations (see Note 4 – Discontinued Operations).
No warrants were granted during the year ended December 31, 2018. Warrants granted during the year ended December 31, 2017 had a weighted average grant date value of $0.52, valued using the Black-Scholes pricing model, with the following assumptions:
| Risk free interest rate | 1.92 | % | ||
| Expected term (years) | 5.00 | |||
| Expected volatility | 44.0 | % | ||
| Expected dividends | 0.0 | % | ||
| Forfeiture rate | 5.0 | % |
| F-34 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The expected term of warrants represents the contractual term of the warrant. Given that the Company’s shares were not publicly traded through September 23, 2016, the Company developed an expected volatility based on a review of the historical volatilities, over a period of time equivalent to the contractual term of the warrant, of similarly positioned public companies within its industry. The risk-free interest rate was determined from the implied yields from U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with a remaining term consistent with the contractual term of the warrants.
A summary of warrants activity during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is presented below:
| Number of Warrants | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years | Intrinsic Value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2016 | 1,901,480 | $ | 2.20 | |||||||||||||
| Issued | 2,250 | 2.00 | ||||||||||||||
| Exercised | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| Cancelled | (438,434 | ) | 2.30 | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2017 | 1,465,296 | 2.17 | ||||||||||||||
| Issued | - | |||||||||||||||
| Exercised | - | |||||||||||||||
| Cancelled | (235,666 | ) | 2.30 | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2018 | 1,229,630 | $ | 2.15 | 1.9 | $ | - | ||||||||||
| Exercisable, December 31, 2018 | 1,229,630 | $ | 2.15 | 1.9 | $ | - | ||||||||||
A summary of outstanding and exercisable warrants as of December 31, 2018 is presented below:
| Warrants Outstanding | Warrants Exercisable | |||||||||||||||
| Exercise Price | Exercisable Into | Outstanding Number of Warrants | Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years | Exercisable Number of Warrants | ||||||||||||
| $ | 2.00 | Common Stock | 741,879 | 2.0 | 741,879 | |||||||||||
| $ | 2.30 | Common Stock | 299,444 | 0.5 | 299,444 | |||||||||||
| $ | 2.50 | Common Stock | 188,307 | 2.2 | 188,307 | |||||||||||
| Total | 1,229,630 | 1,229,630 | ||||||||||||||
| F-35 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Stock Options
On November 17, 2017, the Company granted five-year options for the purchase of 1,395,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2016 Plan, of which options for the purchase of an aggregate of 940,000 shares of common stock were granted to certain employees of the Company, options for the purchase of an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock were granted to two members of the Board of Directors, and options for the purchase 355,000 shares of common stock were granted to Company consultants. The options had an exercise price of $1.10 per share and vest 25% at the first anniversary of date of grant, with the remaining shares vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following three years. The options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $452,120, of which options granted to employees and members of the Board of Directors had a grant date fair value of $337,064, which will be recognized ratably over the vesting period, and options granted to consultants had an aggregate grant date fair value of $115,056, which was re-measured on financial reporting dates and vesting dates using the Black Scholes model. Upon the adoption of the ASU 2018-07 on July 1, 2018, the Company remeasured the fair value of all outstanding stock options that had been granted to non-employees. Pursuant to ASU 2018-07, existing stock options granted to non-employees will no longer be revalued.
On February 12, 2018, the Company granted five-year options for the purchase of 1,330,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2016 Plan, to certain employees of the Company. The options had an exercise price of $0.77 per share and vest 25% at the first anniversary of date of grant, with the remaining shares vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following three years. The options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $623,011, which will be recognized ratably over the vesting period.
On September 20, 2018, the Company granted five-year options for the purchase of 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the 2018 Plan, of which options for the purchase of 1,350,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to certain employees of the Company and options for the purchase of 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to consultants. The options had an exercise price of $0.539 per share and vest 25% at the first anniversary of date of grant, with the remaining shares vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following three years. The options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $253,023, which will be recognized ratably over the vesting period.
The Company has computed the fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $0.10 and $0.32, respectively. Assumptions used in applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model during years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are as follows:
| For the Years Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2018 | 2017 | |||||||
| Risk free interest rate | 2.96 | % | 2.06 | % | ||||
| Expected term (years) | 3.6 - 5.0 | 3.5-4.5 | ||||||
| Expected volatility | 43.53 | % | 42.30 | % | ||||
| Expected dividends | 0.00 | % | 0.00 | % | ||||
| F-36 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Until September 23, 2016, there was no public trading market for the shares of GGH common stock underlying the Company’s 2001 Plan and 2008 Plan and 2016 Plan. Accordingly, the fair value of the GGH common stock was estimated by management based on observations of the cash sales prices of GGH equity securities. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This estimate will be adjusted periodically based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from the previous estimate, when it is material. The expected term of options granted to consultants represents the contractual term, whereas the expected term of options granted to employees and directors was estimated based upon the “simplified” method for “plain-vanilla” options. Given that the Company’s shares were not publicly traded, the Company developed an expected volatility based on a review of the historical volatilities, over a period of time equivalent to the expected term of the options, of similarly positioned public companies within its industry. The risk-free interest rate was determined from the implied yields from U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with a remaining term consistent with the expected term of the options. The Company estimated forfeitures related to options at an annual rate of 5% for options outstanding at December 31, 2018. There were 2,830,000 and 1,395,000 stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $716,249 and $622,802, respectively, related to stock option grants, which is reflected as general and administrative expenses (classified in the same manner as the grantees’ wage compensation) in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2018, there was $1,049,807 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock option grants that will be amortized over a weighted average period of 2.78 years.
A summary of options activity during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is presented below:
| Number of Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years | Intrinsic Value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2016 | 8,024,265 | 2.39 | ||||||||||||||
| Granted | 1,395,000 | 1.10 | ||||||||||||||
| Exercised | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| Expired | (75,000 | ) | 3.85 | |||||||||||||
| Forfeited | (110,000 | ) | 2.39 | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2017 | 9,234,265 | 2.18 | ||||||||||||||
| Granted | 2,830,000 | 0.65 | ||||||||||||||
| Exercised | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| Expired | (2,505,000 | ) | 2.49 | |||||||||||||
| Forfeited | (60,000 | ) | 1.62 | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding, December 31, 2018 | 9,499,265 | $ | 1.65 | 2.5 | $ | - | ||||||||||
| Exercisable, December 31, 2018 | 5,232,035 | $ | 2.25 | 1.3 | $ | - | ||||||||||
| F-37 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table presents information related to stock options as of December 31, 2018:
| Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||
| Exercise Price | Outstanding Number of Options | Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years | Exercisable Number of Options | |||||||||||
| $ | 0.54 | 1,500,000 | - | 0 | ||||||||||
| $ | 0.77 | 1,320,000 | - | 0 | ||||||||||
| $ | 1.10 | 1,370,000 | 3.9 | 342,500 | ||||||||||
| $ | 2.20 | 3,071,890 | 1.5 | 2,679,160 | ||||||||||
| $ | 2.48 | 2,237,375 | 0.7 | 2,210,375 | ||||||||||
| 9,499,265 | 1.3 | 5,232,035 | ||||||||||||
17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Matters
The Company is involved in litigation and arbitrations from time to time in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any such pending or threatened litigation will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations. However, as is inherent in legal proceedings, there is a risk that an unpredictable decision adverse to the Company could be reached. The Company records legal costs associated with loss contingencies as incurred. Settlements are accrued when, and if, they become probable and estimable.
Employment Agreement
On September 28, 2015, we entered into an employment agreement with Scott Mathis, our CEO (the “Employment Agreement”). Among other things, the agreement provides for a three-year term of employment at an annual salary of $401,700 (subject to a 3% cost-of-living adjustment per year), bonus eligibility, paid vacation and specified business expense reimbursements. The agreement sets limits on the Mr. Mathis’ annual sales of GGH common stock. Mr. Mathis is subject to a covenant not to compete during the term of the agreement and following his termination for any reason, for a period of twelve months. Upon a change of control (as defined by the agreement), all of Mr. Mathis’ outstanding equity-based awards will vest in full and his employment term resets to two years from the date of the change of control. Following Mr. Mathis’s termination for any reason, Mr. Mathis is prohibited from soliciting Company clients or employees for one year and disclosing any confidential information of GGH for a period of two years. The agreement may be terminated by the Company for cause or by the CEO for good reason, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. On September 20, 2018, the Board of Directors extended the Employment Agreement on the same terms for a period of 120 days. On January 31, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company extended Scott Mathis’ employment agreement through April 30, 2019. All other terms of the Employment Agreement remain the same.
| F-38 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Importer Agreement
The Company entered into an agreement (the “Importer Agreement”) with an importer (the “Importer”) effective June 1, 2016, pursuant to which the Company has engaged the Importer as its sole and exclusive importer, distributor and marketing agent of wine in the United States for certain minimum sales quantities at prices mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Importer. The Importer Agreement terminates on December 31, 2020 and is automatically renewable for an indefinite number of successive three-year terms, unless terminated by the Company or the Importer for cause, as defined in the Importer Agreement.
Lease Commitments
The Company leases office space in New York City under an operating lease (as amended) which expires on August 31, 2020. Rent expense for this property was $211,271 and $192,237 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, net of expense allocation to affiliates (see Note 14 – Related Party Transactions – Expense Sharing).
Future minimum payments on this operating lease are as follows:
| For the Years Ending | ||||
| December 31, | Amount | |||
| 2019 | $ | 240,376 | ||
| 2020 | 163,424 | |||
| Total | $ | 403,800 | ||
Reverse Stock Split
On December 12, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a five-for-one reverse stock split, to be effective upon the Company’s uplisting to a national stock exchange.
18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Stock Options
On January 31, 2019, the Board of Directors of GGH granted options to certain employees as consideration for their services to GGH, which included options to acquire 450,000 shares of common stock to GGH’s Chief Executive Officer and options to acquire 75,000 shares to GGH’s Chief Financial Officer all at an exercise price of $0.385 per share. The options vest 25% at the first anniversary of the date of grant, with the remaining 75% vesting in equal quarterly installments over the following three years. The options expire on January 31, 2024.
In addition, in connection with services provided by two members of the Board of Directors of GGH, the Board also granted options to acquire 50,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $0.385 per share. The options vest 25% at the first anniversary of the date of grant, with the remaining 75% vesting in equal quarterly installments over the following three years. The options expire on January 31, 2024.
| F-39 |
GAUCHO
GROUP HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(FORMERLY ALGODON GROUP, INC)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Gaucho Notes
In January 2019, management of GG gave the option to the noteholders of extending the maturity date from December 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019 of their specific convertible promissory notes. All of the noteholders retain their right, but not the obligation, to convert the principal amount of the note plus accrued interest into GG common stock at a 20% discount to the share price in a future offering of common stock by GG. As of February 11, 2019, all noteholders representing have agreed to the extension of the maturity date on their convertible notes, except for noteholders holding notes in the amount of $10,500 which have matured.
Between January 1, 2019 and March 4, 2019, GG has sold convertible promissory notes in the total amount of $751,000 to accredited investors. The maturity date of the notes is March 31, 2019, and at the option of the holder, the principal amount of the note plus accrued interest can be converted into GG common stock at a 20% discount to the share price in a future offering of common stock by GG.
On March 13, 2019, the Company issued 181,185 shares of common stock at $0.35 per share to employees for the year ended December 31, 2018 of the 401(k) profit sharing plan.
Common Stock
Between February 8, 2019 and March 27, 2019, GGH sold a total of 2,527,857 shares of its common stock to accredited investors for total gross proceeds of $884,750.
Management has evaluated all subsequent events to determine if events or transactions occurring through the date that the consolidated financial statements were issued, require adjustment to or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
The Argentine Peso to United States Dollar exchange rate was 43.370, 37.569 and 18.593 at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
| F-40 |