UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x

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

 

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2015

 

or

 

¨

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

 

Commission File Number 001-32849

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Florida		41-2103550
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification No.)
122 East 42nd Street, Suite 4700,		10168
New York, New York		(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Company had 160,034,464 shares of $.01 par value common stock outstanding at February 8, 2016.

 

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED

DECEMBER 31, 2015

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION		3
Item 1.	Financial Statements:	3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 (unaudited) and March 31, 2015	3
	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)	4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)	5
	Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 (unaudited)	6
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (unaudited)	7
	Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	20
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	31
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	32
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION		32
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	32
Item 6.	Exhibits	33

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

		December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
		(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,896,197			$	1,191,603
Accounts receivable — net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $221,687 and $154,434 at December 31 and March 31, 2015, respectively			8,797,763				10,550,990
Due from shareholders and affiliates			—				138,750
Inventories— net of allowance for obsolete and slow moving inventory of $235,545 and $266,473 at December 31 and March 31, 2015, respectively			26,979,695				21,068,241
Deferred tax asset			18,000				37,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			1,675,853				1,492,806
Total Current Assets			39,367,508				34,479,390
Equipment — net			782,107				665,373
Intangible assets — net of accumulated amortization of $7,207,304 and $6,713,774 at December 31 and March 31, 2015, respectively			7,213,582				7,683,227
Goodwill			496,226				496,226
Investment in non-consolidated affiliate, at equity			509,013				—
Restricted cash			331,963				329,471
Other assets			333,889				385,253
Total Assets		$	49,034,288			$	44,038,940
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Foreign revolving credit facility		$	—			$	34,141
Accounts payable			8,260,560				5,753,617
Accrued expenses			3,074,941				1,067,460
Due to shareholders and affiliates			2,082,177				1,963,883
Total Current Liabilities			13,417,678				8,819,101
Long-Term Liabilities
Credit facility (including $298,305 of related-party participation at December 31, 2015 and none at March 31, 2015)			9,645,027				10,123,544
Bourbon term loan (including $179,063 of related-party participation at March 31, 2015)			—				744,900
Notes payable – 5% Convertible notes (including $1,100,000 of related party participation at December 31 and March 31, 2015)			1,675,000				1,675,000
Notes payable – GCP Note			219,514				211,580
Deferred tax liability			1,259,038				1,370,152
Total Liabilities			26,216,257				22,944,277
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
Equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at December 31 and March 31, 2015			—				—
Common stock, $.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized at December 31 and March 31, 2015, 160,034,464 and 157,187,658 shares issued and outstanding at December 31 and March 31, 2015, respectively			1,600,345				1,571,877
Additional paid-in capital			166,434,576				162,626,893
Accumulated deficit			(146,304,347	)			(143,361,711	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(2,270,596	)			(2,285,925	)
Total controlling shareholders’ equity			19,459,978				18,551,134
Noncontrolling interests			3,358,053				2,543,529
Total Equity			22,818,031				21,094,663
Total Liabilities and Equity		$	49,034,288			$	44,038,940

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

		Three months ended December 31,								Nine months ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
Sales, net*		$	17,207,372			$	15,936,514			$	52,256,960			$	41,300,417
Cost of sales*			10,505,277				9,941,654				31,871,149				25,875,230
Gross profit			6,702,095				5,994,860				20,385,811				15,425,187
Selling expense			4,618,614				4,034,964				13,911,772				10,866,113
General and administrative expense			1,751,369				1,565,380				5,508,792				4,544,313
Depreciation and amortization			235,250				237,652				696,575				669,623
Income (loss) from operations			96,862				156,864				268,672				(654,862	)
Other (expense) income, net			—				(208	)			(221	)			16,798
Foreign exchange (loss) gain			(41,634	)			57,879				(131,213	)			(207,579	)
Interest expense, net			(271,677	)			(267,459	)			(786,477	)			(844,316	)
Income from equity investment in non-consolidated affiliate			4,500				—				9,013				—
Loss before provision for income taxes			(211,949	)			(52,924	)			(640,226	)			(1,689,959	)
Income tax expense, net			(383,962	)			(258,962	)			(1,487,886	)			(681,886	)
Net loss			(595,911	)			(311,886	)			(2,128,112	)			(2,371,845	)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			(211,792	)			(279,110	)			(814,524	)			(795,495	)
Net loss attributable to common shareholders		$	(807,703	)		$	(590,996	)		$	(2,942,636	)		$	(3,167,340	)
Net loss per common share, basic and diluted, attributable to common shareholders		$	(0.01	)		$	(0.00	)		$	(0.02	)		$	(0.02	)
Weighted average shares used in computation, basic and diluted, attributable to common shareholders			160,031,891				155,838,146				159,119,831				154,989,569

 

 

* Sales, net and Cost of sales include excise taxes of $1,542,619 and $1,677,886 for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $5,230,618 and $4,736,838 for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(Unaudited)

 

		Three months ended December 31,								Nine months ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
Net loss		$	(595,911	)		$	(311,886	)		$	(2,128,112	)		$	(2,371,845	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment			(58,872	)			(102,589	)			15,329				(311,371	)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income:			(58,872	)			(102,589	)			15,329				(311,371	)
Comprehensive loss		$	(654,783	)		$	(414,475	)		$	(2,112,783	)		$	(2,683,216	)

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

(Unaudited)

 

																		Accumulated
										Additional								Other
		Common Stock								Paid-in				Accumulated				Comprehensive				Noncontrolling				Total
		Shares				Amount				Capital				Deficit				Loss				Interests				Equity
BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2015			157,187,658			$	1,571,877			$	162,626,893			$	(143,361,711	)		$	(2,285,925	)		$	2,543,529			$	21,094,663
Net loss															(2,942,636	)							814,524				(2,128,112	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment																			15,329								15,329
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs of $95,344			2,119,282				21,193				3,135,452																3,156,645
Exercise of common stock options			639,289				6,393				236,701																243,094
Common stock issued under 2013 incentive compensation plan			88,235				882				119,118																120,000
Subsidiary dividend paid to non-controlling interests											(600,000	)															(600,000	)
Stock-based compensation											916,412																916,412
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2015			160,034,464			$	1,600,345			$	166,434,576			$	(146,304,347	)		$	(2,270,596	)		$	3,358,053			$	22,818,031

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

		Nine months ended December 31,
		2015				2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss		$	(2,128,112	)		$	(2,371,845	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			696,575				669,623
Provision for doubtful accounts			52,000				(54,333	)
Amortization of deferred financing costs			138,031				114,661
Deferred income tax expense, net			(92,114	)			362,216
Net income from equity investment in non-consolidated affiliate			(9,013	)			—
Effect of changes in foreign currency translation			131,213				207,579
Stock-based compensation expense			1,036,412				606,817
Changes in operations, assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable			1,702,199				(138,383	)
Due from affiliates			138,750				(23,462	)
Inventory			(6,040,728	)			(7,755,008	)
Prepaid expenses and supplies			(183,176	)			296,694
Other assets			(86,667	)			(243,890	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			4,514,429				304,061
Accrued interest			7,934				7,934
Due to related parties			118,294				420,394
Total adjustments			2,124,139				(5,225,097	)
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES			(3,973	)			(7,596,942	)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of equipment			(299,594	)			(254,296	)
Acquisition of intangible assets			(23,885	)			(123,245	)
Investment in non-consolidated affiliate, at equity			(500,000	)			—
Change in restricted cash			(208	)			(812	)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES			(823,687	)			(378,353	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (payments on) proceeds from credit facility			(478,517	)			7,503,066
Payments on Bourbon term loan			(744,900	)			(875,550	)
Payments on Junior loan			—				(1,250,000	)
Net (payments on) proceeds from foreign revolving credit facility			(34,757	)			(19,329	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			3,251,989				1,916,399
Payments for costs of stock issuance			(95,344	)			(158,189	)
Subsidiary dividend paid to non-controlling interests			(600,000	)			—
Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants			—				598,715
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options			243,094				215,694
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES			1,541,565				7,930,806
EFFECTS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION			(9,311	)			(9,781	)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS			704,594				(54,270	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — BEGINNING			1,191,603				908,501
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — ENDING		$	1,896,197			$	854,231
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
Schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Surrender of common stock in connection with exercise of common stock warrant		$	—			$	31,250
Conversion of 5% convertible note to common stock		$	—			$	451,417
Interest paid		$	652,262			$	707,148
Income taxes paid		$	1,079,387			$	176,523

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (which consist of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of such financial information. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those to be achieved for full fiscal years. The consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 is derived from the March 31, 2015 audited financial statements. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Castle Brands Inc.’s (the “Company”) audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015 included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2015, as amended (“2015 Form 10-K”). Please refer to the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2015 Form 10-K for additional disclosures and a description of accounting policies.

 

A.

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

 

B.

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

 

C.

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

 

D.

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

 

E.

Impairment of long-lived assets — Under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets”, the Company periodically reviews whether changes have occurred that would require revisions to the carrying amounts of its definite lived, long-lived assets. When the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized based on the fair value of the asset. There have been no impairments recorded during the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

F.

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

 

G.

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

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

H.

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

 

The Company has not recognized any adjustments for uncertain tax positions. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in general and administrative expense; however, no such provisions for accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions have been recorded by the Company.   The Company’s income tax expense for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 principally consists of federal, state and local taxes attributable to GCP, which does not file a consolidated income tax return with the Company. In connection with the investment in GCP, the Company recorded a deferred tax liability on the ascribed value of the acquired intangible assets of $2,222,222, increasing the value of the assets. The difference between the book basis and tax basis created a deferred tax liability that is being amortized over a period of 15 years (the life of the licensing agreement) on a straight-line basis. For the three months ended December 31, 2015 the Company recognized ($383,962) of income tax expense, net, of which ($386,000) was current period expense and $2,038 was deferred tax benefit. For the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized ($258,962) of income tax expense, net, of which ($30,000) was current period expense and ($228,962) was deferred tax expense, net. For the nine months ended December 31, 2015 the Company recognized ($1,487,886) of income tax expense, net, of which ($1,580,000) was current period expense and $92,114 was deferred tax benefit. For the nine months ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized ($681,886) of income tax expense, net, of which ($80,000) was current period expense and ($601,886) was deferred tax expense, net. The Company allocated 40% of the net expense, or ($153,583) and ($103,585), to non-controlling interest for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and ($595,154) and ($272,754), to non-controlling interest for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

	I.	Recent accounting pronouncements — In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2015-17—Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. As part of the FASB's accounting simplification initiative, ASU 2015-17 removes the requirement to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in a classified statement of financial position. Instead, the update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 is effective for entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with retrospective application to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company plans to adopt this guidance beginning with its upcoming Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016. The Company does not expect this new accounting guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.   In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combination (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement Period Adjustments, which requires adjustments to provisional amounts initially recorded in a business combination that are identified during the measurement period to be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. This includes any effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 also requires the disclosure of the nature and amount of measurement-period adjustments recognized in the current period, including separately the amounts in current-period income statement line items that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning April 1, 2016. The Company will apply the guidance prospectively for all business combinations that occur subsequent to the adoption date.   In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The new guidance must be applied on a prospective basis and is effective for periods beginning after April 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

		In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected. Upon adoption, the Company will apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis and adjust the balance sheet of each individual period presented to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning April 1, 2016. In June, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting. This update addresses presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of credit arrangements. Commitment fees paid to the lender represent the benefit of being able to access capital over the contractual term, and therefore, are not in the scope of the new guidance and is appropriate to present such fees as an asset on the balance sheet, regardless of whether or not there are outstanding borrowings under the revolver. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
		In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue. This guidance includes the required steps to achieve the core principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. On July 9, 2015, the FASB agreed to delay the effective date by one year. In accordance with the delay, the new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, but not before the original effective date of the standard. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial condition but does not expect this new accounting guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.   The Company does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements.

 

NOTE 2 — BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

 

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period that are not anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive common shares consist of incremental shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants or conversion of convertible notes outstanding. In computing diluted net loss per share for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, no adjustment has been made to the weighted average outstanding common shares as the assumed exercise of outstanding options and warrants and the assumed conversion of convertible notes is anti-dilutive.

 

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

 

		Nine months ended December 31,
		2015				2014
Stock options			13,831,399				12,750,713
Warrants to purchase common stock			—				120,000
5% Convertible notes			1,861,111				1,861,111
Total			15,692,510				14,731,824

 

NOTE 3 — INVENTORIES

 

		December 31,				March 31,
		2015				2015
Raw materials		$	13,435,511			$	9,250,893
Finished goods – net			13,544,184				11,817,348
Total		$	26,979,695			$	21,068,241

 

As of December 31 and March 31, 2015, 8% and 10% of raw materials, respectively, and 7% and 4% of finished goods, respectively, were located outside of the United States.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

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

 

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

 

NOTE 4 — INVESTMENTS

 

Investment in Gosling-Castle Partners Inc., consolidated

 

 

For the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, GCP had pretax net income on a stand-alone basis of $950,481 and $963,774, respectively. For the nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, GCP had pretax net income on a stand-alone basis of $3,635,312 and $2,701,738, respectively. The Company allocated 40% of this net income, or $380,193 and $385,510, to non-controlling interest for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $1,454,125 and $1,080,695, to non-controlling interest for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Combined with the effects of income tax expense, net, allocated to noncontrolling interests as described in Note 1.H Income Taxes, the cumulative balance allocated to noncontrolling interests in GCP was $3,358,053 and $2,543,529 at December 31 and March 31, 2015, respectively, as shown on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

In September 2015, GCP declared and paid a $1,500,000 cash dividend to its shareholders. The Company recorded 60% of this dividend, or $900,000, as a return of capital and a reduction of its investment in GCP, and allocated 40% of this dividend, or $600,000, to noncontrolling interests and a reduction in the additional paid-in capital of GCP.

 

Investment in Copperhead Distillery Company, equity method

 

In June 2015, CB-USA purchased 20% of Copperhead Distillery Company (“Copperhead”) for $500,000. Copperhead owns and operates the Kentucky Artisan Distillery. The investment is part of an agreement to build a new warehouse to store Jefferson’s bourbons, provide distilling capabilities using special mash-bills made from locally grown grains and create a visitor center and store to enhance the consumer experience for the Jefferson’s brand. The investment has been used for the construction of a new warehouse in Crestwood, Kentucky dedicated exclusively to the storage of Jefferson’s whiskies. The Company has accounted for this investment under the equity method of accounting. For the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized $4,500 and $9,013, respectively, of income from this investment. The investment balance was $509,013 at December 31, 2015.

 

  NOTE 5 — GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The carrying amount of goodwill was $496,226 at each of December 31 and March 31, 2015.

 

Intangible assets consist of the following:

 

		December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
Definite life brands		$	170,000			$	170,000
Trademarks			631,693				631,693
Rights			8,271,555				8,271,555
Product development			185,206				161,321
Patents			994,000				994,000
Other			55,460				55,460
			10,307,914				10,284,029
Less: accumulated amortization			7,207,304				6,713,774
Net			3,100,610				3,570,255
Other identifiable intangible assets — indefinite lived*			4,112,972				4,112,972
		$	7,213,582			$	7,683,227

 

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

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

Accumulated amortization consists of the following:

 

		December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
Definite life brands		$	170,000			$	170,000
Trademarks			322,537				295,956
Rights			5,927,124				5,513,162
Product development			27,289				24,002
Patents			760,354				710,654
Other			-				-
Accumulated amortization		$	7,207,304			$	6,713,774

 

NOTE 6 — RESTRICTED CASH

 

At December 31 and March 31, 2015, the Company had €304,358 or $331,963 (translated at the December 31, 2015 exchange rate) and €303,657 or $329,471 (translated at the March 31, 2015 exchange rate), respectively, of cash restricted from withdrawal and held by a bank in Ireland as collateral for overdraft coverage, creditors’ insurance, customs and excise guaranty and a revolving credit facility as described in Note 7A below.

 

NOTE 7 — NOTES PAYABLE

 

		December 31, 2015				March 31, 2015
Notes payable consist of the following:
Foreign revolving credit facilities (A)		$	—			$	34,141
Note payable – GCP note (B)			219,514				211,580
Credit facility (C)			9,645,027				10,123,544
Bourbon term loan (D)			—				744,900
5% Convertible notes (E)			1,675,000				1,675,000
Total		$	11,539,541			$	12,789,165

 

A.

The Company has arranged various facilities aggregating €304,358 or $331,963 (translated at the December 31, 2015 exchange rate) with an Irish bank, including overdraft coverage, creditors’ insurance, customs and excise guaranty, and a revolving credit facility. These facilities are payable on demand, continue until terminated by either party, are subject to annual review, and call for interest at the lender’s AA1 Rate minus 1.70%. The balance on the credit facilities included in notes payable totaled €0 and €31,466 or $34,141 (translated at the March 31, 2015 exchange rate), at December 31 and March 31, 2015, respectively.

 

B.

In December 2009, GCP issued a promissory note (the “GCP Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of $211,580 to Gosling’s Export (Bermuda) Limited in exchange for credits issued on certain inventory purchases. The GCP Note matures on April 1, 2020, is payable at maturity, subject to certain acceleration events, and calls for annual interest of 5%, to be accrued and paid at maturity. At March 31, 2015, $10,579 of accrued interest was converted to amounts due to affiliates. At December 31, 2015, $219,514, consisting of $211,580 of principal and $7,934 of accrued interest, due on the GCP Note is included in long-term liabilities. At March 31, 2015, $211,580 of principal due on the GCP Note is included in long-term liabilities.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

C.

In August 2011, the Company and CB-USA entered into a loan agreement with Keltic Financial Partners II, LP (“Keltic”), which, as amended, provides for availability (subject to certain terms and conditions) of a facility of up to $19.0 million (the “Credit Facility”) for the purpose of providing the Company with working capital.   In September 2014, the Company and CB-USA entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (as amended, the “Amended Agreement”) with ACF FinCo I LP (“ACF”), as successor in interest to Keltic, in order to amend certain terms of the Credit Facility and the Bourbon Term Loan (defined below). Among other changes, the Amended Agreement modified certain aspects of the existing Credit Facility, including increasing the maximum amount of the Credit Facility from $8,000,000 to $12,000,000 and increasing the inventory sub-limit from $4,000,000 to $6,000,000. In addition, the term of the Credit Facility was extended from December 31, 2016 to July 31, 2019. The Credit Facility interest rate is the rate that, when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 3.00%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 5.50% and (c) 6.00%. As of December 31, 2015, the Credit Facility interest rate was 6.00%. The monthly facility fee is 0.75% per annum of the maximum Credit Facility. The Amended Agreement contains EBITDA targets allowing for further interest rate reductions in the future. The Company paid ACF an aggregate $120,000 amendment fee in connection with the execution of the Amended Agreement.   In connection with the amendment, the Company and CB-USA entered into the following ancillary agreements: (i) a Reaffirmation Agreement with (a) certain officers of the Company and CB-USA, including John Glover, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, T. Kelley Spillane, the Company’s Senior Vice President - Global Sales, and Alfred Small, the Company’s Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, (b) certain participants in the Bourbon Term Loan and (c) certain junior lenders to the Company, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust, an entity affiliated with Phillip Frost, M.D., a director and principal shareholder of the Company, Mark E. Andrews, III, a director of the Company and the Company’s Chairman, an affiliate of Richard J. Lampen, a director of the Company and the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, an affiliate of Glenn Halpryn, a director of the Company, Dennis Scholl, a former director of the Company, and Vector Group Ltd., a more than 5% shareholder of the Company, of which Richard Lampen is an executive officer, Henry Beinstein, a director of the Company, is a director and Phillip Frost M.D. is a principal shareholder, which, among other things, reaffirms the existing Validity and Support Agreements by and among each officer, the Company, CB-USA and ACF, as successor-in-interest to Keltic; (ii) an Amended and Restated Term Note; and (iii) an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note.

 

In connection with the Amended Agreement, on September 22, 2014, ACF entered into an amendment to that certain Subordination Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2013 (as amended, the “Subordination Agreement”), by and among ACF, as successor-in-interest to Keltic, and certain junior lenders to the Company; neither the Company nor CB-USA is a party to the Subordination Agreement.   In August 2015, the Company and CB-USA entered into a First Amendment (the “Loan Agreement Amendment”) to the Amended Agreement. Among other changes, the Loan Agreement Amendment increased the amount of the Credit Facility from $12,000,000 to $19,000,000, including a sublimit in the maximum principal amount of $7,000,000 to permit the Company to acquire aged whiskey inventory (the “Purchased Inventory Sublimit”) subject to certain conditions set forth in the Amended Agreement. The maturity date remained unchanged at July 31, 2019. The Company and CB-USA are permitted to prepay the Credit Facility in whole or the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, in whole or in part, subject to certain prepayment penalties as set forth in the Loan Agreement Amendment. The Purchased Inventory Sublimit replaces the Bourbon Term Loan, which was paid in full in the normal course of business. The Purchased Inventory Sublimit interest rate is the rate that, when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 4.25%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 6.75% and (c) 7.50%. As of December 31, 2015, the interest rate applicable to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit was 7.50%. The monthly facility fee remains 0.75% per annum of the maximum principal amount of the Credit Facility (excluding the Purchased Inventory Sublimit). Also, the Company must pay a monthly facility fee of $2,000 with respect to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit until all obligations with respect thereof are fully paid and performed. The Company paid ACF an aggregate $45,000 commitment fee in connection with the Loan Agreement Amendment.   In connection with the Loan Agreement Amendment, the Company and CB-USA entered into the following ancillary agreements: (i) a Reaffirmation Agreement with (a) certain officers of the Company and CB-USA, including John Glover, T. Kelley Spillane and Alfred J. Small and (b) certain junior lenders to the Company, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust, Mark E. Andrews, III, an affiliate of Richard J. Lampen, an affiliate of Glenn Halpryn, Dennis Scholl and Vector Group Ltd., which, among other things, reaffirms the existing Validity and Support Agreements by and among each officer, the Company, CB-USA and ACF and (ii) an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

ACF also required as a condition to entering into the Loan Agreement Amendment that ACF enter into a participation agreement with certain related parties of the Company, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust, Mark E. Andrews, III, Richard J. Lampen and Alfred J. Small, to allow for the sale of participation interests in the Purchased Inventory Sublimit and the inventory purchased with the proceeds thereof. The participation agreement provides that ACF’s commitment to fund each advance of the Purchased Inventory Sublimit shall be limited to seventy percent (70%), up to an aggregate maximum principal amount for all advances equal to $4,900,000. Neither the Company nor CB-USA is a party to the participation agreement. However, the Company and CB-USA are party to a fee letter with the junior participants (including the related party junior participants) pursuant to which the Company and CB-USA were obligated to pay the junior participants a closing fee of $18,000 on the effective date of the Loan Agreement Amendment and are obligated to pay a commitment fee of $18,000 on each anniversary of the effective date until the junior participants’ obligations are terminated pursuant to the participation agreement.

 

The Company and CB-USA are referred to individually and collectively as the Borrower. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement Amendment, the Company and CB-USA may borrow up to the lesser of (x) $19,000,000 and (y) the sum of the borrowing base calculated in accordance with the Amended Agreement and the Purchased Inventory Sublimit. For the nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid interest at 6.0% and 6.5%, respectively and paid interest at 7.5% on the Purchased Inventory Sublimit for the nine months ended December 31, 2015. Interest is payable monthly in arrears, on the first day of every month on the average daily unpaid principal amount of the Credit Facility. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any “Default” or “Event of Default” (as defined under the Amended Agreement), the Borrower is required to pay interest at a rate that is 3.25% per annum above the then applicable Credit Facility interest rate. There have been no Events of Default under the Credit Facility. ACF also receives a collateral management fee of $1,000 per month (increased to $2,000 after the occurrence of and during the continuance of an Event of Default) in addition to the facility fee with respect to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit. The Amended Agreement contains standard borrower representations and warranties for asset-based borrowing and a number of reporting obligations and affirmative and negative covenants. The Amended Agreement includes negative covenants that, among other things, restrict the Borrower’s ability to create additional indebtedness, dispose of properties, incur liens and make distributions or cash dividends. The obligations of the Borrower under the Loan Agreement Amendment are secured by the grant of a pledge and security interest in all of the assets of the Borrower. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance, in all respects, with the covenants under the Amended Agreement. In August 2015, the Company used $3,000,000 of the Purchased Inventory Sublimit to acquire aged bourbon inventory. Frost Gamma Investments Trust ($150,000), Mark E. Andrews, III ($50,000), Richard J. Lampen ($100,000) and Alfred J. Small ($15,000) each acquired participation interests in the Purchased Inventory Sublimit and the inventory purchased with the proceeds thereof. Under the terms of the participation agreement, the participants receive interest at the rate of 11% per annum. At December 31 and March 31, 2015, $9,645,027 and $10,123,544, respectively, due on the Credit Facility was included in long-term liabilities.

 

D.

In March 2013, the Company and CB-USA entered into an inventory term loan of $2,496,000 (the “Bourbon Term Loan”) that was used to purchase bourbon inventory on March 11, 2013. In August 2013, the Bourbon Term Loan was amended to provide the Company with the ability to increase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Bourbon Term Loan from $2,500,000 to up to $4,000,000 to finance the purchase of aged whiskies following the identification of junior participants to purchase a portion of the increased Bourbon Term Loan amount. The Bourbon Term Loan interest rate was the rate that, when annualized, was the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 4.25%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 6.75% and (c) 7.50%. As of March 31, 2015, the Company paid interest of 7.5%.

  

Keltic required as a condition to funding the Bourbon Term Loan that Keltic had entered into a participation agreement (the “Participation Agreement”) providing for an initial aggregate amount of $750,000 of the Bourbon Term Loan to be purchased by junior participants. Certain related parties of the Company purchased a portion of these junior participations in the Bourbon Term Loan, including Frost Gamma Investments Trust ($500,000), Mark E. Andrews, III ($50,000) and an affiliate of Richard J. Lampen ($50,000) (amounts shown are initial purchase amounts). Under the terms of the Participation Agreement, the junior participants received interest at the rate of 11% per annum. Neither the Company nor CB-USA was a party to the Participation Agreement. However, the Borrower was party to a fee letter with the junior participants (including the related party junior participants) pursuant to which the Borrower was obligated to pay the junior participants an aggregate commitment fee of $45,000 in three equal annual installments of $15,000.

 

The balance on the Bourbon Term Loan included in notes payable totaled $744,900 at March 31, 2015. In May 2015, the Bourbon Term Loan was paid in full in accordance with its terms.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

E.

In October 2013, the Company entered into a 5% Convertible Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement (the “Note Purchase Agreement”) with the purchasers party thereto, under which the Company issued an aggregate initial principal amount of $2,125,000 of unsecured subordinated notes (the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 5% per annum, payable quarterly, until their maturity date of December 15, 2018. The Convertible Notes, and accrued but unpaid interest thereon, are convertible in whole or in part from time to time at the option of the holders thereof into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $0.90 per share (the “Conversion Price”). The Convertible Notes may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time without penalty or premium, but with payment of accrued interest to the date of prepayment. The Convertible Notes contain customary events of default, which, if uncured, entitle each note holder to accelerate the due date of the unpaid principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, the Convertible Notes.   The purchasers of the Convertible Notes included related parties of the Company, including an affiliate of Dr. Phillip Frost ($500,000), Mark E. Andrews, III ($50,000), an affiliate of Richard J. Lampen ($50,000), an affiliate of Glenn Halpryn ($200,000), Dennis Scholl ($100,000), and Vector Group Ltd. ($200,000).   The Company may forcibly convert all or any part of the Convertible Notes and all accrued but unpaid interest thereon if (i) the average daily volume of the Company’s common stock (as reported on the principal market or exchange on which the common stock is listed or quoted for trading) exceeds $50,000 per trading day and (ii) the volume weighted average price of the common stock for at least twenty (20) trading days during any thirty (30) consecutive trading day period exceeds 250% of the then-current Conversion Price. Any forced conversion will be applied ratably to the holders of all Convertible Notes issued pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement based on each holder’s then-current note holdings.   In connection with the Note Purchase Agreement, each purchaser of the Convertible Notes was required to execute a joinder to the subordination agreement, by and among Keltic and certain other junior lenders to the Company; the Company is not a party to the Subordination Agreement.   At each of December 31 and March 31, 2015, $1,675,000 of principal due on the Convertible Notes was included in long-term liabilities.

 

NOTE 8 — EQUITY

 

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

 

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

 

In the nine months ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold 2,119,282 Shares pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement, with total gross proceeds of $3,251,989, before deducting sales agent and issuance costs of $95,344. No Shares were sold in the three months ended December 31, 2015.

 

From November 2014 through December 31, 2014, the Company sold 419,616 Shares pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement, with total gross proceeds of $685,158, before deducting sales agent and offering expenses of $93,990.

 

In November 2013, the Company entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the “2013 Distribution Agreement”) with Barrington, as sales agent, under which the Company could issue and sell over time and from time to time, to or through Barrington, Shares of its common stock having a gross sales price of up to $6,000,000.

 

In the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company sold 1,247,343 Shares pursuant to the 2013 Distribution Agreement, with total gross proceeds of $1,231,241, before deducting sales agent and offering expenses of $64,198. No Shares were sold in the six-month period from July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 under the 2013 Distribution Agreement.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

The 2013 Distribution Agreement expired in August 2014 upon the expiration of the primary portion of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 under which the Shares were sold.

  

Subsidiary dividend - In September 2015, GCP declared and paid a $1,500,000 cash dividend to its shareholders. The Company allocated 40% of this dividend, or $600,000, to non-controlling interests.

 

NOTE 9 — WARRANTS

 

2011 Warrants exercised – On April 2, 2014, the Company called for cancellation all 1,657,802 unexercised warrants issued in connection with the Company’s 2011 private placement (the “2011 Warrants”) pursuant to the terms of such 2011 Warrants after satisfying applicable conditions. Holders of the 2011 Warrants had until 6:30 p.m. New York City time on April 21, 2014 to exercise such 2011 Warrants at $0.38 per share in cash. Pursuant to the call for cancellation, holders of all 1,657,802 unexercised 2011 Warrants exercised and received 1,657,802 shares of common stock. The Company received $629,965 in cash upon the exercise of these warrants.

 

NOTE 10 — FOREIGN CURRENCY FORWARD CONTRACTS

 

The Company enters into forward contracts from time to time to reduce its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. The Company recognizes in the balance sheet derivative contracts at fair value, and reflects any net gains and losses currently in earnings. At December 31 and March 31, 2015, the Company had no forward contracts outstanding. Gain or loss on foreign currency forward contracts, which was de minimis during the periods presented, is included in other income and expense.

 

NOTE 11 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

In June 2015, the Company granted to employees, directors and certain consultants options to purchase an aggregate of 2,502,500 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.67 per share under the Company’s 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”). The options, which expire in June 2025, vest 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date. The Company has valued the options at $2,752,750 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

 

In September 2015, the Company issued 88,235 shares of fully vested common stock, or $120,000 at the then closing price on the grant date, as additional compensation to E. Malcolm Gosling, President and CEO of GCP.

 

Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 amounted to $338,023 and $206,553, respectively, and $1,036,412 and $606,817, respectively. At December 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation cost amounted to $3,435,753, representing 5,629,467 unvested options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.78 years. There were 639,289 options exercised during the nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 652,294 options exercised during the nine months ended December 31, 2014. The Company did not recognize any related tax benefit for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 from option exercises, as the effects were de minimis.

  

NOTE 12 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

A.

The Company has entered into a supply agreement with Irish Distillers Limited (“IDL”), which provides for the production of blended Irish whiskeys for the Company until the contract is terminated by either party in accordance with the terms of the agreement. IDL may terminate the contract if it provides at least six years prior notice to the Company, except for breach. Under this agreement, the Company provides IDL with a forecast of the estimated amount of liters of pure alcohol it requires for the next four fiscal contract years and agrees to purchase 90% of that amount, subject to certain annual adjustments. For the contract year ending June 30, 2016, the Company has contracted to purchase approximately €833,673 or $909,287 (translated at the December 31, 2015 exchange rate) in bulk Irish whiskey, of which €554,715 or $605,028 (translated at the December 31, 2015 exchange rate), has been purchased as of December 31, 2015. The Company is not obligated to pay IDL for any product not yet received. During the term of this supply agreement, IDL has the right to limit additional purchases above the commitment amount.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

  

B.

The Company has also entered into a supply agreement with IDL, which provides for the production of single malt Irish whiskeys for the Company until the contract is terminated by either party in accordance with the terms of the agreement. IDL may terminate the contract if it provides at least thirteen years prior notice to the Company, except for breach. Under this agreement, the Company provides IDL with a forecast of the estimated amount of liters of pure alcohol it requires for the next twelve fiscal contract years and agrees to purchase 80% of that amount, subject to certain annual adjustments. For the contract year ending June 30, 2016, the Company has contracted to purchase approximately €343,787 or $374,868 (translated at the December 31, 2015 exchange rate) in bulk Irish whiskey of which €288,781 or $314,973 (translated at the December 31, 2015 exchange rate), has been purchased as of December 31, 2015. The Company is not obligated to pay IDL for any product not yet received. During the term of this supply agreement, IDL has the right to limit additional purchases above the commitment amount.

 

	C.	The Company has entered into a supply agreement with a bourbon distiller, which provides for the production of newly distilled bourbon whiskey through December 31, 2019. Under this agreement, the distiller provides the Company with an agreed upon amount of original proof gallons of newly distilled bourbon whiskey, subject to certain annual adjustments. For the contract year ended December 31, 2015, the Company contracted and purchased approximately $1,643,000 in newly distilled bourbon. The Company is not obligated to pay the distiller for any product not yet received. During the term of this supply agreement, the distiller has the right to limit additional purchases to ten percent above the commitment amount.
	D.	The Company leases office space in New York, NY, Dublin, Ireland and Houston, TX. The New York, NY lease began on May 1, 2010 and expires on April 30, 2016 and provides for monthly payments of $20,375. The Dublin lease commenced on March 1, 2009 and extends through October 31, 2016 and provides for monthly payments of €1,100 or $1,200 (translated at the December 31, 2015 exchange rate). The Houston, TX lease commenced on April 27, 2015 and extends through June 26, 2018 and provides for monthly payments of $3,440. The Company has also entered into non-cancelable operating leases for certain office equipment.

 

E.

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

 

 

F.

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

 

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

 

NOTE 13 — CONCENTRATIONS

 

A.

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

 

B.

Customers — Sales to one customer, the Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc. family of companies (“SWS”), accounted for approximately 26.5% and 32.6% of the Company’s revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Sales to SWS accounted for approximately 29.4% and 29.6% of the Company’s revenues for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and approximately 28.1% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2015.

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

NOTE 14 — GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

 

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

 

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

 

		Three Months ended December 31,
		2015								2014
Consolidated  Sales, net:
International		$	3,738,064				21.7	%		$	2,630,784				16.5	%
United States			13,469,308				78.3	%			13,305,730				83.5	%
Total Consolidated Sales, net		$	17,207,372				100.0	%		$	15,936,514				100.0	%
Consolidated Income (Loss) from Operations:
International		$	(30,627	)			(31.6	)%		$	870				0.6	%
United States			127,489				131.6	%			155,994				99.4	%
Total Consolidated Income (Loss) from Operations		$	96,862				100.0	%		$	156,864				100.0	%
Consolidated Net Loss Attributable to Controlling Interests:
International		$	(23,269	)			2.9	%		$	(14,173	)			2.4	%
United States			(784,434	)			97.1	%			(576,823	)			97.6	%
Total Consolidated Net Loss Attributable to Controlling Interests		$	(807,703	)			100.0	%		$	(590,996	)			100.0	%
Income tax expense, net:
United States			(383,962	)			100.0	%			(258,962	)			100.0	%
Consolidated Sales, net by category:
Whiskey		$	6,686,512				38.9	%		$	7,130,948				44.7	%
Rum			4,625,872				26.9	%			3,292,618				20.7	%
Liqueur			1,942,976				11.3	%			2,585,214				16.3	%
Vodka			483,086				2.8	%			622,157				3.9	%
Tequila			24,451				0.1	%			55,237				0.3	%
Related Non-Alcoholic Beverage Products			3,444,475				20.0	%			2,250,340				14.1	%
Total Consolidated Sales, net		$	17,207,372				100.0	%		$	15,936,514				100.0	%

 

 

CASTLE BRANDS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued

 

		Nine months ended December 31,
		2015								2014
Consolidated Sales, net:
International		$	7,536,028				14.4	%		$	6,084,118				14.7	%
United States			44,720,932				85.6	%			35,216,299				85.3	%
Total Consolidated Sales, net		$	52,256,960				100.0	%		$	41,300,417				100.0	%
Consolidated Income (Loss) from Operations:
International		$	6,405				2.4	%		$	(54,613	)			8.3	%
United States			262,267				97.6	%			(600,249	)			91.7	%
Total Consolidated Income (Loss) from Operations		$	268,672				100.0	%		$	(654,862	)			100.0	%
Consolidated Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Controlling Interests:
International		$	31,187				(1.1	)%		$	(155,372	)			4.9	%
United States			(2,973,823	)			101.1	%			(3,011,968	)			95.1	%
Total Consolidated Net Loss Attributable to Controlling Interests			(2,942,636	)			100.0	%		$	(3,167,340	)			100.0	%
Income tax expense, net:
United States			(1,487,886)				100.0	%			(681,886	)			100.0	%
Consolidated Sales, net by category:
Whiskey		$	18,319,766				35.0	%		$	13,282,260				32.2	%
Rum			14,016,651				26.8	%			11,871,131				28.7	%
Liqueur			6,683,801				12.8	%			6,963,682				16.9	%
Vodka			1,613,626				3.1	%			1,782,560				4.3	%
Tequila			148,487				0.3	%			182,451				0.4	%
Related Non-Alcoholic Beverage Products			11,474,629				22.0	%			7,218,333				17.5	%
Total Consolidated Sales, net		$	52,256,960				100.0	%		$	41,300,417				100.0	%

 

		As of December 31, 2015								As of March 31, 2015
Consolidated Assets:
International		$	2,329,938				4.7	%			2,052,583				4.7	%
United States			46,739,350				95.3	%			41,986,357				95.3	%
Total Consolidated Assets		$	49,069,288				100.0	%			44,038,940				100.0	%

 

 

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

 

Overview

 

We develop and market premium and super premium brands in the following beverage alcohol categories: rum, whiskey, liqueurs, vodka and tequila. We distribute our products in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, in thirteen primary international markets, including Ireland, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada, Israel, Bulgaria, France, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, China and the Duty Free markets, and in a number of other countries. We market the following brands, among others:

 

·

Gosling’s rum®

·

Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer

·

Gosling’s Dark ‘n Stormy® ready-to-drink cocktail

·

Jefferson’s® bourbon

·

Jefferson’s Reserve®

·

Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea®

·

Jefferson’s The Manhattan: Barrel Finished Cocktail

·

Jefferson’s Chef’s Collaboration

·

Jefferson’s Reserve Groth Cask Finish

·

Jefferson’s Presidential Select™

·

Jefferson’s Rye whiskey

·

Pallini® liqueurs

·

Clontarf® Irish whiskey

·

Knappogue Castle Whiskey®

·

Brady’s® Irish Cream

·

Boru® vodka

·

Tierras™ tequila

·

Celtic Honey® liqueur

·

Castello Mio® sambuca

·

Gozio® amaretto

 

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

 

·

focus on our more profitable brands and markets. We continue to focus our distribution efforts, sales expertise and targeted marketing activities on our more profitable brands and markets;

·

grow organically. We believe that continued organic growth will enable us to achieve long-term profitability. We focus on brands that have profitable growth potential and staying power, such as our rums and whiskies, sales of which have grown approximately 46% over the past two fiscal years;

·

build consumer awareness. We use our existing assets, expertise and resources to build consumer awareness and market penetration for our brands;

·

leverage our distribution network. Our established distribution network in all 50 U.S. states enables us to promote our brands nationally and makes us an attractive strategic partner for smaller companies seeking U.S. distribution; and

·

selectively add new brand extensions and brands to our portfolio. We intend to continue to introduce new brand extensions and expressions. For example, we have leveraged our successful Jefferson’s portfolio by introducing a number of brand extensions. We continue to explore strategic relationships, joint ventures and acquisitions to selectively expand our premium spirits portfolio. We expect that future acquisitions or agency relationships, if any, would involve some combination of cash, debt and the issuance of our stock.

 

Recent developments

 

Pallini Agreement Extension and Amendment

 

In October 2015, we, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into an extension and amendment agreement (“New Agreement”) with Pallini S.p.A. (f/k/a Pallini Internazionale S.r.l.) (“Pallini”), regarding the importation and distribution of certain Pallini brand products. The New Agreement amends the Agreement dated as of January 12, 2011 between Pallini and us (“Original Agreement”), as amended. The terms of the New Agreement are effective as of April 1, 2016.

 

The New Agreement expires on March 31, 2021, subject to successive five-year renewal periods unless either party delivers a notice of non-renewal six months prior to the end of the term. The Original Agreement had an expiration date of March 31, 2016. Under the New Agreement, if minimum shipment targets are not achieved and not cured, Pallini has the right to terminate the agreement without payment of termination fees to us. The New Agreement also granted us the right to distribute the following additional products: Maraschino Pallini and Ferro China Baliva. 

 

 

Currency Translation

 

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

 

Where in this report we refer to amounts in Euros or British Pounds, we have for your convenience also in certain cases provided a conversion of those amounts to U.S. Dollars in parentheses. Where the numbers refer to a specific balance sheet account date or financial statement account period, we have used the exchange rate that was used to perform the conversions in connection with the applicable financial statement. In all other instances, unless otherwise indicated, the conversions have been made using the exchange rates as of December 31, 2015, each as calculated from the Interbank exchange rates as reported by Oanda.com. On December 31, 2015, the exchange rate of the Euro and the British Pound in exchange for U.S. Dollars was €1.00 = U.S. $1.0907 (equivalent to U.S. $1.00 = €0.9168) and £1.00 = U.S. $1.4802 (equivalent to U.S. $1.00 = £0.6755).

 

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

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

There are no material changes from the critical accounting policies set forth in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2015, as amended, which we refer to as our 2015 Annual Report. Please refer to that section for disclosures regarding the critical accounting policies related to our business.

 

Financial performance overview

 

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

 

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		December 31,								December 31,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
Cases
United States			72,320				79,015				241,659				221,502
International			32,560				22,587				70,158				61,196
Total			104,880				101,602				311,817				282,698
Rum			42,919				32,464				135,595				117,122
Whiskey			30,209				29,612				77,607				61,138
Liqueur			22,431				27,096				67,728				69,480
Vodka			9,183				12,124				30,122				33,980
Tequila			138				306				765				964
Other Spirits			—				—				—				14
Total			104,880				101,602				311,817				282,698
Percentage of Cases
United States			69.0	%			77.8	%			77.5	%			78.4	%
International			31.0	%			22.2	%			22.5	%			21.6	%
Total			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%
Rum			40.9	%			32.0	%			43.5	%			41.4	%
Whiskey			28.8	%			29.1	%			24.9	%			21.6	%
Liqueur			21.4	%			26.7	%			21.7	%			24.6	%
Vodka			8.8	%			11.9	%			9.7	%			12.0	%
Tequila			0.1	%			0.3	%			0.2	%			0.4	%
Other Spirits			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%
Total			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%

 

 

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

 

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		December 31,								December 31,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
Cases
United States			221,585				153,531				756,521				491,888
International			15,408				9,128				33,621				25,252
Total			236,993				162,659				790,142				517,140
Percentage of Cases
United States			93.5	%			94.4	%			95.7	%			95.1	%
International			6.5	%			5.6	%			4.3	%			4.9	%
Total			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%

 

Results of operations

 

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

 

		Three months ended December 31,								Nine months ended December 31,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
Sales, net			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%			100.0	%
Cost of sales			61.1	%			62.4	%			61.0	%			62.7	%
Gross profit			38.9	%			37.6	%			39.0	%			37.3	%
Selling expense			26.7	%			25.3	%			26.7	%			26.3	%
General and administrative expense			10.2	%			9.8	%			10.5	%			11.0	%
Depreciation and amortization			1.4	%			1.5	%			1.3	%			1.6	%
Income (loss) from operations			0.6	%			1.0	%			0.5	%			(1.6	)%
Other income (expense), net			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%
Foreign exchange (loss) gain			(0.2	)%			0.4	%			(0.3	)%			(0.5	)%
Interest expense, net			(1.6	)%			(1.7	)%			(1.4	)%			(2.0	)%
Income from equity investment in non-consolidated affiliate			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%
Loss before provision for income taxes			(1.2	)%			(0.3	)%			(1.2	)%			(4.1	)%
Income tax expense, net			(2.2	)%			(1.6	)%			(2.8	)%			(1.7	)%
Net loss			(3.4	)%			(1.9	)%			(4.0	)%			(5.8	)%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			(1.2	)%			(1.8	)%			(1.6	)%			(1.9	)%
Net loss attributable to common shareholders			(4.6	)%			(3.7	)%			(5.6	)%			(7.7	)%

 

 

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

 

		Three months ended								Nine months ended
		December 31,								December 31,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
Net loss attributable to common shareholders		$	(807,703	)		$	(590,996	)		$	(2,942,636	)		$	(3,167,340	)
Adjustments:
Interest expense, net			271,677				267,459				786,477				844,316
Income tax expense, net			383,962				258,962				1,487,886				681,886
Depreciation and amortization			235,250				237,652				696,575				669,623
EBITDA income (loss)			83,186				173,077				28,302				(971,515	)
Allowance for doubtful accounts			9,000				9,000				52,000				77,000
Allowance for obsolete inventory			—				—				100,000				—
Stock-based compensation expense			338,023				206,553				1,036,412				606,817
Other (income) expense, net			—				208				221				(16,798	)
Income from equity investments in non-consolidated affiliate			(4,500	)			—				(9,013	)			—
Foreign exchange loss (gain)			41,634				(57,879	)			131,213				207,579
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			211,792				279,110				814,524				795,495
EBITDA, as adjusted			679,135				610,069				2,153,659				698,578

 

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

 

Our EBITDA, as adjusted, improved to $0.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $0.6 million for the comparable prior-year period, primarily as a result of increased sales and gross profit. Our EBITDA, as adjusted, improved to $2.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $0.7 million for the comparable prior-year period, primarily as a result of increased sales and gross profit.

 

Three months ended December 31, 2015 compared with three months ended December 31, 2014

 

Net sales. Net sales increased 8.0% to $17.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $15.9 million for the comparable prior-year period, due to the overall growth of our Gosling’s rum and Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer. Our international spirits case sales as a percentage of total spirits case sales increased to 31.0% for the three months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 22.2% for the comparable prior-year period, primarily due to the timing of shipments of rum to our international wholesaler. Our overall spirits sales volume for the three months ended December 31, 2015 was negatively impacted by decreases in sales of our liqueurs portfolio, primarily Pallini, and our vodka, in both instances primarily in the U.S. Also, for the three months ended December 31, 2015, sales of our Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer increased by 74,334 cases, or 45.7%, overall, including a 68,054 case increase, or 44.3%, in U.S. case sales as compared to the comparable prior-year period. We anticipate continued growth of Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer in the near term, although there is no assurance that we will attain such results. We continue to focus on our faster growing brands and markets, both in the U.S. and internationally.

 

 

The table below presents the increase or decrease, as applicable, in case sales by spirits product category for the three months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2014:

 

		Increase/(decrease)								Percentage
		in case sales								increase/(decrease)
		Overall				U.S.				Overall				U.S.
Rum			10,455				1,331				32.2	%			5.9	%
Whiskey			597				(567	)			2.0	%			(3.1	)%
Liqueur			(4,665	)			(4,818	)			(17.2	)%			(17.8	)%
Vodka			(2,941	)			(2,473	)			(24.3	)%			(23.7	)%
Tequila			(168	)			(168	)			(55.0	)%			(55.0	)%
Other spirits			—				—				0.0	%			0.0	%
Total			3,278				(6,695	)			3.2	%			(8.5	)%

 

The following table presents the increase in case sales of related non-alcoholic beverage products for the three months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2014:

 

		Increase								Percentage
		in case sales								increase
		Overall				U.S.				Overall				U.S.
Related Non-Alcoholic Beverage Products			74,334				68,054				45.7	%			44.3	%

 

Gross profit. Gross profit increased 11.8% to $6.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 from $6.0 million for the comparable prior-year period, and our gross margin increased to 38.9% for the three months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 37.6% for the comparable prior-year period. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to increased sales volume and revenue in the current period, while the gross margin increased due to increased sales of our more profitable brands and our ability to take price increases on certain items, partially offset by the increased sales of our lower margin Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer.

 

Selling expense. Selling expense increased 14.5% to $4.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 from $4.0 million for the comparable prior-year period, primarily due to a $0.3 million increase in advertising, marketing and promotion expense related to increased sales volume and the timing of certain sales and marketing programs, including the 35^th America’s Cup sponsorship, and a $0.3 million increase in employee costs, partially offset by $0.1 million decrease in shipping expense. Selling expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 26.7% for the three months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 25.3% for the comparable prior-year period.

 

General and administrative expense. General and administrative expense increased 11.9% to $1.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 from $1.6 million for the comparable prior-year period, primarily due to a $0.1 million increase in each of professional fees, and employee expense, with professional fees increasing due to us becoming an accelerated filer. General and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 10.2% for the three months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 9.8% for the comparable prior-year period. As a result of our becoming an accelerated filer, we expect general and administrative expense to increase in the near term due to the costs and fees associated with the additional regulatory requirements.

 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $0.2 million for each of the three-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

Income (loss) from operations. As a result of the foregoing, income from operations decreased to $0.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 from $0.2 million for the comparable prior-year period. As a result of our focus on our stronger growth markets and better performing brands, and expected growth from our existing brands, we anticipate improved results of operations in the near term as compared to comparable prior-year periods, although there is no assurance that we will attain such results.

 

Income tax expense, net. Income tax expense, net is the estimated tax expense attributable to the net taxable income recorded by our 60% owned subsidiary, Gosling-Castle Partners, Inc. (“GCP”), adjusted for changes in the deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability during the periods, and was net expense of ($0.4) million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to net expense of ($0.3) million for the comparable prior-year period.

 

Foreign exchange loss. Foreign exchange loss for the three months ended December 31, 2015 was ($0.04) million as compared to a gain of $0.06 million for the comparable prior-year period due to the net effects of fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and its impact on our Euro-denominated intercompany balances due to our foreign subsidiaries for inventory purchases.

 

Interest expense, net. We had interest expense, net of ($0.3) million for each of the three-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 due to balances outstanding under our credit facilities. Due to expected borrowings under credit facilities to finance additional purchases of aged whiskies in support of the growth of our Jefferson’s bourbons and other working capital needs, we expect interest expense, net to increase in the near term as compared to comparable prior-year periods.

 

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $0.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to $0.3 million for the comparable prior-year period, both the result of allocated net income recorded by our 60% owned subsidiary, GCP.

 

Net loss attributable to common shareholders. As a result of the net effects of the foregoing, net loss attributable to common shareholders decreased to ($0.8) million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to a loss of ($0.6) million for the comparable prior-year period. Net loss per common share, basic and diluted, was ($0.01) per share for the three months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to ($0.00) for the comparable prior year period.

 

 

Nine months ended December 31, 2015 compared with nine months ended December 31, 2014

 

Net sales. Net sales increased 26.5% to $52.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $41.3 million for the comparable prior-year period, due to the overall growth of our Jefferson’s portfolio and our Gosling’s rum and Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer. Our international spirits case sales as a percentage of total spirits case sales increased to 22.5% for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 21.6% for the comparable prior-year period, primarily due to the timing of shipments of rum to our international wholesaler. Our overall spirits sales volume for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 was positively impacted by increases in sales of our Jefferson’s, Jefferson’s Reserve and Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea bourbons, and partially offset by decreases in sales of our liqueurs portfolio, primarily Pallini, and our vodka, in both instances primarily in the U.S. Also, for the nine months ended December 31, 2015, sales of our Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer increased by 273,373 cases, or 52.9%, overall, in the U.S. including a 265,004 case increase, or 53.9%, in U.S. case sales as compared to the comparable prior-year period. We anticipate continued growth of Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer in the near term, although there is no assurance that we will attain such results. We continue to focus on our faster growing brands and markets, both in the U.S. and internationally.

 

The table below presents the increase or decrease, as applicable, in case sales by spirits product category for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2014:

 

		Increase/(decrease)								Percentage
		in case sales								increase/(decrease)
		Overall				U.S.				Overall				U.S.
Rum			18,473				8,765				15.8	%			10.2	%
Whiskey			16,469				16,079				26.9	%			45.1	%
Liqueur			(1,752	)			(767	)			(2.5	)%			(1.1	)%
Vodka			(3,858	)			(3,707	)			(11.4	)%			(12.1	)%
Tequila			(199	)			(199	)			(20.6	)%			(20.6	)%
Other spirits			(14	)			(14	)			(100.0	)%			(100.0	)%
Total			29,119				20,157				10.3	%			9.1	%

 

The following table presents the increase in case sales of related non-alcoholic beverage products for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2014:

 

		Increase								Percentage
		in case sales								increase
		Overall				U.S.				Overall				U.S.
Related Non-Alcoholic Beverage Products			273,002				264,633				52.8	%			53.8	%

 

Gross profit. Gross profit increased 32.2% to $20.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 from $15.4 million for the comparable prior-year period, and our gross margin increased to 39.0% for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 compared to 37.3% for the comparable prior-year period. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to increased sales volume and revenue in the current period, while the increase in gross margin was due to increased sales of our more profitable brands, in particular the Jefferson’s bourbons, partially offset by the increased sales of our lower margin Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer. During the nine months ended December 31, 2015, we recorded a net allowance for obsolete and slow moving inventory of $0.1 million, as compared to $0 for the comparable prior-year period. We recorded this allowance on both raw materials and finished goods, primarily in connection with label and packaging changes made to certain brands, as well as certain cost variances. The net charges have been recorded as an increase to cost of sales in the current period. Net of the allowance for obsolete inventory, our gross margin for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 was 39.2% as compared to 37.3% for the comparable prior-year period.

 

Selling expense. Selling expense increased 28.0% to $13.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 from $10.9 million for the comparable prior-year period, primarily due to a $1.9 million increase in advertising, marketing and promotion expense related to increased sales volume and the timing of certain sales and marketing programs, including the 35^th America’s Cup sponsorship, and a $1.2 million increase in employee costs. The increase in sales resulted in selling expense as a percentage of net sales remaining relatively consistent at 26.7% for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 26.3% for the comparable prior-year period.

 

General and administrative expense. General and administrative expense increased 21.2% to $5.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 from $4.5 million for the comparable prior-year period, primarily due to a $0.4 million increase in each of professional fees, employee expense and stock-based compensation expense, with professional fees increasing due to us becoming an accelerated filer. The increase in sales resulted in general and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales decreasing to 10.5% for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 11.0% for the comparable prior-year period. As a result of our becoming an accelerated filer, we expect general and administrative expense to further increase in the near term due to the costs and fees associated with the additional regulatory requirements.

 

 

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $0.7 million for each of the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

Income (loss) from operations. As a result of the foregoing, results from operations improved to income of $0.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to a loss of ($0.7) million for the comparable prior-year period. As a result of our focus on our stronger growth markets and better performing brands, and expected growth from our existing brands, we anticipate improved results of operations in the near term as compared to comparable prior-year periods, although there is no assurance that we will attain such results.

 

Income tax expense, net. Income tax expense, net is the estimated tax expense attributable to the net taxable income recorded by our 60% owned subsidiary, GCP, adjusted for changes in the deferred tax asset and deferred tax liability during the periods, and was net expense of ($1.5) million for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to net expense of ($0.7) million for the comparable prior-year period.

 

Foreign exchange loss. Foreign exchange loss for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 was ($0.1) million as compared to a loss of ($0.2) million for the comparable prior-year period due to the net effects of fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and its impact on our Euro-denominated intercompany balances due to our foreign subsidiaries for inventory purchases.

 

Interest expense, net. We had interest expense, net of ($0.8) million for each of the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 due to balances outstanding under our credit facilities. Due to expected borrowings under credit facilities to finance additional purchases of aged whiskies in support of the growth of our Jefferson’s bourbons and other working capital needs, we expect interest expense, net to increase in the near term as compared to comparable prior-year periods.

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was ($0.8) million for each of the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, both the result of allocated net income recorded by our 60% owned subsidiary, GCP.

 

Net loss attributable to common shareholders. As a result of the net effects of the foregoing, net loss attributable to common shareholders improved to ($2.9) million for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 as compared to ($3.2) million for the comparable prior-year period. Net loss per common share, basic and diluted, was ($0.02) per share for each of the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

  

Liquidity and capital resources

 

Overview

 

Since our inception, we have incurred significant operating and net losses and have not generated cumulative positive cash flows from operations. For the nine months ended December 31, 2015, we had a net loss of $2.1 million, while cash used in operating activities was $4,000. As of December 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1.9 million and had an accumulated deficit of $146.3 million.

 

We believe our current cash and working capital, the availability under the Credit Facility (as defined below) and additional funds that may be raised in an at-the-market offering under our 2014 equity distribution agreement (the “2014 Distribution Agreement”) will enable us to fund our losses until we achieve profitability, ensure continuity of supply of our brands, and support new brand initiatives and marketing programs through at least December 2016.

 

Existing Financing

 

In August 2011, we and our wholly-owned subsidiary Castle Brands (USA) Corp. (“CB-USA”) entered into a loan agreement, which provides for availability (subject to certain terms and conditions) of a facility (the “Credit Facility”) to provide us with working capital, including capital to finance purchases of aged whiskies in support of the growth of our Jefferson’s bourbons.

 

In September 2014, we entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (as amended, the “Loan Agreement”) with ACF FinCo I LP (“ACF”), pursuant to which the Credit Facility was amended to modify certain aspects, including increasing the maximum amount of the Credit Facility from $8.0 million to $12.0 million and increasing the inventory sub-limit from $4.0 million to $6.0 million. In addition, the term of the Credit Facility was extended from December 31, 2016 to July 31, 2019 (the “Maturity Date”). The monthly facility fee was reduced from 1.00% per annum of the maximum Credit Facility amount to 0.75%. The Loan Agreement also modified certain aspects of the EBITDA covenant that was contained in the previously existing loan and security agreement, dated as of August 19, 2011, as amended. We paid ACF an aggregate $120,000 amendment fee in connection with the execution of the Loan Agreement.

 

In August 2015, we entered into a First Amendment (the “Loan Agreement Amendment”) to the Loan Agreement. Among other changes, the Loan Agreement Amendment increased the amount of the Credit Facility from $12.0 million to $19.0 million, including a sublimit in the maximum principal amount of $7.0 million to permit us to acquire aged whiskey inventory (the “Purchased Inventory Sublimit”) subject to certain conditions set forth in the Loan Agreement. The maturity date remained unchanged at July 31, 2019. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement Amendment, we and CB-USA may borrow up to the lesser of (x) $19.0 million and (y) the sum of the borrowing base calculated in accordance with the Loan Agreement and the Purchased Inventory Sublimit. We and CB-USA may prepay the Credit Facility in whole or the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, in whole or in part, subject to certain prepayment penalties as set forth in the Loan Agreement Amendment. The Purchased Inventory Sublimit replaces our bourbon term loan (the “Bourbon Term Loan”), which was paid in full in the normal course of business. The monthly facility fee remains 0.75% per annum of the maximum principal amount of the Credit Facility (excluding the Purchased Inventory Sublimit). Also, we must pay a monthly facility fee of $2,000 with respect to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit until all obligations with respect thereof are fully paid and performed. We paid ACF an aggregate $45,000 commitment fee in connection with the Loan Agreement Amendment.

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

The Loan Agreement contains standard borrower representations and warranties for asset-based borrowing and a number of reporting obligations and affirmative and negative covenants. The Loan Agreement includes negative covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to create additional indebtedness, dispose of properties, incur liens, and make distributions or cash dividends. At December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants under the Loan Agreement.

 

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

 

We have arranged various credit facilities aggregating €0.3 million or $0.3 million (translated at the December 31, 2015 exchange rate) with an Irish bank, including overdraft coverage, creditors’ insurance, customs and excise guaranty, and a revolving credit facility. These facilities are payable on demand, continue until terminated by either party, are subject to annual review, and call for interest at the lender’s AA1 Rate minus 1.70%. We have deposited €0.3 million or $0.3 million (translated at the December 31, 2015 exchange rate) with the bank to secure these borrowings. We are in compliance in all material respects with the covenants of our Irish bank facilities as of December 31, 2015.

 

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

 

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

 

In November 2014, we entered into the 2014 Distribution Agreement with Barrington Research Associates, Inc. (“Barrington”) as sales agent, under which we may issue and sell over time and from time to time, to or through Barrington, shares (the “Shares”) of our Common Stock having a gross sales price of up to $10.0 million. The 2014 Distribution Agreement replaced the prior equity distribution agreement entered into with Barrington in November 2013, under which we could offer and sell Shares of our Common Stock having a gross sale price of up to $6.0 million.

 

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

 

During the nine months ended December 31, 2015, we sold 2,119,282 Shares pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement, with total gross proceeds of $3,251,989, before deducting sales agent and offering expenses of $95,344. We used a portion of the proceeds to finance our investment in Copperhead Distillery Company and intend to use the remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes. As of February 9, 2016, approximately $4.7 million remained available for issuance pursuant to the 2014 Distribution Agreement.

 

 

Liquidity Discussion

 

As of December 31, 2015, we had shareholders’ equity of $22.8 million as compared to $21.1 million at March 31, 2015. This increase is primarily due to the net issuance of $3.2 million of Common Stock under the 2014 Distribution Agreement, partially offset by the $2.1 million loss and the $0.6 million subsidiary dividend paid to noncontrolling interests and our total comprehensive loss for the nine months ended December 31, 2015.

 

We had working capital of $25.9 million at December 31, 2015 as compared to $25.7 million at March 31, 2015. This increase is primarily due to a $6.0 million increase in inventory and a $0.7 million increase in cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by a net $4.6 million increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and a $1.7 million decrease in accounts receivable.

 

As of December 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.9 million, as compared to $1.2 million as of March 31, 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to the equity issued and debt raised, offset by the funding of our operations and working capital needs for the nine months ended December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2015, we also had approximately $0.3 million of cash restricted from withdrawal and held by a bank in Ireland as collateral for overdraft coverage, creditors’ insurance, revolving credit and other working capital purposes.

 

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

 

•

cash losses from operations;

•

our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing should it be required;

•

an increase in working capital requirements to finance higher levels of inventories and accounts receivable;

•

our ability to maintain and improve our relationships with our distributors and our routes to market;

•

our ability to procure raw materials at a favorable price to support our level of sales;

•

potential acquisitions; and

•

expansion into new markets and within existing markets in the U.S. and internationally.

 

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

 

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

 

As of December 31, 2015, we had borrowed $9.6 million of the $19.0 million available under the Credit Facility, including $2.8 million of the $7.0 million available under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, leaving $2.4 million in potential availability for working capital needs under the Credit Facility and $4.2 million available for aged whiskey inventory purchases. As of the date of this report, we had borrowed $8.0 million of the $19.0 million available under the Credit Facility, including $2.8 million of the $7.0 million available under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, leaving $4.0 million in potential availability for working capital needs under the Credit Facility and $4.2 million available for aged whiskey inventory purchases. We believe our current cash and working capital, the availability under the Credit Facility and the additional funds that may be raised under the 2014 Distribution Agreement will enable us to fund our losses until we achieve profitability, ensure continuity of supply of our brands, and support new brand initiatives and marketing programs through at least December 2016.

 

Cash flows

 

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

 

		Nine months ended December 31,
		2015				2014
		(in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities		$	(4	)		$	(7,597	)
Investing activities			(824	)			(378	)
Financing activities			1,542				7,931
Subtotal			714				(44	)
Effect of foreign currency translation			(9	)			(10	)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		$	705			$	(54	)

 

 

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

 

On average, the production cycle for our owned brands is up to three months from the time we obtain the distilled spirits and other materials needed to bottle and package our products to the time we receive products available for sale, in part due to the international nature of our business. We do not produce Gosling’s rums or ginger beer, Pallini liqueurs, Tierras tequila, or Gozio amaretto. Instead, we receive the finished product directly from the owners of such brands. From the time we have products available for sale, an additional two to three months may be required before we sell our inventory and collect payment from customers. Further, our inventory at December 31, 2015 included significant additional stores of aged bourbon purchased in advance of forecasted production requirements. We expect to use the aged bourbon in the normal course of future sales, generating positive cash flows in future periods.

 

During the nine months ended December 31, 2015, net cash used in operating activities was de minimis, consisting primarily of a net loss of $2.1 million, a $6.0 million increase in inventory and a $0.2 million increase in prepaid expenses and supplies. These uses of cash were partially offset by a $4.6 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expense, a $1.7 million decrease in accounts receivable, a $0.1 million increase in due from affiliates, stock based compensation expense of $1.0 million and depreciation and amortization expense of $0.7 million.

 

During the nine months ended December 31, 2014, net cash used in operating activities was $7.6 million, consisting primarily of a $7.8 million increase in inventory, a net loss of $2.4 million, a $0.2 million increase in other assets and a $0.1 million increase in accounts receivable. These uses of cash were partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in prepaid expenses, stock based compensation expense of $0.6 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $0.7 million and $0.7 million in income tax expense, net.

 

Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $0.8 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2015, representing a $0.5 million investment in Copperhead Distillery and $0.3 million used in the acquisition of fixed and intangible assets.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $0.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2014, representing $0.4 million used in the acquisition of fixed and intangible assets.

 

Financing activities. Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended December 31, 2015 was $1.5 million, consisting primarily of $3.2 million in net proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock pursuant to the at-the-market offering and $0.2 million from the exercise of Common Stock options, partially offset by $0.5 million in net payments on the Credit Facility, $0.7 million paid on the Bourbon Term Loan and $0.6 million in dividends paid to non-controlling interests of GCP.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended December 31, 2014 was $7.9 million, consisting primarily of $7.5 million in net proceeds from the Keltic Facility, $1.8 million in net proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock pursuant to our distribution agreements with Barrington, $0.6 million in proceeds from the exercise of the Common Stock warrants issued in our 2011 private placement and $0.2 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options, partially offset by the $1.25 million repayment of the Junior Loan and the $0.9 million paid on the Bourbon Term Loan.

 

Recent accounting standards issued and adopted.

 

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

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 

This annual report includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to the discussion of our business strategies and our expectations concerning future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity and capital resources and to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. We use words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “seeks”, “predicts”, “could”, “projects”, “potential” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, in this report to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to uncertainties, risks and factors relating to our operations and business environments, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and other factors include those listed under “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2015, as amended, and as follows:

 

	•	our history of losses;
	•	recent worldwide and domestic economic trends and financial market conditions could adversely impact our financial performance;

•

our potential need for additional capital, which, if not available on acceptable terms or at all, could restrict our future growth and severely limit our operations;

•

our brands could fail to achieve more widespread consumer acceptance, which may limit our growth;

 

 

•

our dependence on a limited number of suppliers, who may not perform satisfactorily or may end their relationships with us, which could result in lost sales, incurrence of additional costs or lost credibility in the marketplace;

•

our annual purchase obligations with certain suppliers;

•

the failure of even a few of our independent wholesale distributors to adequately distribute our products within their territories could harm our sales and result in a decline in our results of operations;

•

the potential limitation to our growth if we are unable to identify and successfully acquire additional brands that are complementary to our existing portfolio, or integrate such brands after acquisitions;

•

currency exchange rate fluctuations and devaluations may significantly adversely affect our revenues, sales, costs of goods and overall financial results;

•

our need to maintain a relatively large inventory of our products to support customer delivery requirements, which could negatively impact our operations if such inventory is lost due to theft, fire or other damage;

•

the possibility that we or our strategic partners will fail to protect our respective trademarks and trade secrets, which could compromise our competitive position and decrease the value of our brand portfolio;

•

the possibility that we cannot secure and maintain listings in control states, which could cause the sales of our products to decrease significantly;

•

an impairment in the carrying value of our goodwill or other acquired intangible assets could negatively affect our operating results and shareholders’ equity;

•

changes in consumer preferences and trends could adversely affect demand for our products;

•

there is substantial competition in our industry and the many factors that may prevent us from competing successfully;

•

adverse changes in public opinion about alcohol could reduce demand for our products;

•

class action or other litigation relating to alcohol misuse or abuse could adversely affect our business; and

•

adverse regulatory decisions and legal, regulatory or tax changes could limit our business activities, increase our operating costs and reduce our margins.

 

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

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Market risk

 

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

 

Interest rate risk

 

Interest on our Credit Facility (other than with respect to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit) is charged at the rate that, when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 3.00%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 5.50% and (c) 6.00%. The interest rate applicable to the Purchased Inventory Sublimit is the rate that, when annualized, is the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate plus 4.25%, (b) the LIBOR Rate plus 6.75% and (c) 7.50%. As of December 31, 2015, we had $9,764,103 outstanding under the Credit Facility, including $2,841,000 under the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, none of which is currently being hedged. Interest on our foreign revolving credit facilities is charged at the lender’s AA1 Rate minus 1.70%. As of December 31, 2015, we had €0 outstanding under our foreign revolving credit facilities.

 

A hypothetical one percentage point (100 basis points) increase in the interest rate being charged on the $9,764,103 of unhedged debt outstanding under our Credit Facility, including the Purchased Inventory Sublimit, and our foreign revolving credit facilities at December 31, 2015 would have an impact of approximately $24,272 on our interest expense for the quarter.

 

Foreign exchange rate risk

 

The majority of our sales, net and expenses are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, in the three months ended December 31, 2015, Euro denominated sales accounted for approximately 11.4% of our sales, net. We also incur expenses in foreign currencies, primarily the Euro. In the three months ended December 31, 2015, Euro denominated expenses accounted for approximately 6.5% of our expenses. A substantial change in the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the Euro could have a significant adverse effect on our financial results. A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Euro and British pound would have had an impact of approximately $195,286 on our loss from operations for the three months ended December 31, 2015.

 

If we do not enter into hedging arrangements, the more we expand our business outside the United States, the more our financial results will be exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. In the past, we have entered into forward contracts from time to time to reduce our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. We recognize derivative contracts in the balance sheet at fair value, and reflect any net gains and losses currently in earnings. At December 31 and March 31, 2015, we had no forward contracts outstanding. Gain or loss on foreign currency forward contracts, which was de minimis during the periods presented, is included in other income and expense.

 

 

The functional currencies for our foreign operations are the Euro in Ireland and the British Pound in the United Kingdom. With respect to our consolidated financial statements, the translation from the applicable foreign currencies to U.S. Dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. The effect of foreign currency translation was a loss of ($58,872) for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and income of $15,329 for the three months ended December 31, 2014. A hypothetical 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to the Euro and British pound would have had an impact of approximately $291,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2015 as a result of foreign currency translation.

 

Commodity price risk

 

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

 

As of December 31, 2015, we did not have any hedging arrangements in place to protect our exposure to commodity price fluctuations.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

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

 

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

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

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

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Please see Note 12 E. to our unaudited consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number		Description
10.1		Extension and Amendment Agreement, dated as of October 24, 2015, by and between Castle Brands (USA) Corp. and Pallini S.p.A. (f/k/a Pallini Internazionale S.r.l.). Certain portions of this agreement have been omitted under a request for confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and filed separately with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 29, 2015).
31.1 *		Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 *		Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 *		Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*		XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

* Filed herewith

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

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

 

February 9, 2016