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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - UPD HOLDING CORP.ex32_1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - UPD HOLDING CORP.ex31_2.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - UPD HOLDING CORP.ex31_1.htm
EX-21.1 - EXHIBIT 21.1 - UPD HOLDING CORP.ex21_1.htm

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020

 

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

 

For the transition period from ___________ to ____________

 

Commission file number:  001-13621

 

UPD HOLDING CORP.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada   13-3465289
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     

 

75 Pringle Way, 8th Floor, Suite 804

Reno, Nevada 89502

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

775-829-7999

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:   None.

 

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:

 

     
Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.005 par value   OTC OB

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes ¨   No þ

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.   Yes þ   No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve 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 ¨   No  þ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).     o Yes   þ No

 

 1 

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company þ  
    Emerging growth company o

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of December 31, 2019 (the last business day of the registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter), was approximately $402,000 based on the last trading price of the registrant’s common stock of $0.006 as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board on such date.

 

As of August 14, 2020, the registrant had 172,450,907 shares of its $.005 par value common stock issued and outstanding.

 

Documents incorporated by reference:  None.

 

 

 

 2 

 

UPD HOLDING CORP.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
   
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements 4
   
PART I  
       
Item 1   Business 5
Item 1A   Risk Factors 8
Item 1B   Unresolved Staff Comments 23
Item 2   Properties 23
Item 3   Legal Proceedings 23
Item 4   Mine Safety Disclosures 23
       
PART II  
       
Item 5   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 23
Item 6   Selected Financial Data 24
Item 7   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 24
Item 7A   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 28
Item 8   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 29
Item 9   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 40
Item 9A   Controls and Procedures 40
Item 9B   Other Information 42
       
PART III  
       
Item 10   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 43
Item 11   Executive Compensation 45
Item 12   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 46
Item 13   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 46
Item 14   Principal Accountant Fees and Services 47
       
PART IV  
       
Item 15   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 48
   
SIGNATURES 49

 

 3 

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

 

 

The statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” or “anticipates,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties.  Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements that are not historical facts are only predictions.  No assurances can be given that the future results indicated, whether expressed or implied, will be achieved. Because of the number and range of assumptions underlying the Company’s projections and forward-looking statements, many of which are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are beyond the reasonable control of the Company, some of the assumptions inevitably will not materialize, and unanticipated events and circumstances may occur subsequent to the date of this report.  These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and the Company assumes no obligation to update this information.  Therefore, the actual experience of the Company and the results achieved during the period covered by any particular projections or forward-looking statements may differ substantially from those projected.  The inclusion of projections and other forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that these estimates and projections will be realized, and actual results may vary materially.  There can be no assurance that any of these expectations will be realized or that any of the forward-looking statements contained herein will prove to be accurate.

 

 4 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1.BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

We are a health and wellness company with a focus on nutraceutical and alternative and specialty beverages. Our past development efforts have included weight loss and weight management products marketed under our iMetabolic® brand (“IMET”) and craft beer offerings under our Record Street™ brand (“RSB”). Current development efforts are focused on alternative and specialty beverages that leverage and combine the Company’s regulated nutraceutical and beverage manufacturing experience to create novel and trending beverages that have health benefits, such as waters infused with hemp-based nootropics, cannabinoids, and terpenes. We also are pursuing the franchising and licensing of the Record Street™ brand for live music venues and brewpubs throughout the United States.

 

With fewer barriers to entry, such as reduced minimum order quantities (MOQs), lower costs of goods sold (COGS), and reduced regulatory licensing requirements, the Company has determined to focus its brand extensions and product innovations in the health and wellness beverage category. We believe there is increasing consumer demand for enhanced and functional (value-added) beverages and expect to capitalize on this and potential consumer demand with the development and launch of new products focused on growing trends in the beverage space.

 

 

IMET Products

 

IMET was formed on July 1, 2013 for the purpose of marketing products under the brand “iMetabolic” that previously were sold by the brand’s licensor, International Metabolic Institute LLC (“IMI”), as well as to develop new products that are targeted to a national marketing plan.  IMI transferred certain product and trademark rights to IMET on July 22, 2013 (the “License”).  The License was amended on March 16, 2015 to clarify IMET’s and IMI’s future rights. See “IMET License Agreement” below.

 

IMI currently produces a line of weight loss and weight management products, including, but not limited to, proprietary blend meal replacements, dietary specialty foods, and nutraceuticals, that are sold at IMI’s company store and doctors’ offices pursuant to a reservation of rights by IMI in the License and on IMI’s website at www.imetabolic.com.  These are staple products in the weight loss and weight management industry and form a comprehensive foundation for IMET’s new product innovation.

 

IMET License Agreement

 

IMET entered into a license with IMI, a Nevada limited liability company, on July 22, 2013 (the “License”).  In the License, IMI granted to IMET the exclusive licenses to use, produce, market and sell: (i) five marks (the “Licensed Marks”); (ii) four books written by Dr. Sasse (the “Licensed Content”); and (iii) approximately 150 supplements and foods created and previously sold by IMI (the “Licensed Articles”).  The Licensed Marks include the trademark “iMetabolic”; the domain name “www.imetabolic.com”; the trademark “iMetabolic Catalyst”; and a trademark and domain name related to Dr. Sasse.  The License had a term of three years, commencing on July 1, 2013 (the “Initial Term”), with a provision stating that the term of the License would automatically become perpetual if IMET sold $3.0 Million of Licensed Content or Licensed Articles before July 1, 2016. IMI has granted IMET an extension of the July 1, 2016 deadline until December 31, 2020. In connection with those extensions, IMET returned to IMI all rights to the Licensed Content (Dr. Sasse’s books) and the two Dr. Sasse Licensed Marks. IMET is to bear all expenses of the creation and sale of the Licensed Content and Licensed Articles.  The License contains other provisions standard in licenses.

 

iMetabolic Trademarks

 

During 2014, the trademark “iMetabolic” expired at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  In conjunction with the closing of the Exchange, IMI re-applied for that trademark and the service mark "iMetabolic" on December 16, 2014.  In May 2015, the Company engaged Drinker, Biddle & Reath, LLP to correspond with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office regarding our application.  As of April 19, 2016, the Company was awarded Registration Number 4,941,53 in the Class 5 Category. Additionally, on September 6, 2016, the Company was awarded Registration Number 5,034,186 in the Class 44 Category. At this juncture, the Company has succeeded in defending both trademarks and intends to exploit them on an ongoing commercial basis.

 

 5 

 

Record Street Brewing Co.

 

At the time RSB was acquired in December 2017, RSB’s business model for beer production and distribution was enhanced by pasteurization incorporated into a third party brewing and bottling process, which facilitated up to a twelve-month shelf life for the refrigerated beer, and the ability brewer to brew commercially small batches. RSB has been unable to identify a suitable substitute contract brewer that employs pasteurization and brews commercially small batches.

 

Unpasteurized craft beer generally is fresh tasting only for 120–180 days from the package date if kept refrigerated. Therefore, it is economically imprudent to maintain inventories without the certainty of distribution and sales of the product. This reduced shelf life also makes it difficult to maintain brewing schedules, as there becomes a higher risk of perishability of the excess inventory.

 

Further, one of our primary customers decision to exit the beer distribution market in mid-2018 compounded the issue of reduced shelf life since the distributor provided significant access to sales throughout the entire State of California, a significant target market for our initial sales. Without that centralized opportunity, RSB would be required to obtain distribution in each localized market throughout California. Therefore, as a result of the need to find substitute distribution throughout the State of California, coupled with the truncated time frame in which to do so caused by a shortened shelf life, RSB has determined to exit the beer market in California until such time as suitable brewing and distribution alternatives are available.

 

On June 10, 2020, RSB entered into a license of the Record Street™ and Stylus™ brands with a related-party private entity, Alpine Group Inc. (the “Licensee”), that recently opened a brewpub located in Reno, Nevada. Effective as of July 1, 2020, the Licensee will have the exclusive right to brew and distribute Record Street™ and Stylus™ brand beers in the State of Nevada.

 

RSB manufactures and markets its line of Record Street™ branded beers, including its three flagship ales—Blonde Ale, Pale Ale, and India Pale Ale—and its lager named Stylus™. 

 

In addition to brewing and off-premise distribution licensing opportunities, RSB has also opened a taproom, restaurant, and lounge business model that can be franchised under the Record Street™ brand. RSB taprooms will focus on the sale of Record Street™ branded beers and are envisioned as music and sports lounges that sell RSB’s beers, affordable fast casual cuisine, and related merchandise. With RSB’s beers displayed on a prominently featured tap system, beer sales will be the primary revenue driver. The economic strategy of the tap rooms will be value pricing, high margins, and high volumes. The flagship location for the first RSB taproom is currently open and operating in Reno, Nevada.

 

RSB intends to utilize the excess brewing capacity of the Licensee to restart its beer distribution business and support taproom franchise locations. As of the end of July 2020 RSB commenced keg barrel products to a distributer based in Reno, Nevada.

 

Creation or Acquisition and Development of Potential Specialty and Alternative Beverage Products

 

The Company has followed trends in specialty and alternative beverages very closely over the past 12-18 months and been engaged in strategic discussions with multiple novel ingredient manufacturers and bottling copackers with the intent to develop and acquire beverage products that have or will have industry leading margins and market penetration. Among those ingredients are nootropics, terpenes, and cannabinoids in flavored and carbonated waters with multiple bottling formats that include aluminum screw-top bottles, slim-line aluminum cans, biodegradable PET and PET-alternative plastic bottles, and glass bottles—each with the environmentally friendly, sustainable packaging solutions. These products may be developed in-house or sold by the Company through distribution agreements with existing brands. However, there is no assurance the Company can create in the future any beverage product that can be profitably manufactured and marketed. Discussions are ongoing and more details will be forthcoming as plans

 

Distribution Method for Our Product

 

Our intended distribution network is a broker-distributor-retailer network, whereby brokers represent our products to distributors and retailers. Our target retail markets are: (a) chain and independent health food stores; (b) grocery stores; (c) convenience stores; (d) drug stores; and (e) the mass retail market. We anticipate certain opportunities in the near future to have common distributors for RSB beers and our alternative beverage products.

 

Dependence on Few Customers

 

We may rely on relatively few customers as we initiate new product sales. There can be no assurance that such customers will continue to order our products in the same level or at all. A reduction or delay in orders from such customers, including reductions or delays due to market, economic or competitive conditions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

 

 6 

 

Marketing

 

We intend to market our product through our broker network and to avail ourselves to the promotional activities of other companies and competitors regarding the benefits of our beverages and their ingredients. We anticipate that our initial marketing thrust will be to support the retailers and distribution network with point-of-sales displays and other marketing materials that can be strategically utilized by public relations and marketing firms retained by us as financial resources and markets dictate.

 

Competition

 

The beverage industry is extremely competitive. The principal areas of competition include pricing, packaging, development of new products and flavors, and marketing campaigns. Our products will be competing directly with a wide range of drinks produced by a relatively large number of manufacturers. Most of these brands have enjoyed broad, well-established national recognition for years, through well-funded ad and other marketing campaigns. In addition, companies manufacturing these products generally have far greater financial, marketing, and distribution resources than we have.

 

Important factors that will affect our ability to compete successfully include the continued public perception of the benefits of specialty and alterative beverages, taste and flavor of our product, trade and consumer promotions, the development of new, unique and cutting edge products, attractive and unique packaging, branded product advertising, pricing, and the success of our distribution network.

 

 

Research and Development

 

The Company is in discussions with several flavor and formulation houses, ingredient manufacturers, and contract bottlers and co-packers in the research and development of its alternative and specialty beverages. The Company currently is not engaged in any research and development activities on behalf of the Record Street™ brand, except to the extent that existing beer formulas may be improved while retaining their signature flavors. Once the Company is able to secure new contract brewers and broad distribution relationships, the Company will begin redistributing its signature beers and recommence the research and development of new beer varieties and packaging formats. The Company did not expend any capital resources on research and development during the reporting period.

 

Intellectual Property

 

Where available, we intend to obtain trademark protection in the United States for a number of trademarks for slogans and product designs. We intend to aggressively assert our rights under trade secret, unfair competition, trademark, and copyright laws to protect our intellectual property, including product design, product research and concepts and recognized trademarks. These rights are protected through the acquisition of patents and trademark registrations, the maintenance of trade secrets, the development of trade dress, and, where appropriate, litigation against those who are, in our opinion, infringing these rights.

 

While there can be no assurance that registered trademarks will protect our proprietary information, we intend to assert our intellectual property rights against any infringer. Although any assertion of our rights could result in a substantial cost to, and diversion of effort by, our company, management believes that the protection of our intellectual property rights will be a key component of our sales and operating strategy.

 

Seasonality of Business

 

The sales of our products are influenced to some extent by weather conditions in the markets in which we operate. Unusually cold or rainy weather during the summer months may have a temporary effect on the demand for our product and contribute to lower sales, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations for such periods. In light of both existing and the future possibility of changing trends related to COVID-19, both existing and future operations, demand for, and financial conditions could be impacted.

 

Government Regulation

 

The advertising, distribution, labeling, production, safety, sale, and transportation in the United States of our product will be subject to: the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; the Federal Trade Commission Act; the Lanham Act; state consumer protection laws; competition laws; federal, state and local workplace health and safety laws; various federal, state and local environmental protection laws; and various other federal, state and local statutes and regulations.

 

Legal requirements apply in many jurisdictions in the United States requiring that deposits or certain ecotaxes or fees be charged for the sale, marketing, and use of certain non-refillable beverage containers. The precise requirements imposed by these measures vary and are constantly evolving. Other types of statutes and regulations relating to beverage container deposits, recycling, ecotaxes and/or product stewardship also apply in various jurisdictions in the United States. We anticipate that additional, similar legal requirements may be proposed or enacted in the future at the local, state, and federal levels in the United States.

 

 7 

 

Any third-party bottling facility that we may choose to utilize in the future and any other such operations will be subject to various environmental protection statutes and regulations, including those relating to the use of water resources and the discharge of wastewater. It will be our policy to comply with any and all such legal requirements. Compliance with these provisions has not had, and we do not expect such compliance to have, any material adverse effect on our capital expenditures, net income, or competitive position.

 

Financial Planning

 

At June 30, 2020, the Company was not engaged in any revenue producing activities that generated positive cash flow.

 

Over the next 12 months we anticipate our operating expenses will include: (i) costs for the production of product inventory; (ii) marketing costs; (iii) general and administrative expenses; (ii) officer and director wages and consulting fees, and (ii) costs associated with maintaining the Company as a publicly traded entity, including the filing of Exchange Act reports. We believe we will be able to meet these costs through the use of existing cash and cash equivalents or additional amounts, as necessary, to be loaned by or invested in us by our stockholders, management or other investors. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to raise additional capital, when needed or at all, or that such capital, if available, will be on acceptable terms. In the absence of obtaining additional financing, we may be unable to fund our operations.  Accordingly, the Company’s financial condition could require that it seek the protection of applicable reorganization laws in order to avoid or delay actions by third parties, which could materially adversely affect, interrupt or cause the cessation of its operations. As a result, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued a going concern opinion on the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.

 

Government Regulation

 

In both domestic and foreign markets, the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, importation, exportation, licensing, sale, and storage of our products are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints. Such laws, regulations and other constraints may exist at the federal, state, or local levels in the United States and at all levels of government in foreign jurisdictions. There can be no assurance that we or our distributors are in compliance with all of these regulations. Our failure or our distributors’ failure to comply with these regulations or new regulations could lead to the imposition of significant penalties or claims and could negatively impact our business. In addition, the adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretations of existing regulations may result in significant compliance costs or discontinuation of product sales and may negatively impact the marketing of our products, resulting in significant loss of sales revenues.

 

Employees

 

We currently have informal arrangements with three individuals, who are officers and Directors of the Company, who serve as support staff for the functioning of all the corporate activities. There are no written agreements with these individuals. If administrative requirements expand, we anticipate that we may hire additional employees, and utilize a combination of employees and consultants as necessary to conduct our business.

 

Available Information

 

The Company is a Nevada corporation with its principal executive office located at 75 Pringle Way, 8th Floor, Suite 804, Reno, Nevada 89502, and its telephone number is (775) 829-7999 x112. 

 

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

 

You should carefully consider the risks described below together with all of the other information included in this document before making an investment decision with regard to our securities.  The statements contained or incorporated herein that are not historic facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be harmed. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

 8 

 

Risks Relating to Our Business

 

Because we have a limited operating history, our ability to fully and successfully develop our business is unknown.

 

We acquired our beer operations in January 2018 and only commenced our specialty and alternative beverages development in 2019. Accordingly, we have a limited operating history from which investors can evaluate our business. Our ability to successfully develop our products, and to realize consistent, meaningful revenues and profit, has not been established and cannot be assured. For us to achieve success, our products must receive broad market acceptance by consumers. Without this market acceptance, we will not be able to generate sufficient revenue to continue our business operation. If our products are not widely accepted by the market, our business may fail.

 

Our ability to achieve and maintain profitability and positive cash flow is dependent upon our ability to generate revenues, manage development costs and expenses, and compete successfully with our direct and indirect competitors. We anticipate operating losses in upcoming future periods. This will occur because there are expenses associated with the development, production, marketing, and sales of our product.

 

There continues to be and will for the foreseeable future, ongoing challenges related to the COVID-19 virus. Statewide shut-downs, shelter in place orders, bar closures, social distancing, etc. all for the most part put downward pressure on nearly every aspect of life and businesses that cater to the public and will continue to create financial headwinds as well as create dilemmas which will have the potential to negatively impact every aspect of business.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm has expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Our financial statements are prepared using generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. We have not yet established an ongoing source of revenues sufficient to cover our operating costs and to allow us to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on our company obtaining adequate capital to fund operating losses until we become profitable. If we are unable to obtain adequate capital, we could be forced to significantly curtail or cease operations. In its report on the financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2020, our independent registered public accounting firm included an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

We will need additional funds to produce, market, and distribute our product.

 

We will have to spend additional funds to produce, market and distribute our product. If we cannot raise sufficient capital, we may have to cease operations and investors could lose their investment. We will need additional funds to produce our product for distribution to our target market. Even after we have produced our product, we will have to spend substantial funds on distribution, marketing, and sales efforts before we will know if we have commercially viable and marketable/sellable products.

 

We may have difficulty raising additional capital to fund expanded operations.

 

At present we have no plans to obtain financing for our proposed short-term marketing plans and have no agreement or arrangements to obtain the financing needed to fund our future expanded operations. If we do not obtain substantial funding, we expect our expansion expenses will exceed our immediate sales revenues. Our successful long-term future is dependent on receiving substantial funding in the long-term. (See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition,” below.)

 

There is no guarantee that sufficient sale levels will be achieved.

 

There is no guarantee that the expenditure of money on distribution and marketing efforts will translate into sufficient sales to cover our expenses and result in profits. Consequently, there is a risk that investors may lose their entire investment.

 

If we fail to further penetrate existing markets or successfully expand our business into new markets, then the growth in sales of our products, along with our operating results, could be negatively impacted.

 

The success of our business is contingent on our ability to continue to grow by entering new markets and further penetrating existing markets. Our ability to further penetrate existing markets or to successfully expand our business into additional countries is subject to numerous factors, many of which are out of our control.

 

In addition, government regulations in both our domestic and international markets can delay or prevent the introduction, or require the reformulation or withdrawal, of some of our products, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, our ability to increase market penetration in certain countries may be limited by the finite number of persons in a given country inclined to pursue a direct selling business opportunity or consumers willing to purchase our products. Moreover, our growth will depend upon improved training and other activities that enhance distributor retention in our markets.

 

 9 

 

We cannot guarantee that our anticipated growth levels will be achieved in the immediate or long-term future.

 

Our development, marketing, and sales activities are limited by our size.

 

Because we are small and do not have much capital, we must limit our product development, marketing, and sales activities. As such, we may not be able to complete our production and business development program in a manner that is as thorough as we would like. We may not ever generate sufficient revenues to cover our operating and expansion costs and you may, therefore, lose your entire investment.

 

Changes in the non-alcoholic beverage business environment and retail landscape could adversely impact our financial results.

 

The non-alcoholic beverage business environment is rapidly evolving as a result of, among other things, changes in consumer preferences, including changes based on health and nutrition considerations and obesity concerns; shifting consumer tastes and needs; changes in consumer lifestyles; and competitive product and pricing pressures. In addition, the non-alcoholic beverage retail landscape is very dynamic and constantly evolving, not only in emerging and developing markets, where modern trade is growing at a faster pace than traditional trade outlets, but also in developed markets, where discounters and value stores, as well as the volume of transactions through e-commerce, are growing at a rapid pace. If we are unable to successfully adapt to the rapidly changing environment and retail landscape, our share of sales, volume growth and overall financial results could be negatively affected.

 

Intense competition and increasing competition in the commercial beverage market could hurt our business.

 

The commercial retail beverage industry, and in particular its non-alcoholic beverage segment, is highly competitive. Market participants are of various sizes, with various market shares and geographical reach, some of whom have access to substantially more sources of capital.

 

We intend to compete generally with all liquid refreshments, including bottled water and numerous specialty beverages, such as: Core Hydration, SoBe; Snapple; Arizona Iced Tea; Vitamin Water; Gatorade; and Powerade.

 

We also intend to compete indirectly with major international beverage companies including but not limited to: the Coca-Cola Company; PepsiCo, Inc.; Nestlé; Dr Pepper Snapple Group; Groupe Danone; Kraft Foods Group, Inc.; and Unilever. These companies have established market presence in the United States and offer a variety of beverages that are substitutes to our product. We will face potential direct competition from such companies because they have the financial resources, and access to manufacturing and distribution channels to rapidly enter the specialty and alternative water market. For example, we may compete directly with alkaline water producers and brands focused on the emerging alkaline beverage market including: Eternal; Essentia; Icelandic; Real Water; Aqua Hydrate; Mountain Valley; Qure; Penta; and Alka Power. These companies could bolster their position in the alkaline water market through additional expenditure and promotion.

 

As a result of both direct and indirect competition, our ability to successfully distribute, market and sell our product, and to gain sufficient market share in the United States to realize profits may be limited, greatly diminished, or totally diminished, which may lead to partial or total loss of your investments in the Company.

 

Alternative non-commercial beverages or processes could hurt our business.

 

The availability of non-commercial beverages, such as tap water, and machines capable of producing alkaline water or infusing cannabinoids into water at the consumer’s home or at storefronts, could hurt our business, market share, and profitability.

 

Expansion of the specialty and alternative beverage market or sufficiency of consumer demand in that market for operations to be profitable are not guaranteed.

 

The specialty and alternative water market is an emerging market and there is no guarantee that this market will expand or that consumer demand will be sufficiently high to allow our company to successfully market, distribute and sell our product, or to successfully compete with current or future competition, all of which may result in total loss of your investment. Notably, these specialty and alternative waters often include high-priced ingredients and have a higher retail price point than spring and filtered waters. Therefore, our beverages may be particularly sensitive to changes in consumer behaviors and economic downturns.

 

 10 

 

Our growth and profitability depends on the performance of third parties and our relationship with them.

 

Our distribution network and its success may depend on the performance of third parties. Any non-performance or deficient performance by such parties may undermine our operations, profitability, and result in total loss to your investment. To distribute our product, we intend to use a broker-distributor-retailer network whereby brokers represent our products to distributors and retailers who would in turn sell our product to consumers. The success of this network will depend on the performance of the brokers, distributors, and retailers of this network. There is a risk that a broker, distributor, or retailer may refuse to or cease to market or carry our product. There is a risk that the mentioned entities may not adequately perform their functions within the network by, without limitation, failing to distribute to sufficient retailers or positioning our product in localities that may not be receptive to our product. Furthermore, such third parties’ financial position or market share may deteriorate, which could adversely affect our distribution, marketing, and sale activities. We also will need to maintain good commercial relationships with third-party brokers, distributors, and retailers so that they will promote and carry our product. Any adverse consequences resulting from the performance of third parties or our relationship with them could undermine our operations, profitability and may result in total loss of your investment.

 

Our failure to establish and maintain distributor relationships for any reason could negatively impact sales of our products and harm our financial condition and operating results.

 

We intend to depend upon third-party distributors of our products for the origination of a substantial portion, if not all, of our sales. To increase our revenue, we must increase the number of, or the productivity of, our distributors. Accordingly, our success depends in significant part upon our ability to recruit, retain, and motivate a large base of distributors. There may be a high rate of turnover among our distributors, which is a characteristic of retail sales and the network marketing business. The loss of a significant number of distributors for any reason could negatively impact sales of our products and could impair our ability to attract new distributors. In our efforts to attract and retain distributors, we will compete with other network marketing organizations, including those in the weight management, dietary, and nutritional supplement and personal care and cosmetic product industries. Our operating results could be harmed if our existing and new business opportunities and products do not generate sufficient interest to retain existing distributors and attract new distributors.

 

Since we cannot exert the same level of influence or control over third-party distributors as we could if they were our own employees, our distributors could fail to comply with our distributor policies and procedures, which could result in claims against us that could harm our financial condition and operating results.

 

Our third-party distributors are independent contractors and, accordingly, we are not in a position to directly provide the same direction, motivation, and oversight as we would if distributors were our own employees. As a result, there can be no assurance that our distributors will participate in our marketing strategies or plans, accept our introduction of new products, or comply with our distributor policies and procedures.

 

Extensive federal, state, and local laws may regulate our business, products, and network marketing programs. While we intend to implement distributor policies and procedures designed to govern distributor conduct and protect the goodwill associated with our trademarks and trade names, it can be difficult to enforce these policies and procedures. Violations by our third-party distributors of applicable law or of our policies and procedures in dealing with customers could reflect negatively on our products and operations and harm our business reputation. In addition, it is possible that a court could hold us civilly or criminally accountable based on vicarious liability because of the actions of our third-party distributors.

 

The loss of one or more of our major customers or a decline in demand from one or more of these customers could harm our business.

 

A limited number of customers may account for a majority of our revenues. There can be no assurance that such customers will continue to order our products in the same level or at all. A reduction or delay in orders from such customers, including reductions or delays due to market, economic or competitive conditions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.

 

Our dependence on a limited number of vendors could leave us vulnerable to having an inadequate or quantity-restrictive supply of required products, price increases, late deliveries, and poor product quality.

 

We currently have three vendors for specialty and alternative water-based beverages and one vendor for our beers. Like other companies in our industry, we may experience shortages or cost-prohibitive minimum order quantities (MOQs) and be unable to purchase our desired volume of products. If we are unable to maintain an adequate supply of products, our revenue and gross profit could suffer considerably. Finally, we cannot provide any assurance that our products will be available in quantities sufficient to meet customer demand. Any limits to product access could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

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Due to the high level of competition in our industry, we might fail to retain our customers and distributors, which would harm our financial condition and operating results.

 

Some of these competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater financial, technical, product development, marketing and sales resources, greater name recognition, larger established customer bases and better-developed distribution channels than we do. Our present or future competitors may be able to develop products that are comparable or superior to those we offer, adapt more quickly than we do to new technologies, evolving industry trends and standards or customer requirements, or devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products than we do.

 

In addition, because the industry in which we operate is not particularly capital intensive or otherwise subject to high barriers to entry, it is relatively easy for new competitors to emerge who will compete with us for our distributors and customers.

 

Our failure to appropriately respond to changing consumer preferences and demand for new products or product enhancements could significantly harm our distributor and customer relationships and product sales and harm our financial condition and operating results.

 

Our business is subject to changing consumer trends and preferences, especially with respect to weight management products. Our continued success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and respond to these changes, and we may not respond in a timely or commercially appropriate manner to such changes. Furthermore, the nutritional supplement industry is characterized by rapid and frequent changes in demand for products and new product introductions and enhancements. Our failure to accurately predict these trends could negatively impact consumer opinion of our products, which in turn could harm our customer and distributor relationships and cause the loss of sales. The success of our new product offerings and enhancements depends upon a number of factors, including our ability to:

 

·accurately anticipate customer needs;
·innovate and develop new products or product enhancements that meet these needs;
·successfully commercialize new products or product enhancements in a timely manner;
·price our products competitively;
·manufacture and deliver our products in sufficient volumes and in a timely manner; and
·differentiate our product offerings from those of our competitors.

 

If we do not introduce new products or make enhancements to meet the changing needs of our customers in a timely manner, some of our products could be rendered obsolete, which could negatively impact our revenues, financial condition and operating results.

 

Adverse publicity associated with our products, ingredients, or network marketing program, or those of similar companies, could harm our financial condition and operating results.

 

The size of our distribution force and the results of our operations may be significantly affected by the public’s perception of the Company and similar companies. This perception is dependent upon opinions concerning:

 

·the safety and quality of our products and ingredients;
·the safety and quality of similar products and ingredients distributed by other companies;
·our distributors;
·our network marketing program; and
·the direct selling business generally.

 

Adverse publicity concerning any actual or purported failure of our Company or our third-party distributors to comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding product claims and advertising, good manufacturing practices, the regulation of our network marketing program, the licensing of our products for sale in our target markets or other aspects of our business, whether or not resulting in enforcement actions or the imposition of penalties, could have an adverse effect on the goodwill of our Company and could negatively affect our ability to attract, motivate, and retain distributors, which would negatively impact our ability to generate revenue. We cannot ensure that all distributors will comply with applicable legal requirements relating to the advertising, labeling, licensing, or distribution of our products.

 

In addition, our distributors’ and consumers’ perception of the safety and quality of our products and ingredients as well as similar products and ingredients distributed by other companies can be significantly influenced by media attention, publicized scientific research or findings, widespread product liability claims and other publicity concerning our products or ingredients or similar products and ingredients distributed by other companies.

 

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Adverse publicity, whether or not accurate or resulting from consumers’ use or misuse of our products, that associates consumption of our products or ingredients or any similar products or ingredients with illness or other adverse effects, questions the benefits of our or similar products or claims that any such products are ineffective, inappropriately labeled or have inaccurate instructions as to their use, could lead to lawsuits or other legal challenges and could negatively impact our reputation, the market demand for our products, or our general business.

 

From time to time we may receive inquiries from government agencies and third parties requesting information concerning our products. We intend to fully cooperate with these inquiries including, when requested, by the submission of detailed technical reports addressing product composition, manufacturing, process control, quality assurance, and contaminant testing. We understand that such materials may undergo review by regulators in certain markets from time to time.  We also are confident in the safety of our products when used as directed. However, there can be no assurance that regulators in these or other markets will not take actions that might delay or prevent the introduction of new products, or require the reformulation or the temporary or permanent withdrawal of certain of our existing products from their markets.

 

Water scarcity and poor quality could negatively impact our production costs and capacity.

 

Water is the main ingredient in our beverages. It is also a limited resource, facing unprecedented challenges from overexploitation, increasing pollution, poor management, and climate change. As demand for water continues to increase, as water becomes scarcer, and as the quality of available water deteriorates, we may incur increasing production costs or face capacity constraints that could adversely affect our profitability or net operating revenues in the long run.

 

Increase in the cost, disruption of supply, or shortage of ingredients, other raw materials, or packaging materials could harm our business.

 

We and our bottlers will use water, minerals, phytoceutical and nutraceutical ingredients, and packaging materials for bottles such as plastic and paper products. The prices for these ingredients, other raw materials, and packaging materials fluctuate depending on market conditions. Substantial increases in the prices of our or our contract manufacturer’s ingredients, other raw materials, and packaging materials, to the extent they cannot be recouped through increases in the prices of finished beverage products, would increase our operating costs, and could reduce our profitability. Increases in the prices of our finished products resulting from a higher cost of ingredients, other raw materials and packaging materials could affect the affordability of our product and reduce sales.

 

An increase in the cost, a sustained interruption in the supply, or a shortage of some of these ingredients, other raw materials, or packaging materials and containers that may be caused by a deterioration of our or our bottlers’ relationships with suppliers; by supplier quality and reliability issues; or by events such as natural disasters, power outages, labor strikes, political uncertainties or governmental instability, or the like, could negatively impact our net revenues and profits.

 

Changes in laws and regulations relating to beverage and other product containers and packaging could increase our costs and reduce demand for our products.

 

We and our contract manufacturers intend to offer our product in non-refillable, recyclable containers in the United States. Legal requirements have been enacted in various jurisdictions in the United States requiring that deposits or certain ecotaxes or fees be charged for the sale, marketing and use of certain non-refillable beverage containers. Other proposals relating to beverage container deposits, recycling, ecotax and/or product stewardship have been introduced in various jurisdictions in the United States and overseas, and we anticipate that similar legislation or regulations may be proposed in the future at local, state, and federal levels in the United States. Consumers’ increased concerns and changing attitudes about solid waste streams and environmental responsibility and the related publicity could result in the adoption of such legislation or regulations. If these types of requirements are adopted and implemented on a large scale in the geographical regions in which we operate or intend to operate, they could affect our costs or require changes in our distribution model, which could reduce our net operating revenues or profitability.

 

Since we rely on independent third parties for the manufacture and supply of our products, if these third parties fail to reliably supply products to us at required levels of quality, then our financial condition and operating results would be harmed.

 

The majority of our products are manufactured at third party contract manufacturers. We cannot assure you that our outside manufacturers will continue to reliably supply products to us at the levels of quality, or the quantities, we require, especially under the FDA’s cGMP regulations.  Additionally, while we are not presently aware of any current liquidity issues with our suppliers, we cannot assure you that they will not experience financial hardship as a result of the current global financial crisis.

 

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In the event any of our third-party manufacturers were to become unable or unwilling to continue to provide us with products in required volumes and at suitable quality levels, we would be required to identify and obtain acceptable replacement manufacturing sources. There is no assurance that we would be able to obtain alternative manufacturing sources on a timely basis. An extended interruption in the supply of products would result in the loss of sales. In addition, any actual or perceived degradation of product quality as a result of reliance on third party manufacturers may have an adverse effect on sales or result in increased product returns and buybacks. Also, while we may experience ingredient and product price pressure, we believe that we will be able to mitigate some of these cost pressures through economies of scale and improved optimization of our supply chain.

 

Our products often are positioned in the market as premium products and may be sold at premium prices compared to our competitors. We cannot provide any assurances as to consumers’ market acceptance of our current or future products.

 

We will compete directly with other water-based beverage and nutraceutical producers and brands focused on the emerging, specialty, and alternative markets. Products offered by our direct competitors may be sold in various volumes and prices. Our competitors may offer different products and product formats at suggested retail prices that are lower than for our products. We can provide no assurances that consumers will purchase our products or that they will not prefer to purchase a competitive product.

 

We may incur material product liability claims, which could increase our costs and harm our financial condition and operating results.

 

Our products consist of herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients that are classified as foods or dietary supplements and are not subject to pre-market regulatory approval in the United States. Our products could contain contaminated substances, and some of our products contain some ingredients that do not have long histories of human consumption. We conduct limited clinical studies on some key products but not all products. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of these ingredients could occur. As a marketer of dietary and nutritional supplements and other products that are ingested by consumers or applied to their bodies, we have been, and may again be, subjected to various product liability claims, including that the products contain contaminants, the products include inadequate instructions as to their uses, or the products include inadequate warnings concerning side effects and interactions with other substances. It is possible that widespread product liability claims could increase our costs, and adversely affect our revenues and operating income. Moreover, liability claims arising from a serious adverse event may increase our costs through higher insurance premiums and deductibles and may make it more difficult to secure adequate insurance coverage in the future. In addition, our product liability insurance may fail to cover future product liability claims, thereby requiring us to pay substantial monetary damages and adversely affecting our business.

 

We may be subject to frequent claims and litigation that could result in unexpected expenses and ultimately could be resolved against us.

 

From time to time, we may be involved in litigation and other proceedings, including matters related to product liability claims, stockholder class action and derivative claims, commercial disputes and intellectual property, as well as trade, regulatory, employment, and other claims related to our business. Any of these proceedings could result in significant settlement amounts, damages, fines, or other penalties, divert financial and management resources, and result in significant legal fees. An unfavorable outcome of any particular proceeding could exceed the limits of our insurance policies or the carriers may decline to fund such final settlements and/or judgments and could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, any proceeding could negatively impact our reputation among our guests and our brand image.

 

If we are unable to protect our information systems against service interruption, misappropriation of data or breaches of security, our operations could be disrupted, we may suffer financial losses and our reputation may be damaged.

 

We rely on networks and information systems and other technology (“information systems”), including the Internet and third-party hosted services, to support a variety of business processes and activities, including procurement and supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, invoicing and collection of payments, employee processes and consumer marketing. We use information systems to process financial information and results of operations for internal reporting purposes and to comply with regulatory financial reporting and legal and tax requirements. In addition, we depend on information systems for digital marketing activities and electronic communications between our company and our bottlers and other customers, suppliers, and consumers. Because information systems are critical to many of our operating activities, our business may be impacted by system shutdowns, service disruptions or security breaches. These incidents may be caused by failures during routine operations such as system upgrades or by user errors, as well as network or hardware failures, malicious or disruptive software, unintentional or malicious actions of employees or contractors, cyberattacks by common hackers, criminal groups or nation-state organizations or social-activist (hacktivist) organizations, geopolitical events, natural disasters, failures or impairments of telecommunications networks, or other catastrophic events. In addition, such incidents could result in unauthorized or accidental disclosure of material confidential information or regulated individual personal data. If our information systems suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown and our business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, we could experience delays in reporting our financial results, and we may lose revenue and profits as a result of our inability to timely manufacture, distribute, invoice and collect payments for concentrate or finished products. Unauthorized or accidental access to, or destruction, loss, alteration, disclosure, falsification or unavailability of, information could result in violations of data privacy laws and regulations, damage to the reputation and credibility of our company and, therefore, could have a negative impact on net operating revenues. In addition, we may suffer financial and reputational damage because of lost or misappropriated confidential information belonging to us, our current or former employees, our bottling partners, other customers or suppliers, or consumers or other data subjects, and may become exposed to legal action and increased regulatory oversight. We could also be required to spend significant financial and other resources to remedy the damage caused by a security breach or to repair or replace networks and information systems.

 

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In addition, third-party providers of data hosting or cloud services, as well as our bottling partners, distributors, retailers, or suppliers, may experience cybersecurity incidents that may involve data we share with them. Although we have taken steps to prevent cybersecurity incidents, there can be no assurance that such steps will be adequate. In order to address risks to our information systems, we continue to make investments in personnel, technologies and training of our personnel.

 

Unfavorable general economic conditions in the United States could negatively impact our financial performance.

 

Unfavorable general economic conditions, such as a recession or economic slowdown, in the United States could negatively affect the affordability of, and consumer demand for, our product in the United States. Under difficult economic conditions, consumers may seek to reduce discretionary spending by forgoing purchases of our products or by shifting away from our beverages to lower-priced products offered by other companies, including non-alkaline water. Consumers may also cease purchasing bottled water and consume tap water. Lower consumer demand for our product in the United States could reduce our profitability.

 

Adverse weather conditions could reduce the demand for our products.

 

The sales of our products are influenced to some extent by weather conditions in the markets in which we operate. Unusually cold or rainy weather during the summer months may have a temporary effect on the demand for our product and contribute to lower sales, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations for such periods.

 

Assessing the Evolving Impact of COVID-19

 

There exists little doubt that COVID-19 has had a far-reaching impact on the economy at every single level. The business of UPD is not insulated in any way whether it be opportunities that have been delayed or even scuttled entirely. Additionally, with regard to Record Street Brewing and the opportunities which exist there, shelter in place acts and the overall impact of the news media on the psyche of the general public have created not only delays in the physical opening of the business but also headwinds regarding the number of people whom are allowed to enter and the fear inherent in frequenting public venues.

 

We rely on key executive officers, their knowledge of our business would be difficult to replace, and the loss of their services could adversely affect our business.

 

We are highly dependent on the efforts of our management personnel, and place substantial reliance upon the efforts and abilities of our executive officer, Mark W. Conte.  The loss of management and industry expertise of any of our key executive officers could result in delays in product development, loss of any future customers and sales and diversion of management resources, which could adversely affect our operating results. We do not have an employment agreement with Mr. Conte or any other employee. We do not have “key person” life insurance policies for any of our officers.

 

Our executive officers are not subject to supervision or review by an independent board.

 

Our board of directors consists of Mark Conte, Andrew Smith, and Kevin Pikero. The activities of our executive officers are not subject to the review of an independent board of directors.

 

Risks Related to Regulations Applicable to our Industry

 

Significant additional labeling or warning requirements or limitations on the availability of our product may inhibit sales of affected products.

 

Various jurisdictions may seek to adopt significant additional product labeling or warning requirements or limitations on the availability of our product relating to the content or perceived adverse health consequences of our product. If these types of requirements become applicable to our product under current or future environmental or health laws or regulations, they may inhibit sales of our product.

 

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We are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints both domestically and abroad, and our failure or our distributors’ failure to comply with these restraints could lead to the imposition of significant penalties or claims, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.

 

In both domestic and foreign markets, the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, importation, exportation, licensing, sale, and storage of our products are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints. Such laws, regulations and other constraints may exist at the federal, state, or local levels in the United States and at all levels of government in foreign jurisdictions. There can be no assurance that we or our distributors are in compliance with all of these regulations. Our failure or our distributors’ failure to comply with these regulations or new regulations could lead to the imposition of significant penalties or claims and could negatively impact our business. In addition, the adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretations of existing regulations may result in significant compliance costs or discontinuation of product sales and may negatively impact the marketing of our products, resulting in significant loss of sales revenues.

 

The FTC revised its Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising, or Guides, which became effective on December 1, 2009. Although the Guides are not binding, they explain how the FTC interprets Section 5 of the FTC Act’s prohibition on unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Consequently, the FTC could bring a Section 5 enforcement action based on practices that are inconsistent with the Guides. Under the revised Guides, advertisements that feature a consumer and convey his or her atypical experience with a product or service are required to clearly disclose the results that consumers can generally expect. In contrast to the 1980 version of the Guides, which allowed advertisers to describe atypical results in a testimonial as long as they included a disclaimer such as “results not typical”, the revised Guides no longer contain such a safe harbor. The revised Guides also add new examples to illustrate the long-standing principle that “material connections” between advertisers and endorsers (such as payments or free products), connections that consumers might not expect, must be disclosed. We intend for our marketing materials to be compliant with the revised Guides.  However, it is possible that our use, and that of our distributors, of testimonials in the advertising and promotion of our products could unintentionally fail to comply with the revised Guides and subject us to regulatory scrutiny that could negatively impact our sales.

 

We are subject to FDA rules for current good manufacturing practices (“cGMPs”) for the manufacture, packing, labeling, and holding of dietary supplements distributed in the United States. We principally rely upon our vendors and contract manufacturers for compliance with the cGMPs for dietary supplements manufactured by or on behalf of us for distribution in the United States. However, if we should be found not to be in compliance with cGMPs for the products it self-manufactures it could negatively impact our reputation and ability to sell our products even after any such situation had been rectified.  Further, if contract manufacturers whose products bear our labels fail to comply with the cGMPs, this could negatively impact our reputation and ability to sell its products even though we are not directly liable under the cGMPs for such compliance. In complying with the dietary supplement cGMPs, we have experienced increases in production costs as a result of the necessary increase in testing of raw ingredients, work in process and finished products.

 

From time to time, we may be subject to inquiries from and investigations by various governmental and other regulatory authorities. To the extent any of these inquiries are or become material they will be disclosed as required by applicable securities laws.

 

If we fail to comply with personal data protection laws, we could be subject to adverse publicity, government enforcement actions and/or private litigation, which could negatively affect our business and operating results.

 

In the ordinary course of our business, we receive, process, transmit and store information relating to identifiable individuals (“personal data”), primarily employees and former employees. As a result, we are subject to various U.S. federal and state and foreign laws and regulations relating to personal data. These laws have been subject to frequent changes, and new legislation in this area may be enacted in other jurisdictions at any time. There is no assurance that our security controls over personal data, the training of employees and vendors on data privacy and data security, and the policies, procedures and practices we implemented or may implement in the future will prevent the improper disclosure of personal data. Improper disclosure of personal data in violation of applicable personal data protection laws could harm our reputation, cause loss of consumer confidence, subject us to government enforcement actions (including fines), or result in private litigation against us, which could result in loss of revenue, increased costs, liability for monetary damages, fines and/or criminal prosecution, all of which could negatively affect our business and operating results.

 

Changes in, or failure to comply with, the laws and regulations applicable to our products or our business operations could increase our costs or reduce our net operating revenues.

 

The advertising, distribution, labeling, production, safety, sale, and transportation in the United States of our product will be subject to: the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; the Federal Trade Commission Act; the Lanham Act; state consumer protection laws; competition laws; federal, state, and local workplace health and safety laws, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act; various federal, state and local environmental protection laws; and various other federal, state, and local statutes and regulations. Legal requirements also apply in many jurisdictions in the United States requiring that deposits or certain ecotaxes or fees be charged for the sale, marketing, and use of certain non-refillable product containers. The precise requirements imposed by these measures vary. Other types of statutes and regulations relating to beverage container deposits, recycling, ecotaxes and/or product stewardship also apply in various jurisdictions in the United States. We anticipate that additional, similar legal requirements may be proposed or enacted in the future at the local, state, and federal levels in the United States. Changes to such laws and regulations could increase our costs or reduce our net operating revenues.

 

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In addition, failure to comply with environmental, health or safety requirements and other applicable laws or regulations could result in the assessment of damages, the imposition of penalties, suspension of production, changes to equipment or processes, or a cessation of operations at our or our bottlers’ facilities, as well as damage to our image and reputation, all of which could harm our profitability.

 

If we produce, market and/or sell beverages infused with hemp, as defined under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, we will be subject to a myriad of different laws and regulations governing the use of hemp in food and beverages and if we are unable to comply with such laws in a cost-effective manner, our business could be adversely affected.

 

The production of a beverage infused with hemp, as “hemp” is defined in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, Public Law 115-334), is contingent on U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, and state laws, regulations, and guidance. While the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 removed hemp from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the law did not change the FDA’s authorities with respect to food or drugs. As of June 28, 2019, the FDA has not made a determination that the use of hemp in food is safe. The FDA has evaluated Generally Recognized as Safe or GRAS notices for three hemp seed-derived food ingredients and determined that the agency has no questions that those ingredients are GRAS under their intended conditions of use. We intend to comply in full with all federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations as we develop our hemp alkaline water and other product lines. We will not pursue the production or sale of hemp-infused products until legally permitted.

 

Laws and regulations governing the use of hemp in food and beverages in the United States are broad in scope; subject to evolving interpretations; and subject to enforcement by a myriad of regulatory agencies and law enforcement entities. Under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, a state or Indian tribe that desires to have primary regulatory authority over the production of hemp in the state or territory of the Indian tribe must submit a plan to monitor and regulate hemp production to the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture or USDA. The Secretary must then approve the state or tribal plan after determining if the plan complies with the requirements set forth in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The Secretary may also audit the state or Indian tribe’s compliance with the federally approved plan. If the Secretary does not approve the state or Indian tribe’s plan, then the production of hemp in that state or territory of that Indian tribe will be subject to a plan established by USDA. USDA has not yet established such a plan. We anticipate that many states will seek to have primary regulatory authority over the production of hemp. States that seek such authority may create new laws and regulations that permit the use of hemp in food and beverages.

 

Federal and state laws and regulations on hemp may address production, monitoring, manufacturing, distribution, and laboratory testing to ensure that that the hemp has a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. Federal laws and regulations may also address the transportation or shipment of hemp or hemp products, as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 prohibits states and Indian tribes from prohibiting the transportation or shipment of hemp or hemp products produced in accordance with that law through the state or territory of the Indian tribe, as applicable. Because we rely on a nationwide broker-distributor-retailer network whereby brokers represent our products to distributors and retailers in turn sell our product to consumers in the fifty states and the District of Columbia, we may be subject to many different state-based regulatory regimens for hemp, all of which could require us to incur substantial costs associated with compliance requirements. In addition, violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our operations, as well as adverse publicity and potential harm to our reputation. We and our suppliers and vendors must take significant enterprise risk management steps to ensure that there is no commingling of hemp and marihuana, as “marihuana” is defined in the federal Controlled Substances Act. Marihuana remains subject to the Controlled Substances Act and related regulations.

 

Furthermore, if we decide to produce, market and sell beverages infused with hemp outside of the United States, we will be subject to applicable laws and regulations in those non-U.S. jurisdictions, which would require us to expend significant costs associated with compliance.

 

In addition, it is possible that additional regulations may be enacted in the future in the United States and globally that will be directly applicable to our proposed product offerings infused with hemp. We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations, or applications, nor can we determine what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative policies and procedures, when and if promulgated, could have on our business.

 

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FDA’s current position is that the sale of food and beverages that contain hemp-derived cannabidiol (“CBD”) is prohibited under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; therefore, if we decide to produce, market and/or sell beverages infused with hemp-derived cannabidiol, we may be subject to federal enforcement actions which could adversely affect our business and harm our reputation and brand.

 

The FDA has jurisdiction over drugs and foods that contain CBD, including CBD derived from hemp. Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act or the FDCA, it is a prohibited act to introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce any food (which the FDCA defines to include beverages) that is adulterated. The FDCA therefore prohibits the introduction or delivery for introduction of a food that contains CBD, because the FDCA deems a food to be adulterated if it bears or contains any food additive that is unsafe, and CBD is presently an unsafe food additive under the FDCA and FDA regulations. The FDCA also states that it is a prohibited act to introduce or deliver for introduction into interstate commerce any food to which an FDA-approved drug has been added unless certain exceptions are met. The FDA has approved a drug in which CBD is an active ingredient, and the agency has stated that based on available evidence, none of the exceptions apply to CBD. One of the exceptions addresses whether the drug was marketed in food before the FDA approved the drug and before the institution of any substantial clinical investigations involving the drug. The FDA has stated that interested parties may present the agency with evidence that has bearing on the issue of whether CBD was marketed in food before the FDA approved the CBD drug in 2018 or before the institution of substantial clinical investigations involving the CBD drug. FDA’s current position is that this provision of the FDCA also prohibits the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of a food to which CBD has been added.

 

Congress may decide to amend the FDCA to permit the use of hemp-derived CBD in food. The FDA may also decide to issue regulations or guidance that address the use of hemp-derived CBD in food or use its enforcement discretion with respect to hemp-derived CBD products. On May 31, 2019, the FDA held a public hearing, as well as providing a broader opportunity for written public comment, for stakeholders to share their experiences and challenges with CBD products, including information and views related to product safety. Based on this hearing, any legislative or regulatory action could take years to implement or finalize and may not include provisions that would enable our company to produce, market and/or sell hemp beverages that contain hemp-derived CBD. We risk becoming subject to adverse publicity and costly federal enforcement actions should we decide to produce, market and/or sell beverages infused with hemp-derived CBD in the United States. We may be required to expend significant resources in defending our company from such actions which could adversely affect our business and results of operations and divert the attention of management. We may also incur the risk of sustaining considerable damage to our reputation and brand should we become party to federal enforcement actions resulting from the production, marketing, or sale of hemp-derived CBD infused beverages.

 

Accordingly, if Congress amended federal laws or FDA issued regulations or guidance permitting the use of hemp-derived CBD in food or announcing the agency’s decision to use its enforcement discretion with respect to hemp-derived CBD products, we and our suppliers and vendors would be required to implement significant enterprise risk management measures to ensure that there is no commingling of CBD derived from marihuana, as “marihuana” is defined in the federal Controlled Substances Act, with any future commercial supply of hemp-derived CBD that is used to produce our products.

 

The FDA could force the removal of our products from the U.S. market.

 

The FDA has broad authority over the regulation of our products. The FDA could, among other things, force us to remove our products from the U.S. market, levy fines or change their regulations on advertising. Any adverse action by the FDA could have a material adverse impact on our business.

 

Government reviews, inquiries, investigations, and actions could harm our business or reputation.

 

As our product portfolio evolves, the regulatory environment with regard to our business is also evolving. Government officials often exercise broad discretion in deciding how to interpret and apply applicable laws or regulations. We may in the future receive formal and informal inquiries from various governmental regulatory authorities, as well as self-regulatory organizations or consumer protection watchdog groups, about our business and compliance with local laws, regulations, or standards. Any determination that our products, operations or activities, or the activities of our employees, contractors, or agents, are not in compliance with existing laws, regulations, or standards, could adversely affect our business in a number of ways. Even if such an inquiry does not result in the imposition of fines, interruptions to our business, loss of suppliers or other third-party relationships, terminations of necessary licenses and permits, or similar direct results, the existence of the inquiry alone could potentially create negative publicity that could harm our business and/or reputation.

 

Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property

 

If we fail to protect our trademarks and trade names, then our ability to compete could be negatively affected, which would harm our financial condition and operating results.

 

The market for our products depends to a significant extent upon the goodwill associated with our trademark and trade names. We own, or have licenses to use, the material trademark and trade name rights used in connection with the packaging, marketing, and distribution of our products in the markets where those products are sold. Therefore, trademark and trade name protection is important to our business. Although our primary trademark iMetabolic® is registered in the United States, we may not be successful in asserting trademark or trade name protection in foreign countries. In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. The loss or infringement of our trademarks or trade names could impair the goodwill associated with our brands and harm our reputation, which would harm our financial condition and operating results.

 

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We permit the limited use of our trademarks by our third-party distributors to assist them in the marketing of our products. It is possible that doing so may increase the risk of unauthorized use or misuse of our trademarks in markets where their registration status differs from that asserted by our independent distributors, or they may be used in association with claims or products in a manner not permitted under applicable laws and regulations. Were this to occur it is possible that this could diminish the value of these marks or otherwise impair our further use of these marks.

 

It is difficult and costly to protect our intellectual property.

 

Our commercial success will depend in part on obtaining and maintaining trademark protection and trade secret/know-how protection of our products and brands, as well as successfully defending that intellectual property against third-party challenges. We will only be able to protect our intellectual property related to our trademarks and brands to the extent that we have rights under valid and enforceable trademarks, know-how or trade secrets that cover our products and brands. Changes in either the trademark laws or in interpretations of trademark and laws in the U.S. and other countries may diminish the value of our intellectual property. Accordingly, we cannot predict the breadth of claims that may be allowed or enforced in our issued trademarks. The degree of future protection for our proprietary rights is uncertain because legal means afford only limited protection and may not adequately protect our rights or permit us to gain or keep our competitive advantage.

 

We may face intellectual property infringement claims that could be time-consuming and costly to defend, and could result in our loss of significant rights and the assessment of treble damages.

 

From time to time we may face intellectual property claims from third parties. Some of these claims may lead to litigation. The outcome of any such litigation can never be guaranteed, and an adverse outcome could affect us negatively. For example, were a third party to succeed on an infringement claim against us, we may be required to pay substantial damages (including up to treble damages if such infringement were found to be willful). In addition, we could face an injunction, barring us from conducting the allegedly infringing activity. The outcome of the litigation could require us to enter into a license agreement which may not be under acceptable, commercially reasonable, or practical terms or we may be precluded from obtaining a license at all. It is also possible that an adverse finding of infringement against us may require us to dedicate substantial resources and time in developing non-infringing alternatives, which may or may not be possible.

 

Finally, we may initiate claims to assert or defend our own intellectual property against third parties. Any intellectual property litigation, irrespective of whether we are the plaintiff or the defendant, and regardless of the outcome, is expensive and time-consuming, and could divert our management’s attention from our business and negatively affect our operating results or financial condition.

 

We may be subject to claims by third parties asserting that our employees or our company has misappropriated their intellectual property, or claiming ownership of what we regard as our own intellectual property.

 

Although we try to ensure that our company, our employees, and independent contractors (suppliers/vendors/distributors) do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for us, we may be subject to claims that our company, our employees, or independent contractors (suppliers/vendors/distributors) have used or disclosed intellectual property in violation of others’ rights. These claims may cover a range of matters, such as challenges to our trademarks, as well as claims that our employees or independent contractors are using trade secrets or other proprietary information of any such employee’s former employer or independent contractors. As a result, we may be forced to bring claims against third parties, or defend claims they may bring against us, to determine the ownership of what we regard as our intellectual property. If we fail in prosecuting or defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel. Even if we are successful in prosecuting or defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.

 

Risk Related to Our Stock

 

Because we can issue additional shares of common stock, our stockholders may experience dilution in the future.

 

We are authorized to issue up to 200,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which 172,450,907 shares of common stock are issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2020. Our board of directors has the authority to cause us to issue additional shares of common stock and preferred stock, and to determine the rights, preferences, and privileges of shares of our preferred stock, without consent of our stockholders. Consequently, the stockholders may experience more dilution in their ownership of our stock in the future.

 

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Trading on the OTC Pinksheets stock market may be volatile and sporadic, which could depress the market price of our common stock and make it difficult for our stockholders to resell their shares.

 

Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Pinksheets stock market operated by the OTC Markets Group with the trading symbol “UPDC”. Trading in stock quoted on OTC Pinksheets is often characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors that may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. This volatility could depress the market price of our common stock for reasons unrelated to operating performance. Moreover, trading of securities on OTC Pinksheets is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on a stock exchange like the NASDAQ or the NYSE. Accordingly, stockholders may have difficulty reselling any of our shares.

 

Our shares of common stock may be very thinly traded, or not at all, the price may not reflect our values and there can be no assurance that there will be an active market for our shares of common stock either now or in the futures.

 

Shares of our common stock may be very thinly traded in the future, and the price, if traded, may not reflect our value.  There can be no assurance that there will be an active market for our shares of common stock either now or in the future.  The market liquidity will be dependent on the perception of our operating business and any steps that our management might take to bring us to the awareness of investors.  There can be no assurance given that there will be any awareness generated.  Consequently, investors may not be able to liquidate their investment or liquidate it at a price that reflects the value of the business.  If a more active market should develop, the price may be highly volatile.  Because there may be a low price for our shares of common stock, many brokerage firms may not be willing to effect transactions in the securities.  Even if an investor finds a broker willing to affect a transaction in the shares of our common stock, the combination of brokerage commissions, transfer fees, taxes, if any, and any other selling costs may exceed the selling price.  Further, many lending institutions will not permit the use of such shares of common stock as collateral for any loans.

 

Sales of our currently issued and outstanding stock may become freely tradeable pursuant to Rule 144 and may dilute the market for your shares and have a depressive effect on the price of the shares of our common stock.

 

Certain of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. As restricted shares, these shares may be resold only pursuant to an effective registration statement or under the requirements of Rule 144 or other applicable exemptions from registration under the Securities Act and as required under applicable state securities laws.  Rule 144 provides in essence that an “affiliated” person, such as our management, who have held our restricted securities for a period of at least one year from the date of this Form 8-K filing, may, under certain conditions, sell every three months in brokerage transactions, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of 1% of a company’s outstanding shares of common stock.  There is no limit on the amount of restricted securities that may be sold by a non-affiliate after the restricted securities have been held by the owner for a period of one year from the date of this Form 8-K filing.  A sale under Rule 144 or under any other exemption from the Securities Act, if available, or pursuant to subsequent registrations of our shares of common stock, may have a depressive effect upon the price of our shares of common stock in any active market that may develop.

 

The market for penny stocks has experienced numerous frauds and abuses which could adversely impact investors in our stock.

 

We believe that the market for penny stocks has suffered from patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include:

 

·Control of the market for the security by one or a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer;
·Manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases and sales and false and misleading press releases;
·“Boiler room” practices involving high pressure sales tactics and unrealistic price projections by inexperienced salespersons;
·Excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differentials and markups by selling broker-dealers; and
·Wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated to a desired level, along with the inevitable collapse of those prices with consequent investor losses.

 

We believe that many of these abuses have occurred with respect to the promotion of low-priced stock companies that lacked experienced management, adequate financial resources, an adequate business plan and/or marketable and successful business or product.

 

A decline in the price of our common stock could affect our ability to raise further working capital and adversely impact our ability to continue operations, and we may go out of business.

 

A prolonged decline in the price of our common stock could result in a reduction in the liquidity of our common stock and a reduction in our ability to raise capital. Because we plan to acquire a significant portion of the funds we need in order to conduct our planned operations through the sale of equity securities, a decline in the price of our common stock could be detrimental to our liquidity and our operations because the decline may cause investors not to choose to invest in our stock. If we are unable to raise the funds we require for all our planned operations, we may be forced to reallocate funds from other planned uses and may suffer a significant negative effect on our business plan and operations, including our ability to develop new products and continue our current operations. As a result, our business may suffer, and not be successful and we may go out of business. We also might not be able to meet our financial obligations if we cannot raise enough funds through the sale of our equity securities and we may be forced to go out of business.

 

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Our stock is a penny stock. Trading of our stock may be restricted by the SEC’s penny stock regulations, which may limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our stock.

 

Our stock is a penny stock. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has adopted Rule 15g-9 which generally defines “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined in Rule 15g-9) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors”. The term “accredited investor” refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC, which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer’s confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules; the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the stock that is subject to these penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We believe that the penny stock rules discourage investor interest in and limit the marketability of our common stock.

 

FINRA sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our stock.

 

In addition to the “penny stock” rules promulgated by the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our stock.

 

We do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our shares of common stock in the near future, and our stockholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them.

 

We intend to retain any future earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the near future. The declaration, payment and amount of any future dividends will be made at the discretion of the board of directors, and will depend upon, among other things, the results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, operating and capital requirements, and other factors as the board of directors considers relevant. There is no assurance that future dividends will be paid, and if dividends are paid, there is no assurance with respect to the amount of any such dividend. Unless we pay dividends, our stockholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them.

 

We may incur significant costs to ensure compliance with United States corporate governance and accounting requirements.

 

We may incur significant costs associated with our public company reporting requirements, costs associated with newly applicable corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other rules implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission. We expect all of these applicable rules and regulations to significantly increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time consuming and costly.  We also expect that these applicable rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage.  As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our Board of Directors or as executive officers.  We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these newly applicable rules, and we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.

 

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We may not be able to meet the accelerated filing and internal control reporting requirements imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission resulting in a possible decline in the price of our common stock and our inability to obtain future financing.

 

As directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rules requiring each public company to include a report of management on the company’s internal controls over financial reporting in its annual reports.  In addition, the independent registered public accounting firm auditing a company’s financial statements must also attest to and report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls over financial reporting as well as the operating effectiveness of the company’s internal controls.

 

While we expect to expend significant resources in developing the necessary documentation and testing procedures required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, there is a risk that we may not be able to comply timely with all of the requirements imposed by this rule.  In the event that we are unable to receive a positive attestation from our independent registered public accounting firm with respect to our internal controls, investors and others may lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements and our stock price and ability to obtain equity or debt financing as needed could suffer.

 

In addition, in the event that our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to rely on our internal controls in connection with its audit of our financial statements, and in the further event that it is unable to devise alternative procedures in order to satisfy itself as to the material accuracy of our financial statements and related disclosures, it is possible that we would be unable to file our Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which could also adversely affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to secure additional financing as needed.

 

Our articles of incorporation provide for indemnification of officers and directors at our expense and limit their liability which may result in a major cost to us and hurt the interests of our shareholders because corporate resources may be expended for the benefit of officers and/or directors.

 

Our articles of incorporation and applicable Nevada law provide for the indemnification of our directors, officers, employees, and agents, under certain circumstances, against attorney’s fees and other expenses incurred by them in any litigation to which they become a party arising from their association with or activities on our behalf. We will also bear the expenses of such litigation for any of our directors, officers, employees, or agents, upon such person’s written promise to repay us if it is ultimately determined that any such person shall not have been entitled to indemnification. This indemnification policy could result in substantial expenditures by us which we will be unable to recoup.

 

We have been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC, indemnification for liabilities arising under federal securities laws is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933  (the “Securities Act”) and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification for liabilities arising under federal securities laws, other than the payment by us of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding, is asserted by a director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, we will (unless in the opinion of our counsel, the matter has been settled by controlling precedent) submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction, the question whether indemnification by us is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. The legal process relating to this matter if it were to occur is likely to be very costly and may result in us receiving negative publicity, either of which factors is likely to materially reduce the market and price for our shares, if such a market ever develop.

 

Our board of directors has the authority, without stockholder approval, to issue shares of “blank check” preferred stock with terms that may not be viewed as beneficial to common stockholders, and which may adversely affect common stockholders.

 

Our articles of incorporation allow us to issue shares of preferred stock without any vote by our stockholders. Our Board of Directors has the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. Our Board of Directors also has the authority to issue preferred stock without further stockholder approval. As a result, our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of preferred stock that would grant to holders the preferred right to vote on decisions submitted for a vote of the stockholders, to a priority on distribution of our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of common stock and the right to the redemption of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our common stock, and similar rights and priorities over our common stock.

 

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ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 2.PROPERTIES

 

Executive Offices

 

The Company’s principal executive office is located at 75 Pringle Way, 8th Floor, Suite 804, Reno, Nevada 89502. The office premises are contributed free of charge by Mark W. Conte, our President and Chief Executive Officer. We believe that the offices are adequate to meet our current operational requirements. We do not own any real property.

 

ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are not currently subject to any legal proceedings, and to the best of our knowledge, no such proceeding is threatened, the results of which would have a material impact on our properties, results of operation, or financial condition.  Nor, to the best of our knowledge, are any of our officers or directors involved in any legal proceedings in which we are an adverse party.

 

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market for Common Stock

 

Our common stock is quoted on the OTC QB maintained by the OTC Markets under the symbol “UPDC.”  The high and low bid prices of our common stock as reported for the periods presented, by fiscal quarter (i.e., the first quarter beginning July 1 and ended September 30), were as follows.  The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail markup, mark-down, or commission and may not represent actual transactions.  

 

   Price Range 
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2020:  High   Low 
         
Quarter Ended:          
September 30, 2019  $0.04   $0.01 
December 31, 2019  $0.02   $0.01 
March 31, 2020  $0.05   $0.01 
June 30, 2020  $0.04   $0.01 
           
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2019:          
           
Quarter Ended:          
September 30, 2018  $0.07   $0.01 
December 31, 2018  $0.05   $0.01 
March 31, 2019  $0.06   $0.01 
June 30, 2019  $0.07   $0.02 

 

Holders

 

As of August 14, 2020, there were approximately 195 holders of record of our common stock. This does not include beneficial owners holding stock in street name.

 

Dividends

 

Any future determination as to the declaration and payment of dividends on shares of our Common Stock will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for such purpose.  We are under no contractual obligations or restrictions to declare or pay dividends on our shares of Common Stock.  In addition, we currently have no plans to pay such dividends.  Our Board of Directors currently intends to retain all earnings for use in the business for the foreseeable future.  

 

 23 

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

In April 2020, the Company issued 991,351 shares of restricted and unregistered shares of common stock for the settlement of previously outstanding convertible notes payable and accrued interest totaling $101,075.

 

No underwriters were involved in the issuance of the securities noted above. All of the securities issued were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The issuance of stock that was exempt under Section 4(a)(2) was a private offering to an accredited investor. Each of the investors represented to the Company that it (i) is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (ii) is knowledgeable, sophisticated and experienced in making investment decisions of this kind, and (iii) has had adequate access to information about the Company.

 

Transfer Agent

 

Our transfer agent and registrar are American Stock Transfer and Trust Co., 6201 15th Avenue, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11219, Telephone (718) 921-8210.

 

ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Regulation S-K and as such, are not required to provide the information contained in this item pursuant to Regulation S-K.

 

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our results of operations and financial condition for the periods presented.  The following selected financial information is derived from our historical consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with such consolidated financial statements and notes thereto set forth elsewhere herein and the “Forward-Looking Statements” explanation included herein.

 

Overview of Business

 

We are a health and wellness company with a focus on nutraceutical and alternative and specialty beverages. Our past development efforts have included weight loss and weight management products marketed under our iMetabolic® brand and craft beer offerings under our Record Street™ brand. Current development efforts are focused on alternative and specialty beverages that leverage and combine the Company’s regulated nutraceutical and beverage manufacturing experience to create novel and trending beverages that have health benefits, such as waters infused with hemp-based nootropics, cannabinoids, and terpenes. We also are pursuing the franchising and licensing of the Record Street™ brand for live music venues and brewpubs throughout the United States.

 

With fewer barriers to entry, such as reduced minimum order quantities (MOQs), lower costs of goods sold (COGS), and reduced regulatory licensing requirements, the Company has determined to focus its brand extensions and product innovations in the health and wellness beverage category. We believe there is increasing consumer demand for enhanced and functional (value-added) beverages and expect to capitalize on this and potential consumer demand with the development and launch of new products focused on growing trends in the beverage space.

 

Going Concern

 

Our financial statements are prepared using generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. We have not yet established an ongoing source of revenues sufficient to cover our operating costs and to allow us to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on our company obtaining adequate capital to fund operating losses until we become profitable. If we are unable to obtain adequate capital, we could be forced to significantly curtail or cease operations.

 

In its report on our financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2020, our independent registered public accounting firm included an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

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We will need to raise additional funds to finance continuing operations. However, there are no assurances that we will be successful in raising additional funds. Without sufficient additional financing, it would be unlikely for us to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to successfully accomplish the plans described in this annual report and eventually secure other sources of financing and attain profitable operations.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

Revenue and Cost of Revenue

 

The Company’s previous revenue was generated through the sale of its beer products through September 2018. Due to the lack of funding, the Company did not produce inventory or generate revenue during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the Company generated total revenue from beer sales totaling $14,274. The Company expects to generate revenue for the next twelve months through its RSB licensing agreement which commenced on July 1, 2020. In late July 2020, the Company’s licensee made its first shipments to a distributor in Reno, Nevada.

 

Cost of Revenue

 

Since the Company did not produce inventory of generate revenue in fiscal 2020 no revenue costs were incurred. The Company’s cost of revenue of $85,863 for the year ended June 30, 2019 included what management believes to be non-recurring costs, including an obsolescence charge of $65,653.

 

The Company believes that the periods presented are not indicative of its expected future production costs as funding permits. The Company expects to incur lower costs per unit of production if the Company is successful in increasing volume.

 

Professional Fees

 

The Company’s professional fees increased approximately 198% to $140,394 for the year ended June 30, 2020 from $47,169 for the year ended June 30, 2019. The increase is related to the Company engaging accountants to bring it back into compliance with its previously delinquent 1934 Securities Exchange Act filing requirements.

 

As funding permits, the Company expects to incur higher professional fees associated with on-going development of its brand, customers, and other relationship development.

 

Goodwill Impairment

 

Due to the Company’s need for additional funding and lack of firm funding commitments to execute its business plans, the Company was unable to continue to develop its RSB branding, grow its market share, and produce additional inventory. These facts and circumstances triggered the Company to perform an impairment test on its RSB assets in the second quarter of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019. As a result of the uncertainties surrounding its capital resources and corresponding impacts on forecasted undiscounted cash flows, the Company fully impaired its goodwill as of June 30, 2019, totaling $2,170,124, initially recognized as part of the acquisition of RSB during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. No additional impairment charges are expected for at least the next twelve months.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, we incurred general and administrative expenses of $8,865 and $69,604, respectively. Similar to other operational items, our funding challenges have resulted in overall declines in activity and corresponding expenses incurred.

 

We expect these items to increase over the next several periods with the success of our business plans and will primarily consist of facilities costs, management and other salaries, travel, and other corporate overhead.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense for the year ended June 30, 2020 decreased to $44,566 from $159,209 incurred during the year ended June 30, 2019.

 

 25 

 

The decrease results from settlement of approximately $380,000 of previously outstanding notes payable, approximately $21,000 of previously outstanding notes payable held by related parties, and the conversion of approximately $130,000 of convertible notes payable to common stock.

 

Our future interest expense obligations our dependent on the types of financing arrangements we are successful in arranging over the next twelve months, if any.

 

 26 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of June 30, 2020, the Company had a working capital deficit of approximately $584,000. Over the next twelve months, we have estimated that in order to maintain reporting company status as defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we will require cash for general and administrative expenses and professional fees, which include accounting, legal and other professional fees, as well as filing fees. We believe we will be able to meet these costs through the use of existing cash and cash equivalents or additional amounts, as necessary, to be loaned by or invested in us by our stockholders, management or other investors. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to raise additional capital, when needed or at all, or that such capital, if available, will be on acceptable terms. In the absence of obtaining additional financing, we may be unable to fund our operations.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2020 the Company’s operational cash flows primarily consisted of incurring expenses in the normal course of business at levels commensurate with its funding levels and resulting inabilities to commence commercially viable operations. Net of the non-cash and non-recurring gains on debt settlements of approximately $325,000, the Company’s operational cash uses primarily consisted of the incurrence of on-going general and administrative expenses for the year ended June 30, 2020. The Company expects these operational cash uses to continue until sufficient capital is raised, if any.

 

The Company does not have sufficient resources to engage in significant investing activities. As funding permits, the Company expects to invest in expanding its beer production and related products.

 

During the year ended June 30, 2020, the Company generated approximately $168,000 of net cash from financing activities through the issuance of convertible debt and notes payable totaling approximately $175,000 partially off-set by making an approximate $7,000 payment on its other outstanding notes payable.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, we did not engage in any off-balance sheet arrangements as set forth in Item 303(a)(4) of the Regulation S-K.

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires our management to make significant estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. These items are monitored and analyzed by our management for changes in facts and circumstances, and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future.

 

Business Combinations

 

Business combinations are accounted for at fair value. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and recorded in general and administrative expenses; previously held equity interests are valued at fair value upon the acquisition of a controlling interest; restructuring costs associated with a business combination are expensed subsequent to the acquisition date; and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date affect income tax expense. Measurement period adjustments are made in the period in which the amounts are determined, and the current period income effect of such adjustments will be calculated as if the adjustments had been completed as of the acquisition date. All changes that do not qualify as measurement period adjustments are also included in current period earnings. The accounting for business combinations requires estimates and judgment as to expectations for future cash flows of the acquired business, and the allocation of those cash flows to identifiable intangible assets, in determining the estimated fair value for assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The fair values assigned to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including contingent consideration, are based on management’s estimates and assumptions, as well as other information compiled by management, including valuations that utilize customary valuation procedures and techniques. If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used in these estimates, the amounts recorded in the financial statements could result in a possible impairment of goodwill or the recognition of additional consideration which would be expensed. The fair value of contingent consideration is remeasured each period based on relevant information and changes to the fair value are included in the operating results for the period.

 

 27 

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of fair value over identifiable tangible and intangible net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized. Instead goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually, or on an interim basis between annual tests when events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value.

 

Due to the Company’s need for additional funding and lack of firm funding commitments to execute its business plans, the Company was unable to continue to develop its RSB branding, grow its market share, and produce additional inventory. These facts and circumstances triggered the Company to perform an impairment test on its RSB assets in the second quarter of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019. As a result of the uncertainties surrounding its capital resources and corresponding impacts on forecasted undiscounted cash flows, the Company fully impaired its goodwill as of June 30, 2019, totaling $2,170,124, initially recognized as part of the acquisition of RSB during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary in order to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be recovered.

 

The Company has established a valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets that are not recoverable from taxable temporary differences because the Company is unable to conclude that future utilization of a portion of its NOL carryforwards and other deferred tax assets is more likely than not.

 

The calculation of the Company’s tax positions involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations in several different state tax jurisdictions. The Company is periodically reviewed by tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These reviews include inquiries regarding the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. The Company records estimated reserves for exposures associated with positions that it takes on its income tax returns that do not meet the more likely than not standards.

 

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

Our exposure to market risks is limited to changes in interest rates. We do not use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk. We have no debt outstanding nor do we have any investment in debt instruments other than highly liquid short-term investments. Accordingly, we consider our interest rate risk exposure to be insignificant at this time. 

 

 28 

 

ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

 

UPD HOLDING CORP.

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

    Page
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   30
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets - As of June 30, 2020 and 2019   31
     
Consolidated Statements of Operations – Years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019   32
     
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit - Years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019   33
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019   34
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   35-40

 

 29 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

To the Board of Directors and

Stockholders of UPD Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries

 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of UPD Holding Corp. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Going Concern Uncertainty

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has no revenue source, suffered recurring losses from operations and has a net capital deficiency that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans regarding those matters also are described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2019.

 

Salt Lake City, Utah

August 14, 2020

 

 30 

 

PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

 

UPD HOLDING CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   June 30,   June 30, 
   2020   2019 
ASSETS        
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $20,718   $7,215 
Other current assets   755     
Total current assets   21,473    7,215 
Property and equipment, net       74,617 
Total assets  $21,473   $81,832 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable  $171,547   $179,671 
Accrued interest   77,134    75,698 
Convertible notes payable   180,129    155,000 
Due to shareholders   72,225    71,074 
Notes payable   104,560    485,560 
Total current liabilities   605,595    967,003 
           
Commitments and Contingencies          
Stockholders' deficit          
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 authorized and none issued and outstanding        

Common stock, $0.005 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized and 172,450,907 and 171,008,684 issued and
outstanding at June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively

   862,255    855,044 
Additional paid-in-capital   1,872,632    1,709,731 
Accumulated deficit   (3,319,009)   (3,449,946)
Total stockholders' deficit   (584,122)   (885,171)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit  $21,473   $81,832 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 31 

 

UPD HOLDING CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

   June 30,   June 30, 
   2020   2019 
Revenues:        
Product sales  $   $14,274 
           
Operating costs and expenses:          
Cost of revenue       85,863 
Professional fees   140,394    47,169 
Impairment of goodwill       2,170,124 
General and administrative   8,865    69,604 
Total operating costs and expenses   149,259    2,372,760 
           
Operating loss   (149,259)   (2,358,486)
           
Interest expense, net   (44,625)   (159,209)
Gain on debt settlement   324,821     
Other income, net       17,771 
Total other income (expense)   280,196    (141,438)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes   130,937    (2,499,924)
Provision for income taxes        
Net income (loss)   130,937    (2,499,924)
           
           
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share from:  $0.00   $(0.02)
           
           
Weighted average shares outstanding          
Basic and diluted   171,513,505    162,636,158 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 32 

 

UPD HOLDING CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019

 

                   Additional       Total 
   Preferred Stock   Common Stock   Paid-in   Accumulated   Stockholders' 
   Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Equity (Deficit) 
BALANCE, June 30, 2018      $    162,566,772   $812,834   $949,552   $(950,022)  $812,364 
Issuance of common stock for conversion of debt and interest           8,441,912    42,210    751,637        793,847 
Stock based compensation                   8,542        8,542 
Net loss                       (2,499,924)   (2,499,924)
BALANCE, June 30, 2019           171,008,684   $855,044   $1,709,731   $(3,449,946)  $(885,171)
Issuance of common stock for conversion of debt and interest           1,442,223    7,211    136,981        144,192 
Related party debt and interest forgiveness                   25,920        25,920 
Net income                       130,937    130,937 
BALANCE, June 30, 2020      $    172,450,907   $862,255   $1,872,632   $(3,319,009)  $(584,122)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 33 

 

UPD HOLDING CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

   June 30,   June 30, 
   2020   2019 
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net income (loss)  $130,937   $(2,499,924)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Gain on settlement of debt   (324,821)    
Stock-based compensation       8,542 
Impairment of goodwill       2,170,124 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable       2,783 
Inventory       76,475 
Other current assets   (755)    
Accrued interest   46,548    108,440 
Accounts payable   (6,974)   (14,841)
Net cash used in operating activities   (155,065)   (148,401)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes payable   165,129    101,000 
Proceeds from issuance of related party notes payable   10,000    74,560 
Principal payments on notes payable   (6,561)   (33,750)
Net cash provided by financing activities   168,568    141,810 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   13,503    (6,591)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   7,215    13,806 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $20,718   $7,215 
           
Cash paid for income taxes  $   $ 
Cash paid for interest  $4,000   $44,000 
           
           
Non-Cash Supplemental Disclosures          
 Related party debt forgiveness  $21,000   $ 
 Common stock issued for debt settlement  $130,000   $652,500 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 34 

 

UPD HOLDING CORP.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

NOTE 1 – BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION

 

UPD Holding Corp. (“UPD”, “Company”), incorporated in the State of Nevada, is a holding Company seeking to acquire assets and businesses to provide a competitive advantage through cost-sharing and other synergies. The Company currently operates in the food and beverage industry through Record Street Brewing (“RSB”) and weight and health management with its distribution and marketing agreement with iMetabolic (“IMET”). The Company is pursuing business development opportunities in the food and beverage industry and other product licensing agreements.

 

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The Company consolidates the assets, liabilities, and operating results of its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries; Net Edge Devices, LLC, an Arizona Limited Liability Company, iMetabolic Corp, (“IMET”) a Nevada corporation, and Record Street Brewing Co. a Nevada corporation. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days of less at the date of purchase. The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of default by the financial institutions or the issuers of these investments to the extent the amounts on deposit or invested are in excess of amounts that are insured. As of June 30, 2020 and 2019 the Company did not have any cash equivalents or cash deposits in excess of the federally insured limits.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting periods. Management makes these estimates using the best information available at the time the estimates are made; however, actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that could be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  Financial assets are marked to bid prices and financial liabilities are marked to offer prices.  The fair value should be calculated based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, not on assumptions specific to the entity.  In addition, the fair value of liabilities should include consideration of non-performance risk, including the party’s own credit risk.

 

Fair value measurements do not include transaction costs.  A fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.  Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The fair value hierarchy is defined into the following three categories:

 

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

 

 35 

 

The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable, and convertible and other notes payable. The carrying amounts of such financial instruments approximate their respective estimated fair value due to the short-term maturities and approximate market interest rates of these instruments.

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

 

The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) on the face of the income statement. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period under the treasury stock method using the if-converted method. Due to the incurrence of net losses, the Company did not include outstanding instruments convertible into common stock that would be anti-dilutive.

 

Revenue Recognition

The Company sells beer and beverage products to its customers. The product sales represent revenue earned under contracts in which the Company bills and collects charges for delivery of products. The Company determines the measurement of revenue and the timing of revenue recognition utilizing the following core principles:

 

1.Identifying the contract with a customer;
2.Identifying the performance obligations in the contract;
3.Determining the transaction price;
4.Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
5.Recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies its performance obligations.

 

Revenues from product sales are recognized when the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied upon delivery. The Company primarily invoices its customers when orders are received and does not provide any refunds, rights of return, or warranties to its customers. The Company has not recognized any revenue since the quarter ended September 30, 2018.

 

Inventory

 

Inventory, consisting of beer products produced and packaged by a third-party vendor, are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company’s products, if pasteurized are expected to have a “shelf-life” of between six months and one year from the date of production based on the methodology used by the producer. The Company reduces the carrying value of inventories for items that are potentially excess, slow-moving, or subject to spoilage. The Company bases its provisions for excess, expired and spoiled inventory primarily on our estimates of forecasted net sales. A significant change in the timing or level of demand for our products as compared with forecasted amounts may result in recording additional provisions for excess, expired and spoiled inventory in the future. As the Company’s products are all produced by third parties, all inventories are categorized as finished goods. As of June 30, 2019, all of the Company’s inventory was written off due to spoilage.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities and assets using the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statements carrying values and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. In determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns, judgment and interpretation of statutes is required. Judgments and interpretation of statutes are inherent in this process. Future income tax assets are recorded in the financial statements if realization is considered more likely than not.

 

For previously taken tax positions considered to be uncertain, the Company prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute. In the event certain tax positions do not meet the appropriate recognition threshold, de-recognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, and accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions is required.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 – Leases (Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” )Topic 842). Under the new guidance a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms more than 12 months, whether that lease be classified as a capital or operating lease. This update is effective in annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and the interim periods within that year. On the Company’s adoption date, July 1, 2019, there were no non-cancelable leases. As a result, the adoption of ASC 842 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

 36 

 

Going Concern

 

The Company’s financial statements are prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America applicable to a going concern which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has not yet established an ongoing source of revenue sufficient to cover its operating costs and allow it to continue as a going concern, has reoccurring net losses and net capital deficiency.  The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent on the Company obtaining adequate capital to fund operating losses until it becomes profitable.  If the Company is unable to obtain adequate capital, it could be forced to cease operations. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

In order to continue as a going concern, the Company will need, among other things, additional capital resources. Management’s plans to obtain such resources for the Company include (i) obtaining capital from management and significant stockholders sufficient to meet its minimal operating expenses; (ii) obtaining funding from outside sources through the sale of its debt and/or equity securities; and (iii) completing a merger with or acquisition of an existing operating company. However, management cannot provide any assurances that the Company will be successful in accomplishing any of its plans.

 

NOTE 3 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

From time to time the Company has received working capital advances from shareholders. These advances are used to settle the Company’s on-going operating expenses. The shareholders have agreed to not accrue interest on the advances, and they are due on demand. Through June 30, 2020 the shareholders have informally agreed to defer payment until the Company’s operations are generating sufficient cash flows, however, they are under no obligation to do so in the future.

 

In June 2020, a significant shareholder forgave previously outstanding notes payable with total principal and interest totaling $25,920. Due to the transaction involving a related party, the forgiveness was treated as a capital contribution and was recognized as an increase in additional paid in capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statement of changes in stockholders’ deficit.

 

In February 2020, the Company issued its CEO a note payable carrying a 6% interest rate and maturing in October 2020 for cash proceeds totaling $10,000.

 

NOTE 4 – NOTES AND CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE

 

The Company’s notes payable consist of the following:

 

Note Description  June 30,
2020
   June 30,
2019
 
Notes Payable:        
Notes Payable matured in December 2018 a nominal interest rate
of 12%
  $20,000   $281,000 
Notes Payable matured in December 2018 a nominal interest rate
of 18%
       100,000 
Related Party Note Payable due October 2020 a nominal interest
rate of 6%
   84,560    74,560 
Note payable issued with a maturity date of December 2019 and a
nominal interest rate of 12%.
       30,000 
           
Total Notes payable  $104,560   $485,560 
Accrued interest   8,900    3,000 
Total convertible and other notes payable, net  $113,460   $488,560 

 

Throughout the year ended June 30, 2020 the Company did not have the financial resources to make current payments on these notes payable. The Company is in negotiations with the note holders and has not incurred significant penalties associated with the current default.

 

 37 

 

In January 2020, the Company settled a total of $250,000 previously outstanding notes payable with a nominal interest rate of 12% and $100,000 previously outstanding notes payable with a nominal interest rate of 18% in exchange for property and equipment and other assets with a net book value totaling $74,617. As a result of the settlement the Company recognized a gain of $301,383 during the year ended June 30, 2020.

 

In August 2019, the Company settled a previously outstanding note payable totaling $30,000 with a cash payment of $6,561 and recognized a gain on settlement of $23,439.

 

The Company’s convertible notes payable consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

Convertible Note Description  June 30, 2020   June 30, 2019 
Notes payable convertible into common stock at $0.10 per share;        
nominal interest rate of 12%; and matured in April 2018 (related        
party)  $65,000   $65,000 
Notes payable convertible into common stock at $0.10 per share;          
nominal interest rate of 12%; and matured in the fourth quarter of          
fiscal 2019       40,000 
Notes payable convertible into common stock at $0.10 per share;          
nominal interest rate of 12%; and matured in the first quarter          
of fiscal 2020       10,000 
Notes payable convertible into common stock at $0.10 per share;          
nominal interest rate of 15%; and matured in the third quarter of          
fiscal 2020       5,000 
Notes payable convertible into common stock at $0.10 per share;          
nominal interest rate of 12%; and matures in the fourth quarter of          
fiscal 2020       30,000 
Notes payable convertible into common stock at $0.10 per share;          
nominal interest rate of 12%; and matures in the second quarter of          
fiscal 2020       5,000 
Notes payable convertible into common stock at $0.10 per share; nominal interest          
rate of 12%; and matures in the third quarter of fiscal 2021   65,129     
Notes payable convertible into common stock at $0.10 per share; nominal interest          
rate of 12%; and matures in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021   50,000     
Total Convertible notes payable  $180,129   $155,000 
Accrued interest   68,234    72,698 
Total convertible and other notes payable, net  $248,363   $227,698 

 

Most of the Company’s outstanding convertible notes automatically convert to shares of common stock and $0.10 per share upon maturity if not paid in full prior to maturity. The Company does not make monthly and interest payments on its outstanding convertible notes payable. During the year ended June 30, 2020, the Company settled previously outstanding convertible note principal and interest totaling approximately $144,000 via the issuance of 1,442,223 shares of restricted and unregistered common stock. During the year ended June 30, 2019, the Company settled previously outstanding convertible note principal and interest totaling approximately $794,000 via the issuance of 7,941,912 shares of restricted and unregistered common stock.

 

 

During the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 the Company recognized interest expense on all outstanding notes and convertible notes payable totaling approximately $45,000 and $159,000, respectively.

 

 

NOTE 5 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

At June 30, 2020, the Company’s authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $.005, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01. At June 30, 2020 there were 172,450,907 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding.

 

 38 

 

The following provides a description of the shares issued during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

In April 2020, the Company issued 991,351 shares of common stock for the settlement of convertible notes and accrued interest totaling approximately $101,000.

 

In November 2019, the Company issued 337,039 shares of common stock for the settlement of convertible notes and accrued interest totaling approximately $34,000.

 

In July 2019, the Company issued 113,833 shares of common stock for the settlement of convertible notes and accrued interest totaling approximately $11,000.

 

In June 2019, the Company issued 8,441,912 shares of restricted and unregistered common stock for the settlement of previously outstanding debt and interest totaling approximately $794,000.

 

 

NOTE 6 – INCOME TAXES

 

The Company provides for income taxes using an asset and liability approach. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities and the tax rates in effect currently.

 

The Company recognizes reductions in its deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In the Company’s opinion, it is uncertain whether it will generate sufficient taxable income in the future to fully utilize the net deferred tax asset. Accordingly, a valuation allowance equal to the deferred tax asset has been recorded.

 

The Company’s deferred tax assets by period are as follows:

   June 30,   June 30, 
   2020   2019 
Deferred Tax Assets  $242,000   $269,000 
Valuation Allowance   (242,000)   (269,000)
           
Income Tax Expense  $   $ 

 

 

The components of income tax expense for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, are as follows:

 

   June 30,   June 30, 
   2020   2019 
Change in Deferred Tax Assets  $(27,000)  $69,000 
Change in Valuation Allowance   27,000    (69,000)
           
Income Tax Expense  $   $ 

 

The differences between the statutory income tax rates computed at the U.S. federal statutory rate and our effective rate were the following:

 

   June 30,   June 30, 
   2020   2019 
Federal Statutory Rate   21%   21%
Permanent Difference:          
Goodwill impairment       (18%)
Change in valuation allowance   (21%)   (3%)
           
Net Rate   0%   0%

 

 39 

 

As of June 30, 2020, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $1,253,000. The Company does not believe that it has any uncertain tax positions, correspondingly, no estimated accruals for interest and penalties have been made in the accompanying financial statements. The Company’s net operating loss carryforwards incurred prior to January 1, 2018 will begin to expire in 2034. Net operating losses incurred subsequent to the effective date of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are not subject to expiration.

 

The Company’s tax returns currently subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service are for the periods ended June 30, 2016 through the present.

 

 

NOTE 7 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

In June 2020 the Company, through its Record Street Brewing subsidiary, entered into a licensing agreement whereby its beer brands will be produced and distributed by a third-party. The third party operates a gastropub in Reno, Nevada under the Record Street Brewery name. The licensing agreement has an effective date of July 1, 2020 and is set to receive 25% of the gross profits sold and distributed outside of the gastropub premises. In late July 2020, the licensee delivered the first shipments subject to the licensing agreement.

 

ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

We have not had any disagreements with our current or predecessor independent registered accounting firm during the previous three previous fiscal years.

 

On September 11, 2019 we dismissed our principal independent accountant, Malone Bailey, LLP (“MB”). MB’s dismissal as the Company’s principal independent accountant was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

The reports of MB on the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to certainty, audit scope, or accounting principles, except the report did contain an explanatory paragraph related to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. During the Company’s fiscal years ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 and the subsequent periods through the date of dismissal, there were (i) no disagreements with MB on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of MB would have caused MB to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its report, and (ii) no “reportable events”, as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K. MB did advise the us that the internal controls necessary for the registrant to develop reliable financial statements do not exist.

 

On September 11, 2019, the Company engaged WSRP, LLC (“WSRP”) as its principal independent accountant to audit the Company’s financial statements. During 2017 and 2016 and any subsequent interim period prior to engaging WSRP, the Company did not consult with WSRP on any accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue.

 

ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures also include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2020, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the size and nature of the existing business operation. Given the size of our current operation and existing personnel, the opportunity to implement internal control procedures that segregate accounting duties and responsibilities is limited. Until the organization can increase in size to warrant an increase in personnel, formal internal control procedure will not be implemented until they can be effectively executed and monitored. As a result of the size of the current organization, there will not be significant levels of supervision, review, independent directors nor formal audit committee.

 

 40 

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of Company assets are made in accordance with management authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of company assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. 

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness, as of June 30, 2020, of our internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2020, our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective due to the size and nature of the existing business operation for the following reasons: lack of segregation of duties; lack of multiple levels of review; insufficient written policies and procedures for accounting and financial reporting; and lack of an independent director or audit committee. Given the size of our current operation and existing personnel, the opportunity to implement internal control procedures that segregate accounting duties and responsibilities is limited. Until the organization can increase in size to warrant an increase in personnel, formal internal control procedure will not be implemented until they can be effectively executed and monitored. As a result of the size of the current organization, there will not be significant levels of supervision, review, independent directors nor formal audit committee.

 

 41 

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION

 

None. 

 

 42 

 

PART III

 

 

ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Identification of Directors and Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth the name, age and positions of our executive officers and directors as of the Effective Date.  Executive officers are elected annually by our Board of Directors.  Each executive officer holds his office until he resigns, is removed by the Board, or his successor is elected and qualified.  Directors are elected annually by our stockholders at the annual meeting.  Each director holds his office until his successor is elected and qualified or his earlier resignation or removal.

 

Name   Age   Position   Director Since
             
Mark W. Conte     59     President, Chief Executive Officer, Director   March 16, 2015
Kevin J. Pikero     64     Chief Financial Officer, Director   March 16, 2015
Andrew D. Smith     61     Director   March 16, 2015

 

Mark W. Conte.  Mr. Conte is a business professional and entrepreneur in Reno, Nevada with over 35 years of experience in marketing and operations in the health, nutraceutical, technology, agricultural sciences, and banking industries. Mr. Conte is a co- founder and currently serves as President of iMetabolic Corp. Formerly, Mr. Conte was a co-founder and co-Managing Member of International Metabolic Institute LLC, which developed the “iMetabolic” brand and initial line of dietary and nutraceutical products. Prior thereto, Mr. Conte was: a Partner in 1Globe Wireless, Inc.; the B2B Sales Manager for AT&T Wireless; Managing Director and Manager of Operations for Perten Instruments; Vice President of Marketing for AIQ Systems, Inc.; and as a Corporate Banking Specialist and Foreign Exchange Representative for Valley Bank of Nevada. Mr. Conte is a graduate of the University of Nevada at Reno with a B.S. in Finance.

 

Kevin J. Pikero.  Mr. Pikero is a retired Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Reno, Nevada with over 40 years of experience in the financial and accounting business. Mr. Pikero operated Kevin J. Pikero & Associates, Inc. (CPAs) in Reno, Nevada providing accounting, tax, and financial services for a select domestic and international clientele of corporations, partnerships, sole proprietors, and individuals.  Mr. Pikero’s professional history includes employment with: Haims & Company – (CPAs); E.F. Hutton Credit Corp.; Barclays Business Credit Inc.; Truckee River Bank; Bank of America Community Development Bank; and United American Funding, Inc. Mr. Pikero is a graduate of Bentley University with a B.S. in Accounting and of the University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT with a M.B.A. in Finance.

 

Andrew D. Smith.  Mr. Smith is a Certified Public Accountant in Chicago, Illinois with over 35 years of experience in the financial and accounting business. He is a co-founder and the current President of Houlihan Capital, an investment banking firm with specializations in mergers and acquisitions and valuations. Previously to his time at Houlihan Capital, Mr. Smith was: a Senior Vice President for EVEREN Securities, Inc. (formerly Kemper Securities, Inc., 1993 to 1996), where he was the founder and co-head of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group; a Managing Director at Geneva Capital Markets; and an auditor for Ernst & Whinney, where he specialized in serving financial institutions. Mr. Smith is a graduate, with honors, of Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in Economics, is registered with FINRA as a General Securities Representative (Series 7), General Securities Principal (Series 24), and a Financial and Operations Principal (Series 27), is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society, and is credentialed through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as “Accredited in Business Valuation.”

 

Employment Contracts

 

There are no employment agreements between the Company and its officers and directors.

 

 43 

 

Code of Ethics

 

We have not yet adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

 

Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee

 

As of the date of this filing, we do not have a formal Audit Committee, Compensation Committee or Nominating Committee.  Our Board of Directors make all decisions that an audit committee would ordinarily make.  We have determined that the Company does not have a member of its Board of Directors that qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

 

We believe that the members of our Board of Directors are collectively capable of analyzing and evaluating our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we believe that at this time, retaining an independent director who would qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” would be overly costly and burdensome and is not warranted in our circumstances given the early stages of our development and the fact that we have not generated any revenues to date.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

Certain potential conflicts of interest are inherent in the relationships between our officers and directors, and us.

 

From time to time, one or more of our affiliates may form or hold an ownership interest in and/or manage other businesses both related and unrelated to the type of business that we own and operate.  These persons expect to continue to form, hold an ownership interest in and/or manage additional other businesses which may compete with ours with respect to operations, including financing and marketing, management time and services and potential customers.  These activities may give rise to conflicts between or among the interests of us and other businesses with which our affiliates are associated.  Our affiliates are in no way prohibited from undertaking such activities, and neither we nor our shareholders will have any right to require participation in such other activities.

 

Further, because we intend to transact business with some of our officers, directors and affiliates, as well as with firms in which some of our officers, directors or affiliates have a material interest, potential conflicts may arise between the respective interests of us and these related persons or entities.  We believe that such transactions will be affected on terms at least as favorable to us as those available from unrelated third parties.

 

With respect to transactions involving real or apparent conflicts of interest, we have adopted policies and procedures which require that: (i) the fact of the relationship or interest giving rise to the potential conflict be disclosed or known to the directors who authorize or approve the transaction prior to such authorization or approval, (ii) the transaction be approved by a majority of our disinterested outside directors, and (iii) the transaction be fair and reasonable to us at the time it is authorized or approved by our directors.

 

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s officers and directors and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than ten percent of the Common Stock are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all reports that they file with the SEC pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the Company, the Company believes that during fiscal 2019 its current officers, directors and beneficial owners of more than ten percent of the Common Stock complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements.

 

 44 

 

ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to each named executive officer during each of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. 

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

              All Other      
         Salary    Compensation    Total 
Name and Principal Position   Year    ($)    ($)    ($) 
                     
                     
Mark W. Conte (1)   2020             
President, Chief (Principal) Executive Officer, Director   2019             
                     
Kevin J. Pikero (1)   2020             
Chief (Principal) Financial Officer and Director   2019             
                     
Andrew D. Smith (1)   2020             
Director   2019             

_________________

 

(1)       Messrs. Conte, Pikero and Smith were appointed to their positions on March 16, 2015.

 

Director Compensation

 

We do not currently have a formal plan for compensating our directors.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

Not applicable.

 

Indemnification of Officers and Directors

 

The General Corporation Law of Nevada provides that directors, officers, employees or agents of Nevada corporations are entitled, under certain circumstances, to be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) and other liabilities actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any suit brought against them in their capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent, if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. This statute provides that directors, officers, employees and agents may also be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with a derivative suit brought against them in their capacity as a director, if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification may be made without court approval if such person was adjudged liable to the corporation.

 

Our by-laws provide that we shall indemnify our officers and directors in any action, suit or proceeding unless such officer or director shall be adjudged to be derelict in his or her duties. 

 

 45 

 

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The following table sets forth, as of June 30, 2020, certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our capital stock according to the information supplied to us, that were beneficially owned by (i) each person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of each class of the Company’s outstanding voting stock, (ii) each director, (iii) each named executive officer identified in the Summary Compensation Table, and (iv) all named executive officers and directors as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the persons named in the table have sole voting and dispositive power with respect to all shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws where applicable. There are not any pending or anticipated arrangements that may cause a change in control.  

 

             
    Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1)   Nature of
Security
  Number of
Shares
  Percentage of
Common Stock (1)
             
Mark W. Conte   Common Stock   14,669,369 (1)   9.5% 
President, Chief (Principal) Executive Officer, Director            
             
Jesse Corletto   Common Stock   32,000,000 (1)   17.8%
President and Co-Founder of Record Street Brewing            
             
Patrick Ogle   Common Stock   32,000,000 (1)   17.8%
Co-Founder of Record Street Brewing            
             
Deacon Shoenberger   Common Stock   14,346,931 (1)   10.2%
Significant Shareholder            
             

Kevin J. Pikero

 

 Common Stock

 

 1,500,000 (1)

 

 0.8%

Chief (Principal) Financial Officer and Director            
             
Andrew D. Smith   Common Stock   3,900,000 (1)   2.2% 
Director            
             
All directors and executive officers as a group (3 persons)   Common Stock   22,549,369 (1)   12.5%

___________________

(1)Applicable percentage of ownership is based on 172,450,907 shares of common stock outstanding as of August 14, 2020, together with securities exercisable or convertible into 7,661,400 shares of common stock within sixty (60) days of August 14, 2020, for each stockholder. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock subject to options or warrants exercisable or convertible into shares of common stock that are currently exercisable or exercisable within sixty (60) days of August 11, 2020, are deemed to be beneficially owned by the person holding such options or warrants for the purpose of computing the percentage of ownership of such person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.  Currently none of the officers or directors of the Company hold options or warrants of the Company. The business address of each person named is 75 Pringle Way, 8th Floor, Suite 804, Reno, NV 89502.

 

(2)Share percentages reflect single digit rounding.

 

ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The Company did not have any transactions during fiscal years 2020 and 2019 with any director, director nominee, executive officer, security holder known to the Company to own of record or beneficially more than 5% of the Company’s common stock, or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons, in which the amount involved exceeded $120,000.

 

Director Independence

 

Although the Company is not listed on a national securities exchange, in determining whether the members of our Board are independent, the Company has elected to use the definition of “independence” set forth by the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) and the standards for independence established by NASDAQ. After review of relevant transactions or relationships between each director, or any of his family members, and the Company, its senior management and the Board, have determined that Andrew D. Smith is an independent director within the meaning of the applicable listing standards of NASDAQ. Mark W. Conte and Kevin J. Pikero are not independent directors under the NASDAQ standard based in part on their positions as executive officers and employees of the Company.

 

 46 

 

ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table summarizes the aggregate fees billed to the Company by registered independent auditor in relation to the audits and quarterly reviews of the Company for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019:

 

   Year Ended
June 30, 2020
   Year Ended
June 30, 2019
 
         
Audit Fees (1)  $17,500   $50,000 
Audit-Related Fees (2)  $-   $- 
Tax Fees (3)  $-   $- 
All Other Fees (4)  $-   $- 

 

_______________

(1)Audit Fees. Audit fees include fees for professional services performed for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, review of quarterly consolidated financial statements included in our SEC filings, and assistance and issuance of consents associated with other SEC filings.

 

(2)Audit-Related Fees. Audit-related fees are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the audit. This category includes fees related to assistance consulting on financial accounting/reporting standards.

 

(3)Tax Fees. Tax fees primarily include professional services performed with respect to preparation of our federal and state tax returns for our consolidated subsidiaries.

 

(4)All Other Fees. All other fees include products and services provided, other than the services reported comprising Audit Fees, Audit Related Fees and Tax Fees.

 

The Board of Directors has reviewed the services provided by WSRP for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 and the amounts billed for such services, and after consideration, has determined that the receipt of these fees is compatible with the provision of independent audit services. The Board has discussed these services and fees with its registered independent audit firms and Company management to determine that they are appropriate under the rules and regulations concerning auditor independence promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to implement the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as under guidelines of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. 

 

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

The entire Board of Directors acts as the Company’s Audit Committee. The Audit Committee does not have a financial expert serving on its committee at this time due to the size and nature of the Company.

 

All audit and non-audit services are pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which consists of the members of the Board of Directors which considers, among other things, the possible effect of the performance of such services on the auditors’ independence.  The Audit Committee pre-approves the annual engagement of the principal independent registered public accounting firm, including the performance of the annual audit and quarterly reviews for the subsequent fiscal year, and pre-approves specific engagements for tax services performed by such firm.  The Audit Committee has also established pre-approval policies and procedures for certain enumerated audit and audit related services performed pursuant to the annual engagement agreement, including such firm’s attendance at and participation at Board and committee meetings; services associated with SEC registration statements approved by the Board of Directors; review of periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or other documents issued in connection with securities offerings, such as comfort letters and consents; assistance in responding to any SEC comments letters; and consultations with such firm as to the accounting or disclosure treatment of transactions or events and the actual or potential impact of final or proposed rules, standards or interpretations by the SEC, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), or other regulatory or standard-setting bodies.  The Audit Committee is informed of each service performed pursuant to its pre-approval policies and procedures.  The Audit Committee has considered the role of WSRP in providing services to us for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 and has concluded that such services are compatible with such firm’s independence.

 

 47 

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

Exhibit

Number

  Description
     
2.1   Share Exchange Agreement, dated December 31, 2014, by and among Esio Water & Beverage Development Corp. and iMetabolic Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 20, 2015).
21.1*   Subsidiaries of the Registrant
31.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*   XBRL Instance Document** 
101.SCH*   XBRL Extension Schema Document**
101.CAL*   XBRL Extension Calculation Linkbase Document**
101.DEF*   XBRL Extension Definition Linkbase Document**
101.LAB*   XBRL Extension Labels Linkbase Document**
101.PRE*   XBRL Extension Presentation Linkbase Document**

__________________

*Filed herewith.

**In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information is deemed not “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Financial Statement Schedules

 

None. 

 

 48 

 

SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  UPD HOLDING CORP.
     
     
Date:  August 14, 2020 By:   /s/ Mark W. Conte
  Mark W. Conte
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)

 

     
     
Date:  August 14, 2020 By:   /s/ Kevin J. Pikero
  Kevin J. Pikero
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name   Title   Date
         
         
/s/ Mark W. Conte   President, Chief Executive Officer, Director   August 14, 2020
Mark W. Conte   (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
         
/s/ Kevin J. Pikero   Chief Financial Officer, Director   August 14, 2020
Kevin J. Pikero   (Principal Financial Officer)    
         
         
/s/ Andrew D. Smith   Director   August 14, 2020
Andrew D. Smith        
         
         

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS

FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE ACT BY REGISTRANTS WHICH HAVE

NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE ACT

 

The registrant has not sent to its security holders any annual report covering the registrant’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.

 

 

49