The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. A registration statement related to these securities has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and are not the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-229105
Subject to completion, dated February 14, 2019
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
To Prospectus dated February 8, 2019
REED’S, INC.
Shares of Common Stock
We are offering shares of our common stock. Our common stock is traded on the NYSE American under the symbol “REED.” On February 13, 2019, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $2.69 per share.
As of February 14, 2019, the aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates calculated pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 was $48,735,000, calculated based on 18,050,000 shares of our common stock held by non-affiliates and a price of $2.70, the last reported sale price of our common stock on January 11, 2019. As of the date hereof, we have not offered or sold any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 during the prior 12 calendar month period that ends on and includes the date hereof.
| Per Share | Total | |||||||
| Public Offering price | $ | |||||||
| Underwriter commissions paid by us (1) | $ | |||||||
| Proceeds to us before expenses | $ | |||||||
| (1) | In addition, we have agreed to reimburse the underwriter for certain expenses. See “Underwriting” on page S-20 of this prospectus supplement for additional information. |
We have granted the underwriter a 45-day over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional shares of common stock from us at the public offering price above, less the underwriting discount.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-15 of this prospectus supplement and appearing on page S-1 of the accompanying base prospectus for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in our securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The underwriter expects to deliver the shares of common stock to the purchasers on or about , 2019.
The date of this prospectus supplement is February , 2019
Roth Capital Partners
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
| i |
PROSPECTUS
| ii |
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
On December 31, 2018, we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-229105) utilizing a shelf registration process relating to the securities described in this prospectus supplement, which registration statement, as amended February 5, 2019, was declared effective on February 8, 2019. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, sell up to $50,000,000 in the aggregate of common stock, warrants, units and/ or rights to purchase any of such securities, either individually or in units.
This prospectus supplement describes the specific terms of an offering of our securities and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, provides more general information. If the information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference therein filed prior to the date of this prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement.
In making your investment decision, you should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and any relevant free writing prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with any other information. If you receive any information not authorized by us, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell the securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or any relevant free writing prospectus is accurate as of any date other than its respective date. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
It is important for you to read and consider all of the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in making your investment decision. We include cross-references in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to captions in these materials where you can find additional related discussions. The table of contents in this prospectus supplement provides the pages on which these captions are located. You should read both this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, together with the additional information described in the sections entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference” of this prospectus supplement, before investing in our securities.
We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, our securities only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering of the securities in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the securities and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus outside the United States. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.
All references in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to our consolidated financial statements include, unless the context indicates otherwise, the related notes.
The industry and market data and other statistical information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference are based on management’s own estimates, independent publications, government publications, reports by market research firms or other published independent sources, and, in each case, are believed by management to be reasonable estimates. Although we believe these sources are reliable, we have not independently verified the information. None of the independent industry publications used in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the documents we incorporate by reference were prepared on our or our affiliates’ behalf and none of the sources cited by us consented to the inclusion of any data from its reports, nor have we sought their consent.
| S-1 |
Unless the context otherwise requires, “Reeds”, “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Reeds, Inc..
We have filed or incorporated by reference exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part. You should read the exhibits carefully for provisions that may be important to you.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of the registration statement on Form S-3 we filed with the SEC under the Securities Act and do not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the reference may not be complete and you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement or the exhibits to the reports or other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for a copy of such contract, agreement or other document. We are subject to the information reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and we file Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other required information and reports with the SEC. Our filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.
We will also provide you with a copy of any or all of the reports or documents that have been incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, or the registration statement of which it is a part upon written or oral request, and at no cost to you. If you would like to request any reports or documents from us, please contact Investor Relations at Reed’s Inc., 201 Merritt 7 Corporate Park, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851, ir@reedsinc.com (800) 997-3337 Ext or (617) 956-6736.
Our Internet address is www.reedsinc.com. We have not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus the information on our website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this document. Our web address is included in this document as an inactive textual reference only.
| S-2 |
INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus supplement the information we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement.
We are incorporating by reference the following documents that we have filed with the SEC (other than any filing or portion thereof that is furnished, rather than filed, under applicable SEC rules):
| ● | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on April 2, 2018; | |
| ● | our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018, and September 30, 2018, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2018, August 13, 2018 and November 14, 2018, respectively; | |
| ● | our Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 1, 2018, January 11, 2018, January 17, 2018, March 28, 2018, May 14, 2018, May 16, 2018, August 2, 2018, August 13, 2018, August 21, 2018, September 12, 2018, September 26, 2018, October 9, 2018, November 13, 2018, December 18, 2018, December 21, 2018, and January 3, 2019 (as amended on February 14, 2019); and | |
| ● | the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-32501), filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act on December 19, 2012, as amended, including any further amendment or report filed hereafter for the purpose of updating such description. |
All documents that we file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than Current Reports on Form 8-K, or portions thereof, furnished under Item 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K) (i) after the initial filing date of the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part and prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement and (ii) after the date of this prospectus supplement and prior to the termination of the offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement from the date of filing of the documents, unless we specifically provide otherwise. Information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and may replace information previously filed with the SEC. To the extent that any information contained in any Current Report on Form 8-K or any exhibit thereto, was or is furnished to, rather than filed with the SEC, such information or exhibit is specifically not incorporated by reference.
Upon written or oral request made to us at the address or telephone number below, we will, at no cost to the requester, provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus supplement is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement (other than an exhibit to a filing, unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing), but not delivered with this prospectus supplement. You may also access this information on our website at www.reedsinc.com and the URL where incorporated reports and other reports may be accessed is http://reedsinc.com/investors/sec-filings/.
Investor Relations at Reed’s Inc.
201 Merritt 7 Corporate Park
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851
ir@reedsinc.com
(800) 997-3337 Ext or (617) 956-6736
Except as expressly provided above, no other information, including none of the information on our website, is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement.
| S-3 |
INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement and our SEC filings that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement contain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections, which involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “outlook”, “believes”, “plans”, “intends”, “expects”, “goals”, “potential”, “continues”, “may”, “should”, “seeks”, “will”, “would”, “approximately”, “predicts”, “estimates”, “anticipates” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations concerning our business, operating results, financial condition and other similar matters. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. There will be events in the future, however, that we are not able to predict accurately or control. These important factors include those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, and in the applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus we may authorize for use in connection with a specific offering. These factors and the other cautionary statements made in this prospectus supplement should be read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements whenever they appear in this prospectus supplement. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
| S-4 |
Reed’s Inc.
Our Products
We manufacture our hand-crafted natural beverages using premium natural ingredients. Our products are free of genetically modified organisms (GMO). Over the years, has developed several product offerings. In 2017, our new management team began to transform our business model by narrowing our focus to our core product flavor offerings of Reed’s Ginger Beer flavors and Virgil’s Craft Sodas. By the end of 2018, we put in place infrastructure to support accelerated growth, secured new marketing and sales support partners, upgraded key vendors to improve gross margins, upgraded credit line with flexible partner that will support our growth and sold the Los Angeles production plant and moved to an asset light model.
Reed’s Ginger Beers
We believe Reed’s Ginger Beers are unique in their kettle-brewed origin among all mass-marketed soft drinks. Reed’s Ginger Beers contain between 17 and 39 grams of fresh ginger in every 12-ounce bottle. Our products differ from commercial soft drinks in three characteristics: sweetening, carbonation, and coloring for greater adult appeal. We sweeten our products using pure cane sugar. Instead of using injected-based carbonation, we produce our carbonation naturally, through slower, beer-oriented techniques. This process produces smaller, longer lasting bubbles which do not dissipate rapidly when the bottle is opened. We do not add coloring. The color of our products comes naturally from herbs, fruits, spices, roots, and juices.
Since Reed’s Ginger Brews are pasteurized, they do not require or contain any preservatives. In contrast, modern commercial soft drinks are typically produced using natural and artificial flavor concentrates prepared by flavor laboratories, tap water, and highly refined sweeteners. Manufacturers make a centrally processed concentrate which lends itself to a wide variety of situations, waters, and filling systems. The final product is cold-filled and requires preservatives for stability. Added colors are either artificial, or if natural, they are often highly processed.
The Reed’s Ginger Brews line contain the following products:
Reed’s Original Ginger Brew was our first creation and is a Jamaican recipe for homemade ginger ale using 17 grams of fresh ginger root, lemon, lime, honey, raw cane sugar, pineapple, herbs and spices. Reed’s Original Ginger Brew is 20% fruit juice.
Reed’s Premium Ginger Brew is sweetened only with honey and pineapple juice. Reed’s Premium Ginger Brew is 20% fruit juice and contains 17 grams of fresh ginger root.
Reeds Extra Ginger Brew is the same recipe as Original Ginger Brew but has 26 grams of fresh ginger root for a stronger bite.
Reeds Stronger Ginger Brew has 50% more ginger than the Extra Ginger Brew and has the highest ginger content of any of our beverage products.
Reed’s Raspberry Ginger Brew is brewed from 17 grams of fresh ginger root, raspberry juice, and lime. Reed’s Raspberry Ginger Brew is 20% raspberry juice.
Reed’s Light 55 Calories Extra Ginger Brew is a reduced calorie version of our top selling Reed’s Extra Ginger Brew, made possible by using Stevia. We use the same recipe of 26 grams of fresh ginger root, honey, pineapple, lemon and lime juices, and exotic spices.
Reed’s Natural Energy Elixir is an energy drink infused with all-natural ingredients designed to provide consumers with a healthy and natural boost to energy levels.
| S-5 |
Virgil’s Root Beer
Virgil’s is a premium craft root beer made with natural ingredients. Our root beer contains filtered water, unbleached cane sugar, and spices sourced from around the world such as anise from Spain, licorice from France, bourbon vanilla from Madagascar, cinnamon from Sri Lanka, clove from Indonesia, wintergreen from China, sweet birch and molasses from the southern United States, nutmeg from Indonesia, pimento berry oil from Jamaica, balsam oil from Peru, and cassia oil from China. We purchase these ingredients from vendors who source these spices worldwide and gather them together at the brewing and bottling facilities. We combine these ingredients under strict specifications and finally heat-pasteurize all Virgil’s sodas, to ensure quality. We sell Virgil’s in 12-ounce bottles in both 4 packs and 12 pack boxes. The Virgil’s soda line is also GMO free.
In addition to our Virgil’s Root Beer, we also offer a Virgil’s Cream Soda and Virgil’s Black Cherry Cream Soda, Virgil’s Orange Cream Soda, and a Virgil’s ZERO line. In 2018 our Virgil’s ZERO line of 100% Stevia sweetened and zero calorie sodas will be replaced by our NEW Virgil’s O Sugar line of craft sodas. This new natural line of Zero Sugar flavors includes Root Beer, Cola, Lemon-lime, Orange, Black Cherry, and Cream soda.
Other Popular Products
We have other popular brands with limited distribution including our Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer and Sonoma Sparkler brand of sparkling juices designed to be celebratory drinks for holidays and special occasions.
Prior Product Innovations
We are experts in flavor and recipe development and have developed many innovative and award-winning products and line extensions. With the expansion of our management team of beverage industry professionals and the added Chief Innovation Officer position, we will continue to be at the forefront of developing flavor profiles and products.
While product innovation will remain a top priority, we have discontinued some drinks in response to various market conditions including changes in consumer preferences and price points in various markets.
These innovations which have sold well in the past, may be reintroduced to the marketplace in the future given favorable market conditions. These products include:
| ● | Reed’s Ginger Brews: Reed’s Spiced Apple Brew, Reed’s Cherry Ginger Brew, and Reed’s Nausea Relief. | |
| ● | Reed’s Kombucha: all flavors. | |
| ● | Other Products: China Cola, certain private label products, and Reed’s ice creams. |
Our Primary Markets
We target a niche in the estimated $100 billion carbonated and non-carbonated soft drink markets in the U.S., Canada, and international markets. Our brands are regarded as premium and natural, with upscale packaging and are loosely defined as the artisanal (craft), premium bottled carbonated soft drink category.
We have an experienced and geographically diverse sales force promoting our products with senior sales representatives strategically placed in five regions across the country, supported by local Reeds sales staff. Our sales managers are responsible for all activities related to the sales, distribution, and marketing of our brands to our entire retail partner and distributor network in North America. We also employ an internal sales force and engages from time to time and in limited circumstances, independent sales brokers and outside representatives to promote our products.
| S-6 |
We sell to well-known popular natural food and gourmet retailers, large grocery store chains, club stores, convenience and drug stores, liquor stores, industrial cafeterias (corporate feeders), and to on premise bars, gourmet restaurants, and delicatessens worldwide. We also sell our products and promotional merchandise directly to consumers via the Internet through our website, www.reedsgingerbrew.com.
Some of our key customers include:
Natural stores: Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Natural Grocers, Earth Fare, and Fresh Thyme Famers Market
Gourmet & Specialty stores: Trader Joe’s, Bristol Farms, The Fresh Market, and Central Market
Grocery store chains: Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Stop & Shop, H.E.B., and Wegmans
Club and Mass Stores: Costco Wholesale, Target, and Walmart
Liquor stores: BevMo!, Total Wine & More, and Spec’s
Convenience & Drug stores: Circle K, Rite Aid, and CVS Pharmacy
Our Distribution Network
Our products are brought to market through direct-store-delivery (DSD), customer warehouse, and distributor networks. The distribution system used depends on customer needs, product characteristics, and local trade practices. Our products are brought to market through an extremely flexible and fluid hybrid distribution model.
Our product reaches the market in the following ways:
Direct to Natural & Specialty Wholesale Distributors
Our natural and specialty distributor partners operate a distribution network delivering thousands of SKUs of natural and gourmet products to thousands of small, independent, natural retail outlets around the U.S., along with national chain customers, both conventional and natural. This system of distribution allows our brands far reaching access to some of the most remote parts of North America.
Direct to Store Distribution (DSD) through alcoholic and non-alcoholic distributor network
Our independent distributor partners operate DSD systems which deliver primarily beverages, foods, and snacks directly to retail stores where the products are merchandised by their route sales and field sales employees. DSD enables us to merchandise with maximum visibility and appeal. DSD is especially well-suited to products frequently restocked and respond to in-store promotion and merchandising.
Direct to Store Warehouse Distribution
Some of our products are delivered from our manufacturing plants and warehouses directly to customer warehouses. Some retailers mandate we deliver directly to them, as it is more cost effective and allows them to pass savings along to their consumer. Other retailers may not mandate direct delivery, but they recommend and prefer it as they have the capability to self-distribute and can realize significant savings with direct delivery.
Wholesale Distribution
Our Wholesale Distributor network handles the wholesale shipments of our products. They have a warehouse, distribution center and ship Reed’s and Virgil’s products directly to the Retailer (or to customers who opt for drop shipping).
| S-7 |
International Distribution
We presently export Reed’s and Virgil’s brands throughout international markets via US based exporters. Some markets are: Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, Philippines, U.K., Israel, South Africa, and Australia.
International sales to some areas of the world are cost prohibitive, except for some specialty sales, since our premium sodas are packed in glass, which drives substantial freight costs when shipping overseas. Despite these cost challenges, we believe there are good opportunities for expansion of sales in Canada, the Middle East, England, and Australia and we are increasing our marketing focus on these areas by adding freight friendly packages such as aluminum cans. We are open to exporting and co-packing internationally and expanding our brands into foreign markets, and we have held preliminary discussions with trading companies and import/export companies for the distribution of our products throughout Asia, Europe, Australia, and South America. We believe these areas are a natural fit for Reed’s ginger products, because of the importance of ginger in international markets, especially the Asian market, where ginger is a significant part of diet and nutrition.
We believe the strength of our brands, innovation, and marketing, coupled with the quality of our products and flexibility of our distribution network, allows us to compete effectively.
Category Leadership
Reed’s is the leading selling ginger beer in the US1, with an estimated 25% dollar share of the ginger beer market (the ginger beer segment represents 22% of total craft specialty CSD category)2.
Virgil’s is the leading independent all-natural full line craft soda (not aligned with Coca-Cola or Dr. Pepper Snapple)3 and is ranked fourth in the craft soda category as a whole.
Product Launches
Wellness Ginger Beer with Hemp Extract
By the end of the second quarter of 2019, we intend to launch a pilot test of our Wellness Ginger Beer with Hemp Extract in the Pacific Northwest. Packaging will be consistent with our new base brand design with color differentiation in a 10oz sleek can to reinforce functional halo and separation from core offerings. Pricing is expected to be $3.99 SRP/can- in line with other hemp/CBD beverages. We will distribute this new product through our existing base Reed’s distribution partners in mainstream (where possible) and health/ natural food channels.
1 Based on Spins MULO/Natural/Specialty sales latest 52 weeks ended 12/2/18 with Reeds includes sales non-syndicated retailers in natural and specialty
2 Based on Spins MULO/Natural/Specialty sales latest 52 weeks ended 12/2/18 with Reeds includes sales non-syndicated retailers in natural and specialty
3 Based on Spins sales 52 weeks ending 8/12/18
| S-8 |
Our goal is to deliver therapeutic effects of hemp to create a balanced functional beverage unlike any existing offerings. We are utilizing Nano Biologics – a proprietary broad spectrum hemp extract, water soluble nano emulsification technology that delivers superior bioavailability, faster absorption and higher potency than standard hemp extracts.
Hemp based beverages appeal to a large and growing consumer base demanding innovative, functional, health & wellness beverages. Hemp/CBD is non-psychoactive and has claimed therapeutic benefits including pain relief, reduced inflammation, reduced anxiety, sleep aid.
The US functional beverages market is over $30 billion4:
| ● | This category includes range of fortified/enhanced products (i.e., energy/sports/probiotic) and is the fastest growing segment within global non-alcoholic beverages projected to grow 8-10%. | |
| ● | The Hemp/CBD market is projected to be $2 billion by 2020, with Hemp-infused (non-THC) beverages projected to be a $260 million category by 2022. |
Ready to Drink Mule
We expect to launch the pilot test of our ready to drink Mule in Southern California and the Pacific Northwest by the end of the second quarter of 2019. Packaging will be consistent with our new base brand design with tie to iconic copper Mule imagery. Pricing is expected to be $9.99 4-Pack SRP. We will distribute this new product through our existing distribution partners that are also leading beer and spirit distributors in mainstream and liquor channels.
4 Source: Future Market Insights, Hemp Business Journal 2018
| S-9 |
The ready to drink Mule represents an incremental, high margin $3 billion category for Reed’s. Consumer demand for craft alcoholic beverages is growing5:
| ● | Growth of craft segment across all alcohol categories, craft beer sales over $20 billion | |
| ● | Flavored Malt Beverage (FMB) segment sales of about $3 billion, growing double digit, with shift to “healthier” products such as emerging hard teas and seltzers ($500 million+, growing 200%) | |
| ● | Dominated by national strategies and newly created brands | |
| ● | Expect halo from fast growing non-alcoholic ginger beer segment ($100m+, fastest growing craft CSD flavor segment), similar to impact from sparkling water, kombucha and tea | |
| ● | Booming popularity of ginger beer based Mule cocktails on- premise (sales growing 30% YOY, now ranks #4 most popular cocktail tied with Martini) |
Preliminary Financial Results and Financial Guidance
Net Sales
At December 31, 2017, our annual net sales were $37.7 million as compared to $42.5 million at December 31, 2016 and $45.9 million at December 31, 2015. We estimate annual net sales of $38 million to $38.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. We forecast annual net sales of $42 million to $44 million and year-over-year core brands growth6 of 20% to 30% for the year ended December 31, 2019.
At the quarter ended December 31, 2017, our net sales were $9.7 million. We estimate net sales of approximately $9.5 million to $9.8 million, and a year-over-year core brands growth of 8% to 11%, for the quarter ended December 31, 2018.
We estimate monthly net sales of $2.8 million to $3 million for January 2019. a year-over-year January growth of 15% to 20%, and a year-over-year core brands growth of 25% to 35%.
Gross Margin
Our gross margin was 25% for the third quarter 2018 and 13% for the first quarter 2017. We forecast a gross margin of 28% to 32% for the first half of 2019 and 32% or greater for the second half of 2019.
5 Source: Brewers Association, IRI Spring 2018 data, Cheers Beverage Info Group
6 Core brand growth excludes discontinued SKUs and private label production.
| S-10 |
Product Mix
For the year ended December 31, 2018, our product mix consisted of the following: 48% Reed’s, 38% Virgil’s, and 14% Private Label/Discontinued SKUs7.
We forcast that our product mix for the year ended December 31, 2019 will be as follows: 58% Reed’s, 41% Virgil’s, and 1% Private Label/Discontinued SKUs.
Distribution
We expect to significantly increase the volume of products sold for the year ended December 31, 2019 due to our efforts to expand distribution. We are investing in new brokers, distributors, sales resources, and merchandisers. Furthermore, we are investing in slotting, trade spend, point of sale, couponing, racks, and sampling.
The below table provides the estimated number of distribution doors (available placements in a channel) universally and the number of distribution doors we have as of the year ended December 31, 2018:
| US CHANNEL | ESTIMATED DOOR UNIVERSE | 2018 REED’S, INC. DOORS | ||||||
| Natural/Specialty | 8,000 | 6,000 | ||||||
| Grocery/Mass | 45,000 | 20,000 | ||||||
| Drug | 55,000 | 3,000 | ||||||
| Club | 2,400 | 50 | ||||||
| Bar | 70,000 | 1,000 | ||||||
| Liquor Stores | 50,000 | 1,000 | ||||||
| Restaurants | 600,000 | <2,000 | ||||||
| Convenience stores | 150,000 | <2,000 | ||||||
| TOTAL | 980,400 | 30,000 | + | |||||
We aim to increase the amount of our distribution doors by 5,000 to 10,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
This preliminary financial information and guidance has been prepared by our management and should not be viewed as a substitute for full financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. These estimated preliminary results are subject to completion of our customary quarterly financial closing and audit and review procedures and are not a comprehensive statement of our financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2018. In addition, this preliminary financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved in any future period. Our financial statements and related notes as of and for the year and quarterly period ended December 31, 2018 are not expected to be filed with the SEC until after this offering is completed.
See “Risk Factors” on page S-15 of this prospectus supplement for risks, uncertainties and other factors that may impact these results.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 201 Merritt 7 Corporate Park Norwalk, Connecticut 06851. Our telephone number is (203) 890-0557. Our corporate website is www.reedsinc.com. Information contained on our website or that is accessible through our website should not be considered to be part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Our transfer agent is Transfer Online, Inc., telephone (503) 227-2950.
7 Private Label/Discontinued SKUs includes Reed’s Kombucha, Dr. Better, and Sonoma and private label production.
| S-11 |
| Common stock offered by us pursuant to this prospectus supplement | shares |
| Purchase price | $ per share |
| Common stock to be outstanding after this offering | shares (or shares if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full) |
| Over-allotment option | We have granted the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to an aggregate of an additional shares of our common stock on the terms set forth herein to cover any over-allotments. |
| Use of proceeds | We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $ (or approximately $ if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full), after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund the growth of our business, new products, sales and marketing efforts, working capital, and for general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” on page S-13. |
| Dividend policy | We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock. |
| NYSE American trading symbol | Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American under the symbol “REED”. |
| Risk factors | See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-15 of this prospectus supplement and on page S-1 of the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before investing in our securities. |
The above table is based on 25,658,159 shares outstanding, as of September 30, 2018 does not include, as of that date:
| ● | 4,056,921 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance in connection with future awards under our equity compensation plans; | |
| ● | 37,644 shares of our common stock that have been reserved for issuance upon conversion of outstanding preferred stock; | |
| ● | 6,951,173 shares of our common stock that have been reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants; | |
| ● | 2,266,667 shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding notes payable; and | |
| ● | 99,338 shares of our common stock issued subsequent to September 30, 2018 to service providers, pursuant to option exercise, warrant exercise and to holders of preferred units as dividends. Unless otherwise indicated, the information in this prospectus supplement assumes no exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option. |
To the extent that any outstanding warrants are exercised, outstanding notes are converted, new options are issued under our equity compensation plans, or we otherwise issue additional shares of common stock in the future, at a price less than the public offering price, there will be further dilution to the investor.
| S-12 |
We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $ (or approximately $ if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
Proceeds from the offering will provide capital to fund the growth of our business, new products, sales and marketing efforts, working capital, and for general corporate purposes. The expected use of the net proceeds from this offering represents our intentions based upon our current plans and business conditions, which could change in the future as our plans and business conditions evolve. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including the progress of our product development efforts and market acceptance of our products. As a result, our management will have discretion and flexibility in applying the net proceeds from this offering for this purpose.
| S-13 |
If you purchase shares in this offering, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the offering price per share and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock after this offering. Our net tangible book value as of September 30, 2018 was approximately $(5,629,000.00) or approximately $(0.22) per share of common stock. “Net tangible book value” is total assets minus the sum of liabilities and intangible assets. “Net tangible book value per share” is net tangible book value divided by the total number of shares of common stock outstanding.
After giving effect to the sale by us of shares of our common stock in this offering at the public offering price of $ per share, and after deducting $ of estimated offering expenses payable by us, our net tangible book value as of September 30, 2018 would have been approximately $ , or approximately $ per share of common stock. This amount represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $ per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $ per share to purchasers in this offering.
The following table illustrates the dilution:
| Offering price per share | $ | |||||||
| Net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2018 | $ | (0.22 | ) | |||||
| Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to this offering | $ | |||||||
| Adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering | $ | |||||||
| Dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors | $ |
The information above assumes that the underwriter does not exercise its over-allotment option. If the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full, the as adjusted net tangible book value per share will increase to approximately $ , representing an immediate increase to existing shareholders of approximately $ per share and an immediate dilution of $ per share to new investors.
The above table is based on 25,658,159 shares outstanding, as of September 30, 2018 does not include, as of that date:
| ● | 4,056,921 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance in connection with future awards under our equity compensation plans; | |
| ● | 37,644 shares of our common stock that have been reserved for issuance upon conversion of outstanding preferred stock; | |
| ● | 6,951,173 shares of our common stock that have been reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants; | |
| ● | 2,266,667 shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding notes payable; and | |
| ● | 99,338 shares of our common stock issued subsequent to September 30, 2018 to service providers, pursuant to option exercise, warrant exercise and to holders of preferred units as dividends. |
Unless otherwise indicated, the information in this prospectus supplement assumes no exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option.
To the extent that any outstanding warrants are exercised, outstanding notes are converted, new options are issued under our equity compensation plans, or we otherwise issue additional shares of common stock in the future, at a price less than the public offering price, there will be further dilution to the investor.
| S-14 |
Investment in any securities offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus involves risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below and incorporated by reference to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K we file after the date of this prospectus supplement, and all other information contained or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, as updated by our subsequent filings under the Exchange Act, and the risk factors and other information contained in the accompanying prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement and free writing prospectus before acquiring any of such securities. Each of the risk factors could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects, as well as the value of an investment in our securities, and the occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Factors Relating to Our Industry
Alcohol Risk Factors
Our “Ready to Drink Mule” initiative is in its early stages and may not materialize or develop as planned due to business and regulatory factors.
Our ready to drink Mule test pilot is in its early stages, and my not materialize or develop as planned due a myriad of business and regulatory factors. For example, many companies have already entered, and many new companies are beginning to enter the ready to drink alcoholic beverage space and competition for market share and acceptance of new products we will be significant. Many details concerning our planned launch remain under development and the pilot test may not be as successful as planned.
| S-15 |
Demand for our products may be adversely affected by many factors, including changes in consumer preferences and trends.
Consumer preferences may shift due to a variety of factors including changes in demographic and social trends, public health initiatives, product innovations, changes in vacation or leisure activity patterns and a downturn in economic conditions, which may reduce consumers’ willingness to purchase distilled spirits or cause a shift in consumer preferences toward beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages. Our success depends in part on fulfilling available opportunities to meet consumer needs and anticipating changes in consumer preferences with successful new products and product innovations. The competitive position of our brands could also be affected adversely by any failure to achieve consistent, reliable quality in the product or in service levels to customers.
We face substantial competition in our industry and many factors may prevent us from competing successfully.
We compete based on product taste and quality, brand image, price, service and ability to innovate in response to consumer preferences. The global spirits industry is highly competitive and is dominated by several large, well-funded international companies. It is possible that our competitors may either respond to industry conditions or consumer trends more rapidly or effectively or resort to price competition to sustain market share, which could adversely affect our sales and profitability.
Adverse public opinion about alcohol could reduce demand for our products.
Anti-alcohol groups have, in the past, advocated successfully for more stringent labeling requirements, higher taxes and other regulations designed to discourage alcohol consumption. More restrictive regulations, negative publicity regarding alcohol consumption and/or changes in consumer perceptions of the relative healthfulness or safety of beverage alcohol could decrease sales and consumption of alcohol and thus the demand for our products. This could, in turn, significantly decrease both our revenues and our revenue growth, causing a decline in our results of operations.
Class action or other litigation relating to alcohol abuse or the misuse of alcohol could adversely affect our business.
Companies in the beverage alcohol industry are, from time to time, exposed to class action or other litigation relating to alcohol advertising, product liability, alcohol abuse problems or health consequences from the misuse of alcohol. It is also possible that governments could assert that the use of alcohol has significantly increased government funded health care costs. Litigation or assertions of this type have adversely affected companies in the tobacco industry, and it is possible that we, as well as our suppliers, could be named in litigation of this type.
Also, lawsuits have been brought in a number of states alleging that beverage alcohol manufacturers and marketers have improperly targeted underage consumers in their advertising. Plaintiffs in these cases allege that the defendants’ advertisements, marketing and promotions violate the consumer protection or deceptive trade practices statutes in each of these states and seek repayment of the family funds expended by the underage consumers. While we have not been named in these lawsuits, we could be named in similar lawsuits in the future. Any class action or other litigation asserted against us could be expensive and time-consuming to defend against, depleting our cash and diverting our personnel resources and, if the plaintiffs in such actions were to prevail, our business could be harmed significantly.
Regulatory decisions and legal, regulatory and tax changes could limit our business activities, increase our operating costs and reduce our margins.
Our business is subject to extensive regulation in all of the countries in which we operate. This may include regulations regarding production, distribution, marketing, advertising and labeling of beverage alcohol products. We are required to comply with these regulations and to maintain various permits and licenses. We are also required to conduct business only with holders of licenses to import, warehouse, transport, distribute and sell beverage alcohol products. We cannot assure you that these and other governmental regulations applicable to our industry will not change or become more stringent. Moreover, because these laws and regulations are subject to interpretation, we may not be able to predict when and to what extent liability may arise. Additionally, due to increasing public concern over alcohol-related societal problems, including driving while intoxicated, underage drinking, alcoholism and health consequences from the abuse of alcohol, various levels of government may seek to impose additional restrictions or limits on advertising or other marketing activities promoting beverage alcohol products. Failure to comply with any of the current or future regulations and requirements relating to our industry and products could result in monetary penalties, suspension or even revocation of our licenses and permits. Costs of compliance with changes in regulations could be significant and could harm our business, as we could find it necessary to raise our prices to maintain profit margins, which could lower the demand for our products and reduce our sales and profit potential.
| S-16 |
Also, the distribution of beverage alcohol products is subject to extensive taxation both in the U.S. and internationally (and, in the U.S., at both the federal and state government levels), and beverage alcohol products themselves are the subject of national import and excise duties in most countries around the world. An increase in taxation or in import or excise duties could also significantly harm our sales revenue and margins, both through the reduction of overall consumption and by encouraging consumers to switch to lower-taxed categories of beverage alcohol.
CBD/Hemp Extract Risk Factors
Our Wellness Ginger Beer with Hemp Extract initiative is in its early stages and may not materialize or develop as planned due to business and regulatory factors.
Our Wellness Ginger Beer with Hemp Extract test pilot is in its early stages, and my not materialize or develop as planned due a myriad of business and regulatory factors. For example, many companies are entering the CBD space and competition for market share and acceptance of new products we will be significant. Many details concerning our planned launch remain under development and the pilot test may not be as successful as planned.
Negative press from having a hemp or cannabis-related line of business could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
There is a misconception that hemp and marijuana, which both belong to the cannabis family, are the same thing, but industrial hemp is roughly defined as a cannabis plant with not more than 0.3 percent THC content on a dry-weight basis. Any hemp oil or hemp derivative we use will comport with this definition of less than 0.3% THC. Despite this, we may still receive negative attention from the press, business clients, or partners, grounded in these broad misconceptions, and this in turn can materially adversely affect our business.
Possible yet unanticipated changes in federal law could cause our products which include cannabis/industrial hemp CBD extracts to be illegal, or could otherwise prohibit, limit or restrict our business and products, forcing us to abandon our business activities or reduce our financial prospects.
The move toward ending hemp prohibition and the reemergence of a hemp economy began with the 2014 Farm Bill, which provided states with opportunities to create pilot programs for hemp research. The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (“2018 Bill”) was signed into law at the end of December 2018 and expands on the 2014 Farm Bill. The 2018 Bill removes “hemp” from the definition of “Marihuana” in the Controlled Substances Act, decriminalizes the plant and its components, and as a result, transfers oversight of the cultivation and sale of the crop from the Drug Enforcement Administration to the Department of Agriculture. The net result of the 2018 Bill’s passage is that farmers and entrepreneurs gain several significant benefits, in addition to ending the uncertainty of criminal exposure for growing, processing or selling hemp:
| ● | Federal licensing for farmers wishing to grow hemp in states that don’t have a pilot program | |
| ● | Clarification that interstate commerce in hemp is permitted | |
| ● | Placing oversight of hemp with the USDA | |
| ● | Including hemp in the Federal Crop Insurance Act. |
These provisions will go a long way toward helping the industry by clarifying existing gray areas of law, creating certainty around transport and interstate sale, and normalizing hemp as an industrial crop. However, there can be no assurance that Federal laws ending hemp prohibition will not be modified or repealed. In the event of either repeal of Federal regulations, or of amendments thereto which are adverse to our business and products, we may be required to cease operations or restrict or limit our products or the distribution thereof, which could be expected to have adverse consequences to our business, operations, revenues and profitability, in which event you may lose your entire investment.
| S-17 |
Sources of our key ingredient, CBD extracts from cannabis/industrial hemp plants depend upon legality of cultivation, processing, marketing and sales of products derived from those plants.
Our key ingredient is CBD extracts derived from cannabis/industrial hemp plants. CBD may be legally produced in states which have laws and regulations that qualify under 7 US Code §5940 for implementation of “agricultural pilot programs to study the growth, cultivation or marketing of industrial hemp”, apart from state laws legalizing and regulating medical and recreational cannabis or marijuana which remains illegal under federal law. In addition, Federal licensing for farmers wishing to grow hemp in states that don’t have a pilot program is now available as a result of the 2018 Bill If we were to be unsuccessful in arranging new sources of supply of our raw ingredients, or if our raw ingredients were to become legally unavailable, our business and operations could be limited, restricted or entirely prohibited, which could be expected to have adverse consequences to our business, operations, revenues and profitability, in which event you may lose your entire investment.
We may have difficulty accessing the service of banks which may make it difficult for us to operate.
Many banks have not historically accepted deposits from and credit card processors will not clear transactions for businesses involved with the broadly defined cannabis industry, notwithstanding the legality of cannabis/industrial hemp derived products. While the 2018 Bill is expected to alleviate this hindrance, we may still have difficulty finding a bank and credit card processor willing to accept our business. The inability to open or maintain bank accounts or accept credit card payments from customers could be expected to cause us difficulty processing transactions in the ordinary course of business, including paying suppliers, employees and landlords, which could have a significant negative effect on our operations and your investment in our common stock.
Risk Factors Related to this Offering and Our Common Stock
You will incur immediate and substantial dilution as a result of this offering.
After giving effect to the sale by us of shares offered in this offering at the public offering price of $ per share, and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us, investors in this offering will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of $ per share in the net tangible book value of the common stock you purchase in this offering. See “Dilution” for a more detailed discussion of the dilution you will incur if you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering.
Management will have broad discretion as to the use of the proceeds from this offering, and may not use the proceeds effectively.
Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering and could spend the proceeds in ways that may not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our common stock. Our failure to apply these funds effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business and cause the price of our common stock to decline.
We have the ability to issue additional shares of our common stock and shares of preferred stock without asking for stockholder approval, which could cause your investment to be diluted.
Our Articles of Incorporation authorizes the Board of Directors to issue up to 70,000,000 shares of common stock and up to 500,000 shares of preferred stock. The power of the Board of Directors to issue shares of common stock, preferred stock or warrants or options to purchase shares of common stock or preferred stock is generally not subject to stockholder approval. Accordingly, any additional issuance of our common stock, or preferred stock that may be convertible into common stock, may have the effect of diluting your investment, and the new securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our common stock.
| S-18 |
Substantial sales of our stock may impact the market price of our common stock.
Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, including shares that we may issue upon exercise of options and warrants, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Further, if we raise additional funds through the issuance of common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock, the percentage ownership of our stockholders will be reduced and the price of our common stock may fall.
Our common stock is thinly traded, and investors may be unable to sell some or all of their shares at the price they would like, or at all, and sales of large blocks of shares may depress the price of our common stock.
Our common stock has historically been sporadically or “thinly-traded,” meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing shares of our common stock at prevailing prices at any given time may be relatively small or nonexistent. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in shares of our common stock is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer that has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. This could lead to wide fluctuations in our share price. Investors may be unable to sell their common stock at or above their purchase price, which may result in substantial losses. Also, as a consequence of this lack of liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our stockholders may disproportionately influence the price of shares of our common stock in either direction. The price of shares of our common stock could, for example, decline precipitously in the event a large number of shares of our common shares are sold on the market without commensurate demand, as compared to a seasoned issuer that could better absorb those sales without adverse impact on its share price.
Resales of our common stock in the public market during this offering by our stockholders may cause the market price of our common stock to fall.
This issuance of shares of common stock in this offering could result in resales of our common stock by our current stockholders concerned about the potential dilution of their holdings. In turn, these resales could have the effect of depressing the market price for our common stock.
We do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our shares of common stock in the near future, so our shareholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell their shares.
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 foreseeable future. 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 shareholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell such shares.
We may be liable for damages related to registration rights that have not been satisfied.
In connection with the sale of our beverage manufacturing equipment and private label beverage business in December 2018, we granted registration rights to a group of our current shareholders, including Chairman John Bello and certain institutional investors, with respect to an aggregate of 350,000 shares of our common stock. Pursuant to the terms of the registration rights letter agreements with such shareholders, we agreed to use our commercially reasonable best efforts to register those 350,000 shares for resale with the SEC. We have not yet satisfied our obligations under the registration rights letter and we could be liable for damages to these holders for failing to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights letter agreements.
| S-19 |
We have entered into an underwriting agreement with Roth Capital Partners, LLC with respect to the shares of common stock subject to this offering. Subject to certain conditions, we have agreed to sell to the underwriter, and the underwriter has agreed to purchase, the number of shares of common stock provided below opposite its name.
| Underwriter | Number of Shares | |||
| Roth Capital Partners, LLC | ||||
| Total |
The underwriter is offering the shares of common stock subject to its acceptance of the shares of common stock from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriter to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by its counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriter is obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of common stock if any such shares are taken. However, the underwriter is not required to take or pay for the shares of common stock covered by the underwriter’s over-allotment option described below.
Over-Allotment Option
We have granted the underwriter an option, exercisable for 45 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase up to an aggregate of additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any, at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, less the underwriting discount. The underwriter may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the offering of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. If the underwriter exercises this option, the underwriter will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase the additional shares for which the option has been exercised.
Discount, Commissions and Expenses
The underwriter has advised us that they propose to offer the shares of common stock to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $ per share. The underwriter may allow, and certain dealers may re-allow, a discount from the concession not in excess of $ per share to certain brokers and dealers. After this offering, the public offering price, concession and reallowance to dealers may be changed by the underwriter. No such change will change the amount of proceeds to be received by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement. The shares of common stock are offered by the underwriter as stated herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them and subject to their right to reject any order in whole or in part. The underwriter has informed us that they do not intend to confirm sales to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
The following table shows the underwriting discount payable to the underwriter by us in connection with this offering. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option to purchase additional shares.
| Per share1 | Total
Without Exercise of Over- Allotment Option | Total
With Exercise of Over- Allotment Option | ||||||||||
| Public offering price | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Underwriting discount | $ | $ | $ |
1 The underwriting discount is reduced to $ per share in connection with proceeds received from any executive members of management, members of our board of directors, Raptor/ Harbor Reeds SPV LLC and certain other investors.
We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriter for certain out-of-pocket expenses, including the fees and disbursements of its counsel, up to an aggregate of $75,000. We estimate that the total expenses payable by us in connection with this offering, other than the underwriting discount referred to above, will be approximately $ .
Indemnification
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and liabilities arising from breaches of representations and warranties contained in the underwriting agreement, or to contribute to payments that the underwriter may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
| S-20 |
Lock-up Agreements
We and our officers and directors and have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, for a period of 90 days after the date of the underwriting agreement, not to offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock either owned as of the date of the underwriting agreement or thereafter acquired without the prior written consent of the underwriter. The underwriter may, in its sole discretion and at any time or from time to time before the termination of the lock-up period, without notice, release all or any portion of the securities subject to lock-up agreements.
Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
In connection with the offering the underwriter may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act:
| ● | Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. | |
| ● | Over-allotment involves sales by the underwriter of shares in excess of the number of shares the underwriter is obligated to purchase, which creates a syndicate short position. The short position may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares over-allotted by the underwriter is not greater than the number of shares that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of shares involved is greater than the number of shares in the over-allotment option. The underwriter may close out any covered short position by either exercising their over-allotment option and/or purchasing shares in the open market. | |
| ● | Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of shares of the common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriter will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. If the underwriter sells more shares than could be covered by the over-allotment option, a naked short position, the position can only be closed out by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriter is concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. | |
| ● | Penalty bids permit the representative to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the common stock originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. |
These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. Neither we nor the underwriter make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the common stock. In addition, neither we nor the underwriter make any representations that the underwriter will engage in these stabilizing transactions or that any transaction, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Listing and Transfer Agent
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American and trades under the symbol “REED.” The transfer agent of our common stock is Transfer Online, Inc., telephone (503) 227-2950.
| S-21 |
Electronic Distribution
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in electronic format may be made available on websites or through other online services maintained by the underwriter, or by its affiliates. Other than this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in electronic format, the information on the underwriter’s website and any information contained in any other website maintained by the underwriter is not part of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus form a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or any underwriter in its capacity as underwriter, and should not be relied upon by investors.
Other
From time to time, the underwriter and/or its affiliates have provided, and may in the future provide, various investment banking and other financial services for us for which services they have received and, may in the future receive, customary fees. In the course of their businesses, the underwriter and its affiliates may actively trade our securities or loans for their own account or for the accounts of customers, and, accordingly, the underwriter and its affiliates may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities or loans. Except for services provided in connection with this offering, no underwriter has provided any investment banking or other financial services to us during the 180-day period preceding the date of this prospectus supplement and we do not expect to retain any underwriter to perform any investment banking or other financial services for at least 90 days after the date of this prospectus supplement.
NOTICE TO INVESTORS
Canada
The common stock may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the common stock must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriter is not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
United Kingdom
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “Relevant Member State”) an offer to the public of any securities which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may not be made in that Relevant Member State except that an offer to the public in that Relevant Member State of any such securities may be made at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive, if they have been implemented in that Relevant Member State:
(a) to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;
| S-22 |
(b) to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than €43,000,000 and (3) an annual net turnover of more than €50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts;
(c) by the underwriter to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive); or
(d) in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of these securities shall result in a requirement for the publication by the issuer or the underwriter of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any of the securities in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any such securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase any such securities, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State and the expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.
The underwriter has represented, warranted and agreed that:
(a) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated any invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the FSMA)) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of any of the securities in circumstances in which section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the issuer; and
(b) it has complied with and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the securities in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
European Economic Area
In particular, this document does not constitute an approved prospectus in accordance with European Commission’s Regulation on Prospectuses no. 809/2004 and no such prospectus is to be prepared and approved in connection with this offering. Accordingly, in relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (being the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 2003/71/EC and including any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State) (each, a Relevant Member State), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the Relevant Implementation Date) an offer of securities to the public may not be made in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to such securities which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that it may, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, make an offer of securities to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:
| ● | to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities; | |
| ● | to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than €43,000,000; and (3) an annual net turnover of more than €50,000,000, as shown in the last annual or consolidated accounts; or | |
| ● | in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by the Issuer of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive. |
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of securities to the public” in relation to any of the securities in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State. For these purposes the shares offered hereby are “securities.”
| S-23 |
The validity of the rights and the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus have been passed upon for us by Libertas Law Group, Inc., Santa Monica, California.
The consolidated financial statements incorporated in the accompanying prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of Weinberg & Company, P.A., an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. In addition, indemnification may be limited by state securities laws.
| S-24 |
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
REED’S, INC.
$50,000,000
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Warrants
Units
Subscription Rights
Debt Securities
By this prospectus, we may, from time to time in one or more offerings, offer and sell up to $50,000,000 in the aggregate of common stock, preferred stock, warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, subscription rights to purchase common stock or preferred stock, debt securities or any combination of the foregoing, either individually or as units comprised of one or more of the other securities. This prospectus provides a general description of the securities we may offer. We will provide the specific terms of the securities offered in one or more supplements to this prospectus. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read carefully this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference, before you invest in any of our securities. This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell any securities unless accompanied by the applicable prospectus supplement.
Our common stock is traded on the NYSE American under the symbol “REED.” As of December 27, 2018, the last reported sale price for our common stock was $2.12 per share. As of that date, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $37.8 million based on 25,658,159 shares of our outstanding common stock, of which approximately 17,811,732 shares were held by non-affiliates. Pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6. of Form S-3, in no event will we sell the securities covered hereby in a public primary offering with a value exceeding more than one-third of the aggregate market value of our common stock in any 12-month period so long as the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates remains below $75,000,000. During the 12 calendar months prior to and including the date of this prospectus, we have offered and sold $0 of securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” on page 4 of this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as updated in the applicable prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus and other future filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, for a discussion of the factors you should consider carefully before deciding to purchase our securities.
We may sell these securities directly to investors, through agents designated from time to time or to or through underwriters or dealers. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus. If any underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities with respect to which this prospectus is being delivered, the names of such underwriters and any applicable commissions or discounts will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The price to the public of such securities and the net proceeds we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of the prospectus is February 8, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| i |
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may from time to time sell common stock, preferred stock or warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, subscription rights to purchase common stock or preferred stock, or any combination of the foregoing, either individually or as units comprised of one or more of the other securities, in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $50,000,000. We have provided to you in this prospectus a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities under this shelf registration, we will, to the extent required by law, provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in any documents that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement or the related free writing prospectus; provided that if any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date – for example, a document filed after the date of this prospectus and incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus – the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement
We have not authorized any dealer, agent or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, or any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or an accompanying prospectus supplement, or any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you. This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, if any, do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front of the document or that any information we have incorporated by reference is correct on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference (as our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date), even though this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus is delivered or securities are sold on a later date.
As permitted by SEC rules and regulations, the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part includes additional information not contained in this prospectus. You may read the registration statement and the other reports we file with the SEC at its website or at its offices described below under “Where You Can Find More Information.”
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Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this prospectus to “Reed’s,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” or similar words refer to Reed’s, Inc.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the information reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and we file quarterly reports on Form 10Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other required information and reports with the SEC. Our filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.
We will also provide you with a copy of any or all of the reports or documents that have been incorporated by reference into this prospectus or the registration statement of which it is a part upon written or oral request, and at no cost to you. If you would like to request any reports or documents from the company, please contact Investor Relations at Reed’s Inc., 201 Merritt 7 Corporate Park, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851, ir@reedsinc.com (800) 997-3337 Ext or (617) 956-6736.
Our Internet address is www.reedsinc.com. We have not incorporated by reference into this prospectus the information on our website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this document. Our web address is included in this document as an inactive textual reference only.
INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus the information we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus.
We are incorporating by reference the following documents that we have filed with the SEC (other than any filing or portion thereof that is furnished, rather than filed, under applicable SEC rules):
| ● | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on April 2, 2018; |
| ● | our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018, and September 30, 2018, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2018, August 13, 2018 and November 14, 2018, respectively; |
| ● | our Current Reports on Form 8-K dated March 28, 2018 , May 16, 2018 , August 2, 2018, August 13, 2018 and August 21, 2018, September 12, 2018, September 26, 2018, October 9, 2018, November 13, 2018, December 18, 2018 and December 21, 2018; |
| ● | all other reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act since the end of our 2016 fiscal year; and |
| ● | the description of our common stock contained under the heading “Description of Securities” in the prospectus forming part of its registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-221059), originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 2017, as amended on November 21, 2017, December 1, 2017 and December 4, 2017, and as may be further amended, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
All documents that we file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than Current Reports on Form 8-K, or portions thereof, furnished under Item 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K) (i) after the initial filing date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement and (ii) after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus from the date of filing of the documents, unless we specifically provide otherwise. Information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and may replace information previously filed with the SEC. To the extent that any information contained in any Current Report on Form 8-K or any exhibit thereto, was or is furnished to, rather than filed with the SEC, such information or exhibit is specifically not incorporated by reference.
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Upon written or oral request made to us at the address or telephone number below, we will, at no cost to the requester, provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus (other than an exhibit to a filing, unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing), but not delivered with this prospectus. You may also access this information on our website at www.reedsinc.com and the URL where incorporated reports and other reports may be accessed is http://reedsinc.com/investors/sec-filings/.
Investor Relations at Reed’s Inc.
201 Merritt 7 Corporate Park
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851
ir@reedsinc.com
(800) 997-3337 Ext or (617) 956-6736
Except as expressly provided above, no other information, including none of the information on our website, is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and our SEC filings that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Federal securities laws, which involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “outlook”, “believes”, “plans”, “intends”, “expects”, “goals”, “potential”, “continues”, “may”, “should”, “seeks”, “will”, “would”, “approximately”, “predicts”, “estimates”, “anticipates” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations concerning our business, operating results, financial condition and other similar matters. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. There will be events in the future, however, that we are not able to predict accurately or control. These important factors include those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus we may authorize for use in connection with a specific offering. These factors and the other cautionary statements made in this prospectus should be read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements whenever they appear in this prospectus. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Investment in any securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement involves risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below and incorporated by reference to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K we file after the date of this prospectus, and all other information contained or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as updated by our subsequent filings under the Exchange Act, and the risk factors and other information contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus before acquiring any of such securities. Each of the risk factors could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects, as well as the value of an investment in our securities, and the occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment.
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Risks Relating to Our Business
We have a history of operating losses. If we continue to incur operating losses, we eventually may have insufficient working capital to maintain or expand operations according to our business plan.
For the nine months ended September 30 , 2018, the Company recorded a net loss of $7,665,000 and used cash from operations of $10,496,000. As of September 30 , 2018, we had a stockholder’s deficit of $4,824,000 and working capital shortfall of $2,188,000 compared to stockholder’s equity of $508,000 and working capital of $2,303,000 at December 31, 2017.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a net loss of $18,373,000 and utilized cash in operations of $3,422,000. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the company experienced significant financing shortages and engaged in three separate transactions to raise capital.
If we continue to suffer losses from operations, our working capital may be insufficient to support our ability to expand our business operations as rapidly as we would deem necessary at any time, unless we are able to obtain additional financing. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such financing on acceptable terms, or at all. If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to pursue our business objectives and would be required to reduce our level of operations, including reducing infrastructure, promotions, personnel and other operating expenses. These events could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. If adequate funds are not available or if they are not available on acceptable terms, our ability to fund the growth of our operations, take advantage of opportunities, develop products or services or otherwise respond to competitive pressures, could be significantly limited.
Disruption within our supply chain, contract manufacturing or distribution channels could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability, through our suppliers, business partners, contract manufacturers, independent distributors and retailers, to produce, transport, distribute and sell products is critical to our success. The Company is currently in the process of selling the LA Plant, which may lead to significant changes in our current supply chain model.
Damage or disruption to our suppliers or to manufacturing or distribution capabilities due to weather, natural disaster, fire or explosion, terrorism, pandemics such as influenza, labor strikes or other reasons, could impair the manufacture, distribution and sale of our products. Many of these events are outside of our control. Failure to take adequate steps to protect against or mitigate the likelihood or potential impact of such events, or to effectively manage such events if they occur, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to realize the goal of discontinuing the allocation of capital to the LA Plant, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are currently in the process of selling LA Plant equipment that was impaired in our most recent quarter. We expect to close on the sale of the LA Plant by December 31, 2018. The estimated value of the impairment in our most recent quarter may not be sufficient to cover further losses. There can be no assurances we will timely dispose of these assets, at expected prices. The sale of the equipment is subject to many variables that are difficult to forecast. Failure to realize our goal of discontinuing the allocation of capital to the LA Plant could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may need additional financing in the future, which may not be available when needed or may be costly and dilutive.
We may require additional financing to support our working capital needs in the future. The amount of additional capital we may require, the timing of our capital needs and the availability of financing to fund those needs will depend on a number of factors, including our strategic initiatives and operating plans, the performance of our business and the market conditions for debt or equity financing. Additionally, the amount of capital required will depend on our ability to meet our case sales goals and otherwise successfully execute our operating plan. We believe it is imperative to meet these sales objectives in order to lessen our reliance on external financing in the future. Although we believe various debt and equity financing alternatives will be available to us to support our working capital needs, financing arrangements on acceptable terms may not be available to us when needed. Additionally, these alternatives may require significant cash payments for interest and other costs or could be highly dilutive to our existing shareholders. Any such financing alternatives may not provide us with sufficient funds to meet our long-term capital requirements. If necessary, we may explore strategic transactions that we consider to be in the best interest of the Company and our shareholders, which may include, without limitation, public or private offerings of debt or equity securities, a rights offering, and other strategic alternatives; however, these options may not ultimately be available or feasible.
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Restrictive covenants related to our debt obligations may restrict our ability to obtain future financing.
We are prohibited from entering into a Variable Rate Transaction (defined below) for a period of two years expiring April 21, 2019. “Variable Rate Transaction” means a transaction in which the Company (i) issues or sells any debt or equity securities that are convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for, or include the right to receive additional shares of common stock either (A) at a conversion price, exercise price or exchange rate or other price that is based upon and/or varies with the trading prices of or quotations for the shares of common stock at any time after the initial issuance of such debt or equity securities, or (B) with a conversion, exercise or exchange price that is subject to being reset at some future date after the initial issuance of such debt or equity security or upon the occurrence of specified or contingent events directly or indirectly related to the business of the Company or the market for the common stock (including a price based anti-dilution provision that resets the conversion, exercise or exchange price due to the pricing of a financing that occurs after the date of such transaction) or (ii) enters into any agreement, including, but not limited to, an equity line of credit, whereby the Company may issue securities at a future determined price. We are also restricted from incurring future indebtedness pursuant to our current secured debt obligations.
In addition, we granted certain investors rights of participation in future financings, in the aggregate, of up to 50%. These participation rights could severely impact the Company’s ability to engage investment bankers to structure a financing transaction and raise additional financing on favorable terms. Furthermore, negotiating and obtaining a waiver to these participation rights may either not be possible or may be costly to the Company.
In addition, pursuant to our Financing Agreement with Rosenthal & Rosenthal, Inc. dated October 4, 2018 for our secured credit facility, we are required to maintain at the end of each of our fiscal quarters, tangible net worth in an amount not less than negative $1,500,000 and working capital of not less than negative $2,500,000.
Our indebtedness and liquidity needs could restrict our operations and make us more vulnerable to adverse economic conditions.
Our existing indebtedness may adversely affect our operations and limit our growth, and we may have difficulty making debt service payments on such indebtedness as payments become due. We may also experience the occurrence of events of default or breach of financial covenants. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired. If we violate any of the restrictions or covenants, a significant portion of our indebtedness may become immediately due and payable, our lenders’ commitment to make further loans to us may terminate. We might not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments.
Our reliance on distributors, retailers and brokers could affect our ability to efficiently and profitably distribute and market our products, maintain our existing markets and expand our business into other geographic markets.
Our ability to maintain and expand our existing markets for our products, and to establish markets in new geographic distribution areas, is dependent on our ability to establish and maintain successful relationships with reliable distributors, retailers and brokers strategically positioned to serve those areas. Most of our distributors, retailers and brokers sell and distribute competing products and our products may represent a small portion of their businesses. The success of this network will depend on the performance of the distributors, retailers and brokers of this network. 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 products in localities that may not be receptive to our product. Our ability to incentivize and motivate distributors to manage and sell our products is affected by competition from other beverage companies who have greater resources than we do. To the extent that our distributors, retailers and brokers are distracted from selling our products or do not employ sufficient efforts in managing and selling our products, including re-stocking the retail shelves with our products, our sales and results of operations could be adversely affected. Furthermore, such third-parties’ financial position or market share may deteriorate, which could adversely affect our distribution, marketing and sales activities.
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Our ability to maintain and expand our distribution network and attract additional distributors, retailers and brokers will depend on a number of factors, some of which are outside our control. Some of these factors include:
| ● | the level of demand for our brands and products in a particular distribution area; | |
| ● | our ability to price our products at levels competitive with those of competing products; and | |
| ● | our ability to deliver products in the quantity and at the time ordered by distributors, retailers and brokers. |
We may not be able to successfully manage all or any of these factors in any of our current or prospective geographic areas of distribution. Our inability to achieve success with regards to any of these factors in a geographic distribution area will have a material adverse effect on our relationships in that particular geographic area, thus limiting our ability to maintain or expand our market, which will likely adversely affect our revenues and financial results.
We incur significant time and expense in attracting and maintaining key distributors.
Our marketing and sales strategy depends in large part on the availability and performance of our independent distributors. We currently do not have, nor do we anticipate in the future that we will be able to establish, long-term contractual commitments from some of our distributors. We may not be able to maintain our current distribution relationships or establish and maintain successful relationships with distributors in new geographic distribution areas. Moreover, there is the additional possibility that we may have to incur additional expenditures to attract and maintain key distributors in one or more of our geographic distribution areas in order to profitably exploit our geographic markets.
If we lose any of our key distributors or national retail accounts, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We depend in large part on distributors to distribute our beverages and other products. Most of our outside distributors are not bound by written agreements with us and may discontinue their relationship with us on short notice. Most distributors handle a number of competitive products. In addition, our products are a small part of our distributors’ businesses.
We continually seek to expand distribution of our products by entering into distribution arrangements with regional bottlers or other direct store delivery distributors having established sales, marketing and distribution organizations. Many of our distributors are affiliated with and manufacture and/or distribute other soda and non-carbonated brands and other beverage products. In many cases, such products compete directly with our products.
The marketing efforts of our distributors are important for our success. If our brands prove to be less attractive to our existing distributors and/or if we fail to attract additional distributors, and/or our distributors do not market and promote our products above the products of our competitors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
It is difficult to predict the timing and amount of our sales because our distributors are not required to place minimum orders with us.
Our independent distributors and national accounts are not required to place minimum monthly or annual orders for our products. In order to reduce their inventory costs, independent distributors typically order products from us on a “just in time” basis in quantities and at such times based on the demand for the products in a particular distribution area. Accordingly, we cannot predict the timing or quantity of purchases by any of our independent distributors or whether any of our distributors will continue to purchase products from us in the same frequencies and volumes as they may have done in the past. Additionally, our larger distributors and partners may make orders that are larger than we have historically been required to fill. Shortages in inventory levels, supply of raw materials or other key supplies could negatively affect us.
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If we do not adequately manage our inventory levels, our operating results could be adversely affected.
We need to maintain adequate inventory levels to be able to deliver products to distributors on a timely basis. Our inventory supply depends on our ability to correctly estimate demand for our products. Our ability to estimate demand for our products is imprecise, particularly for new products, seasonal promotions and new markets. If we materially underestimate demand for our products or are unable to maintain sufficient inventory of raw materials, we might not be able to satisfy demand on a short-term basis. If we overestimate distributor or retailer demand for our products, we may end up with too much inventory, resulting in higher storage costs, increased trade spend and the risk of inventory spoilage. If we fail to manage our inventory to meet demand, we could damage our relationships with our distributors and retailers and could delay or lose sales opportunities, which would unfavorably impact our future sales and adversely affect our operating results. In addition, if the inventory of our products held by our distributors and retailers is too high, they will not place orders for additional products, which would also unfavorably impact our sales and adversely affect our operating results.
Our dependence on independent contract manufacturers could make management of our manufacturing and distribution efforts inefficient or unprofitable.
We are expected to arrange for our contract manufacturing needs sufficiently in advance of anticipated requirements, which is customary in the contract manufacturing industry for comparably sized companies. Based on the cost structure and forecasted demand for the particular geographic area where our contract manufacturers are located, we continually evaluate which of our contract manufacturers to use. To the extent demand for our products exceeds available inventory or the production capacity of our contract manufacturing arrangements, or orders are not submitted on a timely basis, we will be unable to fulfill distributor orders on demand. Conversely, we may produce more product inventory than warranted by the actual demand for it, resulting in higher storage costs and the potential risk of inventory spoilage. Our failure to accurately predict and manage our contract manufacturing requirements and our inventory levels may impair relationships with our independent distributors and key accounts, which, in turn, would likely have a material adverse effect on our ability to maintain effective relationships with those distributors and key accounts.
Increases in costs of packaging and ingredients may have an adverse impact on our gross margin.
Over the past few years, costs of organic ingredients and natural ingredients have increased due to increased demand and required the Company to obtain these ingredients from a wider population of qualified vendors. If the Company is unable to pass on these costs, the gross margin will be significantly impacted.
Inability to sustain price increases may have an adverse impact on our gross revenue.
The Company has not historically raised prices. As the Company implements pricing corrections in the market place, volume may be negatively impacted resulting in a net decrease in gross revenue.
Increased market spending may not drive volume growth
The Company’s marketing effort in the past have been limited. The anticipated increase in marketing spending may not generate an increase in sales volume resulting in a net decrease in gross revenue.
Increases in costs of energy and freight may have an adverse impact on our gross margin.
Over the past few years, volatility in the global oil markets has resulted in high fuel prices, which many shipping companies have passed on to their customers by way of higher base pricing and increased fuel surcharges. With recent declines in fuel prices, some companies have been slow to pass on decreases in their fuel surcharges. If fuel prices increase again, we expect to experience higher shipping rates and fuel surcharges, as well as energy surcharges on our raw materials. It is hard to predict what will happen in the fuel markets in 2018. Due to the price sensitivity of our products, we may not be able to pass such increases on to our customers.
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Disruption within our supply chain, contract manufacturing or distribution channels could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability, through our suppliers, business partners, contract manufacturers, independent distributors and retailers, to make, move and sell products is critical to our success. We are in the process of selling the LA Plant and that may lead to significant changes in our current supply chain model.
Damage or disruption to our suppliers or to manufacturing or distribution capabilities due to weather, natural disaster, fire or explosion, terrorism, pandemics such as influenza, labor strikes or other reasons, could impair the manufacture, distribution and sale of our products. Many of these events are outside of our control. Failure to take adequate steps to protect against or mitigate the likelihood or potential impact of such events, or to effectively manage such events if they occur, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we are unable to attract and retain key personnel our efficiency and operations would be adversely affected.
Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees in such areas as sales, marketing, product development and finance. In general, we compete to hire new employees, and, in some cases, must train them and develop their skills and competencies. Our operating results could be adversely affected by increased costs due to increased competition for employees, higher employee turnover or increased employee benefit costs. Any unplanned turnover, particularly involving our key personnel, could negatively impact our operations, financial condition and employee morale.
If we fail to protect our trademarks and trade secrets, we may be unable to successfully market our products and compete effectively.
We rely on a combination of trademark and trade secrecy laws, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property rights. Failure to protect our intellectual property could harm our brand and our reputation, and adversely affect our ability to compete effectively. Further, enforcing or defending our intellectual property rights, including our trademarks, copyrights, licenses and trade secrets, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. We regard our intellectual property, particularly our trademarks and trade secrets to be of considerable value and importance to our business and our success, and we actively pursue the registration of our trademarks in the United States and internationally. However, the steps taken by us to protect these proprietary rights may not be adequate and may not prevent third parties from infringing or misappropriating our trademarks, trade secrets or similar proprietary rights. In addition, other parties may seek to assert infringement claims against us, and we may have to pursue litigation against other parties to assert our rights. Any such claim or litigation could be costly. In addition, any event that would jeopardize our proprietary rights or any claims of infringement by third parties could have a material adverse effect on our ability to market or sell our brands, profitably exploit our products or recoup our associated research and development costs.
Litigation or legal proceedings could expose us to significant liabilities and damage our reputation.
We may become party to litigation claims and legal proceedings. Litigation involves significant risks, uncertainties and costs, including distraction of management attention away from our business operations. We evaluate litigation claims and legal proceedings to assess the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes and to estimate, if possible, the amount of potential losses. Based on these assessments and estimates, we establish reserves and disclose the relevant litigation claims or legal proceedings, as appropriate. These assessments and estimates are based on the information available to management at the time and involve a significant amount of management judgment. Actual outcomes or losses may differ materially from those envisioned by our current assessments and estimates. Our policies and procedures require strict compliance by our employees and agents with all U.S. and local laws and regulations applicable to our business operations, including those prohibiting improper payments to government officials. Nonetheless, our policies and procedures may not ensure full compliance by our employees and agents with all applicable legal requirements. Improper conduct by our employees or agents could damage our reputation or lead to litigation or legal proceedings that could result in civil or criminal penalties, including substantial monetary fines, as well as disgorgement of profits.
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We are subject to risks inherent in sales of products in international markets.
Our operations outside of the United States contribute to our revenue and profitability, and we believe that developing and emerging markets present important future growth opportunities for us. However, there can be no assurance that existing or new products that we manufacture, distribute or sell will be accepted or be successful in any particular foreign market, due to local or global competition, product price, cultural differences, consumer preferences or otherwise. Here are many factors that could adversely affect demand for our products in foreign markets, including our inability to attract and maintain key distributors in these markets; volatility in the economic growth of certain of these markets; changes in economic, political or social conditions, imposition of new or increased labeling, product or production requirements, or other legal restrictions; restrictions on the import or export of our products or ingredients or substances used in our products; inflationary currency, devaluation or fluctuation; increased costs of doing business due to compliance with complex foreign and U.S. laws and regulations. If we are unable to effectively operate or manage the risks associated with operating in international markets, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.
Changes in accounting standards and subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by management related to complex accounting matters could significantly affect our financial results.
The United States generally accepted accounting principles and related pronouncements, implementation guidelines and interpretations with regard to a wide variety of matters that are relevant to our business, such as, but not limited to, stock-based compensation, trade spend and promotions, and income taxes are highly complex and involve many subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by our management. Changes to these rules or their interpretation or changes in underlying assumptions, estimates or judgments by our management could significantly change our reported results.
If we are unable to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, our stock price and investor confidence could be materially and adversely affected.
We are required to maintain both disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting that are effective. Because of their inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting, however well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the controls will prevent or detect misstatements. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there is only the reasonable assurance that our controls will succeed in achieving their goals under all potential future conditions. The failure of controls by design deficiencies or absence of adequate controls could result in a material adverse effect on our business and financial results, which could also negatively impact our stock price and investor confidence.
If we are unable to build and sustain proper information technology infrastructure, our business could suffer.
We depend on information technology as an enabler to improve the effectiveness of our operations and to interface with our customers, as well as to maintain financial accuracy and efficiency. If we do not allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to build and sustain the proper technology infrastructure, we could be subject to transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, the loss of customers, business disruptions, or the loss of or damage to intellectual property through security breaches.
We could be subject to cybersecurity attacks.
Cybersecurity attacks are evolving and include malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in business processes, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and corruption of data. Such unauthorized access could subject us to operational interruption, damage to our brand image and private data exposure, and harm our business.
We must increase our stockholders’ equity to $6 million to meet continued listing standards of the NYSE American or meet the $50,000,000 market capitalization exception.
As of September 30 , 2018, we had a stockholder’s deficit of $4,824 ,000 compared to stockholder’s equity of $508,000 at December 31, 2017.
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A delisting of our common stock and our inability to list the stock on another national securities exchange could negatively impact us by: (i) reducing the liquidity and market price of our common stock; (ii) reducing the number of investors willing to hold or acquire our common stock, which could negatively impact our ability to raise equity financing; (iii) limiting our ability to use a registration statement to offer and sell freely tradable securities, thereby preventing us from accessing the public capital markets; and (iv) impairing our ability to provide equity incentives to our employees. While a delisting of our common stock would not constitute a specific event of default under the documents governing our senior credit facilities, our lenders could claim that a delisting would trigger a default under the material adverse change covenant or the cross-default provisions under such documents.
Risk Factors Relating to Our Industry
The current aluminum can shortage could harm our ability to meet consumer demand.
As a craft brewer, we do not meet requirements to have a requirements contract in place with our aluminum can supplier. Craft brewers such as us are facing an aluminum can shortage. The beverage industry has seen a 15 to 20 percent increase in the use of cans over bottles in recent years. The three major can manufacturers in the U.S. didn’t foresee that hike and are now way behind on filling orders. To make matters worse, the aluminum is more expensive because of federal tariffs. This aluminum can shortage could harm our ability to timely produce enough product to meet consumer demand.
We may experience a reduced demand for some of our products due to health concerns (including obesity) and legislative initiatives against sweetened beverages.
Consumers are concerned about health and wellness; public health officials and government officials are increasingly vocal about obesity and its consequences. There has been a trend among some public health advocates and dietary guidelines to recommend a reduction in sweetened beverages, as well as increased public scrutiny, potential new taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, and additional governmental regulations concerning the marketing and labeling/packing of the beverage industry. Additional or revised regulatory requirements, whether labeling, tax or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, increasing public concern with respect to sweetened beverages could reduce demand for our beverages and increase desire for more low-calorie soft drinks, water, enhanced water, coffee-flavored beverages, tea, and beverages with natural sweeteners. We are continuously working to launch new products that round out our diversified portfolio.
Legislative or regulatory changes that affect our products could reduce demand for products or increase our costs.
Taxes imposed on the sale of certain of our products by federal, state and local governments in the United States, Canada or other countries in which we operate could cause consumers to shift away from purchasing our beverages. Several municipalities in the United States have implemented or are considering implementing taxes on the sale of certain “sugared” beverages, including non-diet soft drinks, fruit drinks, teas and flavored waters to help fund various initiatives. These taxes could materially affect our business and financial results.
Additional taxes levied on us could harm our financial results.
Recent legislative proposals to reform U.S. taxation of non-U.S. earnings could have a material adverse effect on our financial results by subjecting a significant portion of our non-U.S. earnings to incremental U.S. taxation and/or by delaying or permanently deferring certain deductions otherwise allowed in calculating our U.S. tax liabilities.
We compete in an industry that is brand-conscious, so brand name recognition and acceptance of our products are critical to our success.
Our business is substantially dependent upon awareness and market acceptance of our products and brands by our targeted consumers. In addition, our business depends on acceptance by our independent distributors of our brands as beverage brands that have the potential to provide incremental sales growth rather than reduce distributors’ existing beverage sales. Although we believe that we have been relatively successful towards establishing our brands as recognizable brands in the New Age beverage industry, it may be too early in the product life cycle of these brands to determine whether our products and brands will achieve and maintain satisfactory levels of acceptance by independent distributors and retail consumers. We believe that the success of our product name brands will also be substantially dependent upon acceptance of our product name brands. Accordingly, any failure of our brands to maintain or increase acceptance or market penetration would likely have a material adverse affect on our revenues and financial results.
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Competition from traditional non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers may adversely affect our distribution relationships and may hinder development of our existing markets, as well as prevent us from expanding our markets.
We target a niche in the estimated $100 billion carbonated and non-carbonated soft drink markets in the US, Canada and international markets. Our brands are generally regarded as premium and natural, with upscale packaging and are loosely defined as the artisanal (craft), premium bottled carbonated soft drink category. The soft drink industry is highly fragmented and the craft soft drink category consists of such competitors as, Henry Weinhards, Thomas Kemper, Hansen’s, Izze, Boylan and Jones Soda, to name a few. These brands have the advantage of being seen widely in the national market and being commonly known for years through well-funded ad campaigns. Our products have a relatively high price for an artisanal premium beverage product, minimal mass media advertising and a relatively small but growing presence in the mainstream market compared to many of our competitors.
The beverage industry is highly competitive. We compete with other beverage companies not only for consumer acceptance but also for shelf space in retail outlets and for marketing focus by our distributors, all of which also distribute other beverage brands. Our products compete with a wide range of drinks produced by a relatively large number of manufacturers, most of which have substantially greater financial, marketing and distribution resources than ours. Some of these competitors are placing severe pressure on independent distributors not to carry competitive sparkling brands such as ours. We also compete with regional beverage producers and “private label” soft drink suppliers.
Increased competitor consolidations, market-place competition, particularly among branded beverage products, and competitive product and pricing pressures could impact our earnings, market share and volume growth. If, due to such pressure or other competitive threats, we are unable to sufficiently maintain or develop our distribution channels, we may be unable to achieve our current revenue and financial targets. As a means of maintaining and expanding our distribution network, we intend to introduce product extensions and additional brands. We may not be successful in doing this and other companies may be more successful in this regard over the long term. Competition, particularly from companies with greater financial and marketing resources than ours, could have a material adverse effect on our existing markets, as well as on our ability to expand the market for our products.
We compete in an industry characterized by rapid changes in consumer preferences and public perception, so our ability to continue developing new products to satisfy our consumers’ changing preferences will determine our long-term success.
Failure to introduce new brands, products or product extensions into the marketplace as current ones mature and to meet our consumers’ changing preferences could prevent us from gaining market share and achieving long-term profitability. Product lifecycles can vary and consumers’ preferences and loyalties change over time. Although we try to anticipate these shifts and innovate new products to introduce to our consumers, we may not succeed. Customer preferences also are affected by factors other than taste, such as health and nutrition considerations and obesity concerns, shifting consumer needs, changes in consumer lifestyles, increased consumer information and competitive product and pricing pressures. Sales of our products may be adversely affected by the negative publicity associated with these issues. If we do not adequately anticipate or adjust to respond to these and other changes in customer preferences, we may not be able to maintain and grow our brand image and our sales may be adversely affected.
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Global economic conditions may continue to adversely impact our business and results of operations.
The beverage industry, and particularly those companies selling premium beverages like us, can be affected by macro-economic factors, including changes in national, regional, and local economic conditions, unemployment levels and consumer spending patterns, which together may impact the willingness of consumers to purchase our products as they adjust their discretionary spending. The recent disruptions in the overall economy and financial markets as a result of the global economic downturn have adversely impacted the United States and Canada. This reduced consumer confidence in the economy has reduced consumers’ discretionary spending and we believe this has negatively affected consumers’ willingness to purchase beverage products such as ours. Moreover, adverse economic conditions may adversely affect the ability of our distributors to obtain the credit necessary to fund their working capital needs, which could negatively impact their ability or desire to continue to purchase products from us in the same frequencies and volumes as they have done in the past. If we experience similar adverse economic conditions in the future, sales of our products could be adversely affected, collectability of accounts receivable may be compromised and we may face obsolescence issues with our inventory, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.
If we encounter product recalls or other product quality issues, our business may suffer.
Product quality issues, real or imagined, or allegations of product contamination, even when false or unfounded, could tarnish our image and could cause consumers to choose other products. In addition, because of changing government regulations or implementation thereof, or allegations of product contamination, we may be required from time to time to recall products entirely or from specific markets. Product recalls could affect our profitability and could negatively affect brand image.
We could be exposed to product liability claims.
Although we have product liability and basic recall insurance, insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all product liability claims that may arise. To the extent our product liability coverage is insufficient, a product liability claim would likely have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition. In addition, any product liability claim brought against us may materially damage the reputation and brand image of our products and business.
Our business is subject to many regulations and noncompliance is costly.
The production, marketing and sale of our beverages, including contents, labels, caps and containers, are subject to the rules and regulations of various federal, provincial, state and local health agencies. If a regulatory authority finds that a current or future product or production run is not in compliance with any of these regulations, we may be fined, or production may be stopped, which would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, any adverse publicity associated with any noncompliance may damage our reputation and our ability to successfully market our products. Furthermore, the rules and regulations are subject to change from time to time and while we closely monitor developments in this area, we cannot anticipate whether changes in these rules and regulations will impact our business adversely. Additional or revised regulatory requirements, whether labeling, environmental, tax or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Significant additional labeling or warning requirements may inhibit sales of affected products.
Various jurisdictions may seek to adopt significant additional product labeling or warning requirements relating to the chemical content or perceived adverse health consequences of certain of our products. These types of requirements, if they become applicable to one or more of our products under current or future environmental or health laws or regulations, may inhibit sales of such products. In California, a law requires that a specific warning appear on any product that contains a component listed by the state as having been found to cause cancer or birth defects. This law recognizes no generally applicable quantitative thresholds below which a warning is not required. If a component found in one of our products is added to the list, or if the increasing sensitivity of detection methodology that may become available under this law and related regulations as they currently exist, or as they may be amended, results in the detection of an infinitesimal quantity of a listed substance in one of our beverages produced for sale in California, the resulting warning requirements or adverse publicity could affect our sales.
We may not be able to develop successful new beverage products, which are important to our growth.
An important part of our strategy is to increase our sales through the development of new beverage products. We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to develop, market and distribute future beverage products that will enjoy market acceptance. The failure to continue to develop new beverage products that gain market acceptance could have an adverse impact on our growth and materially adversely affect our financial condition. We may have higher obsolescent product expense if new products fail to perform as expected due to the need to write off excess inventory of the new products.
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Our results of operations may be impacted in various ways by the introduction of new products, even if they are successful, including the following:
| ● | sales of new products could adversely impact sales of existing products; | |
| ● | we may incur higher cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses in the periods when we introduce new products due to increased costs associated with the introduction and marketing of new products, most of which are expensed as incurred; and | |
| ● | when we introduce new platforms and bottle sizes, we may experience increased freight and logistics costs as our co-packers adjust their facilities for the new products. |
The growth of our revenues is dependent on acceptance of our products by mainstream consumers.
We have dedicated significant resources to introduce our products to the mainstream consumer. As such, we have increased our sales force and executed agreements with distributors who, in turn, distribute to mainstream consumers at grocery stores and other retailers. If our products are not accepted by the mainstream consumer, our business could suffer.
Our failure to accurately estimate demand for our products could adversely affect our business and financial results.
We may not correctly estimate demand for our products. Our ability to estimate demand for our products is imprecise, particularly with new products, and may be less precise during periods of rapid growth, particularly in new markets. If we materially underestimate demand for our products or are unable to secure sufficient ingredients or raw materials including, but not limited to, glass, labels, flavors or packing arrangements, we might not be able to satisfy demand on a short-term basis. Furthermore, industry-wide shortages of certain juice concentrates and sweeteners have been and could, from time to time in the future, be experienced, which could interfere with and/or delay production of certain of our products and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. We do not use hedging agreements or alternative instruments to manage this risk.
The loss of our largest customers would substantially reduce revenues.
Our customers are material to our success. If we are unable to maintain good relationships with our existing customers, our business could suffer.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s largest two customers accounted for 24% and 13% of gross sales, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had two customers who accounted for approximately 23% and 16% of its sales, respectively.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company’s two largest customers accounted for 21% and 11% of gross sales, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had two customers who accounted for approximately 23% and 16% of its sales, respectively
No other customer exceeded 10% of sales for either period.
The loss of our largest vendors would substantially reduce revenues.
Our vendors are material to our success. If we are unable to maintain good relationships with our existing vendors, our business could suffer.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company made 15% of its purchases from its largest vendor. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had one vendor which accounted for approximately 20% of its total purchases.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a single vendor accounted for approximately 18% of all purchases. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had one vendor which accounted for approximately 20% of its total purchases.
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As of September 30, 2018, the Company’s largest vendor accounted for 15% of the total accounts payable. As of December 31, 2017, this vendor accounted for 20% of total accounts payable.
No other account was more than 10% of the balance of accounts payable in either period.
The loss of our third-party distributors could impair our operations and substantially reduce our financial results.
We depend in large part on distributors to distribute our beverages and other products. Most of our outside distributors are not bound by written agreements with us and may discontinue their relationship with us on short notice. Most distributors handle a number of competitive products. In addition, our products are a small part of our distributors’ businesses.
We continually seek to expand distribution of our products by entering into distribution arrangements with regional bottlers or other direct store delivery distributors having established sales, marketing and distribution organizations. Many of our distributors are affiliated with and manufacture and/or distribute other soda and non-carbonated brands and other beverage products. In many cases, such products compete directly with our products.
The marketing efforts of our distributors are important for our success. If our brands prove to be less attractive to our existing distributors and/or if we fail to attract additional distributors, and/or our distributors do not market and promote our products above the products of our competitors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Price fluctuations in, and unavailability of, raw materials and packaging that we use could adversely affect us.
We do not enter into hedging arrangements for raw materials. Although the prices of raw materials that we use have not increased significantly in recent years, our results of operations would be adversely affected if the price of these raw materials were to rise and we were unable to pass these costs on to our customers.
We depend upon an uninterrupted supply of the ingredients for our products, a significant portion of which we obtain overseas, principally from Peru, Brazil and Fiji and Indonesia. We do not have agreements guaranteeing supply of our ingredients. Any decrease in the supply of these ingredients or increase in the prices of these ingredients as a result of any adverse weather conditions, pests, crop disease, interruptions of shipment or political considerations, among other reasons, could substantially increase our costs and adversely affect our financial performance.
We also depend upon an uninterrupted supply of packaging materials, such as glass for our bottles. We obtain our bottles both domestically and internationally. Any decrease in supply of these materials or increase in the prices of the materials, as a result of decreased supply or increased demand, could substantially increase our costs and adversely affect our financial performance.
The loss of any of our co-packers could impair our operations and substantially reduce our financial results.
We rely on third parties, called co-packers in our industry, to produce some of our beverages, to produce our glass bottles and to bottle some of our beverages.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had utilized three separate co-pack packers for most its production and bottling of beverage products in the Eastern United States. Although there are other packers and the Company has outfitted our own brewery and bottling plant, a change in packers may cause a delay in the production process, which could ultimately affect operating results.
Our co-packing arrangements with other companies are on a short term basis and such co-packers may discontinue their relationship with us on short notice. Our co-packing arrangements expose us to various risks, including:
| ● | if any of those co-packers were to terminate our co-packing arrangement or have difficulties in producing beverages for us, our ability to produce our beverages would be adversely affected until we were able to make alternative arrangements; and | |
| ● | our business reputation would be adversely affected if any of the co-packers were to produce inferior quality. |
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We compete in an industry characterized by rapid changes in consumer preferences and public perception, so our ability to continue to market our existing products and develop new products to satisfy our consumers’ changing preferences will determine our long-term success.
Consumers are seeking greater variety in their beverages. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our continued ability to develop and introduce different and innovative beverages. In order to retain and expand our market share, we must continue to develop and introduce different and innovative beverages and be competitive in the areas of quality and health, although there can be no assurance of our ability to do so. There is no assurance that consumers will continue to purchase our products in the future. Additionally, many of our products are considered premium products and to maintain market share during recessionary periods, we may have to reduce profit margins, which would adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, there is increasing awareness and concern for the health consequences of obesity. This may reduce demand for our non-diet beverages, which could affect our profitability. Product lifecycles for some beverage brands and/or products and/or packages may be limited to a few years before consumers’ preferences change. The beverages we currently market are in varying stages of their lifecycles and there can be no assurance that such beverages will become or remain profitable for us. The beverage industry is subject to changing consumer preferences and shifts in consumer preferences may adversely affect us if we misjudge such preferences. We may be unable to achieve volume growth through product and packaging initiatives. We also may be unable to penetrate new markets. If our revenues decline, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.
Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly because of the seasonality of our business.
Our highest revenues occur during the summer and fall, the third and fourth quarters of each fiscal year. These seasonality issues may cause our financial performance to fluctuate. In addition, beverage sales can be adversely affected by sustained periods of bad weather.
Our manufacturing process is not patented.
None of the manufacturing processes used in producing our products are subject to a patent or similar intellectual property protection. Our only protection against a third party using our recipes and processes is confidentiality agreements with the companies that produce our beverages and with our employees who have knowledge of such processes. If our competitors develop substantially equivalent proprietary information or otherwise obtain access to our knowledge, we will have greater difficulty in competing with them for business, and our market share could decline.
If we are not able to retain the full time services of our management team, it will be more difficult for us to manage our operations and our operating performance could suffer.
Our business is dependent, to a large extent, upon the services of our management team. We depend on our management team. We do have a written employment agreement with two of five members of our management team. In addition, we do not maintain key person life insurance on any of our management team. Therefore, in the event of the loss or unavailability of any member of the management team to us, there can be no assurance that we would be able to locate in a timely manner or employ qualified personnel to replace him. The loss of the services of any member of our management team or our failure to attract and retain other key personnel over time would jeopardize our ability to execute our business plan and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The price of our common stock may be volatile, and a shareholder’s investment in our common stock could suffer a decline in value.
There has been significant volatility in the volume and market price of our common stock, and this volatility may continue in the future. In addition, factors such as quarterly variations in our operating results, litigation involving us, general trends relating to the beverage industry, actions by governmental agencies, national economic and stock market considerations as well as other events and circumstances beyond our control could have a significant impact on the future market price of our common stock and the relative volatility of such market price.
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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. If we are unable to raise the funds required for all of our planned operations and key initiatives, we may be forced to allocate funds from other planned uses, which may negatively impact our business and operations, including our ability to develop new products and continue our current operations.
Many factors that are beyond our control may significantly affect the market price of our shares. These factors include:
| ● | price and volume fluctuations in the stock markets; | |
| ● | changes in our revenues and earnings or other variations in operating results; | |
| ● | any shortfall in revenue or increase in losses from levels expected by us or securities analysts; | |
| ● | changes in regulatory policies or law; | |
| ● | operating performance of companies comparable to us; and | |
| ● | general economic trends and other external factors. |
Even if an active market for our common stock is established, stockholders may have to sell their shares at prices substantially lower than the price they paid for it or might otherwise receive than if a broad public market existed.
There has been a very limited public trading market for our securities and the market for our securities, may continue to be limited, and be sporadic and highly volatile.
There is currently a limited public market for our common stock. Holders of our common stock may, therefore, have difficulty selling their shares, should they decide to do so. In addition, there can be no assurances that such markets will continue or that any shares, which may be purchased, may be sold without incurring a loss. Any such market price of our shares may not necessarily bear any relationship to our book value, assets, past operating results, financial condition or any other established criteria of value, and may not be indicative of the market price for the shares in the future.
Future financings could adversely affect common stock ownership interest and rights in comparison with those of other security holders.
Our board of directors has the power to issue additional shares of common or preferred stock up to the amounts authorized in our certificate of incorporation without stockholder approval, subject to restrictive covenants contained in the Company’s contracts. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our existing stockholders will be reduced, and these newly issued securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing stockholders. If we issue any additional common stock or securities convertible into common stock, such issuance will reduce the proportionate ownership and voting power of each other stockholder. In addition, such stock issuances might result in a reduction of the book value of our common stock. Any increase of the number of authorized shares of common stock or preferred stock would require board and shareholder approval and subsequent amendment to our certificate of incorporation.
Risk Factors Related to this Offering and Our Common Stock
If we are not able to achieve our objectives for our business, the value of an investment in our company could be negatively affected.
In order to be successful, we believe that we must, among other things:
| ● | increase the sales price and volume for our products; significantly reduce co-packer fees, packaging and ingredient costs; | |
| ● | resolve supply chain facility operation; | |
| ● | manage our operating expenses to sufficiently support operating activities; | |
| ● | reduce fixed costs at or near current levels by eliminating inefficient operations; and | |
| ● | avoid significant increases in variable costs relating to production, marketing and distribution. |
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We may not be able to meet these objectives, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We have incurred significant operating expenses in the past and may do so again in the future and, as a result, will need to increase revenues in order to improve our results of operations. Our ability to increase sales volume will depend primarily on success in marketing initiatives with industry brokers, improving our distribution base with DSD companies, introducing new no sugar brands, and focus on the existing core brands in the market. Our ability to successfully enter new distribution areas and obtain national accounts will, in turn, depend on various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the continued demand for our brands and products in target markets, the ability to price our products at competitive levels, the ability to establish and maintain relationships with distributors in each geographic area of distribution and the ability in the future to create, develop and successfully introduce one or more new brands, products, and product extensions.
We do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our shares of common stock in the near future, so our shareholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell their shares.
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 foreseeable future. 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 shareholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell such shares.
Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law could make an acquisition of us more difficult, limit attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management and limit the market price of our common stock.
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or changes in our management. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws include provisions that:
| ● | authorize our board of directors to issue, without further action by the stockholders, shares of undesignated preferred stock; | |
| ● | specify that special meetings of our stockholders can be called only upon the request of a majority of our board of directors or our Chief Executive Officer; | |
| ● | establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting, including proposed nominations of persons for election to our board of directors; and | |
| ● | prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors. |
These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management, and may discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a change of control of our company that is in the best interest of our minority stockholders. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock if they are viewed as discouraging future takeover attempts.
Furthermore, we are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a three-year period following the time that this stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A “business combination” includes, among other things, a merger, asset or stock sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or did own within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock. Under Section 203, a business combination between a corporation and an interested stockholder is prohibited unless it satisfies one of the following conditions:
| ● | before the stockholder became interested, the board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; | |
| ● | upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers, and employee stock plans, in some instances; or | |
| ● | at or after the time the stockholder became interested, the business combination was approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
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The existence of this provision may have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions the Company’s board of directors does not approve in advance. Section 203 may also discourage attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of Common Stock held by stockholders.
These provisions of Delaware law and the Certificate of Incorporation could have the effect of discouraging others from attempting hostile takeovers and, as a consequence, they may also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of the Company’s common stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in the Company’s management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.
Raptor/ Harbor Reeds SPV LLC (“Raptor), our largest shareholder, holds approximately 12% of our outstanding common stock and beneficially owns approximately 27% of our common stock and may greatly influence the outcome of all matters on which stockholders vote.
Because Raptor holds approximately 12% of our outstanding common stock and beneficially owns approximately 27 % of our common stock, it may greatly influence the outcome of all matters on which stockholders vote. Daniel J. Doherty, III, a principal and shareholder of Raptor also serves as a director of Reed’s. Raptor’s interests may not always coincide with the interests of other holders of our common stock. (Beneficial ownership is calculated pursuant to Section 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and includes shares underlying derivative securities which may be exercised or converted within 60 days.)
Christopher J. Reed, our founder, Chief Innovation Officer, and a member of our Board of Directors, holds approximately 9.7% of our common stock and may greatly influence the outcome of all matters on which stockholders vote.
Because Christopher J. Reed controls a large portion of our stock, approximately 9.7%, he may greatly influence the outcome of all matters on which stockholders vote. Mr. Reed’s interests may not always coincide with the interests of other holders of our common stock.
Management controls greater than 30% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
Because our management controls greater than 30% of our outstanding common stock, management may greatly influence the outcome of all matters on which stockholders vote. Management’s interests may not always coincide with the interests of other holders of our common stock.
If securities analysts or industry analysts downgrade our shares, publish negative research or reports, or do not publish reports about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us, our business and our industry. If one or more analysts adversely change their recommendation regarding our shares or our competitors’ stock, our share price would likely decline. If one or more analysts cease coverage of us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our share price or trading volume to decline. As a result, the market price for our common stock may decline.
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Our Products
We manufacture our hand-crafted natural beverages using premium natural ingredients. Our products are free of genetically modified organisms (GMO). Over the years, the Company has developed several product offerings. In 2017, we narrowed our focus to our core product flavor offerings of Reed’s Ginger Beer flavors and Virgil’s Craft Sodas. We may re-introduce at a later date our Kombucha and China Cola brands.
Reed’s Ginger Beers
Ginger ale is the oldest known soft drink. Before modern soft drink technology existed, non-alcoholic beverages were brewed at home directly from herbs, roots, spices, and fruits. These handcrafted brews were highly prized for their taste, tonic, and health-giving properties. Reed’s Ginger Beers are a revival of this lost art of home brewing sodas. We make them with care and attention to wholesomeness and quality, using the finest fresh herbs, roots, spices, and fruits.
We believe Reed’s Ginger Beers are unique in their kettle-brewed origin among all mass-marketed soft drinks. Reed’s Ginger Beers contain between 17 and 39 grams of fresh ginger in every 12-ounce bottle. Our products differ from commercial soft drinks in three characteristics: sweetening, carbonation, and coloring for greater adult appeal. We sweeten our products using pure cane sugar. Instead of using injected-based carbonation, we produce our carbonation naturally, through slower, beer-oriented techniques. This process produces smaller, longer lasting bubbles which do not dissipate rapidly when the bottle is opened. We do not add coloring. The color of our products comes naturally from herbs, fruits, spices, roots, and juices.
Since Reed’s Ginger Brews are pasteurized, they do not require or contain any preservatives. In contrast, modern commercial soft drinks are typically produced using natural and artificial flavor concentrates prepared by flavor laboratories, tap water, and highly refined sweeteners. Manufacturers make a centrally processed concentrate which lends itself to a wide variety of situations, waters, and filling systems. The final product is generally cold-filled and requires preservatives for stability. Added colors are either artificial, or if natural, they are often highly processed.
The Reed’s Ginger Brews line contain the following products:
Reed’s Original Ginger Brew was our first creation and is a Jamaican recipe for homemade ginger ale using 17 grams of fresh ginger root, lemon, lime, honey, raw cane sugar, pineapple, herbs and spices. Reed’s Original Ginger Brew is 20% fruit juice.
Reed’s Premium Ginger Brew is sweetened only with honey and pineapple juice. Reed’s Premium Ginger Brew is 20% fruit juice and contains 17 grams of fresh ginger root.
Reeds Extra Ginger Brew is the same recipe as Original Ginger Brew, but has 26 grams of fresh ginger root for a stronger bite.
Reeds Stronger Ginger Brew has 50% more ginger than the Extra Ginger Brew and has the highest ginger content of any of our beverage products.
Reed’s Raspberry Ginger Brew is brewed from 17 grams of fresh ginger root, raspberry juice, and lime. Reed’s Raspberry Ginger Brew is 20% raspberry juice.
Reed’s Light 55 Calories Extra Ginger Brew is a reduced calorie version of our top selling Reed’s Extra Ginger Brew, made possible by using Stevia. We use the same recipe of 26 grams of fresh ginger root, honey, pineapple, lemon and lime juices, and exotic spices.
Reed’s Natural Energy Elixir is an energy drink infused with all-natural ingredients designed to provide consumers with a healthy and natural boost to energy levels.
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Virgil’s Root Beer
Virgil’s is a premium craft root beer made with natural ingredients. Our root beer contains filtered water, unbleached cane sugar, and spices sourced from around the world such as anise from Spain, licorice from France, bourbon vanilla from Madagascar, cinnamon from Sri Lanka, clove from Indonesia, wintergreen from China, sweet birch and molasses from the southern United States, nutmeg from Indonesia, pimento berry oil from Jamaica, balsam oil from Peru, and cassia oil from China. We purchase these ingredients from vendors who source these spices worldwide and gather them together at the brewing and bottling facilities. We combine these ingredients under strict specifications and finally heat-pasteurize all Virgil’s sodas, to ensure quality. We sell Virgil’s in 12-ounce bottles in both 4 packs and 12 pack boxes. The Virgil’s soda line is also GMO free.
In addition to our Virgil’s Root Beer, we also offer a Virgil’s Cream Soda and Virgil’s Black Cherry Cream Soda, Virgil’s Orange Cream Soda, and a Virgil’s ZERO line. In 2018 our Virgil’s ZERO line of 100% Stevia sweetened and zero calorie sodas will be replaced by our NEW Virgil’s O Sugar line of craft sodas. This new natural line of Zero Sugar flavors includes Root Beer, Cola, Lemon-lime, Orange, Black Cherry, and Cream soda.
Other Products
We have other popular brands with limited distribution including our Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer and Sonoma Sparkler brand of sparkling juices designed to be celebratory drinks for holidays and special occasions.
Prior Product Innovations
We are experts in flavor and recipe development and have developed many innovative and award-winning products and line extensions. With the expansion of our management team of beverage industry professionals and the added Chief Innovation Officer position, we will continue to be at the forefront of developing flavor profiles and products.
While product innovation will remain a top priority, we have discontinued some drinks in response to various market conditions including changes in consumer preferences and price points in various markets.
These innovations which have sold well in the past, may be reintroduced to the marketplace in the future given favorable market conditions. These products include:
| ● | Reed’s Ginger Brews: Reed’s Spiced Apple Brew, Reed’s Cherry Ginger Brew, and Reed’s Nausea Relief. | |
| ● | Reed’s Kombucha: all flavors. | |
| ● | Other Products: China Cola, certain private label products, and Reed’s ice creams. |
Our Primary Markets
We target a niche in the estimated $100 billion carbonated and non-carbonated soft drink markets in the U.S., Canada, and international markets. Our brands are generally regarded as premium and natural, with upscale packaging and are loosely defined as the artisanal (craft), premium bottled carbonated soft drink category.
During 2017, management began simplifying operations in order to focus the Company on becoming a premier sales and marketing organization. The new management team is currently assessing best strategies to augment our existing sales and marketing efforts by utilizing industry brokers and outside advertising firms.
We have an experienced and geographically diverse sales force promoting our products with senior sales representatives strategically placed in five regions across the country, supported by local Reeds sales staff. Our sales managers are responsible for all activities related to the sales, distribution, and marketing of our brands to our entire retail partner and distributor network in North America. The Company also employs an internal sales force and engages from time to time and in limited circumstances, independent sales brokers and outside representatives to promote our products.
We sell to well-known popular natural food and gourmet retailers, large grocery store chains, club stores, convenience and drug stores, liquor stores, industrial cafeterias (corporate feeders), and to on premise bars, gourmet restaurants, and delicatessens worldwide. We also sell our products and promotional merchandise directly to consumers via the Internet through our Company website, www.reedsgingerbrew.com.
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Some of our key customers include:
Natural stores: Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Natural Grocers, Earth Fare, and Fresh Thyme Famers Market
Gourmet & Specialty stores: Trader Joe’s, Bristol Farms, The Fresh Market, and Central Market
Grocery store chains: Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Stop & Shop, H.E.B., and Wegmans
Club and Mass Stores: Costco Wholesale, Target, and Walmart
Liquor stores: BevMo!, Total Wine & More, and Spec’s
Convenience & Drug stores: Circle K, Rite Aid, and CVS Pharmacy
Our Distribution Network
Our products are brought to market through direct-store-delivery (DSD), customer warehouse, and distributor networks. The distribution system used depends on customer needs, product characteristics, and local trade practices. Our products are brought to market through an extremely flexible and fluid hybrid distribution model.
Our product reaches the market in the following ways:
Direct to Natural & Specialty Wholesale Distributors
Our natural and specialty distributor partners operate a distribution network delivering thousands of SKUs of natural and gourmet products to thousands of small, independent, natural retail outlets around the U.S., along with national chain customers, both conventional and natural. This system of distribution allows our brands far reaching access to some of the most remote parts of North America.
Direct to Store Distribution (DSD) through alcoholic and non-alcoholic distributor network
Our independent distributor partners operate DSD systems which deliver primarily beverages, foods, and snacks directly to retail stores where the products are merchandised by their route sales and field sales employees. DSD enables us to merchandise with maximum visibility and appeal. DSD is especially well-suited to products frequently restocked and respond to in-store promotion and merchandising.
Direct to Store Warehouse Distribution
Some of our products are delivered from our manufacturing plants and warehouses directly to customer warehouses. Some retailers mandate we deliver directly to them, as it is more cost effective and allows them to pass savings along to their consumer. Other retailers may not mandate direct delivery, but they recommend and prefer it as they have the capability to self-distribute and can realize significant savings with direct delivery.
Wholesale Distribution
Our Wholesale Distributor network handles the wholesale shipments of our products. They have a warehouse, distribution center and ship Reed’s and Virgil’s products directly to the Retailer (or to customers who opt for drop shipping).
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International Distribution
We presently export Reed’s and Virgil’s brands throughout international markets via US based exporters. Some markets are: Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, Philippines, U.K., Israel, South Africa, and Australia.
International sales to some areas of the world are cost prohibitive, except for some specialty sales, since our premium sodas are packed in glass, which drives substantial freight costs when shipping overseas. Despite these cost challenges, we believe there are good opportunities for expansion of sales in Canada, the Middle East, England, and Australia and we are increasing our marketing focus on these areas by adding freight friendly packages such as aluminum cans. We are open to exporting and co-packing internationally and expanding our brands into foreign markets, and we have held preliminary discussions with trading companies and import/export companies for the distribution of our products throughout Asia, Europe, Australia, and South America. We believe these areas are a natural fit for Reed’s ginger products, because of the importance of ginger in international markets, especially the Asian market, where ginger is a significant part of diet and nutrition.
We believe the strength of our brands, innovation, and marketing, coupled with the quality of our products and flexibility of our distribution network, allows us to compete effectively.
Recent Developments
On November 20, 2018, we entered into a non-binding letter of intent for the purchase and sale of Reed’s manufacturing and bottling plant business for the aggregate purchase price of $1,250,000 with Christopher J. Reed, founder, significant shareholder, CIO and director of Reed’s. In conjunction with the sale, we expect to assign the commercial lease for the premises upon which the bottling plant is located to Mr. Reed, subject to satisfaction of landlord’s conditions and approval. Mr. Reed has remitted a $200,000 good faith deposit in furtherance of the transaction and intends to pay the remainder of the purchase price in cash received from financing through a third party commercial lender or through the sale, in a private transaction, of a block of shares of Reed’s common stock owned by Mr. Reed. The plant equipment is being sold “as-is, where-is”. The closing of the transaction is contingent upon execution of definitive agreements. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur on or before December 31, 2018.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 201 Merritt 7 Corporate Park Norwalk, Connecticut 06851. Our telephone number is (203) 890-0557. Our corporate website is www.reedsinc.com. Information contained on our website or that is accessible through our website should not be considered to be part of this prospectus. Our transfer agent is Transfer Online, Inc., telephone (503) 227-2950.
Except as described in any prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus in connection with a specific offering, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered under this prospectus to fund the growth of our business, primarily working capital, and for general corporate purposes. We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for the foregoing purposes. As a result, our management will have broad discretion in the allocation of the net proceeds and investors will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the proceeds of any sale of the securities. If a material part of the net proceeds is to be used to repay indebtedness, we will set forth the interest rate and maturity of such indebtedness in a prospectus supplement.
If required, we will set forth in a prospectus supplement the following information regarding any material dilution of the equity interests of investors purchasing securities in an offering under this prospectus:
| ● | the net tangible book value per share of our equity securities before and after the offering; |
| ● | the amount of the increase in such net tangible book value per share attributable to the cash payments made by purchasers in the offering; and |
| ● | the amount of the immediate dilution from the public offering price which will be absorbed by such purchasers. |
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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK
The following description of our common stock and preferred stock, together with any additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, summarizes the material terms and provisions of our common stock and preferred stock that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any future common stock or preferred stock that we may offer, we will describe the particular terms of any class or series of these securities in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. For the complete terms of our common stock and preferred stock, please refer to our certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our bylaws, as amended, that are incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of these securities may also be affected by the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL. The summary below and that contained in any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each as in effect at the time of any offering of securities under this prospectus. For information on how to obtain copies of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, see “Where You Can Find More Information.”
Common Stock
We are authorized to issue 70,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value. Holders of common stock are each entitled to cast one vote for each share held of record on all matters presented to shareholders. Cumulative voting is not allowed; the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock may elect all directors. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our board out of funds legally available and, in the event of liquidation, to share pro rata in any distribution of our assets after payment of liabilities. Our directors are not obligated to declare a dividend. It is not anticipated that dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. Holders of common stock do not have preemptive rights to subscribe to any additional shares we may issue in the future. There are no conversion, redemption, sinking fund or similar provisions regarding the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
Securities Exchange Listing
Our common stock is listed on NYSE American under the symbol “REED.”
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Transfer Online.
Preferred Stock
As of the date of this prospectus, our certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue 500,000 shares of preferred stock, stated value $10.00 per share, of which 50,000shares are designated Series A Preferred Stock, and 9,411 of which is outstanding as of September 30, 2018. Our Board may, without further action by our stockholders, from time to time, direct the issuance of shares of preferred stock in a series and may, at the time of issuance, determine the rights, preferences and limitations of each series. Satisfaction of any dividend preferences of outstanding shares of preferred stock would reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of dividends on shares of common stock. Holders of shares of preferred stock may be entitled to receive a preference payment in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company before any payment is made to the holders of shares of common stock. The issuance of shares of preferred stock may render more difficult or tend to discourage a merger, tender offer or proxy contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a large block of our securities or the removal of incumbent management. Upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of directors then in office, the Board, without stockholder approval, may issue shares of preferred stock with voting and conversion rights which could adversely affect the holders of shares of common stock.
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The particular terms of each class or series of preferred stock that we may offer under this prospectus, including redemption privileges, liquidation preferences, voting rights, dividend rights and/or conversion rights, will be more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the preferred stock offered thereby. We will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from another report we file with the SEC, the form of any articles supplementary that describe the terms of the series of preferred stock we may offer before the issuance of the related series of preferred stock. The applicable prospectus supplement will specify the terms of the series of preferred stock we may offer, including, but not limited to:
| ● | the distinctive designation and the maximum number of shares in the series; | |
| ● | the number of shares we are offering and purchase price per share; | |
| ● | the liquidation preference, if any; | |
| ● | the terms on which dividends, if any, will be paid; | |
| ● | the voting rights, if any, of the shares of the series; | |
| ● | the terms and conditions, if any, on which the shares of the series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes of capital stock; | |
| ● | the terms on which the shares may be redeemed, if at all; | |
| ● | any listing of the preferred stock on any securities exchange or market; | |
| ● | a discussion of any material or special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock; and | |
| ● | any or all other preferences, rights, restrictions, including restrictions on transferability, and qualifications of shares of the series. |
The description of preferred stock above and the description of the terms of a particular series of preferred stock in any applicable prospectus supplement are not complete. You should refer to the applicable articles supplementary for complete information.
Provisions of Delaware Law Governing Business Combinations
We are subject to the “business combination” provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, such provisions prohibit a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in various “business combination” transactions with any “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an “interested stockholder,” unless:
| ● | the transaction is approved by the Board prior to the date the “interested stockholder” obtained such status; | |
| ● | upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an “interested stockholder,” the “interested stockholder” owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding those shares owned by (a) persons who are directors and also officers and (b) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or | |
| ● | on or subsequent to such date the “business combination” is approved by the Board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the “interested stockholder.” |
A “business combination” is defined to include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder. In general, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock or within three years did own 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock. To our knowledge, none of such stockholders has a present intention to engage in any transaction which would constitute a “business combination.” The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts with respect to Reed’s and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire Reed’s.
In addition, our authorized but unissued shares of common stock are available for our board to issue without stockholder approval. We may use these additional shares for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public or private offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans The existence of our authorized but unissued shares of common stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of our company by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or other transaction. Our authorized but unissued shares may be used to delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by our stockholders. The board of directors is also authorized to adopt, amend or repeal our bylaws, which could delay, defer or prevent a change in control.
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General
We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock or preferred stock. Warrants may be offered independently or together with common stock or preferred stock offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from those securities. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe in particular the terms of any series of warrants that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus. The terms of any warrants offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below.
We will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from another report that we file with the SEC, the form of warrant and/or warrant agreement, which may include a form of warrant certificate, as applicable, that describes the terms of the particular series of warrants we may offer before the issuance of the related series of warrants. We may issue the warrants under a warrant agreement that we will enter into with a warrant agent to be selected by us. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any registered holders of warrants or beneficial owners of warrants. The following summary of material provisions of the warrants and warrant agreements are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the form of warrant and/or warrant agreement and warrant certificate applicable to a particular series of warrants. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as the complete form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, that contain the terms of the warrants.
The particular terms of any issue of warrants will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the issue. Those terms may include:
| ● | the title of such warrants; | |
| ● | the aggregate number of such warrants; | |
| ● | the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued; | |
| ● | the currency or currencies (including composite currencies) in which the price of such warrants may be payable; | |
| ● | the terms of the securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants and the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of such warrants; | |
| ● | the price at which the securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased; | |
| ● | the date on which the right to exercise such warrants will commence and the date on which such right shall expire; | |
| ● | any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable upon exercise of the warrants or the exercise price of the warrants; | |
| ● | if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants that may be exercised at any one time; | |
| ● | if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security; | |
| ● | if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable; |
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| ● | information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; | |
| ● | the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants; | |
| ● | United States federal income tax consequences of holding or exercising the warrants, if material; and | |
| ● | any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange or exercise of such warrants. |
Each warrant will entitle its holder to purchase the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock at the exercise price set forth in, or calculable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement. The warrants may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.
We will specify the place or places where, and the manner in which, warrants may be exercised in the form of warrant, warrant agreement or warrant certificate and applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant or warrant certificate, as applicable, properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent, if any, or any other office, including ours, indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants (or the warrants represented by such warrant certificate) are exercised, a new warrant or a new warrant certificate, as applicable, will be issued for the remaining amount of warrants. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for warrants.
Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, holders of the warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise, including the right to vote or to receive any payments of dividends or payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up on the common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise, if any.
Outstanding Warrants
As of September 30, 2018, there were 6,951,173 outstanding warrants to purchase shares of our common stock.
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS
The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the subscription rights that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any subscription rights that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any subscription rights in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. The terms of any subscription rights offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. However, no prospectus supplement will fundamentally change the terms that are set forth in this prospectus or offer a security that is not described in this prospectus at the time of its effectiveness.
We may issue subscription rights to purchase any security offered hereby independently or together with any other security offered hereby and may or may not be transferable by the stockholder receiving the subscription rights in such offering. In connection with any offering of subscription rights, we may enter into a standby arrangement with one or more underwriters or other purchasers pursuant to which the underwriters or other purchasers may be required to purchase any securities remaining unsubscribed for after such offering.
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The prospectus supplement relating to any subscription rights we offer, if any, will, to the extent applicable, include specific terms relating to the offering, including some or all of the following:
| ● | the price, if any, for the subscription rights; | |
| ● | the exercise price payable upon the exercise of the subscription rights; | |
| ● | the number of subscription rights to be issued to each stockholder; | |
| ● | the number of securities which may be purchased per each subscription right; | |
| ● | the extent to which the subscription rights are transferable; | |
| ● | any other terms of the subscription rights, including the terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the subscription rights; | |
| ● | the date on which the right to exercise the subscription rights shall commence, and the date on which the subscription rights shall expire; | |
| ● | the extent to which the subscription rights may include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities or an over-allotment privilege to the extent the securities are fully subscribed; and | |
| ● | if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase arrangement into which we may enter in connection with the offering of subscription rights |
The description in the applicable prospectus supplement of any subscription rights we offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable subscription rights certificate, which will be filed with the SEC if we offer subscription rights. We urge you to read the applicable subscription rights certificate and any applicable prospectus supplement in their entirety.
The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the units that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any units that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of units in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus. The terms of any units offered under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. However, no prospectus supplement will fundamentally change the terms that are set forth in this prospectus or offer a security that is not registered and described in this prospectus at the time of its effectiveness.
We will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from another report we file with the SEC, the form of unit agreement that describes the terms of the series of units we may offer under this prospectus, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of the related series of units. The following summaries of material terms and provisions of the units are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the unit agreement and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of units. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, as well as the complete unit agreement and any supplemental agreements that contain the terms of the units.
General
We may issue units comprised of shares of common stock or preferred stock and warrants in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.
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We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of units, including, but not limited to:
| ● | the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately; | |
| ● | any provisions of the governing unit agreement that differ from those described below; and | |
| ● | any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units. |
The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Common Stock and Preferred Stock” and “Description of Warrants” will apply to each unit and to any common stock, preferred stock or warrant included in each unit, respectively.
Issuance in Series
We may issue units in such amounts and in numerous distinct series as we determine.
Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Units
We may enter into unit agreements with a unit agent. Each unit agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable unit agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any unit. A single bank or trust company may act as unit agent for more than one series of units. A unit agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable unit agreement or unit, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a unit may, without the consent of the related unit agent or the holder of any other unit, enforce by appropriate legal action its rights as holder under any security included in the unit.
We, the unit agents and any of their agents may treat the registered holder of any unit certificate as an absolute owner of the units evidenced by that certificate for any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights attaching to the units so requested, despite any notice to the contrary.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We may issue debt securities either separately, or together with, or upon the conversion or exercise of or in exchange for, other securities described in this prospectus. Debt securities may be our senior, senior subordinated or subordinated obligations and, unless otherwise specified in a supplement to this prospectus, the debt securities will be our direct, unsecured obligations and may be issued in one or more series.
The debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and a trustee, named in the prospectus supplement. We have summarized select portions of the indenture below. The summary is not complete. The form of the indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement and you should read the indenture for provisions that may be important to you. In the summary below, we have included references to the section numbers of the indenture so that you can easily locate these provisions. Capitalized terms used in the summary and not defined herein have the meanings specified in the indenture.
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General
The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or pursuant to a resolution of our board of directors and set forth or determined in the manner provided in a resolution of our board of directors, in an officer’s certificate or by a supplemental indenture. (Section 2.2) The particular terms of each series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series (including any pricing supplement or term sheet).
We can issue an unlimited amount of debt securities under the indenture that may be in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. (Section 2.1) We will set forth in a prospectus supplement (including any pricing supplement or term sheet) relating to any series of debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount and the following terms of the debt securities, if applicable:
| ● | the title and ranking of the debt securities (including the terms of any subordination provisions); | |
| ● | the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) at which we will sell the debt securities; | |
| ● | any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities; | |
| ● | the date or dates on which the principal of the securities of the series is payable; | |
| ● | the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum or the method used to determine the rate or rates (including any commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index) at which the debt securities will bear interest, the date or dates from which interest will accrue, the date or dates on which interest will commence and be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date; | |
| ● | the place or places where principal of, and interest, if any, on the debt securities will be payable (and the method of such payment), where the securities of such series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, and where notices and demands to us in respect of the debt securities may be delivered; | |
| ● | the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which we may redeem the debt securities; | |
| ● | any obligation we have to redeem or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder of debt securities and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and in the terms and conditions upon which securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation; | |
| ● | the dates on which and the price or prices at which we will repurchase debt securities at the option of the holders of debt securities and other detailed terms and provisions of these repurchase obligations; | |
| ● | the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof; | |
| ● | whether the debt securities will be issued in the form of certificated debt securities or global debt securities; | |
| ● | the portion of principal amount of the debt securities payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date, if other than the principal amount; |
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| ● | the currency of denomination of the debt securities, which may be United States Dollars or any foreign currency, and if such currency of denomination is a composite currency, the agency or organization, if any, responsible for overseeing such composite currency; | |
| ● | the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of principal of, premium and interest on the debt securities will be made; | |
| ● | if payments of principal of, premium or interest on the debt securities will be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which the debt securities are denominated, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to these payments will be determined; | |
| ● | the manner in which the amounts of payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities will be determined, if these amounts may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index; | |
| ● | any provisions relating to any security provided for the debt securities; | |
| ● | any addition to, deletion of or change in the Events of Default described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities and any change in the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities; | |
| ● | any addition to, deletion of or change in the covenants described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities; | |
| ● | any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents with respect to the debt securities; | |
| ● | the provisions, if any, relating to conversion or exchange of any debt securities of such series, including if applicable, the conversion or exchange price and period, provisions as to whether conversion or exchange will be mandatory, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion or exchange price and provisions affecting conversion or exchange; | |
| ● | any other terms of the debt securities, which may supplement, modify or delete any provision of the indenture as it applies to that series, including any terms that may be required under applicable law or regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of the securities; and | |
| ● | whether any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries will guarantee the debt securities of that series, including the terms of subordination, if any, of such guarantees. (Section 2.2) |
We may issue debt securities that provide for an amount less than their stated principal amount to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity pursuant to the terms of the indenture. We will provide you with information on the federal income tax considerations and other special considerations applicable to any of these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.
If we denominate the purchase price of any of the debt securities in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, or if the principal of and any premium and interest on any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, we will provide you with information on the restrictions, elections, general tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to that issue of debt securities and such foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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Transfer and Exchange
Each debt security will be represented by either one or more global securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, or the Depositary, or a nominee of the Depositary (we will refer to any debt security represented by a global debt security as a “book-entry debt security”), or a certificate issued in definitive registered form (we will refer to any debt security represented by a certificated security as a “certificated debt security”) as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as set forth under the heading “Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System” below, book-entry debt securities will not be issuable in certificated form.
Certificated Debt Securities. You may transfer or exchange certificated debt securities at any office we maintain for this purpose in accordance with the terms of the indenture. (Section 2.4) No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with a transfer or exchange. (Section 2.7)
You may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and the right to receive the principal of, premium and interest on certificated debt securities only by surrendering the certificate representing those certificated debt securities and either reissuance by us or the trustee of the certificate to the new holder or the issuance by us or the trustee of a new certificate to the new holder.
Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System. Each global debt security representing book-entry debt securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary. Please see “Global Securities.”
Covenants
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement any restrictive covenants applicable to any issue of debt securities. (Article IV)
No Protection in the Event of a Change of Control
Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions which may afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control) which could adversely affect holders of debt securities.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
We may not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to any person (a “successor person”) unless:
| ● | we are the surviving corporation or the successor person (if other than Reed’s) is a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of any U.S. domestic jurisdiction and expressly assumes our obligations on the debt securities and under the indenture; and | |
| ● | immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Default or Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing. |
Notwithstanding the above, any of our subsidiaries may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its properties to us. (Section 5.1)
Events of Default
“Event of Default” means with respect to any series of debt securities, any of the following:
| ● | default in the payment of any interest upon any debt security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days (unless the entire amount of the payment is deposited by us with the trustee or with a paying agent prior to the expiration of the 30-day period); |
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| ● | default in the payment of principal of any security of that series at its maturity; | |
| ● | default in the performance or breach of any other covenant or warranty by us in the indenture (other than a covenant or warranty that has been included in the indenture solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities other than that series), which default continues uncured for a period of 60 days after we receive written notice from the trustee or Reed’s and the trustee receive written notice from the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series as provided in the indenture; | |
| ● | certain voluntary or involuntary events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Reed’s; | |
| ● | any other Event of Default provided with respect to debt securities of that series that is described in the applicable prospectus supplement. (Section 6.1) |
No Event of Default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with respect to any other series of debt securities. (Section 6.1) The occurrence of certain Events of Default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under certain indebtedness of ours or our subsidiaries outstanding from time to time.
We will provide the trustee written notice of any Default or Event of Default within 30 days of becoming aware of the occurrence of such Default or Event of Default, which notice will describe in reasonable detail the status of such Default or Event of Default and what action we are taking or propose to take in respect thereof. (Section 6.1)
If an Event of Default with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by a notice in writing to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders), declare to be due and payable immediately the principal of (or, if the debt securities of that series are discount securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all debt securities of that series. In the case of an Event of Default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal (or such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding debt securities will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of outstanding debt securities. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal and interest, if any, with respect to debt securities of that series, have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture. (Section 6.2) We refer you to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities upon the occurrence of an Event of Default.
The indenture provides that the trustee may refuse to perform any duty or exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture unless the trustee receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any cost, liability or expense which might be incurred by it in performing such duty or exercising such right or power. (Section 7.1(e)) Subject to certain rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series. (Section 6.12)
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No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:
| ● | that holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to debt securities of that series; and | |
| ● | the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request, and offered indemnity or security satisfactory to the trustee, to the trustee to institute the proceeding as trustee, and the trustee has not received from the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with that request and has failed to institute the proceeding within 60 days. (Section 6.7) |
Notwithstanding any other provision in the indenture, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of, premium and any interest on that debt security on or after the due dates expressed in that debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of payment. (Section 6.8)
The indenture requires us, within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year, to furnish to the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture. (Section 4.3) If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the securities of any series and if it is known to a responsible officer of the trustee, the trustee shall mail to each Securityholder of the securities of that series notice of a Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs or, if later, after a responsible officer of the trustee has knowledge of such Default or Event of Default. The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of any Default or Event of Default (except in payment on any debt securities of that series) with respect to debt securities of that series if the trustee determines in good faith that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of those debt securities. (Section 7.5)
Modification and Waiver
We and the trustee may modify, amend or supplement the indenture or the debt securities of any series without the consent of any holder of any debt security:
| ● | to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency; | |
| ● | to comply with covenants in the indenture described above under the heading “Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets”; | |
| ● | to provide for uncertificated securities in addition to or in place of certificated securities; | |
| ● | to add guarantees with respect to debt securities of any series or secure debt securities of any series; | |
| ● | to surrender any of our rights or powers under the indenture; | |
| ● | to add covenants or events of default for the benefit of the holders of debt securities of any series; | |
| ● | to comply with the applicable procedures of the applicable depositary; | |
| ● | to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of debt securities; | |
| ● | to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of debt securities of any series as permitted by the indenture; | |
| ● | to effect the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to the debt securities of any series and to add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture to provide for or facilitate administration by more than one trustee; or | |
| ● | to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. (Section 9.1) |
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We may also modify and amend the indenture with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modifications or amendments. We may not make any modification or amendment without the consent of the holders of each affected debt security then outstanding if that amendment will:
| ● | reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver; | |
| ● | reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest (including default interest) on any debt security; | |
| ● | reduce the principal of or premium on or change the fixed maturity of any debt security or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation with respect to any series of debt securities; | |
| ● | reduce the principal amount of discount securities payable upon acceleration of maturity; | |
| ● | waive a default in the payment of the principal of, premium or interest on any debt security (except a rescission of acceleration of the debt securities of any series by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration); | |
| ● | make the principal of or premium or interest on any debt security payable in currency other than that stated in the debt security; | |
| ● | make any change to certain provisions of the indenture relating to, among other things, the right of holders of debt securities to receive payment of the principal of, premium and interest on those debt securities and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment and to waivers or amendments; or | |
| ● | waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt security. (Section 9.3) |
Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive our compliance with provisions of the indenture. (Section 9.2) The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all the debt securities of such series waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, premium or any interest on any debt security of that series; provided, however, that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from the acceleration. (Section 6.13)
Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances
Legal Defeasance. The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, we may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of any series (subject to certain exceptions). We will be so discharged upon the irrevocable deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. Dollars, government obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency, that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money or U.S. government obligations in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants or investment bank to pay and discharge each installment of principal, premium and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities.
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This discharge may occur only if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling or, since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred. (Section 8.3)
Defeasance of Certain Covenants. The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, upon compliance with certain conditions:
| ● | we may omit to comply with the covenant described under the heading “Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” and certain other covenants set forth in the indenture, as well as any additional covenants which may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement; and | |
| ● | any omission to comply with those covenants will not constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of that series (“covenant defeasance”). |
The conditions include:
| ● | depositing with the trustee money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. Dollars, government obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency, that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants or investment bank to pay and discharge each installment of principal of, premium and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities; and | |
| ● | delivering to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling or, since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and related covenant defeasance and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related covenant defeasance had not occurred. (Section 8.4) |
No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees or Stockholders
None of our past, present or future directors, officers, employees or stockholders, as such, will have any liability for any of our obligations under the debt securities or the indenture or for any claim based on, or in respect or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. By accepting a debt security, each holder waives and releases all such liability. This waiver and release is part of the consideration for the issue of the debt securities. However, this waiver and release may not be effective to waive liabilities under U.S. federal securities laws, and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities, including any claim or controversy arising out of or relating to the indenture or the securities, will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.
The indenture will provide that we, the trustee and the holders of the debt securities (by their acceptance of the debt securities) irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to the indenture, the debt securities or the transactions contemplated thereby.
The indenture will provide that any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon the indenture or the transactions contemplated thereby may be instituted in the federal courts of the United States of America located in the City of New York or the courts of the State of New York in each case located in the City of New York, and we, the trustee and the holder of the debt securities (by their acceptance of the debt securities) irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. The indenture will further provide that service of any process, summons, notice or document by mail (to the extent allowed under any applicable statute or rule of court) to such party’s address set forth in the indenture will be effective service of process for any suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court. The indenture will further provide that we, the trustee and the holders of the debt securities (by their acceptance of the debt securities) irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action or other proceeding in the courts specified above and irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim any such suit, action or other proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum. (Section 10.10)
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We may sell our securities in any one or more of the following ways from time to time:
| ● | through agents; | |
| ● | to or through underwriters; | |
| ● | through brokers or dealers; | |
| ● | in “at the market offerings” within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise; | |
| ● | directly by us to purchasers, including through a specific bidding, auction or other process; or | |
| ● | through a combination of any of these methods of sale. |
The applicable prospectus supplement will contain the terms of the transaction, the name or names of any underwriters, dealers, agents and the respective amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by them, the initial public offering price of the securities, and the applicable agent’s commission, dealer’s purchase price or underwriter’s discount. Any dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and compensation received by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts.
Any initial offering price, dealer purchase price, discount or commission may be changed from time to time.
The securities may be distributed from time to time in one or more transactions, at negotiated prices, at a fixed price or fixed prices (that may be subject to change), at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at various prices determined at the time of sale or at prices related to prevailing market prices.
Offers to purchase securities may be solicited directly by us or by agents designated by us from time to time. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any such agent will use its commercially reasonable efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment or to sell securities on a continuing basis. Agents may receive compensation in the form of commissions, discounts or concessions from us. Agents may also receive compensation from the purchasers of the securities for whom they sell as principals. Each particular agent will receive compensation in amounts negotiated in connection with the sale, which might be in excess of customary commissions. Any such agent may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, of the securities so offered and sold. Accordingly, any commission, discount or concession received by them and any profit on the resale of the securities purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions under the Securities Act. We have not entered into any agreements, understandings or arrangements with any underwriters or broker-dealers regarding the sale of their securities. As of the date of this prospectus, there are no special selling arrangements between any broker-dealer or other person and us. No period of time has been fixed within which the securities will be offered and sold.
If underwriters are utilized in the sale of any securities in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, such securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at fixed public offering prices or at varying prices determined by the underwriters at the time of sale. Securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or directly by one or more underwriters. If any underwriter or underwriters are utilized in the sale of securities, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all such securities if they purchase any of them.
If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will sell such securities to the dealer as principal. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale. Transactions through brokers or dealers may include block trades in which brokers or dealers will attempt to sell shares as agent but may position and resell as principal to facilitate the transaction or in cross trades, in which the same broker or dealer acts as agent on both sides of the trade. Any such dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter, as such term is defined in the Securities Act, of the securities so offered and sold.
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Offers to purchase securities may be solicited directly by us, and the sale thereof may be made by us, directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any resale thereof.
Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under relevant agreements with us to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments which such agents, underwriters and dealers may be required to make in respect thereof. The terms and conditions of any indemnification or contribution will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of commissions, discounts or concessions from us. Underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may also receive compensation from the purchasers of shares for whom they act as agents or to whom they sell as principals, or both. Compensation as to a particular underwriter, broker-dealer or agent will be in amounts to be negotiated in connection with transactions involving shares and might be in excess of customary commissions. In effecting sales, broker-dealers engaged by us may arrange for other broker-dealers to participate in the resales.
Any securities offered other than common stock will be a new issue and, other than the common stock, which is listed on NYSE American, will have no established trading market. We may elect to list any series of securities on an exchange, and in the case of the common stock, on any additional exchange, but, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement and/or other offering material, we shall not be obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a class or series of securities, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or the trading market for, any of the securities.
Agents, underwriters and dealers may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us or our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
Any underwriter may engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions, short covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Overallotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Short covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution is completed to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time. An underwriter may carry out these transactions on The NYSE American, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
The place and time of delivery for securities will be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
The validity of the rights and the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus have been passed upon for us by Libertas Law Group, Inc., Santa Monica, California.
The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of Weinberg & Company, P.A., an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
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DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. In addition, indemnification may be limited by state securities laws.
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Shares of Common Stock
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
Roth Capital Partners
February , 2019