Reed's (REED) 10-Q2024 Q3 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024

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

For the transition period from _______ to _______

Commission file number: 001-32501

REED’S, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

201 Merritt 7, Norwalk, CT. 06851

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(800) 997-3337

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: There were a total of 4,187,291 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of May 10, 2024.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ☒ No ☐

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

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

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

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

There are 8,187,291 shares outstanding as of November 13, 2024.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

This report contains statements reflecting our views about our future performance that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (Reform Act). Statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act are generally identified through the inclusion of words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “drive,” “estimate,” “expect,” “expressed confidence,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “position,” “potential,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will” or similar statements or variations of such words and other similar expressions. All statements addressing our future operating performance, and statements addressing events and developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, operating plans and projections about future events and trends. They inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in any such forward-looking statement. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (“2023 Form 10-K”) as updated by “Part II, Item 1A” of this report should be considered when evaluating our trends and future results. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The discussion of risks in this report is by no means all-inclusive but is designed to highlight what we believe are important factors to consider when evaluating our future performance.

Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

REED’S, INC.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands, except share amounts)

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

REED’S, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

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

REED’S, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands except share amounts)

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

REED’S, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)

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

REED’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed financial statements of Reed’s, Inc. (the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. We believe that the disclosures contained in these condensed financial statements are adequate to make the information presented herein not misleading. These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024. The accompanying condensed financial statements are unaudited, but in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 is derived from the Company’s audited financial statements.

The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

Going Concern

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As reflected in the accompanying financial statements, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a net loss of $9,035, and utilized $2,254 of cash in operations and at September 30, 2024, had a working capital deficiency of $22,923 and a stockholders’ deficit of $21,953. As of September 30, 2024, the Company borrowed $5,471 on its line of credit and owed $22,210 on its Notes (See Note 5 and Note 6 for further detail). These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that the financial statements are issued. The financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, has also expressed substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

As of September 30, 2024, we had a cash balance of $306, no availability under our line of credit and $7,529 of additional borrowing capacity from the credit facility assuming there is availability under the terms.

Historically, we have financed our operations through public and private sales of common stock, issuance of preferred and common stock, convertible debt instruments, term loans and credit lines from financial institutions, and cash generated from operations. To alleviate these conditions, management is currently evaluating various funding alternatives and may seek to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, mezzanine or debt securities, through arrangements with strategic partners or through obtaining credit from financial institutions. The Company is continuing to discuss restructuring of debt with existing lenders and is exploring new financing opportunities to address the line of credit which comes due in March 2025 (see Note 5) and the portion of the debt under the Notes which comes due on December 15, 2024 (see Note 6). As we seek additional sources of financing, there can be no assurance that such financing would be available to us on favorable terms or at all. Our ability to obtain additional financing in the debt and equity capital markets is subject to several factors, including market and economic conditions, our performance and investor sentiment with respect to us and our industry.

We have also taken decisive action to improve our margins, including fully outsourcing our manufacturing process, streamlining our product portfolio, negotiating improved vendor contracts and restructuring our selling prices.

Recent Trends - Market Conditions

Although the U.S. economy continued to grow throughout 2023 and into Q3 2024, the higher inflation, the actions by the Federal Reserve to address inflation, and rising energy prices create uncertainty about the future economic environment which will continue to evolve and may impact our business in future periods. We have experienced supply chain challenges, including increased lead times, as well as inflation of raw materials, logistics and labor costs due to availability constraints and high demand. Although we regularly monitor companies in our supply chain, and use alternative suppliers when necessary and available, supply chain constraints could cause a disruption in our ability to obtain raw materials required to manufacture our products and adversely affect our operations.

During the three months ending September 30, 2024, the Company continued to experience moderation from the elevated freight costs experienced in 2023. The average cost of shipping and handling for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $2.99 as compared to $2.98 in the three months ended September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the average cost of shipping and handling was $2.66 per case, as compared to $3.17 per case for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Although the Company has experienced decreases in freight costs over the last four quarters, in the Company’s opinion there remains a volatile environment and the Company will continue to monitor pricing and availability in transportation. Mitigation plans have been implemented to manage this risk. The Company has been negatively impacted by supply chain challenges affecting our ability to benefit from strong demand for, and increased sales of our product. The disruption caused by labor shortages, significant raw material cost inflation, logistics issues and increased freight costs, and ongoing port congestion, resulted in suppressed margins. The Company has experienced moderation in inflation and anticipates this continuing throughout 2024.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Those estimates and assumptions include estimates for credit loss reserves for accounts receivable, assumptions used in valuing inventories at net realizable value, impairment testing of recorded long-term tangible and intangible assets, the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, accruals for potential liabilities, assumptions made in valuing stock instruments issued for services, assumptions in determining the fair value of our SAFE investments and assumptions used in the determination of the Company’s liquidity.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Revenue and costs of sales are recognized when control of the products transfers to our customer, which generally occurs upon shipment from our facilities. The Company’s performance obligations are satisfied at that time. The Company does not have any significant contracts with customers requiring performance beyond delivery, and contracts with customers contain no incentives or discounts that could cause revenue to be allocated or adjusted over time. Shipping and handling activities are performed before the customer obtains control of the goods and therefore represent a fulfilment activity rather than a promised service to the customer. All of the Company’s products are offered for sale as finished goods only, and there are no performance obligations required post-shipment for customers to derive the expected value from them.

The Company does not allow for returns, except for damaged products when damage occurred pre-fulfilment. Damaged product returns have historically been insignificant. Because of this, the stand-alone nature of our products, and our assessment of performance obligations and transaction pricing for our sales contracts, we do not currently maintain a contract asset or liability balance for obligations. We assess our contracts and the reasonableness of our conclusions on a quarterly basis.

Loss per Common Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year, excluding shares of unvested restricted common stock. Shares of restricted stock are included in the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding from the time they vest. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all dilutive potential common shares had been issued, using the treasury stock method. Shares of restricted stock are included in the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding from the date they are granted. Potential common shares are excluded from computation when their effect is antidilutive.

For the periods ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the calculations of basic and diluted loss per share are the same because potential dilutive securities would have had an anti-dilutive effect. The potentially dilutive securities consisted of the following:

Schedule of Potentially Dilutive Securities

Stock Compensation Expense

The Company periodically issues stock options and restricted stock awards to employees and non-employees in non-capital raising transactions for services and for financing costs. The Company accounts for such grants issued and vesting based on ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation whereby the value of the award is measured on the date of grant and recognized for employees as compensation expense on the straight-line basis over the vesting period. Recognition of compensation expenses for non-employees is in the same period and manner as if the Company had paid cash for the services. The Company recognizes the fair value of stock-based compensation within its Statements of Operations with classification depending on the nature of the services rendered.

The fair value of the Company’s stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton Option Pricing model, which uses certain assumptions related to risk-free interest rates, expected volatility, expected life of the stock options or restricted stock, and future dividends. Compensation expense is recorded based upon the value derived from the Black-Scholes-Merton Option Pricing model and based on actual experience. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton Option Pricing model could materially affect compensation expense recorded in future periods.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in selling and marketing expense. Advertising costs for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, aggregated $8 and $22, respectively. Advertising costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, aggregated $38 and $82, respectively.

Concentrations

Net sales. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, two customers accounted for 18% and 15% of gross billing, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, three customers accounted for 18%, 15%, and 11% of gross billing, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, three customers accounted for 22%, 14%, and 12% of gross billing, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, two customers accounted for 19% and 13% of gross billing, respectively. No other customers exceeded 10% of sales in either period.

Accounts receivable. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had accounts receivable from two customers which comprised 32% and 13% of its gross accounts receivable, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had accounts receivable from three customers which comprised 24%, 15% and 11% of its gross accounts receivable, respectively. No other customers exceeded 10% of gross accounts receivable in either period.

The Company utilizes co-packers to produce 100% of its products. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company utilized nine separate co-packers for most its production and bottling of beverage products in the United States. The Company has long-standing relationships with two different co-packers, and a third co-packing agreement with California Custom Beverage LLC (“CCB”), a former related party (see Note 11). Although there are other packers, a change in co-packers may cause a delay in the production process, which could ultimately affect operating results.

Purchases from vendors. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company’s two largest vendors accounted for approximately 11% and 10% of all purchases. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company’s largest vendor accounted for approximately 9% of all purchases. No other vendors exceeded 10% of all purchases in either period.

Accounts payable. As of September 30, 2024, no vendor accounted for more than 10% of total accounts payable. As of December 31, 2023, two vendors accounted for 10% and 10% of total accounts payable, respectively. No other vendors exceeded 10% of accounts payable in either period.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company uses various inputs in determining the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities and measures these assets on a recurring basis. Financial assets recorded at fair value are categorized by the level of subjectivity associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. ASC 820 defines the following levels of subjectivity associated with the inputs:

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

Level 2—Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions.

The carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities, such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term bank loans, accounts payable, notes payable and other payables, approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying values of capital lease obligations and long-term financing obligations approximate their fair values because interest rates on these obligations are based on prevailing market interest rates.

The fair value of our liability under our SAFE investments were determined using level 3 inputs. (Note 8)

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. Collection from customers amounting to $1,217 that was previously presented as a deduction from prepaid expenses at December 31, 2023 have been reclassed as an offset against accounts receivable. This reclassification had no effect on the reported results of operations or cash flows.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosure, which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expense categories that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included in each reported measure of a segment’s profit or loss. The update also requires all annual disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets to be provided in interim periods and for entities with a single reportable segment to provide all the disclosures required by ASC 280, Segment Reporting, including the significant segment expense disclosures. This standard became effective for the Company on January 1, 2024. to The adoption of 2023-7 did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Other recent accounting pronouncements and guidance issued by the FASB, its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future financial statements.

2. Inventory

Inventory is valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value, net of write downs, and is comprised of the following (in thousands):

Schedule of Inventory

3. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are comprised of the following (in thousands):

Schedule of Property and Equipment

Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $88 and $112, respectively, and amortization of right-of-use assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was $121 and $102, respectively.

4. Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

Summary of Intangible Assets

5. Line of Credit

The Company’s credit facility consisted of the following (in thousands):

Schedule of Amount Outstanding Under Credit Facilities

In March, 2022, the Company entered into a financing agreement for a line of credit with Alterna Capital Solutions (“ACS”). The ACS line of credit is for a term of 3 years, provides for borrowings of up to $13,000, and is secured by eligible accounts receivable and inventory, and are subject to a collateral sharing agreement with Whitebox, another secured lender (see Note 6). An over advance rider provides for up to $500 of additional borrowing above the collateralized base (the “Over Advance”) up to a total borrowing of $13,500. As of September 30, 2024, there was no remaining availability under the line of credit, and $7,529 of borrowing capacity available.

Borrowings based on receivables bears an interest of prime plus 4.75% but not less than 8.0% (13.25% at September 30, 2024 and 13.25% at December 31, 2023). Borrowings based on inventory bears an interest of prime plus 5.25% but not less than 8.5% (13.90% at September 30, 2024 and 13.90% at December 31, 2023). The additional over advance rider bears a rate of prime plus 12.75%, but not less than 16.00% (25.00% at September 30, 2024 and 18.00% at December 31, 2023). Additionally, the line of credit is subject to a monthly monitoring fee of $1 with a minimum usage requirement on the credit facility. A loan balance of less than $1,500 will bear interest at a rate in line with account receivables advances plus the monthly monitoring fee of $1.

The Company incurred $483 of direct costs of the transaction, consisting primarily of broker, bank and legal fees. These costs have been capitalized and are being amortized over the 3-year life of the ACS agreement. The unamortized debt discount balance was $201 at December 31, 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, amortization of debt discount was $120, and as of September 30, 2024, the remaining unamortized debt discount balance is $81.

On July 26, 2024, Norman E. Snyder Jr, CEO of the Company, provided a personal guaranty for $500 over advance on our existing line of credit. The over advance was repaid by September 30, 2024.

6. Secured Notes Payable

Amounts outstanding under the Company’s secured convertible notes payable are as follows (amounts in 000’s except share amounts):

Schedule of Secured Convertible Notes Payable

Secured Notes

The Original Notes have an amortization feature which requires the Company to make monthly payments of principal of $200 plus accrued interest, payable in cash or in shares of the Company’s common stock at the option of the Company, based on 90% of the average prices of the Company’s common stock, as defined. During 2023, Whitebox waived the requirement for the Company to pay the December 2022 to October 2023 monthly amortization payments on the Original Notes. The November 2023 amortization payment of $200 principal was paid, and the amortization payment for December 2023 to May 2024 was waived. The amortization period resumed on June 1, 2024.

Pursuant to the Exercise and Amendment Agreement, Whitebox temporarily waived the specified events of default under the Notes and temporarily waived any requirement that the Company conduct a repurchase of Original Notes in the event of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change (as defined in the Original Notes), subject to the terms and conditions therein.

Waiver of Default

On August 1, 2024, the Whitebox waived the specified events of default under the Original Notes and Option Notes (collectively referred to herein as the “Notes”) and temporarily waived any requirement that the Company conduct a repurchase of Original Notes in the event of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change (as defined in the Original Notes) through December 15, 2024 (See Note 13).

Accrued Interest

At December 31, 2023, the balance of accrued interest was $3,883. During the period ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded interest of $3,141, made up of $1,832 of interest on the Notes, and $1,309 related to the excess ABL fees and made payments of $514 towards accrued interest and $1,054 was added to the principal of the Option Notes. At September 30, 2024, the balance of accrued interest was $5,456.

Debt Discount

At December 31, 2023, the unamortized debt discount was $572. During the period ended September 30, 2024, the Company incurred $335 of costs for the aforementioned waivers. These costs have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the Notes or waiver period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, amortization of debt discount was $448, and as of September 30, 2024, the remaining unamortized debt discount balance is $459.

7. Leases Liabilities

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, lease costs totaled $89 and $67, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023, operating lease liabilities totaled $207. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company made payments of $160 towards its operating lease liability. As of September 30, 2024, operating lease liabilities totaled $47.

As of September 30, 2024, the weighted average remaining lease terms for an operating lease are 0.25 years. As of September 30, 2024, the weighted average discount rate on the operating lease is 12.60%.

On May 10 2024, the Company entered into a new lease with Merritt 7 Ventures LLC, for commercial office space for its corporate headquarters. The lease has an 11-year term and is expected to commence in December 2024. Aggregate monthly base rent for the first year of the lease shall be $8,590. Base rent shall increase incrementally on an annual basis by approximately 3.6%. Customary tax and electricity rent assessments in addition to base rent are payable. In year one, the aggregate of these charges is $7,409 per month. Total payments over the life of the lease are expected to be $2,129.

8. Issuance of Common Stock

During the first quarter of 2024, the Company received $4,097 in gross proceeds from three significant stockholders of the Company, D&D Source of Life Holding LTD (“D&D”) and Union Square Park Partners LP, and John J. Bello, the Company’s former Chairman, pursuant to Simple Agreements for Future Equity (“SAFE”) investments. The SAFE investments were to convert into the next equity financing of Reed’s on the same terms and conditions as investors in Reed’s next equity financing at the lesser of $1.50 per share or the per share price in the financing. D&D was given the right to designate a second independent director nominee to the board of directors of Reed’s and the company agreed to limit the size of its board of directors to nine (9) for so long as D&D owns 25% or more of the equity securities of the Company. The Company initially recorded the SAFE investments as a liability at $5,490 which was reflected on its June 30, 2024 balance sheet, and reflected a loss from change in fair value of SAFE investments of $1,393.

On September 9, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with various purchasers for the issuance of 4,000,000 common shares for total consideration of $6,000. The various purchasers also held the investment in the Company’s SAFEs. As part of the total capital raise, 2,731,205 shares of common stock valued at $4,097 upon conversion of the SAFEs , an additional 1,268,795 common shares were issued to D&D Source of Life Holding Ltd. for consideration of $1,903.

Upon conversion of the SAFE instruments during the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a gain from change in fair value of SAFE investments of $1,393.

9. Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Options

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2024:

 Schedule of Stock Option Activity

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized $268 and $351 of compensation expense relating to vested stock options. As of September 30, 2024, the aggregate amount of unvested compensation related to stock options was approximately $105 which will be recognized as an expense as the options vest in future periods through March 28, 2027.

As of September 30, 2024, the outstanding and exercisable options have no intrinsic value. The aggregate intrinsic value was calculated as the difference between the closing market price as of September 30, 2024, which was $1.39, and the exercise price of the outstanding stock options.

10. Stock Warrants

The Company’s warrant activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, is as follows:

 Schedule of Warrant Activity

As of September 30, 2024, the outstanding and exercisable warrants have no aggregate intrinsic value. The aggregate intrinsic value was calculated as the difference between the closing market price as of September 30, 2024, which was $1.39, and the exercise price of the Company’s warrants to purchase common stock.

11. Transactions with California Custom Beverage, LLC, former related party

In December 2018, the Company signed a co-packing agreement with California Custom Beverage, LLC’s (“CCB”), an entity owned by Christopher J. Reed, a former related party, pursuant to which CCB agreed to produce certain products for the Company for agreed fees. The co-packing agreement, as amended, includes certain provisions for product inputs, shrinkage, and quality assurance. Also beginning in 2019, CCB agreed to pay the Company a 5% royalty through 2021 on certain private label sales made by CCB.

At September 30, 2024 and 2023, accounts receivable due from and accounts payable due to CCB were as follows:

 Schedule of Related Parties

In addition, on April 19, 2023, the Company received a letter from CCB demanding payment of various amounts, including the $452 and $452 outstanding at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The Company has determined that the probability of realizing any loss on the demand from CCB is remote and therefore has not recorded any additional accruals related to the demand.

12. Commitments and Contingencies

During 2023, the firm engaged an investment bank to explore financing options for the Company. We have a maximum obligation of $1.2M in fees so far in this engagement. These fees will be recognized on a success basis and will be paid out only if a transaction is finalized.

In 2018, CCB assumed the monthly payments on our lease obligation for a Los Angeles manufacturing plant for payments through September 2024, and our release from the obligation by the lessor, however, is dependent upon CCB’s deposit of $1,200 of security with the lessor. As of September 30, 2024, $800 has been deposited with the lessor and Chris J. Reed has placed approximately 7,260 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $10 that remain in escrow with the lessor.

We are, and from time to time, we be a party to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Our management evaluates our exposure to these claims and proceedings individually and in the aggregate and provides for potential losses on such litigation if the amount of the loss is estimable and the loss is probable.

We believe that there are no material litigation matters at the current time. Although the result of such litigation matters and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the final outcome of such claims and proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.

13. Subsequent Events

On October 10, 2024, Whitebox sold and assigned its entire interest in eight secured promissory notes (the “Notes”) (Note 6) of the Company to the Company’s majority stockholder, D&D. The Notes contain customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The Notes were secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets, including all intellectual property.

On November 14, 2024, the Company entered into a new secured one-year term loan with a principal amount of $10 million with Whitebox. The loan bears interest of 8% which is payable quarterly. The term loan is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets, including all intellectual property. The Company used part of the proceeds to pay off and close its existing revolving line of credit (Note 5).

On November 14, 2024, in conjunction with the term loan transaction, D&D and the Company amended the Notes. D&D released all collateral under the Notes, deferred cash payments thereunder and extended the maturity dates of all of the Notes to 181 days after the maturity of the revolving credit facility, which is November 14, 2025 (with the maturity dates of the notes extended to May 14, 2026).

On October 21, 2024, the board of directors of the Company, upon recommendation from its governance committee, appointed Sam Van to serve as a member of its board of directors. Mr. Van is an independent director designee of D&D.

On October 28, John J. Bello and Louis Imbrogno, Jr. resigned from the board of directors (“board”) of the Company. Prior to resignation, Mr. Bello had served as the Chairman of the board and a member of its operating committee. Mr. Imbrogno had served on the governance committee and audit committee and as chair of the compensation committee

On October 29, Thomas W. Kosler also resigned from the board. He had served as chair of the audit committee.

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

Our discussion and analysis is intended to help the reader understand our results of operations and financial condition and is provided as an addition to, and should be read in connection with, our condensed financial statements and the accompanying notes. Cautionary statements on page [ii] of this report and in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our 2023 Form 10-K as updated by “Part II, Item 1A” of this report, should be considered when evaluating our trends and future results.

In addition to our GAAP results, the following discussion includes Modified EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our performance. We present Modified EBITDA because we believe it assists investors and analysts in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance. In addition, we use Modified EBITDA in developing our internal budgets, forecasts, and strategic plan; in analyzing the effectiveness of our business strategies in evaluating potential acquisitions; making compensation decisions; and in communications with our board of directors concerning our financial performance. Modified EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, income from operations or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. We define Modified EBITDA as net income (loss), plus interest expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, changes in fair value of warrant expense, and one-time restructuring-related costs including employee severance and asset impairment.

The following discussion also includes the use of gross billing, a key performance indicator and metric. Gross billing represents invoiced amounts to distributors and retailers, excluding sales adjustments. Gross billing may include deductions from MSRP or “list price”, where applicable, and excludes promotional costs of generating such sales. Management utilizes gross billing to monitor operating performance of products and salespersons, which performance can be masked by the effect of promotional or other allowances. Management believes that the presentation of gross billing provides a useful measure of Reed’s operating performance.

Amounts presented in the discussion below are in thousands, except share and per share amounts.

Results of Operations

Overview

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company continued to focus on strengthening its supply chain, implement gross margin enhancement initiatives, drive efficiencies in transportation and warehouse costs and reduce operating expenses. In addition, it continues to build its innovation pipeline with sustained growth in Reed’s Real Ginger Ale, Virgil’s Zero Sugar handcrafted sodas, Reed’s Classic and Stormy Mule, and Reed’s Hard Ginger Ale.

The Company remains engaged on driving sales growth, improving gross margin, and reducing freight costs. The sales growth focus is on channel expansion, increase in store placements, new product introduction and improved sales execution. The margin enhancement initiative is driven by packaging savings, co-packer upgrades, and better leveraged purchasing and improved efficiency. Underpinning these initiatives is a focus on strategically reducing operating costs particularly delivery and handling expenses. In addition, the Company continues to augment its co-packer network to drive further efficiencies and build proper levels of inventory at the appropriate location to maximize delivery metrics.

Recent Trends – Market Conditions

Although the U.S. economy continued to grow throughout 2023 and into Q3 2024, the higher inflation, the actions by the Federal Reserve to address inflation, and rising energy prices create uncertainty about the future economic environment which will continue to evolve and may impact our business in future periods. We have experienced supply chain challenges, including increased lead times, as well as inflation of raw materials, logistics and labor costs due to availability constraints and high demand. Although we regularly monitor companies in our supply chain, and use alternative suppliers when necessary and available, supply chain constraints could cause a disruption in our ability to obtain raw materials required to manufacture our products and adversely affect our operations.

During the three months ending September 30, 2024, the Company continued to experience moderation from the elevated freight costs experienced in 2023. The average cost of shipping and handling for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $2.99 as compared to $2.98 in the three months ended September 30, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the average cost of shipping and handling was $2.66 per case, as compared to $3.17 per case for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Although the Company has experienced decreases in freight costs over the last four quarters, in the Company’s opinion there remains a volatile environment and the Company will continue to monitor pricing and availability in transportation. Mitigation plans have been implemented to manage this risk. The Company has been negatively impacted by supply chain challenges affecting our ability to benefit from strong demand for, and increased sales of our product. The disruption caused by labor shortages, significant raw material cost inflation, logistics issues and increased freight costs, and ongoing port congestion, resulted in suppressed margins. The Company has experienced moderation in inflation and anticipates this to continue throughout 2024.

Results of Operations – Three Months Ended September 30, 2024, as compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

The following table sets forth key statistics for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, in thousands.

(A) We define gross billing as the total sales for the Company unadjusted for costs related to generating those sales. Management utilizes gross billing as an indicator of and to monitor operating performance of products and salespersons before the effect of any promotional or other allowances, which are determined in accordance with GAAP, and can mask certain performance issues. We believe that the presentation of gross billing provides a useful measure of our operating performance. Additionally, gross billing may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies, as gross billing has been defined by our internal reporting practices.

(B) We define promotional and other allowances as costs deducted from gross billing which are associated with generating those sales. Management utilizes promotional and other allowances as an indicator of and to monitor operating performance of products, salespersons, and customer agreements. We believe that the presentation of promotional and other allowances provides a useful measure of our operating performance. The presentation of promotional and other allowances facilitates an evaluation of their impact on the determination of net sales and the spending levels incurred or correlated with such sales. The expenditures described in this line item are determined in accordance with GAAP and meet GAAP requirements, the disclosure thereof does not conform to GAAP presentation requirements. Additionally, our definition of promotional and other allowances may not be comparable to similar items presented by other companies. Promotional and other allowances primarily include consideration given to the Company’s distributors or retail customers including, but not limited to the following: (i) reimbursements given to the Company’s distributors for agreed portions of their promotional spend with retailers, including slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees for both new and existing products; (ii) the Company’s agreed share of fees given to distributors and/or directly to retailers for in-store marketing and promotional activities; (iii) the Company’s agreed share of slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees given directly to retailers; (iv) incentives given to the Company’s distributors and/or retailers for achieving or exceeding certain predetermined sales goals; and (v) discounted or free products. Promotional and other allowances constitute a material portion of our marketing activities. The Company’s promotional allowance programs with its numerous distributors and/or retailers are executed through separate agreements in the ordinary course of business. These agreements generally provide for one or more of the arrangements described above and are of varying durations, ranging from one week to one year.

Sales, Cost of Sales, and Gross Margins

The following chart sets forth key statistics for the transition of the Company’s top line activity from the third quarter of 2023 through the third quarter of 2024.